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Tour of Historic Monrovia

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours, and participants will walk eight blocks. $5 per person. Reservations not necessary, just meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues. http://goo.gl/I9gLrc

- Brad Haugaard

Seminar on Essential Oils at Monrovia Library

Make over your Medicine Cabinet with essential oils, Monday, March 7 at 10 a.m. with host Kate Garland. At Monrovia Library. Register here: https://goo.gl/bK3cTg

Monrovia Girls Soccer Loses To Arcadia

Monrovia girls soccer loses to Arcadia, 3-0. http://goo.gl/FGcIRP

- Brad Haugaard

Monty Python Play at Monrovia High

Monty Python's Spamalot, a musical "ripped off from the motion picture, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'" March 3, 4, 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets here: http://www.wildcattheater.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Cost Breakdown for Monrovia to Comply With State Environmental Regulations

Here is a breakdown, from City Manager Oliver Chi, of the cost for Monrovia to comply with the state's storm-water runoff regulations. It's not just Monrovia, by the way, lots of cities are being hit.


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Bond Rating Upgraded; Gold Line Opening Ceremony; A Mural of Books; Author Talk

In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports...

- Standard & Poor, the bond rating agency, has upgraded Monrovia's bonds to AA-, the fourth highest rating and considerably better than the BBB- to BBB+ range the city's bonds were in before. Simply put, this means that if Monrovia needs to borrow money, it can do so at a cheaper interest rate.

- Ribbon cutting March 5 for Monrovia Gold Line Station at 11:30 a.m. for the first day of public train service. Also, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Music, crafts, games, booths, giveaways, food, trackless train rides. Free shuttle between Old Town Monrovia and Station Square. Noon – Live entertainment begins by the band, Person to Person.

- Artist Mike Stilkey is creating a mural in the youth section of the Library of Monrovia-area animals painted on the spines of approximately 3,000 books. The project should take about two weeks. Comment: Nice that books are still useful for something.

- On Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Monrovia Library, author Attica Locke will discuss her third novel, Pleasantville. She also writes for the TV show, Empire.

- Brad Haugaard

Should City Let Bradbury Annex Part of Monrovia?

Land Bradbury wants to annex.

Four parcels of Monrovia land (2.65 acres) are also within the jurisdiction of the Bradbury Estates Community Services District, and the City of Bradbury is wondering if it might annex that land to Bradbury. In his weekly report Chi said the city is analyzing the situation, including any financial impacts to Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Biotech Day in Monrovia

Monrovia Biotech Day April 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Mary Wilcox Youth Center (843 E Olive). Biotech opportunities in Monrovia. Activities for all ages. Sponsored by Boys and Girls Club, Lab Launch, City of Monrovia.

Monrovia Police: Almost Arson; Hit and Run; Car Chase; Beer Theft; Disneyland Ticket Scam; School Vandalism

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 18-21. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Attempted Arson
February 18 at 2:25 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of South Violet regarding an attempted arson. The victim reported he saw a former female roommate outside his residence. He watched her exit her vehicle and walk over to his vehicle. She opened the driver’s door to his vehicle and began pouring gasoline throughout the interior of his vehicle from a red gas can she was carrying. He ran outside and confronted her. As he approached, it appeared she was preparing to toss a lit cigarette into the vehicle, but she saw him and fled to her vehicle. She left the area without lighting the vehicle on fire. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
February 18 at 6:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of South Violet regarding a traffic collision. The victim was unloading her vehicle, which was parked on the street. An unknown vehicle traveling south on Violet struck the left rear door of the parked vehicle and fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Pursuit/Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 3:41 p.m., an officer located a stolen vehicle in the area of Myrtle and Duarte. A pursuit ensued that went from Myrtle to Huntington, east on Huntington, then south on Mountain. The suspect sideswiped a vehicle at the 210 Freeway underpass on Mountain and continued south. The suspect vehicle became blocked by traffic on Mountain at the railroad tracks. Officers blocked the suspect in and approached the vehicle. The suspect would not follow verbal commands and resisted the officers, but was eventually removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.

Warrant/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 8:45 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation at Primrose and Chestnut. The driver was found to have an outstanding warrant. During an inventory search of the vehicle prior to storing it, methamphetamine was found inside.

