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Monrovia OSH Store Holding Grand Opening Saturday, Aug. 13

Monrovia's new Orchard Supply Hardware (725 West Huntington, at the corner of Monterey) will hold a grand opening celebration beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 13. The store will offer $25 gift cards to the first 100 adults in line, followed by Enter-to-Win giveaways, a live DJ, weekend-long promotions and tons of savings on thousands of products. Source: OSH press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Congresswoman Judy Chu - An Amazing Stock Picker

The economics blog, ZeroHedge.com, notes ( http://goo.gl/JeJKlP ) that Judy Chu, one of the two congresswomen who represent Monrovia, is a prolific and amazingly successful market trader, buying numerous "calls" and "puts" in amounts in the range of $1,000-$15,000 per trade and growing her net worth (apparently by the trades, the article speculates) from less than $100,000 in 2008 to more than $3 million by 2014.

Comment: Calls and puts, if I understand correctly, are not stock or bond ownership, but essentially bets that the value of an investment will either go up (calls) or down (puts). Investing books I've read say such financial mechanisms are extremely risky, so I wouldn't try to emulate the congresswoman's success.

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Cafe at Monrovia Street Fair, Mountain/Duarte Intersection, eLibrary, Etc.

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

~ Raw Inspiration, which will be running the Friday night street fair starting August 19, will add a pet cafe area where you can drop off your dog or hang out with other dog owners. Also adding meat, fish, and flower vendors, and special kids activities the first Friday of each month.

~ After discussions with Metro, northbound traffic on Mountain Avenue will be able to turn right at Duarte Road on most red lights, except when a pedestrian is crossing Duarte.

~ You can now access movies, e-magazines and e-books on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You just need a library card. Start here: https://monrovia.biblionix.com/catalog/

~ Monrovia has sent Fire Engine 101 and four personnel to assist with the fire fight in Big Sur.

~ The library will establish a Veterans Resource Center with a state grant of $9,725. The money will be used for materials, equipment and display items, and for event programming and training for volunteers and staff.

~ New stop signs will be installed on August 8 at the Mayflower Avenue and Evergreen/Diamond intersection, just south of the 210.

~ Monrovia-based Los Angeles News Group (owner of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Pasadena Star-News) has changed its name from Los Angeles News Group (LANG) to Southern California News Group (SCNG) after recently acquiring the Orange County Register and the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Meet the Monrovia Police Tuesday Night, Library Park

Meet the police at National Night Out, from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, August 2, in Library Park. Free food and music. Learn why the men and women behind the badge chose this profession and what they are doing to keep Monrovia safe. Details: http://goo.gl/HCCsRE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Now: Stolen Packages; Police Chase Motorcyclist, Rear-End It; Wife Arrested for Scratching; Taxi Escape; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 28-31. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto
July 28 at 10:44 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Foothill. The victim parked and locked the vehicle in front of her apartment complex. When she returned to the vehicle in the morning, it was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Theft of a Package
July 28 at 1:26 p.m., a resident from the 100 block of N. Primrose Avenue called police to report the theft of a package from her property. The resident had purchased radios and had them delivered to her home. She received notification that the package was delivered, but when she arrived home, the package was missing. The empty packaging the delivery came in was found a short distance away. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 28 at 6:41 p.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious female subject loitering behind homes in the 200 block of W. Cypress. Officers arrived and located the female subject. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Stolen Checks / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 12:04 a.m., officers were on patrol, heading south on California, when a motorcycle passed them, traveling north on California at a high rate of speed. The officers made a u-turn and drove after the motorcyclist to stop him. A short pursuit ensued onto the 210 Freeway. The motorcyclist exited the freeway at Irwindale Avenue and drove into a gas station at Irwindale Avenue and Foothill. The suspect then exited onto Foothill to make a left turn, but did not see a raised island in the middle of the street. The motorcyclist slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting the island, causing the police car, which was behind him, to collide into his rear tire. The motorcycle toppled over and the suspect ran north, across Foothill. The officers gave chase and apprehended him as he attempted to jump over a wall into a rock quarry. The suspect was found to have a suspended license, warrants for his arrest, stolen checks, and he was driving under the influence of drugs. He was taken to a hospital for a minor cut and complaint of pain to his shoulder, then booked for several felony and misdemeanor charges, as well as the outstanding warrants.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 2:30 p.m., a parking control officer was issuing a citation to a parked vehicle and found a person with an outstanding warrant came back after checking the vehicle registration. Officers arrived, located the subject associated with the vehicle, confirmed the warrant and took him into custody. The subject was later issued a citation to appear in court.

