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Lunch at Mooncat


Lunch at Mooncat, south side of Lime just east of Myrtle. Japanese food. Got the sushi and tempura bento box ($12) and an iced oolong tea ($3.50). Came with miso soup and rice. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard

Ridgeside Entrance to Monrovia Hillside Preserve Reopened


The Ridgeside Drive entry point to the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve, which was locked briefly, has been reopened.

Opinion: Thank you very much to Director of Community Services Tina Cherry, City Manager Oliver Chi and anybody else who was involved in reconsidering this decision (which I fussed about here: http://goo.gl/jZf1b2 ).

- Brad Haugaard 

Roof Added to Historic Monrovia Fountain



The roof has just been replaced on the historic drinking fountain that had to be rebuilt after a car accident destroyed it. The fountain is at the southeast corner of Library Park. The roof tiles, however, still need to be replaced. 

Jim Wigton, of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, writes: "The replacement Spanish tiles have not yet been delivered to Public Works (we are getting them from Architectural Detail in Pasadena)..  When they are, we will be re-installing them on the roof so that the fountain will look almost exactly the same as before the accident."
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Parade

Nice crowd tonight at the Monrovia Christmas parade.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Lights Its Christmas Tree


After a song by Centre Stage students about wanting a hippopotamus for Christmas, and opening remarks by Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, children from the Canyon Early Learning Center lit the Monrovia Christmas tree in Library Park. 

- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Monrovia Schedule

This year, Monrovia will continue its tradition of celebrating the Christmas season by touring Santa Claus around city streets on top of a fire engine.  Escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh, Santa will provide candy canes to the public.  City employees will, again, volunteer their time to help make the program fun and successful.

Last year’s event was a great success!  This year’s Santa Tour will be another exciting and fun time for members of our community when they see Santa visiting their neighborhoods.  Everyone is encouraged to come out and wave to Santa.

Monday, Dec. 15 – will tour city streets south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries.

Tuesday, Dec. 16 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 – will tour city streets west of Myrtle, north of Foothill. 

Thursday, Dec. 18 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, west of east city boundaries.

Friday, Dec. 19 – will tour city streets west of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Huntington to Mayflower, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Assembly Time: 5:00 p.m. assembly at the City Hall parking lot, 415 S. Ivy, Monrovia, CA  91016

Tour Hours:   5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The police car will be driven by volunteer police officers who will lead the procession using their red lights and siren.  Christmas carols will be played over the police car’s P.A. system.  

The fire engine will be driven by volunteer firefighters, who will follow the police car.  Santa will ride on top of the fire engine with spotlights shining on him as he wishes everyone a merry Christmas.  The fire engine will be decorated with hundreds of Christmas lights.

The public works truck will be driven by volunteer public works employees.  Our reindeer sleigh, bright with over 1500 Christmas lights, will play Christmas carols.  Community members are welcome to ride with city employees and their families on back of the truck and trailer during the tour.  Space is limited and participation is first come first served.  Parents are reminded that children must be accompanied by an adult.

To all Monrovians:  Venture outside, welcome Santa, and enjoy his candy canes!  MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and have a safe holiday season. 

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Shop Monrovia Selfie Contest

Post a "selfie" (picture of yourself) while dining, shopping or doing business in Monrovia and you could win a prize in the Shop Monrovia Month Contest. This week's prize is a $25 gift certificate to The Dollmakers' Kattywompus. Post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #ShopMonroviaSelfie.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Mental Evaluation; Stolen Bike Arrest; DUI; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 1-3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 323 service events, resulting in 51 investigations.

Traffic Collision
On December 1 at 12:11 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of California and Lemon. An elderly female failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection and was struck by a motorist traveling south on California. The victim in the other vehicle sustained minor redness and complained of pain and dizziness. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Driving Under the Influence of Drugs / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
On December 2 at 10:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to the corner of Lime and Ivy, where a male subject had driven his car on the wrong side of the street, exited his car, and began yelling, frantically, that someone was shooting at him and trying to kill him. He fell over the curb, then stood up and tried to open the doors to the Police Department Emergency Operations Center. When he could not get the doors open, he ran to the front of City Hall and entered, still yelling that someone was trying to kill him. He was detained by officers. He was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for driving under the influence of drugs. Later in the evening at 7:53 p.m., the jailer requested the subject be reevaluated for mental issues. After talking to the subject and having him checked by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics, it was determined that the subject fit the criteria for a mental evaluation. The subject was taken to a hospital, where he was held for a 72 hour mental evaluation.

