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Will Monrovia's Calvary Chapel Move to Myrtle?

I heard that Calvary Chapel Monrovia - which used to be on Evergreen, just south of the freeway - may move in to the 4th Dimension space on Myrtle. The church had to move to Duarte because the space it was renting is being developed as part of the project surrounding the new Monrovia train station.

My source says that the church is in escrow for the property, though City Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez tells me that while he is aware that the church has been interested in the site, nothing has yet been filed with the city. I called the church office and left a message. I'll update if I get an answer.

- Brad Haugaard

Interview with Monrovian Who Tracked Down His $10,000 Stolen Watch | Black History Presentation at Library

~ A video interview with the Monrovia man who recovered his stolen $10,000 watch. http://goo.gl/sY7Q8S

~ A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture - program and luncheon at Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2-4 p.m. Speakers: Dr. Wilma Ellis Kazemzadeh, Hope Demetriades, Professor Lua Kamal Yuille. Entertainment.

- Brad Haugaard

Homebrew Shop Opens in Monrovia

If you are into brewing your own beer, today (Tuesday) is the grand opening of the Monrovia Homebrew Shop. Open to 7 p.m. 28 varieties of hops. At 1945 S. Myrtle. Thanks to Brad Hori.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Samson Bear Statue Loses His Head

The wooden statue of Samson, Monrovia's famous hot tub bear, in front of the nature center in Canyon Park, has broken. The head broke off. Picture at Gem City Images: http://goo.gl/ETw0WV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglary While Resident Sleeping; Biting Her Aunt; Drunk and Violent After Super Bowl

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 29 – February 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Residential Burglary
January 29 at 6:04 a.m., a residential burglary was reported at a residence in the 500 block of East Colorado. An unknown suspect entered a residence through an unlocked front door while the resident was sleeping upstairs in his home. The suspect entered the home and took a black briefcase with the victim's checkbooks inside and cash from the victim’s wallet. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 29 at 5:21 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Cloverleaf regarding the report of a burglary. The victim left his home at 600 a.m. to go to work. He returned home after work and discovered his front door had been forced open, breaking the door frame. The suspect did not take anything from the home for unknown reasons; however, evidence shows the suspect had gained entry inside the home. The investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
January 29 at 5:35 p.m., police responded to the report of a fight in progress at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle. When the officers arrived, they found there was no fight occurring. They found a male subject who was too intoxicated to stand up on his own that was causing a disturbance. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and was taken into custody and held for sobering.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 4:26 a.m., police received a call reporting a suspicious subject in the area of Myrtle and Greystone Avenue. Officers arrived and located the subject. During their contact with the individual and after investigation, they determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 4:49 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Violet regarding the report of a battery that just occurred. A 22-year-old female was arguing with her aunt because she would not give her a ride to see her boyfriend. The argument escalated, and the 22-year-old niece began knocking over furniture and throwing her aunt’s belongings around her bedroom. The aunt attempted to hold the suspect to stop her from throwing things and was attacked by her niece. The suspect bit her on the arm and scratched her. The suspect then fled from the residence and the aunt called the police. The suspect was located a short distance away and arrested for battery.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 11:56 p.m., officers responded to an apartment in the 700 block of South Myrtle on the report of a domestic violence incident that had just occurred. The suspect had fled the apartment after hitting and pushing his wife. He had come home intoxicated from a Super Bowl party. The victim sustained minor visible injuries which did not require medical attention. The suspect was later apprehended and arrested for felony domestic violence.

Swap Veggies in Monrovia | Evangelistic Seminar at All Nations Church

~ Produce in the Park veggie-sharing this Saturday, February 7, 9-11 a.m. in the southeast corner of Library Park (at Lime and Myrtle).