Mailbox Tampering
July 30 at 7:00 a.m., an incident of mailbox tampering was reported at an apartment complex in the 300 block of Genoa Avenue. Sometime between midnight and 7:00 a.m., someone pried open the door to the apartment mailbox. No loss could be substantiated at the time of the report. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 30 at 7:58 a.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the subject on the bike and, during the investigation, a syringe was found on his person. The subject was arrested and later issued a citation to appear in court.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 30 at 8:31 p.m., an incident of domestic violence was reported in the 1100 block of Sesmas Street. A male subject called police to report his wife was intoxicated and was damaging his property. Officers arrived and learned the wife had slapped and scratched her husband, causing injuries. The wife was arrested for domestic violence and the case will be submitted to the District Attorney's office for filing.

Fight in Progress – Suspects Arrested
August 1 at 3:02 a.m., police responded to the report of a fight in progress involving five to six subjects in the 100 block of W. Duarte Road. The subjects had fled the area, several of them in a taxi. An officer located the taxi turning south on Shamrock from Duarte. Several subjects were in the taxi that had been involved in the fight. One subject, who was the victim of battery during the fight, was taken to the hospital for treatment; one was taken into custody for possession of narcotics; and a third subject was arrested for an outstanding warrant. The suspects who committed the battery were not found. The investigation is continuing.

Scout Project to Help Bradoaks School; Disney Movie; Vacation Bible School

~ Blake Minett, Eagle Scout candidate, has a project to update Bradoaks Elementary School's emergency safety buckets with all new supplies. If you'd like to contribute to his Eagle Scout project, you can do so here: https://goo.gl/uXtgdL

~ Walt Disney's animated musical, The Jungle Book (1967), on Saturday, August 27 at 10 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. For free tickets call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Light refreshments, aging resources available.

~ Jesus as Light of the World is the theme of a free Vacation Bible School at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia. Classes Monday through Friday, August 8-12, from 7 to 8:25 p.m., taught by the church's Assistant Pastor, the Rev. Nathan Biornstad. For children ages 4-10.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: New Zoning Rules; Bartlett Mosaic Finalists; Land to Bradbury; Etc.

At the Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/kwd0An ), the council will ...

~ Hold a public hearing and consider adopting proposed modifications to the zoning code to make construction compatible with neighborhoods. A lot of detail here: http://goo.gl/u5NA7N

~ Consider giving a $500 stipend to four finalist artists who are proposing to do the Bob Bartlett Memorial Mosaic at the train station. Finalists are: Cha-Rie Tang & Gerda Govine, Katherine England, Dawn Mendelson, Carole Choucair Queija. http://goo.gl/uH0FZq

~ Consider Bradbury's request to annex 2.65 acres of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/m8syby

~ Consider opposing Governor Brown's Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016 (Proposition 57), which "attempts to reform the prison sentencing system by proposing to allow the early release of 'non-violent' felons that meet certain eligibility requirements." However, the staff report says the definition of "non-violent" includes drive-by shootings and assault with a deadly weapon. http://goo.gl/scBhQl

~ Replacing police rifles and "less-than-lethal" shotguns for $42,066.26. http://goo.gl/S76K3l

~ Consider creating a partnership with other local cities and agencies to deal with storm water clean-up requirements. http://goo.gl/KvoQPi

- Brad Haugaard

Hotel Coming to Southwest Corner of Myrtle and Huntington?

A possible buyer for the property at the southwest corner of Huntington and Myrtle wants to build a hotel on the site. At the Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. meeting of the "Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency" (the City Council wearing a different hat), the city will consider selling the property to Tharaldson Hospitality Development for $2.8 million. Details: http://goo.gl/HyOfQG

- Brad Haugaard

Walking Tour of Old Town Monrovia

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, August 6, at 10 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours, and participants will be walking a total of 8 city blocks during that time. Cost is $5 per person, and reservations are not necessary. Meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Roomie Arrested After Argument Over Cell Phone; Shoplifting; Drugs; Bad Getaway

