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Monrovia's Community Services Commissioner Gloria Crudgington Honored

Gloria and Cleve Crudgington

On Wednesday, March 26, Monrovia's Community Services Commissioner Gloria Crudgington, was recognized by the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 13 for her service to the Monrovia community.

Crudgington has served Monrovia for many years, but this recognition specifically recognizes the 14 years of service and leadership in developing the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve.  As a Monrovia citizen, Crudgington has worked to maintain the aesthetic value of the undeveloped hillsides and set an example as a passionate environmental steward of natural space.

The California Park & Recreation Society's Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of agencies and individuals in the areas of community improvements and programming, facility design and park planning; marketing and communications; and professional and citizen leadership.  As an award winner, Crudgington will be featured in the Spring Issue of Parks and Recreation and on the CPRS website at http://www.cprs.org.

"Crudgington was one of the leaders of Wilderness Preserve committee.  She did incredible research on the best way to campaign, educate and get the word out about our preservation efforts," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz.  "Thanks to those efforts, residents can now hike, bike or walk their dog within the Preserve, and enjoy the beauty of our hillsides with the knowledge that it is preserved for future generations."

Crudgington was appointed to the Monrovia Community Services Commission in 2003 and is currently serving as Chair of that commission.  Her efforts over the past 14 years have resulted in the preservation of critical open space in LA County which opened in 2013.  She and her husband Cleve have also received the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce's Iris Award in 2003 for their work on the Foothills.

CPRS District 13 members and guests celebrated Ms. Crudgington during the annual Awards and Installation Banquet held at the Diamond Bar Community Center.

Monrovia Police: Brandishing a Pistol; Sexual Battery; Six Year Sentence for Stabbing; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 31-April 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 416 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Brandishing a Firearm
March 31 at 5:17 p.m., an officer responded to Duarte and Mayflower on the report of a suspect brandishing a firearm. The victim said he was in his vehicle at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower when he saw the suspects in the turn lane, heading eastbound Duarte. As the suspect vehicle started to turn, the front passenger was holding a small, dark, semi-automatic handgun up against his chest as if he was displaying it to the victim. The suspect racked the slide on the gun as they passed. The suspect never pointed the gun at the victim. The vehicle is described as a late model, light blue Monte Carlo or cutlass style vehicle with 20-inch chrome rims. The driver was described as male Hispanic, early 20's, wearing a white T-shirt and a blue Dodger hat. The passenger was described as a male Hispanic in his early 20's. A teletype was sent out to all agencies regarding the incident. The investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Persons / Vehicle Burglary / Receiving Stolen Property
April 2 at 10:00 a.m., officers on patrol contacted two local homeless persons in the 200 block of West Palm. One of the subjects was in possession of a garage door opener, which he claimed belonged to a relative. The garage door opener was collected by officers for observation. Later that day at 2:27 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Fano on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim reported that her garage door opener and other miscellaneous property had been stolen from her locked vehicle. The officer tested the garage door opener recovered from the above incident and it worked. The victim also identified the garage door opener as one of the items stolen from her vehicle during the burglary. A suspect was entered as a wanted person into the law enforcement database for receiving stolen property. The investigation is continuing.

Two Instances of Sexual Battery Reported
April 2 at 8:02 a.m., an adult female victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted the prior evening at about 9:00 p.m. She was walking in the area of Fifth Avenue and Walnut when she was approached by the suspect. He approached her from the front and hugged her tightly by wrapping his arms around her body. The suspect then slapped the victim's buttocks and left the scene on his skateboard. No injuries were reported.