Traffic Stop/Evading a Police Officer
February 19 at 11:21 p.m., an officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Euclid and Shamrock for a vehicle code violation. The driver fled in the vehicle, heading south on Flagstone, where the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. Both occupants then jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. The passenger appeared to be holding something in his waistband as he ran. A search for the suspects was conducted, but they were not found. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department helicopter assisted at the scene. The vehicle was impounded as it matched the description of a vehicle involved in a recent crime that occurred in Duarte. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft/Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 12:08 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 100 block of west Foothill regarding a shoplifter in custody. The suspect entered the store, concealed bottles of beer on his person, and left the store without paying. The suspect is an active gang member and was in violation of Monrovia’s gang injunction. He was arrested for shoplifting and violation of the court order.

Fraud/Scam – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 2:15 p.m., the victim of fraud called police to report the scam. He reported an ad on Craigslist regarding tickets for sale for Disneyland. The victim said he met with the suspect and bought the tickets, only to find out that they were fraudulent. He had a friend call the suspect requesting to buy additional tickets and they agreed to meet in Monrovia. The victim asked if police could help him recover his money.

Although the first incident did not occur in Monrovia, it was similar to a Monrovia case that occurred earlier that week. An officer was dispatched to the location at the time they agreed to meet and the suspect was detained. The suspect admitted he had taken gift cards from a local grocery store and advertised on Craigslist. He admitted selling three gift cards that were never activated. Two incidents possibly occurred in Monrovia. The first incident occurred in Arcadia, and the victim was advised to file a police report with Arcadia. The suspect also had four outstanding warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 7:05 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting suspects vandalizing a school in the 100 block of West Duarte Road. Two young male subjects were seen by witnesses spray painting a wall at the school. Officers arrived and detained two juveniles near the school. A field show up was conducted with three witnesses. All three witnesses positively identified the suspects. Both suspects were arrested for vandalism and taken into custody. They were booked and released to their parents with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Monrovia Man Killed in Car Crash

A Monrovia man was killed in a car crash with a man who has been arrested on charges of driving while under the influence. The name of the victim has not been released. http://goo.gl/iMUTYc

Update: The victim was Chris Nelson, who leaves behind a wife and four children. A memorial fund has been set up for him: https://goo.gl/CuqFkV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Sailor Honored | Story of Franklin | Ben Hur at First Presbyterian

~ Monrovian Steven Chester won the Sailor of the Day award aboard the USS John C. Stennis. http://goo.gl/JtFgNt

~ School teacher tells the story of how she persuaded Peanuts' cartoonist Charles Shulz to include a black character, Franklin, in the famous comic strip. http://goo.gl/dRxEnl

~ On Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church will present the classic 1925 silent movie, Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ, accompanied by a live pipe organ score by Randy Woltz. Suggested donation is $7. For more information call 358-3297 or email David@fpcmonrovia.org. http://goo.gl/NaJaJF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Agenda

School board agenda for Feb. 24. Big items are agreements with the various contractors fixing Monrovia High after the arson. Fortunately, it appears most of the cost will be covered by insurance. Agenda here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Wants to Control Drones To Keep Bears' Heart Rates Down

Assembly Majority Floor Leader Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced Assembly Bill 2148 to require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop guidelines for the use of drones over public lands managed by the department. His press release says that two years ago drones caused a stampede of bighorn sheep, and that drones have also "caused elevated heart rates in bears."

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Veranda Mediterranean


Lunch recently at Veranda Mediterranean restaurant, at Myrtle and Lime. I got the lunch buffet for $9.95 and an iced tea for $3. I liked the stuffed grape leaves and cucumber salad best and went back for seconds on those. 
  
- Brad Haugaard

A Video Ride on the Gold Line

Take a virtual (video) ride on the new Metro Gold Line train, from Pasadena to Azusa. https://goo.gl/z85pOb

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Maryknoll Sister Dies in New York

Sister Cecile Therese Burton, an educator and social worker who spent time in Monrovia starting in 1999, died after a long illness on Feb. 17, 2016 at Maryknoll Sisters Home Care in New York. She was 91 years old. She moved to Monrovia in 1999 and worked with an adult literacy program, taught piano and mentored at a local middle school to help children improve their reading skills. Source: Press release.

