Boundary of National Monument vs. Monrovia

This is the first decent map I've seen that shows the boundaries of the National Monument above Monrovia. (Click map to make it bigger.) As you can see, it appears to keep a respectable distance from the city boundaries.

If you want to see the full map and details, they are here: http://goo.gl/8Nqn8y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Not Too Happy About Trash Bill Increase

Monrovia residents are seeing their higher trash bills arrive in the mail and - judging from comments on social media - are none too happy about it.

One resident writes to say he thinks it is a back-door way for the city to raise taxes since the agreement between the city and Athens gives the trash company an 18-year rolling contract in exchange for Athens giving the city rebates of $650,000 per year. The additional cost also gives residents additional services, which I outlined here: http://goo.gl/4BNXAi . You can see the city staff report on the agreement with Athens here: http://goo.gl/Krg4Hj .

Also, some of the cost increase is because of the adoption of Assembly Bill 1826, which requires an organic waste diversion program for businesses. You can see the bill here: http://goo.gl/FXIWF7

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Dog Food Returned; Bear Leads to Broken Arm; Men Arrested for Domestic Violence; Residents Chase Burglar; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 14-17. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 9:45 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a domestic violence that occurred in the 300 block of W. Duarte where a male battered a female. The suspect came in to the Monrovia Police Department lobby to speak to an officer about the case and was a wanted person for the domestic violence case. The suspect was arrested. The suspect was able to post bond and was released from custody. The case will be submitted to the District Attorney's office for filing consideration.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 9:46 p.m., an officer stopped the driver of a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Shamrock and Foothill. Further investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant. The officers arrested the driver for the warrant.

Residential Burglary – Suspect Arrested
July 15 at 11:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Diamond to the report of a Residential Burglary. The caller reported that a subject whom he did not recognize was in his home in the upstairs bedroom. While the officers were in route to the home, the suspect was confronted by the residents who live in the home and chased the suspect out. The suspect was detained and investigation revealed the suspect forced entry into a side gate, entered the home through an open side door and went upstairs into a bedroom. When the suspect was confronted by the residents, he ingested a small baggie of narcotics. The suspect fled on foot but was captured nearby and taken into custody. The suspect is being held pending his court appearance.

Theft
July 15 at 4:00 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Orange called to report a theft. The victim had a package delivered to her home which contained dog food. When she arrived home the package was missing, but a short time later, good Samaritans delivered the package to her door. They told her they found the open package at the intersection of Foothill and Mountain and returned it to the listed address.

Battery
July 15 at 4:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Monrovia Police Department lobby regarding a battery that occurred in the 200 block of Los Angeles. A male came to the Monrovia Police Department to report that he was battered by his cousin who lives in the home. Further investigation revealed that the two cousins got into a physical fight over a family issue. The case will be presented to the District Attorney's office for filing consideration.

Bear Sighting
July 15 at 11:52 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Grand on the report of a bear sighting. The resident was in her back yard watering the grass when a bear that was on the tree near her, climbed down and confronted the resident. The elderly resident fearing for her safety backed up and tripped over a rock. The resident fell, struck her head and broke her right arm. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment and is doing well. Fish & Game were called and a solution is being sought.

Robbery / Possession of Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 16 at 8:31 a.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a robbery. The caller who is the manager of the location called to report a subject entered the store, selected merchandise and exited without paying. The suspect was stopped in the doorway and confronted about the theft. The suspect pushed the manager and fled the area. Officers located the suspect a short distance away where he was found to be in possession smoking paraphernalia and hypodermic needles. The suspect was positively identified and taken into custody. The suspect is being held pending his court appearance.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 16 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Myrtle to the report of a male and female fighting. The subjects, husband and wife, were arguing and when the wife tried to walk away, they began to fight. The male aggressor was arrested for domestic violence.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 2:56 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Canyon called the police to report a subject walked down his driveway to the back house and was looking into windows and touching the entry door. When the resident confronted the subject, he fled on foot. Officers located the suspect a short distance away. Further investigation revealed a trespassing occurred and the suspect was arrested, booked and later issued a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the influence – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 11:43 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call in the area of Mayflower and Olive regarding a vehicle driving erratically. Officers saw the vehicle as it was attempting to park. The officers contacted the driver and during their investigation concluded the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Monrovia Police: Interacting Safely With Law Enforcement

The Monrovia Police Department is starting Project ACT (Achieving Community Trust) to educate youth to safely interact with law enforcement. Meeting Saturday August 13, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Library Community Room. http://goo.gl/qPIkrP Comment: Timely. My philosophy has always been: Don't make cops nervous - make sure they can always see your hands.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: Smoking Ban in City Parks; Should City Support Sales Tax; Cop on Campus

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

~ Instituting a smoking ban in city parks.

"Smoking is broadly defined to include 'inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted, heated, or ignited cigar, cigarette, cigarillo, pipe, hookah, Electronic Smoking Device, or any plant product intended for human inhalation, or the act of lighting or igniting a cigar, cigarette, cigarillo, pipe, hookah, Electronic Smoking Device, or any plant product intended for human inhalation.'" http://goo.gl/dF3Gvw

Comment: This is wildly excessive. "[A]ny plant product intended for human inhalation?" Seriously? Any? So no wearing plant-based cologne or perfume. Also, I work with a guy who vapes. He said he hasn't smoked a cigarette since he took it up years ago. It is benefiting his health! So we are limiting a treatment that helps people stay away from from tobacco's carcinogens? Why? This is like outlawing cups because a cup may contain poison; never mind that it may also hold water. I'm jumping into this argument late in the game, which is my fault, but I didn't imagine the proposed smoking ban would be so extremely silly and intrusive.

