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Monrovia PD: Slipping From the Second Story | Lightless Bike to Drug Bust | Grand Thefts

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 3-9. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 504 service events, resulting in 107 investigations.  Following are the highlighted issues and events.   To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

 
Arson - Suspects Arrested
On November 3 at 3:43 p.m., police received a call reporting smoke coming from the railroad tracks at Monterey Avenue.  An animal control officer was near the tracks and saw three juveniles leaving the tracks near the smoke.  Officers responded and were able to detain the three juveniles.  During the investigation, the officers were able to determine that the juveniles not only set this fire, but were also responsible for four previous fires set on the tracks over the past several weeks.  The juveniles were brought to the station and Juvenile Hall was notified.  Juvenile Hall requested the juveniles be cited and released. 
 
Grand Theft Auto - Suspects Arrested
On November 4 at 12:41 a.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle eastbound in the 500 block of West Huntington.  A license plate check revealed the vehicle was stolen.  The officer stopped the vehicle in the 100 block of East Evergreen and detained four occupants.  The vehicle was part of a sting operation through the California Highway Patrol's Taskforce for Regional Auto-theft Prevention (TRAP).  CHP was notified and responded to the scene.  CHP TRAP officers took the suspect into custody and stored the vehicle.  Two other occupants were arrested, one for a misdemeanor traffic warrant and the other for a no-bail warrant out of Monrovia.  The fourth person complained of chest pain and was taken to a hospital.
 
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
On November 4 at 2:28 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Ninth Avenue regarding a traffic collision.  A driver hit a parked vehicle.  The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.
 
Medical Assist
On November 4 at 7:45 p.m., a woman was sitting on the window sill of her second floor apartment in the 400 block of East Foothill and fell from the window onto the patio below.  When officers and paramedics arrived, she was conscious and was able to tell the officers she had not been pushed; she simply lost her balance and fell.  Neighbors were questioned and said they did not hear any disturbance from the apartment.  At this time, no foul play or crime is suspected.
 
Hit & Run on Private Property
On November 5 at 3:51 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of East Huntington regarding a hit and run collision.  An employee who works night hours came out to his car to find it had been struck and shoved up onto the walkway from the parking lot area. He did not know when the incident occurred and no suspects were observed.  There was white paint transfer found on the car.  Apparently, the suspect cut through the parking lot and struck the car, then fled the scene.  An area check was conducted, but the suspect vehicle was not located.
 
Drug Activity / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On November 5 at 10:29 p.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist for not having lighting equipment at night.  During the contact, the bicyclist admitted to having drugs and a pipe on his person.  The suspect was patted down and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a drug pipe. The suspect was arrested.
 
California Highway Patrol Activity in Monrovia / Driving Under the Influence /   Pursuit - Suspect Arrested
On November 6 at 8:29 p.m., the CHP was involved in a pursuit of a suspected drunk driver.  The suspect exited the 210 Freeway at Myrtle and the pursuit eventually terminated in an alley behind a bar in the 1500 block of South Myrtle.  The suspect fled on foot, but was apprehended by CHP Officers in the 100 block of East Pomona.  The CHP did not request Monrovia Police Department's assistance during this incident.
 
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 10:11 p.m., an officer on patrol observed an intoxicated subject behind the wheel of a stopped vehicle that was blocking the roadway in the 500 block of West Chestnut.  The engine was running and the driver told the officer he had driven from El Monte.  The officer arrested the driver for driving under the influence.  The suspect's criminal history revealed he had three other DUI arrests within a 10-year period.  The suspect was charged with felony driving under the influence.
 
September 29, 2011, Vehicle Burglary - Suspect Arrested
On November 7, an officer on patrol in the 600 block of East Huntington recognized a suspect wanted for vehicle burglary.  The suspect was with two other subjects.  The officer detained the subjects and subsequently arrested the wanted suspect.  The vehicle burglary occurred on September 29, 2011, at an apartment complex parking structure in the 100 block of West Colorado.  Fingerprints were lifted at the scene from the vehicle and a suspect was identified.  The detective assigned to the case notified patrol of the suspect's identification and the suspect was located on November 7.
 
Vehicle Burglary
On November 9 at 5:17 a.m., a caller reported his vehicle broken into overnight.  The vehicle was parked in a parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington.  The vehicle had been locked and secured. 
 
