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Stock in Monrovia-Based AeroVironment Takes a Dive


The stock of Monrovia-based AeroVironment took a big dive today, dropping as much as 19 percent and closing down 16.95 percent ( http://goo.gl/GuFZxs ) after reporting first quarter earnings of $36.2 million compared to $47.1 million for the same quarter a year ago.  http://goo.gl/PUzyrQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Population Rises a Smidgeon

As of January 1 Monrovia's population is up an estimated 0.7 percent over last year. That's 277 more people, according to the state Department of Finance, for a total estimated population of 37,531. http://goo.gl/ZCbyjp

- Brad Haugaard

Camel at Monrovia Street Fair; SoCalGas Office Closing; Renew Books With a Text; Etc.

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

~ The official launch of the Friday Night Street Fair is this Friday, Sept. 2. Raw Inspiration has lined up: A camel ride, a virtual fireworks (8 p.m. at the intersection of Walnut and Myrtle), Kids Night on the first Friday of each month; a Children's Stage with event featuring Samson the Hot Tub Bear; a community poll to see which school should get a $2,000 grant to establish a garden on their school campus; a changing booth; expanded farmer's market with flowers, fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs. Plus a fish monger.

~ SoCalGas will be closing its Monrovia branch office on November 1.

~ You can renew your library books with a text message. Register your cell phone with the Library and you can use it to renew books or check your account status by texting commands such as: Renew all, Renew due, Status, Summary. Once registered text commands to 531-1446. Standard text message rates apply. For details contact the Library at 256-8274.

~ Use your library card to find a job. Go to http://www.monrovia.biblionix.com/catalog/ and click on the "Brainfuse JobNow" link. Expert resume help, live coaching, and more.

~ Water service lines have begun to be replaced throughout southwest and southeast Monrovia.

~ Drop by the Library in September to build using LEGO bricks provided by the Library. Every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Call 256-8274 for details.

~ Registration is open for the Monrovia Youth Sports program: flag football and cheerleading for 4th and 5th graders who attend Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, Plymouth, and Wild Rose elementary schools. The program is designed to teach fundamental sports skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development. Fee is $35 per participant. Contact the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.) or call 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Brad Drover To Be Monrovia Fire Chief

City Manager Oliver Chi has announced that it is, "my intention to name Brad Dover as our permanent Fire Chief. If you recall, Brad was named as the City's Interim Fire Chief a little more than six-months ago on February 12, 2016. Since that time, I have been beyond impressed with how he has approached the job, as he has served as a testament to our organizational mission and our values."   http://goo.gl/HGEFHJ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Swiping Mom's TV; Dancing to Drugs; Gardner's Truck Stolen; Drunken Fight Between Best Friends; Breaking Door With Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 25-28. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 1:10 p.m., an officer was dispatched on the report of a female subject passed out on the sidewalk at Canyon and Lemon. As the officers arrived, the female was waking up. The officers determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 2:05 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a male subject inside the store, concealing merchandise on his person. Officers responded, observed the subject leaving the store and detained him. The officers located stolen merchandise and drug paraphernalia on his person. The suspect was arrested for the theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grand Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 6:26 p.m., police received a report of a stolen bicycle that was taken from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and located the suspect and bicycle in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. The suspect was taken into custody as he was attempting to hide the bicycle. He was also found to be in possession of burglary tools, which was added to his charges.

Residential Burglary
August 25 at 7:03 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lime Avenue. The homeowner suspected her daughter had broken into her home and stolen a television. The homeowner desires prosecution. Officers were able to speak with the daughter by telephone and she admitted to breaking into the location and taking the television. The suspect was not in Monrovia, but said she would come to the station and turn herself in. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 3:20 a.m., police received a call reporting a subject dancing in the street in the area of Alta Vista and Chestnut. The subject was located by officers in the 400 block of W. Huntington. He was determined to be under the influence of drugs and was arrested. He was also found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe, which was added to his charges.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / False Personation / Possession of Altered Access Cards – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 6:21 a.m., officers located a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The vehicle was unoccupied. They watched the vehicle and, after a short period of time, a suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to leave. The vehicle was stopped and the suspect was arrested. He provided a fraudulent California driver's license and name to the officers. His true identity was discovered through fingerprint identification. He was also in possession of numerous altered access cards. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 26 at 9:29 a.m., a silver, 2012 Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Walnut Avenue. The vehicle was parked and locked in the driveway in the evening the night before. When the victim returned to his vehicle the next morning, it was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 26 at 6:21 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle, which contained gardening equipment, in front of a business and went inside the location. He returned a few minutes later and found his vehicle had been stolen. The vehicle is a red, 1987 Toyota pickup. The investigation is continuing.

Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 27 at 12:31 a.m., officers responded to a public parking lot in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a fight. Officers arrived and found two intoxicated subjects. One subject sustained a laceration to his head and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He refused to press charges, claiming the subject was his best friend. The best friend was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held pending detoxification.

Burglary Alarm / Commercial Burglary
August 27 at 4:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm in the 100 block of W. Pomona. When officers arrived on scene, the fire department was already there. It appears the suspects used a vehicle to ram the rollup doors to the business, breaking a fire sprinkler, which began spewing out water. The fire department responded to this sprinkler activation. The burglary alarm then activated. The business owner responded to the scene and determined the water had not caused much damage, but several electronic items were stolen by the suspects. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 27 at 3:52 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Cypress. The victim’s son called to report that someone had broken into his father's truck. The crime occurred sometime overnight and miscellaneous tools were taken from a locked toolbox on the truck. The investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 6:59 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. A store employee at the business called to report a subject in the bathroom that was refusing to leave the business. When the subject was confronted by a store employee, he assaulted the employee and fled the location. Officers located the suspect and he was placed under citizen’s arrest for battery. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Humane Society Has New President; Leadership School; Zootopia

~ The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, an animal welfare organization which serves Monrovia, has selected a new president and CEO, Julie Bank. Julie has been working in animal welfare for nearly 30 years, performing a variety of leadership roles. She has worked at large animal control organizations in New York, California, Arizona and, most recently, Oklahoma, where she served as Superintendent of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Bank was selected by the Board of Directors after a nationwide, months-long search to identify a successor for retiring CEO, Steve McNall. Source: press release

~ Attend the Monrovia Area Partnership Adult Leadership Academy, Thursdays at 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8-Oct. 20 at the Monrovia Community Center. For ages 18 . Topics are: MAP, Monrovia & You; Connecting in the Community; Local Government; Public Health & Safety; Tools and Resources; Public Speaking & Facilitation Training; Putting Theory into Practice. Details: http://goo.gl/Cce6vc

~ Free screening of Disney's Zootopia, Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. Call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org for free tickets. Light refreshments, aging resources available.

- Brad Haugaard

Toasty Tuesday in Monrovia

The weather forecast is for 101 degrees tomorrow, Tuesday. Toasty! https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's May Proceed With Lawsuit Against 'Pirate Joe's'

A U.S. appeals court has ruled that a trademark lawsuit by Monrovia-based grocery chain Trader Joe's can proceed against a man who purchased the TJ's products and resold them in Canada at a store called "Pirate Joe's." http://goo.gl/m9nQtm

- Brad Haugaard

Two Monrovians On Women's World Cup Soccer Team | Walking Tour of Old Town

~ US Soccer reports that the United States 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Team will include Monrovians Ashley Sanchez and Kate Wiesner. The World Cup will be held in Jordan http://goo.gl/Gzebvl

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct another walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, September 3, 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.

Dinner at Mimi's


Dinner the other night at Mimi's, at Huntington and Mayflower. Got the garlic brick chicken for $16.49 and a beer for $5.25.  I guess they put a brick on it to weigh it down while cooking. Very tasty. I liked it.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia School Board to Discuss Enrollment

The Monrovia School Board will hold a special meeting on Aug. 29 (this Monday) to discuss "enrollment patterns." My guess is that the pattern the board is concerned about shows a downward direction.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Organization Helps Louisiana; Donate Shoes

~ This weekend, the Monrovia Christian relief organization, World Vision, will provide relief supplies to families in south Louisiana who have been affected by this week's deadly flooding. Supplies, which include hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, food and clothing, will be provided by World Vision and distributed by partner churches in the area. http://goo.gl/AeZVsx

~ Donate "gently used" shoes to the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley to help fund its scholarships, Meals on Wheels, Make a Difference Day, and mroe. Drop-off point is 119 W. Palm Ave. in Monrovia, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 256-8187.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man on Meth in Un-Vacant Hotel Room; Mail Box Theft; Arrested for 'Borrowing' Vehicle; Wife Punches Husband in Nose; Car Locked But Windows Down; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 22-24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 417 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Vehicle Tampering / Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 8:25 a.m., a suspicious male subject was reported in the area of Lemon and Terrado pulling on door handles of vehicles. Officers responded to the area and located the juvenile suspect. He was found to be on probation and wearing a probation monitoring device. The juvenile was in possession of a wallet containing another person’s credit cards and cash. He denied tampering with the vehicles, but video surveillance was located that showed him pulling on vehicle door handles. He was arrested and taken into custody. Officers located the owner of the credit cards. He informed the officers that his vehicle had been broken into and he was missing his wallet, which was found to be the one the suspect was carrying.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
August 22 at 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Staff at the hotel entered a room that was supposed to be vacant and discovered a male subject inside, lying on the bed with pills around him. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He told the officers that he had recently used methamphetamine and that he had more inside the room. He consented to a search of the room and the officers located a useable amount of methamphetamine. The subject was taken to a hospital as he required medical assistance.