April 2 at 5:02 p.m., an adult female victim reported she was sexually assaulted at approximately 4:50 p.m. as she was walking near the area of Monterey and Chestnut. The second victim reported that the suspect approached her from behind and reached around her body grabbing both of her breasts with his hands. The suspect commented on the victim's breast size and kicked her in the leg before leaving the scene with his skateboard in hand. No injuries were reported. Both victims described the suspect as a male Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5'06" - 5'07", thin build, wearing a red "Hoodie" sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect was in possession of a skateboard during both incidents. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 7:03 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter in custody. The investigation revealed the suspect entered the location with the intent to take store merchandise in an effort to return it for store credit. The suspect was arrested and charged for Burglary.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 12:51 a.m., an officer responded to a burglary alarm in the 300 block of West Huntington. As the officer arrived in the area of the alarm call, he observed a local homeless person walking in the area of Magnolia and Huntington. The subject looked in the officer’s direction, quickly tossed an object on the ground, and walked away from it. The officer, believing the subject was associated with the alarm call and possibly tossing stolen property from the business, detained the subject and recovered the property. The property turned out to be two clear plastic baggies containing methamphetamine. The officer arrested the subject for the drug charge, in addition to an outstanding warrant he had for his arrest. This same subject is also suspected of receiving stolen property in an incident that occurred on April 2.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up - Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Sentenced
On March 18, 2014, the suspect in an assault case was convicted on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Stalking. The crime occurred on January 22, 2012, at 5:53 p.m., when dispatch received a call reporting a stabbing victim at a residence in the 1200 block of Encino. Officers responded to the location and discovered a male adult with a puncture wound to his chest. The suspect violated a restraining order and entered the home of his estranged wife with a hunting type knife and stabbed her male companion one time in the chest. The suspect then left the location. The investigation led officers to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive. Officers immediately contained the hotel room. Officers directed the clerk to make a telephone call into the suspect's room to tell him that his credit card was declined. Approximately 15 minutes later, the suspect exited his room and was taken into custody without further incident. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was admitted in critical, but stable, condition. The victim recovered from his injuries. The suspect was sentenced to 6 years in state prison, full restitution, and a 10 year protective order was issued for the victims. The victim of the stabbing was very appreciative for the professional demeanor and tenacity of our department in handling this case.

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center to Auction Off Norman Rockwell Litho

A signed and numbered lithograph of Norman Rockwell's Bedside Manner (Boy and Sick Puppy), first seen on the cover of the March 10, 1923 Saturday Evening Post, has been donated to the Foothill Unity Center Golden Plate Awards auction. The benefit evening will be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Trinity Ballroom in Pasadena.

The framed 38" x 33" lithograph features the printed facsimile signature, lower right, and the Norman Rockwell Authorized Estate blind-stamp gold seal, lower left. It is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. "We are so grateful to the donor of this beautiful artwork, Laurie Orvis, a relatively new Center volunteer, for her generosity," said Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. "The work will be one of the key highlights of the auction, and add significantly to the total proceeds for this event - our only major fundraiser of the year."

Up to 400 guests are expected for the Fabulous '50s themed event, which will feature a showing of classic '50s cars from Street Rods Forever, jukebox music, silent and live auctions and more. The evening will honor four recipients with Golden Plate Awards: Cynthia Kurtz, president and chief executive officer of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (Heart in Hand Humanitarian); Sierra Madre fundraiser Colleen McEvoy (Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Volunteer); Simplicity Bank (Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Corporate); and a consortium of four local Jewish organizations, Temple Beth David, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, Weizmann Day School and Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley (Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Faith Based).

Tickets to the Golden Plate Awards are $150. Sponsorship opportunities start at $2,000, with special recognitions including ads in the Tribute Program. Ads may also be purchased separately, starting with a $200 business card size. Donations to the silent and live auctions valued at $100 or more will be acknowledged in the program. For more information, visit www.foothillunitycenter.org.

Source: Foothill Unity Center press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Two Incidents of Sexual Battery

On April 2, 2014, two separate incidents of sexual battery with similar circumstances were reported to the Monrovia Police Department.

The first incident occurred on April 1 at approximately 9:00 p.m. An adult female victim was walking in the 700 block of S. Fifth Avenue. A male suspect approached her from the front and hugged her tightly by wrapping his arms around her body. The suspect slapped the victim on the buttocks and then left the scene on a skateboard. No injuries were reported.

The second incident occurred on April 2 at approximately 4:50 p.m. An adult female victim was walking in the 800 block of W. Chestnut. A male suspect approached her from behind and reached around her body, grabbing both of her breasts with his hands. The suspect commented on the victim's breast size and kicked her in the leg. He then left the scene with a skateboard in his hand. No injuries were reported.

Both victims described the suspect as a male Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5'06"-5'07", thin build, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect was in possession of a skateboard during both incidents. The investigation is continuing.