- Brad Haugaard

El Monte Defeats Monrovia Girl's Basketball :-(

Monrovia girls basketball loses to El Monte, 46-41. http://goo.gl/3eNnlw

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mother With Young Child Attacked By Man With Knife

More on mother attacked by knife-wielding assailant as she arrived home at her Monrovia apartment with her two-year-old daughter. http://goo.gl/F7g725



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Stabbed - Unknown Assailant; Hitting and Running; Small Part of Honda Recovered; Car Vs. Tree

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 15-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 63 investigations.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
February 15 at 6:26 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Shamrock and Huntington regarding a hit and run collision that had just occurred. The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling north on Shamrock and is described as a newer-model, dark-colored vehicle, possibly a Camry, driven by a female subject, possibly Hispanic, in her 40's. The vehicle was not located and the investigation continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
February 15 at 7:08 p.m., a second hit and run traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Shamrock and Huntington. The victim reported being struck from behind. The suspect vehicle fled south on Shamrock and was not located. The investigation continuing.

Mail Tampering
February 16 at 9:51 a.m., an incident of mail tampering was reported in the 500 block of Cloverleaf. Various mailboxes were opened by an unknown suspect. It is unknown if any mail was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
February 16 at 9:59 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of East Foothill. The victim’s vehicle was parked to the rear area of the apartment complex. The suspect shattered the vehicles window and stole an iPad that was left inside. The investigation is continuing.

Found License Plate
February 16 at 7:06 p.m., a vehicle license plate was found in the 100 block of North Mountain Avenue in the street. A computer check revealed the license plate belonged to a Honda Accord that had been reported stolen to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department earlier in the day. The Sheriff’s Department was notified.

Missing License Plate
February 16 at 9:07 p.m., a subject reported a Honda Accord parked on the street in the area of Mountain and Ocean View with no rear license plate. The owner of the vehicle was located and had not noticed his plate was missing. He did not know if it fell off or if it had been stolen. This was not the license plate found in the above incident.

Residential Burglary
February 16 at 9:30 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of La Casita Lane called police to report a burglary. An unknown suspect forced entry into her locked garage and stole property from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Lost/Stolen Cell Phone Recovered
February 16 at 10:03 p.m., a juvenile subject told his father that he lost his cell phone at school. The cell phone was tracked to a residence in the 400 block of Almond Avenue. Officers went to the location and eventually recovered the cell phone from a juvenile, who said he was holding it for a friend. The phone was returned to the rightful owner.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 16 at 2:30 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Lotone and Heather Heights when he observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. He immediately noticed signs of intoxication. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence. The suspect was arrested and held for sobering.

Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 17 at 6:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Huntington and Myrtle regarding a solo vehicle traffic collision. The vehicle was reported to have struck a tree. The investigation revealed the driver lost control of his vehicle in the rain and struck the tree. The driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI. The suspect was held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence
February 17 at 8:18 p.m., officers responded to the report of two subjects fighting in the 300 block of West Huntington. The investigation revealed the couple, who are in a dating relationship, were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical. The female sustained an abrasion to her wrist, but refused medical treatment. The suspect was not at the location. The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Murder Investigation
February 17 at approximately 11:00 p.m., a 36-year-old woman arrived at her apartment complex located in the 200 block of South Madison in Monrovia. The victim was carrying groceries and her two-year-old daughter, when she was suddenly attacked from behind by an unknown assailant armed with a knife.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to her face, neck, arms, and back. The victim was taken to a local area hospital, where she underwent surgery for her injuries. She is reported to be in critical condition. The child was not harmed. This crime is being actively investigated and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monrovia Police Department.

Police To Get Training On Mental Illness; Grand Opening of Train Station; Music in Old Town; Sidewalk Survey

In his weekly update, Monrovia City Manager Oliver Chi said ...

- Police Chief Hunt has developed a new four-hour training program for police officers to help them deal with those suffering from a mental illness.

- Another celebration at the train station. At around 11:30 a.m. on March 5 the Metro train will arrive at Monrovia's Station Square, and the city will officially cut the ribbon to open the Monrovia Gold Line Station to the public.

- BMW of Monrovia is paying to extend the Saturday evening music in Old Town through this July.

- There will be a sidewalk condition survey this week in the area bordered on the north by Colorado Boulevard, the south by the 210 Freeway, and on the the east and west by the city boundaries. You'll be able to tell the workers because a lot of 'em will be riding Segways.

- Brad Haugaard