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 25-27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 473 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered – Suspect Arrested
July 25 at 3:00 p.m., officers were advised of a stolen vehicle possibly traveling north on Myrtle. An officer in the area saw the vehicle near Myrtle and Lime. He confirmed the plate, which showed it was reported stolen to Signal Hill Police Department. Officers stopped the vehicle in the 200 block of N. Alta Vista and arrested the female driver. The suspect was also found to have warrants for her arrest, which were added to her charges.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 26 at 10:29 a.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifter that left the store without paying. The suspect was last seen getting on a public transit bus headed west on Huntington Drive. Officers stopped the bus in Arcadia and learned the suspect had exited at the prior stop. The officers returned to the prior stop and searched the area. The suspect was detained by an officer. He was positively identified and arrested. The stolen property was recovered outside of the store during the course of the investigation.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Warrant – Suspects Arrested
July 26 at 11:06 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 100 block of W. Walnut and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. There were two female subjects in the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the driver was found to have a warrant for her arrest. The passenger admitted to having methamphetamine concealed on her person and drug paraphernalia was located in the side door of the vehicle. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 12:42 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Walnut regarding the report of a battery incident. The victim lives at a group facility in the 200 block of W. Colorado. He reported that his roommate accused him of taking his cell phone. When the victim denied taking the cell phone, the roommate started hitting the victim. The victim ran from the location and called the police. Officers responded to the residence, where the victim placed the roommate under private person's arrest. The roommate was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 4:54 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifter. The suspect left the store with merchandise without paying. An officer arrived, located the suspect and a short foot pursuit occurred. The suspect was apprehended and arrested. The stolen property was recovered.

Night of Lamenting Evil in the World at Fellowship Monrovia

Fellowship Monrovia will hold a "Night of Lamenting" for the evil and destruction that have dominated the news lately. The meeting will be held this Thursday, July 28, at 7 p.m. in the church's Fellowship Center at 401 E. Huntington Drive in Monrovia. Details: http://goo.gl/c8GZGZ

- Brad Haugaard

Seminars for Youth and Adults to Become Monrovia Leaders

Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) is offering two leadership programs coming this fall for those who would like to be involved in the Monrovia community, one for adults and one for youth. Here are the details on how to participate from Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator Ariel Tolefree-Williams:

Adult: The Leadership Academy provides a foundation of knowledge to jump-start and sustain residents' service in the community. After the Academy, graduates become part of an ever-growing network of community leaders. Get more information and apply now here: http://goo.gl/Cce6vc

Youth: The Youth Leadership Academy is designed specifically to help youth learn, develop and grow so they, in turn, can take active roles in the health of their community. Get more information and apply now! http://goo.gl/a7ApIl

- Brad Haugaard

Buses - Not Best Getaway Vehicles

Man tries to catch a bus to make his escape with vacuum cleaner stolen from Monrovia store. http://goo.gl/K0vg7g

- Brad Haugaard

Details For Monrovia's Zip Code Day Coming Together



Nancy Bond, who has been organizing Monrovia's Zip Code Day (9/10/16), reports that the event will be held in Library Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 9/10/16, of course. (Sept. 10, 2016, if you haven't had your coffee yet.) She reports that there will be games, a dunk tank, snow cones, kid's art activities and fun hand-outs. Also, a Hot Rod Show is being held on the same day, so Myrtle will be closed to traffic and filled with old cars. Plus, there will be an online store "where people can pre-order their Celebrate Monrovia T-shirts, hats, cups, and other commemorative items" for this once-in-a-lifetime event. More details to come soon. Local organizations that would like to have a booth at the event can email Korrine Ramirez at kr@monroviacc.com or call her at the Monrovia Chamber Office at 358-1159.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia: Allow Bradbury to Have 2.65 Acres of Monrovia? Trash Changes Not Well Communicated; OSH Opens August 13; Etc.

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

~ City staff is recommending that Monrovia allow Bradbury to annex 2.65 acres. Chi writes that, "Two of the properties in question are actually owned by the Bradbury Estates Association and serve as an entry point into Bradbury. In addition, the other two parcels are connected to properties that have structures which were built and are located in Bradbury."

~ Chi said the city goofed in communicating about the new trash contract and fees. "Our most sincere apologies here at the City for not doing a better job of communicating the reasons behind the changes!" More data about the change at city website, http://goo.gl/WYarxn , and Chi's discussion of the issue in his weekly report: http://goo.gl/FgQkpy

~ Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH), at Huntington and Monterey, will officially open to the public on Saturday, August 13.