~ A "Wi-Fi Connection Seminar" will be held at All Nations Seventh Day Adventist Church at 1948 Peck Road in Monrovia on Feb. 20, 21, and 22. Evangelist David Fernandez will speak. http://goo.gl/ImtJyC

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mom Does, Uh, Dancer-Pull Ups

Marisa Inda, Monrovia mom and physical trainer (who likes lifting heavy weights), combines pull-ups with dance and music. Impressive. Here's a clip of her on the Ellen DeGeneres show: http://goo.gl/iHOK7Y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man Tracks Down Suspect in Theft of His $10,000 Watch

Report from Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez:

"On February 28, 2014, a Monrovia Resident went to exercise at a gym in Pasadena.  The victim secured his personal property in the gym lockers provided.  When he completed his workout, the victim discovered that his locker had been broken into and his property had been stolen (Panerai Men’s Watch, approximate value, 10,000). The victim began monitoring the internet believing that his watch may appear.  In January 2015, the victim saw a watch for bid that he believed was his (based on distinctive markings).  The victim began communicating with the person who was attempting to sell the watch. The victim then contacted Pasadena Police Detective James Riehl, who immediately started to investigate the case.

"Following a comprehensive investigation, James identified a possible suspect.  He contacted the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force (SGVACTF), who began communication with the suspect. SGVACTF detectives arranged a meeting with the suspect, who identified himself as Brandan Rodriguez, a Male Hispanic, 25 years old, from Thousand Oaks. When Rodriguez arrived at the meeting location, he presented the watch to a Pasadena Undercover officer. Rodriguez was immediately taken into custody without incident.  Detective Riehl also discovered that other items were sold from Rodriguez’s on-line account.  James is working with the Postal Inspector to determine if other crimes were committed.    This was a great arrest, which was made through a coordinated effort with the WSGVTask Force."

- Brad Haugaard

Clifford DeCosta Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council


Clifford DeCosta Candidate for City Council, Monrovia

Who has the time, interest and experience to serve Monrovia?
Clifford DeCosta for City Council - Here’s how…

As a banker, I dedicated 16 years to a national bank, starting as a note teller then quickly moved up to the special assets department where I handled international loans, supervised bankruptcy and foreclosures, specializing in forbearance plans. Eventually, I was promoted to real estate officer.

The next 20 years were devoted to the California State Department of Corrections where I served as a peace officer, sergeant, and correctional counselor. I screened individuals for mandated educational and drug rehabilitation programs, along with work furlough and mother-infant programs. I recruited for the camp program, which trains teams to fight wildfires to preserve our state forests and wildlife.

Now, in retirement, I have the time to serve my fellow Monrovians with my life lessons and experiences. I’m convinced I want the same things that most of my neighbors want:
  • Safe schools with a pipeline from high school to college (instead of prison)
  • The best health care
  • Safe clean parks to enjoy and relax with friends and family
  • Regularly maintained streets, sidewalks, trees, and street lights to reflect our community pride
  • A well staffed police force, fire department, and maintenance crew, to give us the security that our city cares for us as much as we care for our community

I especially want our local businesses to prosper with the addition of the Gold Line and family street fairs.

As you can see, I am not afraid of commitment:
  • 16 years in banking
  • 20 years in law enforcement
  • 35 years living in Monrovia
  • 41 years of marriage

Who can commit and serve Monrovia full time?
I can.

decosta4citycouncil@gmail.com



Monrovia High Wildcat Newspaper Online

The latest Monrovia High Wildcat newspaper is now online: http://goo.gl/RMI14o

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Red Lobster



Lunch at Red Lobster, on Huntington near Arcadia. Got the Hand Battered Fish and Chips for $9.79 and an iced tea for $2.69. Came with biscuits. "Fish" can be plural or singular, and in this case it is singular. One fish but BIG. Tasty. 
- Brad Haugaard 

Astronomy Tonight at Monrovia's Bradoaks School | Rain 60%

~ Astronomy Night tonight, 6-9 p.m., at the Bradoaks School field (south side of Lemon just east of Mountain), hosted by Gate students, who will have drinks and snacks for sale.

~ Chance of rain today up to 60%. http://goo.gl/SLvQTX

- Brad Haugaard

Jewish Federation Open House Coming Up

The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley will hold an Open House Sunday at its new office at 114A W. Lime Ave., February 8, from from 2-5 p.m.

There will also be a phone-a-thon to give Jews in the area an opportunity to make a gift to the Federation to support its programs and services, such as the Jewish Book Festival, Cultural Arts program, Camp Gan Shalom, etc.

Also, the federation will host a rotating art installation of local Jewish artisans. The first is Karen Hochman Brown who makes mandala-like works that begin with photographs that she then spins and adorns into colorful digital prints mounted on aluminum. For more information, contact the Jewish Federation at 626.445.0810 or federation@jewishsgpv.org

- Brad Haugaard

Mandarin in Monrovia | Third Anniversary | Rain? | Black History Display

~ Monrovia School District is providing a Mandarin language immersion program for children to learn to speak, read and write the language. At Plymouth School, 1300 Boley Street. Contact Principal Suzanne Heck for details: 471-2400.

~ Fellowship Monrovia is planning a big party for its third year anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 31 at its 401 E. Huntington building.

~ Forty percent chance of rain in Monrovia tomorrow (Friday): http://goo.gl/S6IWg0

~ Monrovia Library has put up a Black History Month display in its lobby - books and a post-it wall.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Returning Stolen Headphones | Not Stolen, Drunk

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 26-28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 380 service events, resulting in 58 investigations. 

Fraud - Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 12:58 p.m., police received a call from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington, reporting a suspect at their front counter who was attempting to return items with a stolen credit card. The suspect had purchased $800 worth of headphones the previous day, using false identification and a stolen credit card. Store employees realized the credit card was stolen after the purchase was made and the suspect had left the store. The suspect had now returned to the store and was attempting to return the headphones for cash. Employees recognized the suspect and called police. Officers arrived at the location and detained the suspect without incident. The suspect was still in possession of the fictitious identification and credit cards. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for fraud charges. After further investigation, it was learned that this suspect had charged over $100,000 in stolen merchandise throughout the San Gabriel Valley. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 8:29 p.m., a female subject called police to report her car was stolen from the 400 block of South Myrtle. An officer was dispatched to the location and he contacted the subject. While he was speaking with her, he noticed signs of intoxication. The officer located the subject’s vehicle on Myrtle, just north of where they were standing. A computer check of the subject revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest; she was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. 

Monrovia's Myrtle Avenue- Not Named After a Tree


You thought maybe Myrtle Avenue was named after a tree, as many Monrovia streets are named after trees or flowers? Not so. It was named after our founder's eldest daughter, Myrtle Monroe, according to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's latest newsletter. Thanks to MOHPG for this photo of Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

History of Monrovia's Big M

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's latest newsletter has an interesting article on the big M on the hills above town.

The M is 60 feet by 80 feet and was built by the Monrovia High class of 1952. Merchants and community groups donated 500 feet of redwood 2x4s, 25 tons of crushed rock, 500 feet of steel electri- cal conduit, electrical fixtures, and paint. It was later made of concrete to be more permanent. The letter was lit when the school competed and if the football team won, the legs of the M could be dimmed so that only the V, for "victory" showed. It was restored by the MHS Class of 1982, and in 1995 the Monrovia Fire Department Explorers spent two Saturdays clearing weeds and giving the M a fresh coat of paint.

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Church | PTSA Fundraiser

~ A new church has started in Monrovia. Resonate Covenant Church is meeting at 4:30 p.m. at 1307 S. Myrtle, at the corner of Cherry (apparently in the same building occupied by LifeChurch, which meets earlier in the day). It is holding a series of preview services, next  on February 8. http://goo.gl/eiQIn3

~ Fundraiser for Monrovia High's Parent Teacher Student Association Thursday, Jan. 29, 3-9 p.m. at Paco's Mexican Restaurant, 200 E Foothill, Arcadia. PTSA gets 10% of all dine-in and take-out proceeds (alcohol not included). No flyer or coupon necessary.

- Brad Haugaard

Planning for Suicide Prevention at Monrovia Community Center

Planning meeting for suicide prevention campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center. Details: http://goo.gl/YKX6Og

- Brad Haugaard

Filming on Myrtle, and in North Monrovia

Diane Delmatoff, of the Monrovia Community Development Department, reports that:

"There will be a filming in Old Town on Monday, February 2nd in front of London Gastropub. It is for an insurance commercial. They will be dressing the scene beginning at noon and will be using a couple of parking spaces. Then at 5:00 PM Myrtle Avenue will be completely closed between Lemon and Lime. Lemon and Lime will still be open. The block will reopen at 7:00 AM. And just in case you see a camera car drive down Myrtle sometime before 5:00 PM, that is for a different filming. There has been a feature film (The Other) being filmed in North Monrovia for a couple of weeks now and they are going to get some footage of our beautiful downtown (all with the flow of traffic)."

- Brad Haugaard