Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 542, Up Zero ... Maybe

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/03/2020. Changes since 8/02/2020.

City of Monrovia: 542 cases (unchanged), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 67 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

However, the county reports that, "Today's data is incomplete due to delays in the State electronic lab reporting system."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports Larger Loss for Second Quarter of 2020

Monrovia's Xencor Corporation, "a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing engineered monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases," reported a net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020 of $35 million, or 61 cents a share, compared to net loss of $16 million, or 28 cents, for the same period in 2019. It attributed the loss to "lower research collaboration revenue and higher research and development expenses in 2020." https://is.gd/PKqCfY

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Wildcat Masks for Sale

Mina - Love Enough for Two Dogs

Six-year-old Mina loves attention, treats, and toys! Her foster family reports that she loves following everyone around and getting pets. If you stop petting her, she’ll gently put her paw on you to say “please pet me some more”. Mina enjoys walks and exploring, and has a tail that wags so fast, she almost can’t keep it still. Mina would do best as the only dog in the home, but she promises she’ll give you as much love as two dogs. She’s having a great time in her foster home, but she can’t wait to find her forever family soon!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org and fill out an online adoption application. Adoptions are by appointment only.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 538 - Up 4; No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/02/2020 . Changes since 8/01/2020 .

City of Monrovia: 538 cases (up 4), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 67 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Trader Joe's Market: 6 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Governor Will Decide Whether to Release Former Monrovian and Manson Follower, Leslie Van Houten

The California Board of Parole Hearings has again recommended that former Monrovian and Charles Manson follower, Leslie Van Houten, be granted a parole for her part in the 1969 killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. The final decision on whether to release her belongs to Governor Gavin Newsom, who denied her parole in 2019. https://is.gd/IfqfE3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 534, Up 4

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/01/2020 . Changes since 07/31 .

City of Monrovia: 534 cases (up 4), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 67 cases (up 1), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Monrovia Trader Joe's store: 6 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

See Dual Spacecraft This Evening

8:45 p.m.	10:21 p.m.

Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers says the crew of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that docked at the International Space Station a few months ago is returning to earth tonight, and you can see the Dragon capsule and the space station go past simultaneously.

There will be two passes, the first at 8:45 p.m. (which will fly from the northwest to the east), and the second pass is at 10:21 p.m. will be from northwest to southeast.

Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers says that, "Seeing both spacecraft go over simultaneously at 17,500 MPH and 220 miles up is super cool, so check it out tonight!"

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 530 Cases, Up 4; No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/31 . Changes since 07/30 .

City of Monrovia: 530 cases (up 4), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 66 cases (up -1), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

Monrovia Trader Joe's store: 6 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 526, Up 7; One More Case at Trader Joe's

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/30 . Changes since 07/29 .

City of Monrovia: 526 cases (up 7), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 67 cases (up 1), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

Trader Joe's Monrovia Store 6 cases (up 1), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Living With Bears Webinar; Tongva Talk

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports: 

~ On Thursday, August 6, at 11 a.m., the California Department of Fish & Wildlife will present a Living with Bears webinar for Monrovia. Safety tips on how to coexist with bears, how they respond to calls, and more. To join in on the webinar, please register here: https://is.gd/RpASyN. If you are unable to attend but have question, send it to pio@ci.monrovia.ca.us. A recording of the webinar will be available.

~ Learn in this video talk how the indigenous people of the LA area, the Tongva, lived here many years ago: https://is.gd/zKacS1

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's NOT Changing Labels On Its Ethnic Foods

According to a report on ABC7, Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is now saying that it does NOT intend to change the labels on its ethnic foods - such as Trader Ming and Trader Jose - based on a petition that said the names were racist, an accusation it denies. Earlier it had appeared the company did intend to change those brand names. https://is.gd/VX3gtJ

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager, Department Heads to Take Pay Cut; 20 Positions Being Left Open; Increased Trash Fees; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/Q8LvTr) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Adjustments to its budget, especially in light of the Covid virus. A few highlights:

- The city manager and department directors will take a voluntary pay cut through the end of the

fiscal year.

- 20 non-critical positions are being kept vacant.

- Many contracts were reviewed and renegotiated for price reductions.

- There have been some savings from facility closures.

- Non-essential overtime was eliminated.

Lots and lots of financial data here for the money-minded: https://is.gd/B099aU

~ Giving Athens Services a5.66 percent raise for picking up trash. For two reasons: 1) Because California law now requires recycling organic waste, which is more costly, and 2) as an adjustment to the Consumer Price Index (i.e. - inflation). Here's how much of an increase you can expect:

Typical Residential: $ 1.88 / month

Typical Multi-Family: $10.72 / month

Typical Commercial: $10.91 / month

Details: https://is.gd/XEfLEc

~ Pulling out of the Foothill Workforce Development Board (an organization made up of various local cities) that provides job assistance with federal money. However, "the City of Monrovia believes that our community, as well as those of Duarte and Arcadia, have been underserved by FWDB." https://is.gd/phHE1S

~ Temporarily hiring back retiring Neighborhood and Business Services Division Manager Sheila Spicer-Batice - who has been with the city for 38 years - at lower pay. https://is.gd/RmRTwy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 519 Cases, Up 4; 34 Deaths, Up 1

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/29 . Changes since 07/28 .