Petty Theft from a Vehicle
On November 9 at 8:11 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of South Primrose regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim reported that he parked his vehicle in his driveway at approximately 4:00 p.m.  He left the vehicle unlocked and the windows were cracked about 2 inches on both sides.  Overnight, the suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took his wallet, which was left in the driver side compartment. 
 
Graffiti Vandalism
On the morning of November 9, three locations called to report vandalism that had occurred overnight.  The locations had been vandalized with similar graffiti.  The vandalism occurred in the 500 block of Fallen Leaf, 600 block of South Shamrock and the 100 block of East Chestnut.  Investigation continuing. 
 
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
On November 9 at 4:42 p.m., an officer drove by a suspicious vehicle parked in the 300 block of Genoa.  He conducted a DMV check on the vehicle's plate and it returned as stolen out of Sacramento on November 6, 2011.  The vehicle was recovered.
 
Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On November 9 at 5:35 p.m., a caller reported a subject who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs trying to start his vehicle at Myrtle and Foothill.  A second caller reported the subject drove off east in his vehicle.  Officers responded, located the vehicle and stopped it east of Myrtle.  The investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance and he was arrested and taken into custody.
 
Grand Theft Auto
On November 9 at 8:33 p.m., a 2005, 4-door, white Chevy Silverado was reported stolen from the 800 block of Bonita.  The crime occurred between 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
 
Grand Theft Auto
On November 9 at 8:50 p.m., a 2000, white Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 500 block of West Huntington.  At 10:40 p.m., an officer located the vehicle parked in the 600 block of West Huntington.  The vehicle's engine was cold when it was found.  It appeared the suspect(s) took the vehicle for a joyride, ransacked it, stole a toolbox and the vehicle's registration, and abandoned the vehicle.

New Monrovia Restaurant | Cheap Car Charger

~ Cafe LuMar plans to open on East Colorado in December, serving "homemade baked goods, crepes, sandwiches, and salads." And, "Croatian imported goods." http://goo.gl/4uypL


~ Nissan and Sumitomo plan to use Monrovia's AeroVironment to bring a low-cost (starting at $9,900) electric car charger to the U.S. market.  AeroVironment will be the wholesale and retail distributor, and the preferred installer. http://goo.gl/wLXc4


- Brad Haugaard

Christmas on Myrtle


Christmas decorations are going up on Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Comment on Monrovia Elections | The Unknown Film | Gold Line Video

~ Comment on the School Board Election


A word for the winners: Congratulations!


Several words for the rest: Be not discouraged! I think Covarrubias and Williams, in particular, were strong, passionate candidates, but you guys were up against two incumbents on a board that has done a truly outstanding job, and against a generally popular former mayor. It could hardly have been a tougher battle, but you are good and there will other opportunities in the future. Don't give up.


~ Come to the Library for a film, the title of which you can only find out by calling the library. http://goo.gl/9eEZq


~ A 15-minute video to learn about the transformation that has occurred around the Phase 1 Gold Line stations, as well as what is being planned around the future stations. http://goo.gl/9CwcF


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Election Results: Hammond, Wong, Gililland, and Montgomery

11:06 - Joanne Montgomery retains her seat on the Citrus College Board of Trustees.

11:04 - Rob Hammond, incumbent Bryan Wong and incumbent Ed Gililland are the new Monrovia School Board members.

10:45 - Hammond still on top, with Wong switching places with Gililland for second place, and Gililland taking third. But look how close these two are. A mere four votes difference.

9:56 - It seems clear Hammond's long history in city government, and service as mayor, is paying off for him. He's even ahead of the incumbents.

9:54 - Hammond, Gililland and Wong still strongly ahead, as is Montgomery for Citrus College Board.

9:37 - Pretty ridiculous. Still no new numbers.

8:56 - Early voting, but still, I'm surprised at McCarthy's strength. I'd have thought Williams would be ahead of him. Crabtree very low. It didn't seem he put a huge amount of effort into his campaign.

Early voting: Hammond, Gililland, Wong winning. Montgomery ahead for Citrus College.

I'll be updating this page thoughout the evening. Reload the page occasionally to see the latest, or if I'm not fast enough for you, click on the source links below.