The Monrovia Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying this suspect. Anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of this suspect, please contact the Monrovia Police Department.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Giving Hands Store Has 50%-Off Sale for Local Assistance

Giving Hands thrift store is having a 50% off clothes, shoes, and purses sale and would like to invite everyone to visit and experience the savings. The store also has new partners, including IFGF/Restored Life Church and many other organizations, to bring assistance programs to Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte. Giving Hands is at 925 W Foothill Blvd in Monrovia across the Burger Shack and Monrovia High School. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision Helps in Chile Earthquake

Monrovia-based Christian relief organization World Vision, reports that it is "working with the government and partners in the worst affected areas to assess damage from the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that shook parts of Chile last night and spurred a nationwide tsunami watch that forced much of the coast to evacuate." http://goo.gl/NOHohT

- Brad Haugaard

Story of the 'Ford' Sign in Old Monrovia Blockbuster

The story behind the "Ford" sign found in the old Blockbuster at Foothill and Stedman. http://goo.gl/lR7fCF

- Brad Haugaard

No Tippling Houses or Saloons in Old Monrovia

Monrovia closes its first saloon. A bit of history: http://goo.gl/1fToFh

- Brad Haugaard

Be a Monrovia City Board Member

Interested in becoming a city board member or commissioner? Here's a meeting for you, tomorrow, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. http://goo.gl/rjuyE2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Scoby Signs with Fresno | Choral Music | Rain?

~ Monrovia football star, Kurt Scoby, signs with Fresno State. http://goo.gl/VLXpoA

~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present Alma y Corazon at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church April 5 at 7:30 p.m. An evening of choral music and solo song that explores spiritual and romantic love in the sounds of regions of Argentina and Spain. Tickets at 253-7248. General admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

~ Fifty percent chance of rain tonight, 30 percent tomorrow, 10 percent Thursday, and 20 percent Friday. http://goo.gl/xG5Izr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Education Bill Approved by Committee

A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden to modify restrictions on enrolling high school students in community college courses was unanimously approved in Assembly Higher Education Committee today. AB 1451 would also prohibit "double-dipping," in which both the high school and the college were reimbursed for the student. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Robotics Team More Than Halfway to Funding Goal to Compete in World Championship

School Board Member Alex Zucco says that the Monrovia High robotics team, "Kings and Queens," is half way to its goal of raising the money the team needs to go to St. Louis to compete in the robotic world championships. (Actually, at this writing, the team has raised more than half, $8,020 of the $14,000 it needs.) You can contribute here: http://goo.gl/IAZUht

- Brad Haugaard

Minor Mud Flow Danger in Monrovia Because of Rains This Week

The City of Monrovia is warning that possible rain through Wednesday, if it becomes too heavy, "could bring the threat of minor mud and debris flows" in the area just below the Madison fire area ( http://goo.gl/qEUKJE ). Sixty percent chance of rain predicted for tonight: http://goo.gl/CoUEuv

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Roll Over, Attempted Robbery, Shoplifting, Drugs, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 27-30. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Theft from a Vehicle
On March 27 at 7:16 a.m., an officer responded to the 1100 block of East Lemon regarding a vehicle theft.  The victim parked his unlocked vehicle in the driveway.  When he returned to the car the following morning the car had been ransacked and items had been scattered throughout the car. Unknown if there is a loss.

Commercial Burglary -Suspect Arrested
On March 27 at 4:13 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a burglary.  Loss prevention observed a male suspect inside the store, concealing items on his person.  The male suspect left the location and was followed to another business by loss prevention.  The suspect entered the restroom and was approached by Monrovia Police officers.  The suspect admitted taking the property and was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft from a Vehicle
On March 27 at 6:03 p.m., a victim came into the police department to report a theft from his vehicle.  The victim parked his unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of West Colorado.  When he returned he noticed his sunglasses were missing and his car ransacked. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary / Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On March 28 at 9:03 p.m. officers responded to the 400 block of West Huntington regarding a burglary.  A female suspect walked into a business with an empty backpack and selected merchandise, including a backpack.  The female suspect concealed the merchandise in her backpack and in the backpack she selected.  She left the location without paying for the merchandise and was stopped by loss prevention.  During a search of her property a controlled substance was located.  She was arrested for commercial burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On March 29 at 6:53 p.m., officers were investigating a theft in the 600 block of West Huntington when they observed a parked vehicle with what appeared to be a methamphetamine pipe and a baggie of methamphetamine displayed out in the open on the center console.  The officers were able to locate the owner of the vehicle who admitted the drugs belonged to him.  The suspect was arrested.

Attempt Robbery
On March 29 at 9:17 p.m., dispatch received a call of an attempt robbery in the 800 block of West Foothill.  The victim was exiting his residence and approaching his vehicle in the parking lot of his apartment complex.  He observed a male suspect inside his vehicle and confronted the suspect.  The suspect pulled out a knife and said he would take his vehicle, but then fled on foot to an awaiting vehicle.  The victim obtained a plate and officers searched the area, but could not find the suspects or the vehicle.  The suspect was described as a male Hispanic in his late 30's or early 40's with a tattoo on his right eye area.  The investigation is continuing.