Attempt Residential Burglary / Hot Prowl
On December 2 at 6:54 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of West Colorado called police to report an attempt burglary. The resident woke up upon hearing noises at the door. A check of the door revealed the framing around the door was broken as if someone tried to break into the home. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Bicycle – Suspect Arrested
On December 4 at 3:58 a.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from the front of a business in the 400 block of West Foothill. The bicycle is a higher-value mountain bike. The bicycle was locked and secured to a concrete trash receptacle. As patrol units were searching the area for the bike, an officer saw a male subject riding the stolen bike in the 1200 block of Encino. The suspect rode the bike up the driveway of a residence. As the officer pulled up to the residence, he saw the suspect walking out from the side of the garage. The suspect was arrested and the stolen bicycle was recovered.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On December 4 at 5:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the 1200 block of South Alta Vista. A vehicle had collided into a parked car. Upon investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Monrovia's AeroVironment Wins Army Contract

Monrovia's AeroVironment announced today that it has won a $4.3 million cost-plus fixed-fee award and a $7.1 million option for Switchblade tactical missile system support services from the United States Army. http://goo.gl/WtnpbJ

Share Home Grown Produce in Library Park

The last Produce in the Park of the year this Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9-11 a.m. at the corner of Lime and Myrtle in Library Park. Share home-grown produce.

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Paws at Wonder Dog Ranch Today

Santa Paws will be at Wonder Dog Ranch (220 Taylor Street, Monrovia) today Dec. 3, 2014 for photos with your dog from 4-8 p.m. Free event, but contributions to the Pet Food Bank of the Foothill Unity Center welcome - unopened dog or cat food, or cash. You'll get one digital copy of a great picture of your dog with Santa. Please bring dogs on a short leash.

- Brad Haugaard

Seidner’s Collision Centers Presents Cars to Veterans

Seidner’s Collision Centers along with the Auto Club of Southern California and California Casualty presented two vehicles to local military veterans enrolled in Citrus College Veterans Success Program through the National Auto Body Council, Recycled Rides program. Citrus serves the Monrovia area.

Veteran Ashley Bozeman, U.S. Navy, got a a 2013 Kia Rio donated by the Auto Club, and Allan Weaver, U.S. Army, got a 2010 Toyota Camry, donated by California Casualty.

Ashley served in the Navy from 2007-2011 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. In Japan she was exposed to radiation and has suffered many illnesses related to the exposure. Later she was sent to the Persian Gulf during the Iraq invasion where she again was injured. Ashley is taking courses at Citrus College towards her AS degree and holds a 3.7 GPA. She also volunteers with many non-profits in the area and helps tutor veterans.

Allan served in the Army for over 7 years, joining right after 9-11. During his deployment in Iraq, Allan was injured. After returning home in 2008, he struggled to find a job and eventually became homeless. Six years later Allan remarried, has a 2 year old son and is pursuing a degree in business at Citrus College. Allan lends a hand to the elderly or disabled with home and car repairs.

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Story Time at Monrovia Library

Children's story time with Santa at the Monrovia Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Stories, film, snacks, crafts and Santa. http://goo.gl/M22b6r

- Brad Haugaard

Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment Tumbles


The stock of Monrovia's drone maker, AeroVironment, has been having a rough time since it released disappointing financial results for its second quarter. The stock is down from about $30.65 on Nov. 25 to $26.32 today. http://goo.gl/OsBJj4

- Brad Haugaard

A Hansel and Gretel Not for Young Children

Hansel and Gretel by Opera Animata, Dec. 12, 13, 8 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 N. California Ave. An interactive operatic version of Hansel and Gretel. Audiences will travel along with the lost children as they wander the enchanted forest and encounter the gingerbread house of the evil witch! (Not for very young children.) $20, students/seniors $16, children $10. Tickets at OperaAnimata.TicketLeap.com or at the door.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: SUV vs Utility Pole; Skillet vs Husband; Vehicle Burglaries; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 24-30. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Traffic Collision
On November 25 at 1:31 p.m., police received a call reporting a possible rollover traffic collision which impacted a utility pole in the 800 block of East Huntington. Officers arrived and found the female driver of an SUV still in the vehicle and she appeared injured. She was treated by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics and Southern California Edison was called out to attend to the damaged utility pole. Wires from the pole struck a parked vehicle and caused minor damage. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. The officer completed a DMV driver reevaluation form.