Theft of Mail
August 22 at 4:25 p.m., a theft of mail was reported in the 200 block of Linwood Avenue. The victim reported that his mailbox had been pried open. Police responded to investigate and discovered a total of four mailboxes had been pried open and mail was missing from all the boxes. The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 2:32 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Royal Oaks and Shamrock when he stopped a vehicle for a lighting violation. The driver claimed he borrowed the vehicle from a friend. He was taken into custody for no means of identification. A search of the vehicle revealed a driver's license belonging to a female. The officer contacted the owner of the license, who said she was the victim of a vehicle burglary in Ontario. The driver was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 3:57 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Central arrived for work and saw a male suspect going through vehicles. The suspect had the doors and engine hoods open. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The vehicles had been left unlocked and appeared ransacked. The suspect had a small amount of cash on him that was possibly taken from the vehicles. The officers arrested the suspect for vehicle tampering.

Residential Burglary
August 23 at 2:37 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Hillcrest. The victims came home and discovered someone had forced entry into the back of their house and had stolen items from the home. The investigation is ongoing.

Theft from a Vehicle
August 23 at 10:25 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of W. Colorado. A rental vehicle was left unlocked and a backpack which contained an iPad and iPad accessories was taken from the front passenger floorboard. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 2:29 a.m., officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 200 block of E. Colorado. A husband and wife were involved in an argument and the wife punched the husband in the nose. The husband had a bloody nose and paramedics were called to the scene. The male was treated for his injury. The female subject was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 7:50 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of W. Foothill and observed a subject they knew had warrants for his arrest. The officer contacted the subject, confirmed the warrants, and asked the subject if he had any contraband on his person. The subject told the officer he had a used syringe and methamphetamine on his person. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants and the drug charges.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 3:35 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a male adult subject walking in the 500 block of W. Colorado carrying an open container of hard alcohol. When the officer stopped to speak with the subject, he could smell alcohol emitting from the subject. During the contact, the officer discovered the subject had an outstanding warrant and the subject was arrested. During a pat-down search incident to the subject’s arrest, a methamphetamine pipe and syringe were located on his person.

Theft From a Vehicle
August 24 at 6:29 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 500 block of Bradbury. The victim parked the vehicle and locked the doors, but left the windows down. The suspect entered the vehicle and took a wallet containing credit cards. Approximately 30 minutes later, a male and female subject used one of the credit cards to purchase merchandise at a location in Duarte. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
August 24 at 6:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Greystone called police to report suspicious activity involving a vehicle. Officers arrived and ran a DMV check on the vehicle and found it had been reported stolen the previous day. The vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner.

The Film Industry in Early Monrovia

A fun history (actually, part one of a fun history) of the film industry in Monrovia. Ending with, "Was it murder?" I guess you gotta tune in next time for the conclusion. http://goo.gl/ldnMgI

- Brad Haugaard

County to Build New Library to Serve Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte Area

On a recommendation by Supervisor Michael Antonovich, the Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a new library site to improve public library services for county residents of the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte area. The new library will be on a 22,000 square foot parcel at 22 West Live Oak Blvd., and will cost $2.17 million. A public hearing to receive comment and complete the proposed acquisition is set for September 27. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

West Nile Virus Found In Monrovia; Legal Response to MALDEF; 4th Dimension; Etc.

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

~ West Nile Virus has come to Monrovia. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reports ( http://goo.gl/DwpI8W ) that a dead bird that tested positive for West Nile Virus was found in Monrovia. City Manager Oliver Chi adds that "since West Nile Virus was first found in California in 2003, more than 5,588 people have been infected with the West Nile Virus disease, and 229 deaths have occurred."

~ The city is working with the City Attorney to prepare its response to the legal threat by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), demanding that the city switch to district-based elections, rather than elections at large.

~ A developer is considering buying the old 4th Dimension building on Myrtle Avenue in Old Town for a 5,000 square foot restaurant and 22,000 square feet for office space. Chi said the potential buyer "will be finalizing the decision regarding whether or not to purchase the 4th Dimension building within the next few weeks."