Under of the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On March 29 at 9:26 p.m., dispatch received multiple 911 calls from a subject in the 500 block of East Olive saying he needed protection. A subject was located and questioned.  During the questioning, the subject displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a stimulant.  The subject admitted smoking methamphetamine earlier and stated he had more in his apartment.  The subject gave officers consent to enter his apartment and retrieve the drugs.  The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Suspect Arrested
On March 30 at 1:45 a.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 100 block of West Foothill of a possible drunk driver, in the drive through.  Officers arrived and stopped the vehicle as it left the location.  During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was under the influence and was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
On March 30 at 1:59 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of South Mayflower regarding a vehicle rollover traffic collision.  Further investigation revealed the driver fell asleep and crashed into a parked vehicle, causing the vehicle to rollover.  The driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Property under Observation
On March 30 at 6:25 p.m., officers responded to 400 block of Stedman regarding a suspicious person loitering on the property and possible drug activity.   Officers arrived and detained a subject they suspected of committing vehicle burglaries and another female that lives at the residence.  Inside the open garage, officers noticed a pile off cell phones and drug paraphernalia.  An officer recognized property that looked like a sunglass case that was taken in a prior vehicle burglary. Officers searched the residence for additional stolen property.  Investigation is continuing.

Pastor of Monrovia's Second Baptist Celebrates 40 Years

Monrovia's Second Baptist Church in Monrovia celebrated the fortieth anniversary of its pastor, Dr. William Larue Dillard, with a banquet Saturday. http://goo.gl/4y9RuH

- Brad Haugaard

Quake in Monrovia

Apparently an earthquake in Monrovia. I'll update when I get more information.

Update: Centered near La Habra.

LA Times says it was a 5.3: http://goo.gl/ZmYfES
Star-News says a 3.6, and no damage reported: http://goo.gl/3Naazx

It felt like shaking then swaying to me. Not too bad.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia VFW Honors Students, Receives Fire Fighter's Donation

C/2LT Nathan Lagaspi, CDT(MS3) William Tostenson and C/SSgt Langham Robinson with Moe Stamps. Lagaspi and Robinson are with CAP Squadron 21 in El Monte. Tostenson is a student at Azusa Pacific University  and a member of the Claremont McKenna ROTC detachment.

The Monrovia VFW has given awards for leadership excellence to two Civil Air Patrol cadets from the El Monte Squadron and one to an ROTC cadet from Azusa Pacific. CAP is the auxiliary of the Air Force and offers teens training in aerospace and leadership in a military frame work. Each cadet received a medal, certificate, proclamation from the City of Monrovia, and a grant from the post Memorial Scholarship & Grant Fund to support their educations.

Also, the Monrovia Fire Fighters' Association made a substantial donation (amount currently confidential) to the VFW's Memorial Scholarship & Grant Fund, allowing the post to offer larger grants and scholarships. The Fund accomplishes the organizational goal, "to preserve the memory and history of our dead."  Each grant (including those given to the cadets) comes with a certificate listing every service member from the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte area who has been killed in combat.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Gene's Grinders


Lunch at Gene's Grinders, at Myrtle and Olive.  Got the Friday Special, a large Italian sausage sandwich ($7.50) and an iced tea (huge, for $1.70). Very big. Half would have been plenty, but, well, it was good and I ate it all. I'm now officially stuffed. 

- Brad Haugaard

The Art of Monrovia's New Train Station

Hand painted ramp tiles by Cha Rie Tang, Artist.

Art for the coming Monrovia Gold Line station is being called, "River of Time," and celebrates Monrovia's architectural heritage and natural beauty. Artist Cha-Rie Tang has combined tile, glass and natural materials, with a suggestion of water toward the station platforms by a band of field tiles glazed to suggest a stream, as well as from handmade glass bricks around a river-worn boulder that will sit at the entrance to the station. Each column base will include decorative tiles, created to celebrate the local history of Batchelder tiles. Source: http://goo.gl/Zc8w1q

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Progress in Monrovia

Canopy structure at the Monrovia Station, which will have two side platforms. 

Crews are completing light rail track installation at the Myrtle Ave grade crossing in Monrovia.

Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release

- Brad Haugaard