Monrovia Board of Education (top three vote-getters win)
Lechuga Covarrubias: 849
David D Crabtree: 230
Ed Gililland: 1,402 
Rob Hammond: 1,444
Ed McCarthy: 599
Terrence Williams 816
Bryan J Wong: 1,411

Precincts: 18 of 18 reporting
Source: http://goo.gl/UF7dp

Citrus Community College Board
Bruce A Carter: 1,070
Joanne Montgomery: 1,704

Precincts: 17 of 17 reporting
Source: http://goo.gl/I1WmG

- Brad Haugaard

Vets Day in Monrovia | Prayer Breakfast | Engineers Like Huff

~ Monrovia's annual Veterans Day commemoration will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 11, at the Armed Services Memorial in front of the Monrovia Public Library in Library Park. The public is invited.
 
~ Forty-Sixth Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, "Achieving Your Life's Dreams," Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 at 8 a.m. Speaker is Damon Colaluca of the Santa Anita Family YMCA. Details: http://goo.gl/JOqKQ
 
~ Senator Bob Huff (who represents Monrovia) has been named Legislator of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies. http://goo.gl/ng9bT
 
- Brad Haugaard

Harley Dogs (not Hogs) in Old Monrovia, Etc.

At the link, check out the doggy Harley commercial (now airing) featuring Old Town Monrovia. Also, details on other filming in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Uv0uI
 
- Brad Haugaard

Foothills Unity Center Executive Director Whitenack Retiring

Foothills Unity Center Executive Director Joan E. Whitenack has announced her retirement, according to the organization's newsletter.

The newsletter article says: "She has been instrumental in generating millions of dollars of foundation grants for the Center, expanded operations to serve a client base that grew from 300 to over 4,600 families, and increasing food distribution from 50,000 to 4,230,000 pounds a year. Facilities have expanded dramatically, from a single 900 square foot location to three sites in Monrovia and Pasadena."

Opinion: She's excellent and will be a tough one to replace.
 
- Brad Haugaard

The Other Monrovia Has An Election Today, Too

Monrovia, California, isn't the only Monrovia having an election today. Monrovia, Liberia, is having a presidential run-off. http://goo.gl/8Iz9F

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Election Today

Vote today for Monrovia School Board  (top three vote-getters win) and Citrus College Board (one candidate wins).
If you are unsure of where to vote, check here: http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/
Monrovia School Board Candidates:
Janeane Lechuga Covarrubias
David Dale Crabtree
Ed Gililland
Rob Hammond
Ed McCarthy
Terrence G. Williams
Bryan J. Wong
Citrus College Board of Trustees:
Bruce Carter
Joanne Montgomery
- Brad Haugaard


No Monrovia Kidnapping - a Hoax

The story of the attempted kidnapping of a Monrovia boy was a 'hoax.' Suspect released. http://goo.gl/nWfu3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Goes Green

A video report on how Monrovia restaurant Something Healthy - which has mighty tasty sandwiches, by the way - is going green. With host Dan Bell, of the City Manager's office.

 
Opinion: Ya know, I'm not sure what the big attraction is to hosting video on Vimeo (as is this video). YouTube works fine for me but all Vimeo ever does  is jerk and stall. I hope everybody else gets better results with it.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Chamber Honors Citizens

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of three awards. They are:


~ The Iris Award, Citizen of the Year will be presented to Karen Sutherland

~ The Monroe Award for Business Person of the Year will be presented to Rutilio Castrellon, Rudy's Mexican Food.

~ The Dick Lord Award for outstanding contributions to the Chamber will be presented to Gloria Huss, Monrovia Floral. 




- Brad Haugaard

Arrest in Monrovia Almost-Kidnapping Case

Police have made an arrest in the Monrovia attempted kidnapping case. http://goo.gl/8qtDP and  http://goo.gl/hZZ4Z and http://goo.gl/yDsOh

Monrovia Fire Department: Rescues from Vehicles and Canyon Park

Monrovia Fire Department responded to 76 emergency calls between Oct. 25, 2011 and Nov. 1 Here are some:

Traffic Collision - At 9:45 a.m. on October 29 Monrovia fire units responded to a traffic collision with victims trapped. The incident was at Foothill and Alta Vista with three vehicles involved. Upon arrival, fire personnel determined that there was one patient with minor injuries and a second patient trapped in a vehicle with possible life threatening injuries. Fire personnel performed extrication of the trapped victim by removing the right side of the vehicle. The victim with minor injuries was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for evaluation. The victim with possible life threatening injuries was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital Trauma Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Solo Vehicle Accident - At 2:46 a.m. on October 30, Monrovia Fire Units responded to the report of a vehicle accident where the vehicle had exited the freeway with one person trapped. The accident presented a challenging extrication of the patient, since the vehicle was on its side. Monrovia Firefighters used heavy equipment to remove the roof of the vehicle to gain access to and rescue the trapped occupant. The victim was treated on the scene by Monrovia Fire Paramedics and transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital Trauma Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Canyon Park Rescue - At 9:19 a.m. on October 30, Monrovia Fire Department, assisted by Arcadia Fire, responded to a canyon rescue in Canyon Park. Engine 101, Truck 101, Patrol 101, Sq101, and ARC Engine 107 were all dispatched. The incident involved a 54-year-old female who had fallen at the base of the waterfall. Her injuries prevented her from being able to walk. Fire units treated her injuries, secured her in our rescue basket, and wheeled the patient out of the canyon by foot. The patient was stabilized and transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital. The entire rescue was performed over a two-hour time period.
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Photo Conversation Pieces from Monrovia Suicide?

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa said people may have snapped pictures of the suicide on Myrtle Avenue last Saturday to create an "electronic conversation piece."
 
He said, "I have to presume that some earnestly felt that there was some journalistic value in taking the pictures (although most professional news outlets forswear the use of such images), yet based on the rumors that followed, it seems most others simply wanted the picture as an electronic conversation piece."
  
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Manager Says Goodbye

[Statement from Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa in his weekly report.]

"This week, I was appointed by the Glendale City Council to become their next City Manager, effective January 3, 2012.
It is awfully bittersweet to leave this job, this organization and this community. Over the nearly 19 years that I've worked here, and over the last 7½ that I've had the privilege of being City Manager, I've gotten to know many, many amazing people. Giving and kind neighbors in the community, visionary Mayors and City Councilmembers, and dedicated and expert professional staff and employees - all of these folks comprise a city that is, pound-for-pound, one of the best in the state.
 
"Whether it is building a new library, planning the redevelopment and future growth of our town, or simply making it through the Great Recession, Monrovia's can-do spirit and consistency make it a truly special place.
 
"Thank you, Monrovia, for a wonderful run."

 
- Brad Haugaard

Board of Education election endorsements of Board of Education memberAlex Zucco

Re-Elect Gililland and Wong, Elect Covarrubias to Monrovia School Board
I have had the pleasure of serving on the Monrovia School Board for the past 2 years and encourage the voters to re-elect Board President Ed Gililland and Board Member Bryan Wong. I am also supporting Janeane Covarrubias. I  believe she would be a great addition to the Board and serve our community well.
Ed and Bryan each bring strengths that none of the other candidates offer; experience in school finances at the local, State and Federal levels. They also work through our many existing community partnerships, maintain a healthy cooperative relationship with all of our employee associations and show a deep understanding of how steady improvement in instruction and community involvement has lead to continued growth in Monrovia Schools. As we  enter 2012 and face the possibility of “trigger cuts” that could wreak havoc on our education community, we will have an even greater need for Ed and Bryan’s experience in navigating the uncertain future thoughtfully.
Ms. Covarrubias would bring her strong dedication to seeing that all of our students are challenged and parents are engaged. She brings a new perspective through her own experience in both private and public education and has good ideas for easing the transition to public. While the Monrovia Schools and community have formed many award-winning partnerships, having a new voice and resource for bringing new partners into our Monrovia “family” can only work to our schools' benefit. And finally, her own personal connections to Monrovia and her community involvement with organizations like the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society, Girl Scouts and our PTAs will bring a broader, more representative look to the Board.
Monrovia Schools have continued to perform well even in this financial meltdown.  That is a testament to our staff, students and their families. Monrovia is the only school district in our area to show an INCREASE in enrollment. This clearly demonstrates that the work done in our “world class schools” by our “world class students” is not going unnoticed, nor did it happen by accident. In order to continue our excellent forward progress, we must stay on message and avoid political grand-standing, personal agendas or using our Board as a spring board to higher State office. Now is the time to stay vigilant and ensure the good work continues to happen and send good people to represent Monrovia Schools.
Vote November 8th for Ed Gililland, Bryan Wong and Janeane Covarrubias.
Alex Zucco
Monrovia School Board Member

Sketch of Monrovia Kidnapping Suspect

Here is a sketch of the guy suspected in an attempted kidnapping in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/AensB
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Senator Honored by Lawsuit Abuse Group

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, has been recognized as "Legislator of the Year" by Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. http://goo.gl/830DI
 
- Brad Haugaard