~ Consider taking a position on the proposed Metro sales tax measure, which would extend the current half-cent sales tax and add on an additional half-cent. http://goo.gl/9ubQoO

~ Consider extending the agreement with the Monrovia School District to have a police office on campus. http://goo.gl/wgsBUK

- Brad Haugaard

View Saturn in Monrovia's Library Park

Members of the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the corner of Myrtle and Lime (southeast corner of Library Park) tonight, giving people views of the moon, Saturn and Mars, and maybe Jupiter. Maybe because of trees and buildings.

- Brad Haugaard

Seussical Show at Monrovia's IFGF Church

Centre Stage will present Seussical, a show for the whole family at the IFGF Church at 147 W. Palm. The professional cast will perform July 21-23 and the youth cast on July 28-30. Tickets on sale at centrestageinc.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Bella Sera

Dinner at Bella Sera last night, on the east side of Myrtle just south of the theater. Got the Chicken Marsala ($21) and a beer at happy hour price of $4. Really excellent!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Home Invasion Robbery; Swiping Mail; Fight Over How to Discipline Children; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 11-14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 427 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Theft from a Vehicle
July 14 at 10:15 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of W. Pomona on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim left his vehicle unlocked in the parking lot of a business. When the victim returned to his vehicle he noticed his tools and keys had been stolen from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
July 14 at 1:25 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. May called police to report a theft. The victim was doing work on a house and left his work van parked in front of the house with the back doors open. The victim heard a noise, looked out to his van and saw a subject fleeing with one of the victim’s tool bags. The suspect fled in a grey sedan. The investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft / Possession of Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 4:05 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Pomona regarding the report of a mail theft. The caller witnessed a subject stealing mail. Officers searched the area and located the suspect sitting on the bench in front of the Metro Station. Further investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of stolen mail, a controlled substance and smoking paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and booked for the above listed charges.

Home Invasion Robbery
July 15 at 1:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to the1000 block of E. Lemon to the report of a home invasion robbery that just occurred. The victim reported that armed male subjects with handguns kicked a rear glass sliding door and forced the residents to lay on the floor with their faces to the ground. The suspects ordered the male victim to open the gun safe then took possession of several weapons. The suspects were in and out of the residence quickly and did not physically harm anyone. Officers did an area check but were unable to locate the suspects. The investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
July 12 at 3:10 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Canyon called to report two suspects breaking into the resident’s mail box. The suspects removed the mail and fled prior to police arrival. The suspects were two male Hispanics with hooded sweatshirts driving a Honda Accord with tinted windows. The investigation is continuing.

Theft
July 12 at 10:46 p.m., officers responded to the report of a disturbing subject in the 500 Block of W. Duarte. The caller reported the subject was yelling into an apartment window and banging on the front door. The caller knew the suspect as a methamphetamine user with a violent temper that is known to carry guns. The caller described the type of vehicle the suspect drives. Officers located the vehicle in a parking lot north of the location with paper plates. However, the paper plates were covering stolen license plates. The suspect will be charged with the appropriate violations. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle belonged to the suspect.

Commercial Burglary
July 13 at 12:53 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Duarte on the report of a burglary. Officers discovered the window on the north door of the business was smashed. The owner of the business was called and advised. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
July 13 at 12:55 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Duarte regarding a family dispute. The male left the location prior to police arrival. The victim told officers she was arguing with her husband over how to discipline their children when the husband abruptly punched her in the mouth, splitting her lip. The victim told officers this was the first time the husband hit her. Charges will be sought with the District Attorney.

Original Ghostbusters at Monrovia Library

The original Ghostbusters Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. at Monrovia Public Library. Ghouls, hobgoblins, spirits, phantoms and specters for fun. Light refreshments. Rated PG13. For free tickets call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Senior resources available. Presented by Monrovia Providers Group & The City of Monrovia. http://www.monroviaproviders.org

- Brad Haugaard

Opportunities to Comment on Monrovia Neighborhood Study

If you haven't had a chance to comment on the city's Neighborhood Study - its review of development and preservation regulations - there are two hearings coming up: the Monrovia Planning Commission meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m., and the Monrovia City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 2, 7:30 p.m.. Both meetings are at City Hall.

- Brad Haugaard

Directly Elected Mayor Report | Upgrade Mary Wilcox Center

A couple more items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report:

- The Directly Elected Mayor Advisory Review Committee will present its findings and recommendations to the City Council at its July 19 meeting.

- City staff has been working with the Boys & Girls Club on a grant application to upgrade the basketball court and technology systems at the Mary Wilcox Youth Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Concerts Begin at Library Park and Station Square

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Support City's Police

City Manager Oliver Chi includes this photo in his weekly report of Monrovians supporting our police in the wake of the murder of the five Dallas police officers. Chi said that Monrovia Police will be wearing a mourning band, a solid black band around the police badge, until all of the fallen Dallas Police officers have been buried.

- Brad Haugaard

'Clear the Shelters' Day Seeks to Adopt Out Pets

On Saturday, July 23, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, which serves Monrovia, will participate in the second annual "Clear the Shelters" campaign, a day-long adoption event during which the adoption fee for all animals will be reduced to $20 and the shelter will hold extended adoption hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is spearheaded by NBC4 Southern California and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles. Last year 57 Pasadena Humane Society animals found new homes. The shelter is at 361 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena and the event is open to anyone looking to adopt a pet; not just residents of our service cities. Regular adoption policies and screening apply. To expedite the process, print an adoption application from the Humane Society website. If you rent, bring proof you are allowed to have a pet at your residence. Parking is available. View all animals at the shelter at pasadenahumane.org/adopt .

- Brad Haugaard