Vehicle Burglary
On November 26 at 10:06 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Royal Oaks on the report of a vehicle burglary. Unknown suspect(s) smashed the window of a vehicle parked inside an apartment complex sometime overnight. The suspect(s) stole a backpack containing a laptop computer. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On November 26 at 12:30 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Royal Oaks on a domestic violence incident. A married couple was involved in a heated argument that escalated. The wife struck her husband on the head with a cast iron skillet and threw a flashlight at his face, causing lacerations. The husband was treated at the scene by Monrovia paramedics, but he declined to be taken to a hospital. The wife was arrested for spousal abuse.

Felony Vandalism
On November 27 at 7:59 a.m., a vehicle was reported vandalized in the area of Canyon and Colorado. The victim said his vehicle was parked on the street and unknown suspect(s) broke out his rear window and driver's side window. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On November 27 at 8:14 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Foothill regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in the rear carport of his complex. Overnight, unknown suspect(s) smashed the driver's side rear window to gain entry. The suspect(s) stole an iPod from the center console cup holder and ransacked the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On November 27 at 11:38 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of South Violet regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked their vehicle in the rear carport. The suspect(s) smashed the driver's side rear door window to gain entry and took a backpack that was left in the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle
On November 28 at 11:32 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the area of Bella Vista and Alta Vista regarding a stolen vehicle. The victim parked his vehicle at the location around midnight. When he returned to the vehicle the next day, he discovered the vehicle missing and reported it stolen to police. The vehicle is a 1989 Toyota Camry. The investigation is continuing.

Outstanding Warrants – Suspect Arrested
On November 28 at 1:00 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of West Lemon when he saw a known subject walking in the area. The officer had prior knowledge that the subject had outstanding warrants for his arrest. The officer contacted the subject and confirmed the warrants. He then arrested the subject and took him into custody, where he remained pending his court appearance date.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On November 28 at 3:37 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were on patrol in the area of Fifth and Huntington, when they stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. Upon contacting the driver, they discovered she had two outstanding no-bail warrants for her arrest. The driver gave verbal consent for the officers to search her vehicle. The officers located heroin and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. The driver was also found to have methamphetamine concealed in her clothing.

Monrovia High Robotics Team Blood Drive


The City of Hope and Monrovia High Robotics are out for your blood.

This coming Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Kings And Queens robotics team of Monrovia High will be hosting a blood collection drive for the City of Hope at Monrovia High. The COH Bloodmobile will be located in the main MHS parking lot off Madison Ave, outside the Event Center. This blood drive is being held in conjunction with the county-wide First Tech Challenge robotics competition taking place at the High School on Saturday and Sunday.

City of Hope is critically short of blood for surgery patients. During the holiday season we give gifts to express our love to those closest to us. This year why not also give the most important gift of all to someone you don't even know, the gift of life.

If you would like to reserve your VIP time slot, visit the scheduling site at http://www.idonateblood4hope.org and enter event code MORT. Reservation is not required.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Flash Flood Watch for Monrovia

Flash flood watch for burn areas in LA County. That's us. Monrovia has a burn area from the Madison Fire. http://goo.gl/QlY7Jv

- Brad Haugaard

Gravel Bags Available for Monrovians Below Madison Fire Burn Area

Residents are encouraged to pick-up gravel bags at the Public Works Office at 600 S. Mountain Avenue, Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or at the Monrovia Fire Station, 101 at 141 E. Lime Ave., Monday - Thursday and after hours including Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Gravel to fill the bags is available at 443 Highland Place and 839 Crescent Drive in Monrovia. Residents will need eye protection, gloves and a shovel to scoop gravel into the bags. Source: City of Monrovia press release

Informational Meeting for Those Wanting to Run for Monrovia Municipal Offices

If you are interested in running for public office in Monrovia, for the April 14, 2015 election, there will be a "pre-nomination candidate informational meeting" at 6 p.m., Dec. 22 at the Monrovia Community Center. Nomination papers must be filed between Dec. 22, 2014 and Jan. 16, 2015. Contact City Clerk Alice Atkins for further information: 932-5505 or aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

"I began this candidate information meeting several years ago in an effort to raise awareness about what it means to be a candidate so that people weren’t blind-sided when they came to pull nomination papers," said City Clerk Alice Atkins.  "Hopefully this meeting demystifies the process a bit."

Positions open for the upcoming Monrovia General Municipal Election are: Mayor (2 years), and two Council Member seats (4 years). The meeting is open to anyone interested in running for local government in any city or those who simply want to learn more about the election process.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard