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Dinner at Chipotle


Dinner last night at Chipotle, on Huntington Drive. Got the Barbacoa beef burrito ($7.70) with guacamole ($1.95), and a premium beer ($4.15). I took a few bites so you could see inside. As always, very good.

Monrovia Old Homes Tour Changes Days

The Old Homes Tour put on by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group has been held on Mother's Day for years, but starting in 2016 the tour will be held on the first Sunday in May. http://goo.gl/4TY1MU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Jogger Hit By Car; Stolen Credit Cards; Stolen Vehicles; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 2-4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 436 service events, resulting in 99 investigations.

Traffic Collision
November 2 at 7:45 a.m., a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported at the intersection of Greystone and Encinitas. A vehicle was traveling south on Encinitas and stopped at the intersection stop sign. The driver proceeded to turn left onto eastbound Greystone and struck a jogger that was running north across the intersection. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics treated the victim on scene and she left the location on her own.

Residential Burglary
November 2 at 1:42 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of East Greystone. The resident left the location at approximately 11:00 a.m. and returned at 1:30 p.m. to discover the home had been burglarized. It appears the suspect(s) entered and exited through an open window. The loss was jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 6:55 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of Huntington Drive on the report of a fire alarm activation where the occupant of the affected room was refusing to leave. Officers contacted the subject and a computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Possession of Marijuana/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 12:21 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of east Cherry when she noticed a vehicle with paper plates with no temporary registration in the front windshield. The officer stopped and contacted the occupants of the vehicle. A computer check of the subjects revealed one of the passengers had an outstanding arrest warrant. During a pat-down search of the subject, a pill bottle was found in his pocket which contained marijuana. The subject was arrested for the warrant and possession of marijuana. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 6:48 a.m., police received a call reporting a female driving erratically in the 100 block of East Foothill. Police responded and located the vehicle with the driver asleep behind the wheel. She was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
November 3 at 1:02 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of West Palm. The vehicle was parked on the street and was stolen sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The vehicle is a green Honda Prelude. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud/Stolen Credit Card/Stolen Personal Information – Suspects Arrested
November 3 at 1:38 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding a stolen credit card that was used to rent a room. As officers arrived, the suspects were trying to leave the area. The suspects were detained, and during the investigation, it was discovered that the suspects had a notebook with additional credit card numbers and personal information of potential victims. One suspect was arrested for providing false information, and one suspect admitted to using a stolen credit card and someone else's personal information. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 3 at 6:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of California and Cypress on the report of an injury traffic collision. A vehicle pulled out in front of another causing the collision. One of the passengers was taken to the hospital for complaint of pain to her head.

Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 7:28 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of South Alta Vista regarding a subject at the location refusing to leave. The suspect is the estranged wife of the resident and she had knowledge of an Emergency Protective Order filed against her to stay away from the location. The officer arrived, located the suspect on the property and detained her. Investigation revealed a valid Emergency Protective Order was in place and the suspect was arrested for violating the court order. She was held pending her court appearance.

Grand Theft Auto
November 4 at 9:20 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1200 block of Los Robles. The vehicle is a black, 2013 Mini Cooper, and the vehicle was stolen from the street sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing.

Filming The Conjuring 2 in Monrovia

Filming near the corner of Hillcrest and Primrose. I asked a guard who said it is The Conjuring 2, a horror flick. http://goo.gl/PPoZ6J

- Brad Haugaard

Art Exhibit at Monrovia's Saga Fine Art | Hairspray Play


~ W. Jason Situ Solo Exhibition at Saga Fine Art, 110 West Lime, Nov. 3-27. Reception 5-7 pm Saturday, Nov. 7. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 1-6 p.m.

~ Monrovia's Taylor Performing Arts Center will present the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray on Dec. 4, 5, and 6 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at the Performing Arts Center (aka Monrovia High auditorium). Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 4 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/m2qr14

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Boutique in Old Town Monrovia

Holiday Boutique Nov. 15 at Paint n Play, 418 S. Myrtle Ave. in Old Town. Presented by BossBabes. Handbags, cosmetics and skincare products, jewelry, art, clothing, linen and home goods, floral arrangements, pet blankets, etc. Proceeds benefit Holdin' Hands, Helpin Hearts Program, Indonesian relief efforts, Younique Foundation for Sexual Abuse Victims. #shopmonroviabossbabes

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 11 | Montgomery Wins Another Term

~ Veterans Day celebration in Library Park, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. http://goo.gl/Ev4LFg

~ Incumbent Joanne Montgomery has won another term on the Citrus Community College board. http://goo.gl/nrELeh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports Net Loss Because of Research and Development

Xencor reports:

"Net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015 was $10.0 million, or $(0.25) on a fully diluted per share basis, compared to a net loss of $6.3 million or $(0.20) on a fully diluted per share basis, for the same period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net loss was $25.3 million, or $(0.66) on a fully diluted per share basis, compared to a net loss of $15.1 million, or $(0.48) on a fully diluted per share basis for the same period in 2014. The increased loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 over the same periods in 2014 is due to increased spending in both the research and development and general and administrative areas and the increase in stock based compensation charges." http://goo.gl/altRsH

- Brad Haugaard

Waterwise Plant Fair

Waterwise plant fair at Library Park Nov. 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. smart irrigation, compost, vendors. Composting workshop from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Details: http://goo.gl/mpExlN

- Brad Haugaard

Police Vs. Fire; Christmas Tree Lighting; Holiday Home Contest; Banner Poles; Etc.

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/rrnEvT ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

- Monrovia Police and Fire departments will square off in a volleyball fundraiser match to raise money for the Monrovia High School Girls' Volleyball Team on Nov. 5 at 5:40 p.m. at Monrovia Hig's Event Center. $5 at the door. Food tasting afterwards, for $15.

- the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade will be on Thursday, Dec. 3 beginning at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle. Grand Marshal is Monrovian Chuck Keen, who has dedicated his life to support local veterans and military personnel.

- Holiday Home Decorating Contest applications will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov.r 17 at the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) or at www.cityofmonrovia.org. Contest judging on Monday, Dec. 14. For details call the Department of Public Services at 256-8246.

- the city is installing new banner poles at the northern entrance of Old Town, on Myrtle just south of Foothill. The previous banner poles were damaged in the windstorm. A new concrete footing has been poured and the new banner poles should be ready for use by Nov. 18.

- the city and school district are working to have a permanent crossing guard at Santa Fe Middle School.

- fourteen people have completed Monrovia Area Partnership's Adult Leadership Academy. They'll be introduced to the City Council tonight.

- Assembly Member Chris Holden is looking for local nominees for "Unsung Hero" from the Civil Rights Era for Black History Month (February). For more information, contact Gerald Phillips at Gerald.Phillips@asm.ca.gov

- Brad Haugaard

Help Monrovia's Unity Center With Thanksgiving Food | Voting Day

~ Foothill Unity Center will be helping with Thanksgiving for many local families. You can help by donating: turkeys, grocery gift cards, green beans, mac and cheese, stuffing, dinner rolls, and pies (apple, cherry, pecan, and pumpkin). Donated food items may be dropped off at 415 West Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia. Phone: 358-3486

~ Voting day today. Joanne Montgomery vs. Gary L. Woods. They're running for Citrus College Board of Trustees.

- Brad Haugaard

Wrecking Yard Fire in Monrovia

A fire broke out in a car wrecking yard in the 2400 block of Citrus View Avenue in unincorporated Monrovia near Duarte. http://goo.gl/jv0Pbk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Didn't Know He'd Hit a Car; Wife Hits Husband in Face; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle
October 29 at 12:55 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a dealership located in the 1300 block of South Mountain. The vehicle was discovered missing during an inventory at the dealership. Both the vehicle and keys were missing. When the vehicle identification number was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database, it showed the license plates from the vehicle were recovered on July 9, 2015, in Baldwin Park. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 7:01 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 800 block of East Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred. The suspect entered the business, selected several bottles of expensive men's cologne and fled without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was confronted outside the store by the loss prevention agent, and he dropped the cologne and fled on foot, followed by the loss prevention agent. Containment of the area was established, and the suspect was located hiding in a backyard in the 500 block of Maple Avenue. He was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect claimed to be having chest pains and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was later issued a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 10:03 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of East Foothill on the report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. A witness reported that the driver of the vehicle was driving very slowly and when she stopped the vehicle and exited the car, she had no clothing on from the waist down. She entered the vehicle again and drove off south on Mountain. Officers located the vehicle in the 800 block of East Huntington and the investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period. She was later released with a citation to appear in court on the DUI charges.

Mountain Lion Sighting
October 29 at 11:36 p.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Scenic on the report of a mountain lion sighted. The officers located the animal in the front yard of a residence in the 100 block of East Scenic, lying in the grass. The Department of Fish and Game was contacted, but had no one available to respond. They recommended the officers use a beanbag round to encourage the mountain lion back into the hills. One beanbag round was deployed and the animal fled into the hills.