City of Monrovia: 519 cases (up 4), 34 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 66 cases (up 2), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Sena

Got dinner from Sena, on the West side of Myrtle just south of Lime. I got the short rib tacos for $12 and a side of beans for $2. Very satisfying! And I love the salsa. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Fire in Mountains Above Monrovia

It appears there is a forest fire above East Monrovia/Duarte. ABC7 reports it began along the road up Azusa Canyon. 

 

-Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Escapes into Flood Control Area; Big Vitamin Heist; Thief Switches License Plates; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 339 service events, resulting in 64 investigations. 

Theft
July 23 at 9:38 a.m., an employee of a business in the 2600 block of California called to report that items were taken from his vehicle while it was parked at the location. The vehicle was left unlocked. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
July 23 at 10:14 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report that someone stole a large amount of cash from his dresser drawer. He shares the apartment with five other people. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
July 23 at 12:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower called police to report a theft. She parked her vehicle in the business parking lot, and when she came out later to start her vehicle, she noticed a loud sound. She discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen off her vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Bicycle Theft
July 23 at 2:41 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Central called police to report her Schwinn beach cruiser had been stolen from her patio. Investigation continuing. 

Suspicious Vehicle / Pursuit
July 24 at 3:01 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of S. Mountain when he saw a suspicious U-Haul vehicle commit a traffic violation. He attempted to stop the vehicle for the violation and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued into Irwindale, where the suspect vehicle deliberately drove into a flood control channel. A witness saw the suspect flee from the vehicle before officers could approach. Outside agencies responded to assist in the search, but the suspect was not located. The vehicle was stored for being used in a crime. Investigation continuing. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 24 at 3:36 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he discovered a stolen vehicle parked in the parking lot. The vehicle was unoccupied and it was recovered. The registered owner could not be reached. The vehicle was stored and removed from the system as stolen. 

Grand Theft
July 24 at 2:24 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called police to report that three suspects, two female and one male, entered the store and stole a large amount of vitamins. The suspects had fled prior to police arriving. Investigation continuing. 

Public Intoxication
July 24 at 10:33 p.m., an intoxicated person was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located the subject to check on his welfare. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety or the safety of others. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Theft / Recovered License Plate
July 25 at 10:52 a.m., a resident in the 1900 block of S. Peck called to report the license plate on the back of his vehicle did not belong to his vehicle. An officer responded and ran the license plate. It returned to a stolen vehicle reported earlier in the week. The officer recovered the stolen plate and took a report for the resident’s missing license plate. The investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
July 25 at 1:18 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report someone had broken into her locked vehicle and took cash from her center console. There was no sign of forced entry. Investigation continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 25 at 1:53 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a male subject sitting in his van in the 100 block of W. Foothill, yelling at people as they passed. Officers arrived and spoke with the subject. He said he was going to leave the area and the officers left the location. Another call was received a short time later reporting the same subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and a computer check revealed the subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
July 25 at 3:41 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called police to report an adult female had entered the store, selected several items of merchandise and concealed them in her purse. She then exited the store without paying for the concealed items and the alarm sounded. She ran quickly to her vehicle and fled the area. Investigation continuing. 

Vandalism
July 26 at 6:54 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a building had been vandalized with green spray paint. A report was taken and graffiti removal was notified. 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Driver Arrested
July 27 at 1:17 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of W. Colorado. Officers responded and located the vehicle and the driver. The driver showed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 27 at 5:31 a.m., police dispatched received a call reporting an abandoned vehicle in the 100 block of E. Evergreen. An officer was dispatched and a computer check determined the vehicle was reported stolen to the Los Angeles Police Department. the vehicle was removed from the stolen vehicle system and the registered owner was notified. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 28 at 9:35 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject was smoking drugs from a glass pipe in front of the location. An officer arrived and saw the subject holding drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Plans for Education This Fall; Helping Teachers With Tech and World Language Standards

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/jMhDj9) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Plans for distance education this fall. Here is the plan for elementary grades: https://is.gd/tnnyID

And here is the plan for secondary grades: https://is.gd/gmz1Q8

~ Hiring EmpowerED for $3,000 to help elementary dual immersion teachers integrate technology and world language standards in their classes for distance learning (https://is.gd/8vhrLz). And if you're curious what World Language Standards are ... https://is.gd/ooN3ok

- Brad Haugaard

13 More Cases - Now 515; No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/28 . Changes since 07/27 .

City of Monrovia: 515 cases (up 13), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 64 cases (up 5), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Toasty Hot Thursday Through Saturday

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures between 97 and 107 degrees for the San Gabriel Valley from 11 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Saturday with the hottest day being Friday. https://is.gd/pOjKmN

- Brad Haugaard