~ Monrovia has contracted with Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC) to make sidewalk repairs throughout the city. The company has gotten started and uses a "patented diamond-cutting technology to salvage existing sidewalk panels when possible." Chi said this lowers the cost of sidewalk. It appears the company shaves the edges of sidewalk blocks so blocks that are offset come together without a ledge.

~ Monrovia plans to replace worn banners honoring members of the military with new banners. If you or a member of your family living in Monrovia is serving in the armed forces, let the city know so that person can be recognized. Details: http://goo.gl/vUd2Tx

~ Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its annual Fall Book Sale on September 9 & 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. 50 cents for mass market paperbacks, $2 for trade paperback and hardback books, 25 cents for children's books, $2 for CDs and movies, and a few larger books priced at $5. Then, on Sept. 9 from 4-5 p.m. shoppers can buy a grocery bag of books for $5.

- Brad Haugaard

Celebrate the Arts Show at Library Park Oct. 29-30

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will present its 53rd Annual Celebrate the Arts Show and ChalkFest on Saturday (10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday (10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Oct. 29/30 at Monrovia Library Park. Highlights at this admission-free event will include artist demonstrations and art sales, kids chalk activities from ChapCare, a beer garden by Pacific Plate Microbrewery, a Collectible Book Sale by the Friends of Monrovia Library, continuous live entertainment, and robotics and urban art displays by Monrovia High School students. Admission is free and a variety of food trucks will be on hand. For more information or to sign up for an artist booth space, contact christine@monroviafinearts.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Forgery; Suspicious Door Handle Checking; Drinking and Drugs; Shoplifting; Burglary

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Forgery – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 11:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington. A subject had turned in a fraudulent prescription at the pharmacy to obtain anti-depressants and narcotics. The officers arrived and detained the suspect. The officers determined the prescription was fraudulent and the suspect was arrested without incident.

Vehicle Tampering / Conspiracy – Suspects Arrested
August 19 at 4:59 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Norumbega on the report of a suspicious subject looking into vehicles and checking door handles. When the suspect was spotted by the caller, he ran to a waiting vehicle being driven by a second suspect, and the suspects fled. A description of the suspect and vehicle was broadcast and officers located and stopped the suspect vehicle. The suspect was positively identified. The passenger was arrested for vehicle tampering and the driver for conspiracy. The investigation is continuing for any possible victims of a theft.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 2:59 p.m., a suspicious female was reported in the 100 block of N. Sunset. She was seen leaving an unoccupied residence. Officers arrived and detained the female, who was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and possible stolen property. The female was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 8:25 p.m., officers responded to the area of Olive & Myrtle regarding a male and female fighting. The female was determined to be under the influence. She was involved in an argument with her boyfriend. During the argument, she had slapped and scratched him. She was arrested for domestic violence.

Disturbing the Peace / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 11:17 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 500 block of E. Walnut. The subject was intoxicated and was yelling and causing a disturbance. The caller placed him under private person’s arrest. The officers arrested the subject for disturbing the peace and for being drunk in public.

Grand Theft Auto
August 21 at 7 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of W. Lemon. The victim reported her 1991 Honda Civic was stolen from in front of her residence. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine
August 21 at 9:57 a.m., officers responded to the report of a subject loitering in a tent at a park in the 400 block of N. Grand. When officers arrived, they located two subjects inside and near the tent. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The subject was cited for the violation.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
August 21 at 11:35 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Foothill and Primrose. When officers arrived, they located one of the parties and determined he had been drinking and had possibly taken prescription medications. The subject was having difficulty staying conscious and displayed signs of being under the influence. He was taken to a hospital for his condition and his vehicle was stored.

Shoplifting
August 21 at 1:56 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a shoplifting incident. Two adult females entered the store, selected merchandise, and then went to the return counter to return the merchandise without paying for it. The subjects were arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the theft charges.

Residential Burglary
August 21 at 2:51 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Canyon. The victim left her residence at 12:30 p.m. When she returned at 2:50 p.m., she found her home had been broken into and ransacked. A glass sliding door at the rear of the house had been shattered. Several items were stolen, which included a laptop, watches, cash, and jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

SET for LIFE Health Fair at Monrovia's Second Baptist Church

SET for LIFE will hold its 12th annual Healthy Families for LIFE Fair and Expo on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, at 925 S Shamrock Ave., in Monrovia. The event provides medical screenings, interactive educational workshops, physical fitness activities, mammograms, cancer prevention resources and support to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of cancer within African-American, Latino, and Asian families. The event will also feature free food, giveaways, and special activities for youth and teens. Sponsorships available. For more information contact Patricia Duff Tucker at patricia@setforlifenews.org

- Brad Haugaard

Library Park Concert

The Smokin' Cobras in concert at Library Park tonight.
 
- Brad Haugaard