Transporting Marijuana/Unlicensed Driver – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 7:44 p.m., an officer stopped a motorist he knew was unlicensed from prior contacts. The investigation revealed the motorist was also transporting marijuana. The motorist was arrested for the above violations and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 8:08 p.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and Myrtle regarding a bus driver being assaulted by a passenger. Upon arrival, there was no evidence found of a crime; however, one of the involved parties had an outstanding warrant issued for his arrest by the Glendale Police Department. The suspect was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. Glendale Police Department was notified and officers responded to take custody of suspect.

Residential Burglary
October 30 at 8:40 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 500 block of Alta Vista. Unknown suspects entered the victim's detached garage and stole music equipment. The victim believes he left the pedestrian door on the side of his garage open when the burglary occurred. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 3:16 a.m., a motorist was stopped in the 200 block of West Huntington for unsafe speed. The investigation revealed the motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol. The motorist admitted to drinking beer at a park prior to being stopped by the police. He was arrested, taken into custody and held for sobering. He was later released on a citation to appear in court.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 31 at 3:25 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting an injury traffic collision in the area of California and Evergreen. A vehicle made a left turn into the path of another vehicle. One of the drivers complained of wrist pain.

Grand Theft Auto
November 1 at 8:41 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the street in the area of Monterey and Olive. The vehicle stolen was a white, 1997 Honda Accord. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 1 at 10:50 a.m., an officer in the area of Violet and Lime located a stolen vehicle left abandoned on the street. The vehicle recovered was a Maroon, 1995 Acura. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 1 at 12:55 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the street in the 400 block of West Lime. The vehicle stolen was a black, 1997 Honda. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
November 1 at 3:30 p.m., a resident called to report a vandalism in the 1200 block of Mayflower. Mailboxes were vandalized between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 1 at 7:03 p.m., a driver was heading west on Huntington when a vehicle turned in front of her, striking her vehicle. She was able to obtain a plate number, which returned to a Monrovia resident. Officers went to the residence and determined an elderly male was driving the other vehicle involved, but he did not realize that he had struck the other vehicle. No criminal charges will be filed.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 10:57 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of North Alta Vista regarding a domestic violence incident. A male adult called to report his wife had struck him in the face during an argument. The wife was arrested and taken into custody.

Rain Today for Monrovia?

60% chance of rain this afternoon. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over South Pas :-) | Community Prayer Breakfast

~ Monrovia over South Pasadena, 49-7. In second place in the Rio Hondo League. http://goo.gl/lLiGZD

~ 50th Community Prayer Breakfast, "Hope, Healing and Restoration," with Rev. Neil Tadken, St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Friday, Nov. 20 at 8 a.m. at Doubletree Monrovia, 924 W. Huntington Drive. $30 per person. RSVP to 358-1159.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council To Consider: Converting Community Center To Housing And 4th Dimension to Community Center; Extending Moratorium; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/v2lpxa ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

- Consider hiring The Hale Corporation to see if it makes sense to convert the current 4th Dimension pool hall on Myrtle into a subdivided building that would house a new Community Center, as well as a restaurant and retail space, and then redevelop the existing Community Center into residential housing. http://goo.gl/WdQ1n5

- Consider extending for a year an existing moratorium prohibiting the demolition of any main building built before Jan 1, 1940, and prohibiting the issuance of building permits to construct new residential dwellings or substantial additions to residential dwellings and accessory structures. http://goo.gl/A8QP2m

- Consider spending $89,000 to upgrade the audio and visual systems for city hall. http://goo.gl/qHvFdl

- Honor graduates of Monrovia Area Partnership Leadership Academy at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. the California Conservation Corps and Monrovia Historical Museum Curator Mark Still.

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Funds Local Grant Program

Fellowship Monrovia plans to announce grant recipients for local aid projects in the next few weeks. The church's local grant program already supports various projects, including a community garden, a project for special needs children, and a project to help low-income families in Duarte. http://goo.gl/rpcTF3

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at MoonCat's


Had dinner last night at MoonCat's, just east of Myrtle on Lime. It's a tidy little Japanese restaurant. I got the Tekka (tuna) Bowl for $18 and a beer for $4. Friendly server and food was tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's World Vision Begins Second Phase of Nepal Relief Work

Since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake stuck Nepal in late April, Monrovia's Christian relief and development agency, World Vision, has reached more than 229,000 people with food and non-food items. In November World Vision will begin the recovery phase, scaling up operations to help the people of Nepal build back better, building resilience and restoring safety for earthquake-affected children and their communities. http://goo.gl/gEIh5s

- Brad Haugaard

Metallic Balloon Power Outage in Monrovia

SoCal Edison reports an outage affecting 44 Monrovia customers, caused by metallic balloons getting in its equipment. The map indicates the outage is between Mayflower and Alta Vista just north of Foothill. The company hopes to have things fixed by 7 p.m. today. https://goo.gl/lDLrx7

- Brad Haugaard