~ Monrovia sent a water tender, fire engine, and six firefighters to assist with the fire fight in Santa Clarita.

~ Bradbury was considering contracting with Monrovia for police services but decided to stick with the LA Sheriff's Department (LASD).

~ Work begins in southwest and southeast Monrovia early August on sewer and sidewalk repairs. First up is sewer pipeline work on Monterey Avenue just south of Huntington Drive, and on Shamrock Avenue from Olive Avenue to the alley north of Walnut Avenue. Also, sidewalk repairs. Then, in late August, there will be water pipeline work on Primrose Avenue from Central Avenue to Huntington Drive, and on Cypress Avenue from Sherman Avenue to Shamrock Avenue.

~ Lower Clamshell Truck Trial is closed (not even hikers allowed) for road repairs starting July 25 for approximately 3-4 weeks. A chunk of the road got washed out in the rains.

~ Service calls to the Monrovia Fire Department have increased by 13.2% since 2014. Comment: Hmmm. Wonder why.

~ Monrovia will celebrate Parks & Recreation Month at Recreation Park on Wednesday, July 27 at 3 p.m. There will be a presentation from Police and Fire Departments. Super Heros will give a talk, answer questions, provide demonstrations, and show off emergency vehicles. There will be games and activities and opportunities to work on one of six different murals highlighting the benefits of recreation, nature, police, and fire services. For questions, call the Monrovia Community Services Division at 256-8246.

~ Foothill Unity Center will hold its Annual Back to School Distribution Event on Tuesday, August 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Santa Anita Racetrack. To find out how to help contact Foothill Unity Center at bts@foothillunitycenter.org, or 358-3486.

- Brad Haugaard

National Night Out in Monrovia - Police-Community Partnerships

National Night Out, August 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Library Park. A night of neighborhood unity, awareness, safety and police-community partnerships.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bear Rousted from Under House; Busted Bicyclist; Cash from Unlocked Vehicle; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 21-24. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 8:46 a.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation in the area of Mayflower and Fano. Further investigation revealed the bicyclist had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 1:04 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington when they saw a suspect they knew had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was located inside a business. After the warrant was confirmed, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglaries / Theft From a Vehicle
July 21, two vehicle burglaries and a theft from a vehicle were reported to police. The two vehicle burglaries occurred at an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Lime. Unknown suspects broke into the vehicles and stole miscellaneous items that were left inside, including a purse. The theft from a vehicle occurred in the 300 block of S. Primrose. The victim left the vehicle unlocked and a personal checkbook and some cash was taken. The investigations are continuing.

Bear Incident
July 23 at 9:37 a.m., a bear was reported in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest Drive. The resident reported that the bear was in the crawl space under their home, which had been left unsecured. Officers arrived at the location and made attempts to get the bear to flee, but the bear did not respond. The Department of Fish and Wildlife responded and were able to get the bear to leave the crawl space and to go back into the foothills.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
July 24 at 10:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Encinitas on the report of a recovered stolen vehicle. The vehicle was located outside of Monrovia by another police department. The officers requested assistance with locating the owner of the vehicle to confirm if he knew the whereabouts of his vehicle. The vehicle owner stated his vehicle should be parked in his complex in Monrovia and that he did not give anyone permission to take it. A grand theft auto report was taken and the victim was told where to pick up his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Fraud / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
July 25 at 2:05 a.m., officers were on patrol in the area of Duarte and Tenth when they stopped a driver for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen out of Fontana. The passenger was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and had warrants. The driver was in possession of stolen credit cards, checks and identifications. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Learn to be a Monrovia Leader

2016 Monrovia Area Partnership Adult Leadership Academy, Thursdays at 7 to 9 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center, Sept. 8 through Oct. 20, for ages 18 . Course provides a foundation jump-start and sustain residents' service in the community. Learn about local government, public health and safety, tools and resources, etc. Details: http://goo.gl/Cce6vc

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Wok & Fire


Lunch today at Wok & Fire, in the Rite Aid shopping center at Huntington and Magnolia. Got the Combo A with noodles and orange chicken and a drink for $5.25. Nice and filling. Good price. 
- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia OSH About to Open?

Brad Hori writes to say that he spoke to the guard at OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) at Huntington and Monterey Avenue, who said the store is opening this Tuesday.

- Brad Haugaard