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Saturday Street Dining in Old Town to End October 30; School Safety Street Improvements Near Bradoaks

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

~ Saturday night Outdoor Dining in Old Town will end on Saturday, October 30.  Based on comments from merchants in the 400 block of Myrtle Avenue, the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board recommended ending Saturday night street closures. Outdoor dining will continue on Friday nights at part of the weekly Street Fair.

~ The contractor on the Safe Routes to School Project has completed a raised crosswalk and thermoplastic traffic markings in front of Bradoaks Elementary School to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic speed. To come: Solar speed feedback signs and more concrete work. Should be done by the end of November or early December.

- Brad Haugaard

New Job Opening with the City of Monrovia - Firefighter

Open position:

Firefighter, full time, $76,835 - $102,966 annually. 

Details: https://tny.im/anKoK

- Brad Haugaard


Free Compost October 23

Reservations required. For more information and to make a reservation, contact Public Works at 932-5575 or pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard 

Drop off Bulky Items October 23


- Brad Haugaard 

Make a Difference Day October 23


Sign up here
- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 30 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 10/20/2021. Changes since 10/13/2021.

City of Monrovia: 4,003 cases (up 30), 83 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 446 cases (up 1), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

House of Windsor on Myrtle Closing



- Brad Haugaard 

Grow Monrovia Wants Shade Trees Along West Foothill

Foothill today (above), and as envisioned by Grow Monrovia (below).

Next week the non-profit organization, Grow Monrovia, will begin a project to shade west Foothill by encouraging commercial and residential property owners along Foothill Blvd who have space in their front yards to plant a free shade tree. The organization is also looking for donations of time and money. A $100 donation sponsors a tree. Details: https://www.growmonrovia.org/shop-1.  To contact Grow Monrovia write to info@growmonrovia.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Roomies Arrest Each Other; Counterfeit Money; Burglary Suspect Caught on Roof; De-Bugging Socks By Burning; Too Drunk for DUI Test; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 14-20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 370 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Battery – Suspects Arrested
October 14 at 12:05 a.m., a resident reported that his roommate just assaulted him in the 100 block of W. Central. Officers arrived and, after interviewing both parties, both claimed they were battered by the other and adamantly desired prosecution. Two private person arrests were made and both parties were arrested.

Grand Theft
October 14 at 8:08 a.m., a caller reported an unknown male subject walking into a vacant house in the 600 block of Montana. Officers arrived and checked the interior, but the subject was gone. Officers did find evidence of someone possibly living at the vacant location. The property caretaker responded and stated that property was missing from inside the location. This investigation is continuing.

Counterfeiting
October 14 at 9:29 a.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject passed a counterfeit $100 bill the day prior. Officers arrived and took possession of the fake bill and video surveillance. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 9:46 a.m., officers were patrolling the 900 block of S. Primrose when they saw a male subject drinking from a beer can on a public sidewalk. Officers stopped the subject and further investigation revealed the suspect was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Vehicle Tampering
October 14 at 10:38 a.m., a vehicle tampering incident was reported in the 900 block of S. Primrose. Someone tried to break into the victim’s work vehicle during the night. The victim had surveillance video of a grey Honda Accord stopping near his vehicle. A male suspect then got out and entered his vehicle through an unlocked door. The victim confronted the suspect, who got back into his own vehicle and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense – Suspects Arrested
October 14 at 12:56 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle with expired registration tabs near the intersection of Primrose and White Oak. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle sped away. The vehicle drove down an alley and collided into a parked vehicle. The officer detained the driver and passenger. A firearm was located inside the vehicle. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 3:44 a.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding an alarm activation. While on scene, a suspect attempted to exit the building. He saw the officers and retreated back inside. Additional officers responded, including a Baldwin Park Police Department canine. A building search was conducted and the suspect was found on the roof. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
October 15 at 11:44 a.m., a male subject in the 100 block of E. Central called police dispatch and stated he wanted to hurt himself. Officers arrived at the location and spoke with the subject. He continued to say he wanted to hurt himself and that he needed help. Officers determined the subject needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Arson – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 4:01 p.m., multiple residents from the 800 block of W. Chestnut called to report a subject who lit something on fire and smoke was coming up from the object. Officers arrived and located the subject. The fire was out, but smoke was still visible. The subject lit a pair of her socks on fire because she thought bugs were in them. She was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. The subject refused any assistance.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 15 at 5:15 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of California and Evergreen. Three vehicles were involved and one occupant was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
October 15 at 7:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of S. Mayflower regarding a welfare check. While in the area, they noticed an unoccupied vehicle parked on the street. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen. It was recovered and taken out of the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism / Destruction of Jail Property – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 10:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to the skate park in the 800 block of E. Olive regarding a male subject causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, they discovered the suspect had destroyed candles at a memorial and broke a sprinkler at the park. He was arrested and taken into custody. During the booking process, he proceeded to punch one of the scanners at the booking station, damaging the equipment. The charge of destroying jail property was added to the booking.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 10:54 a.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject was inside the store damaging property. Officers arrived and located the suspect, who they recognized from past contacts. He was acting irrational and he displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Residential Burglary
October 16 at 12:00 p.m., a resident from the 1000 block of Royal Oaks called police to report her home was burglarized sometime during the night. Her purse, cell phone, and car keys were missing when she woke up in the morning. She said sometime during the night, she was awakened by a noise inside her apartment. She sat up in bed and saw what she believed was a male figure. She yelled and the subject ran out of the house. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
October 16 at 12:18 p.m., a resident from the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report his ex-wife showed up at his home and began yelling at him. During the argument, she punched him in the shoulder and pinched his forearm. She left prior to the police being contacted. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 3:58 p.m., officers were patrolling the 1600 block of Myrtle, near Station Square Park, when an officer saw a subject smoking a glass pipe typically used to smoke methamphetamine. The subject was contacted and it was confirmed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 5:03 p.m., officers were patrolling the 800 block of W. Colorado when they observed a driver make several traffic violations. The officers conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver and passenger. The driver admitted to having a firearm in the vehicle. Officers retrieved the firearm, which was loaded. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
October 16 at 10:18 p.m., residents in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower left their home around 7:30 p.m. and returned three hours later. Upon entering, they noticed numerous drawers were open and the home appeared to have been ransacked. Officers arrived and the investigation revealed numerous items were taken from the residence, including a safe containing a firearm. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 2:19 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Myrtle and Olive noticed a vehicle stopped partially on the sidewalk. The officer approached the vehicle, which was still running, and found two occupants unresponsive. Paramedics also responded. Both occupants were extremely intoxicated. The driver was unable to perform any DUI tests and was transported to a local hospital, along with the passenger. A blood sample was drawn from the driver at the hospital.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 8:29 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The burglary occurred sometime overnight. Cash and three tablets were taken. The victim had surveillance video of the suspect. While the officer was conducting his investigation, a second call came out reporting a subject sleeping in someone's vehicle. Officers contacted the subject and determined it was the suspect from the commercial burglary, and he still had the stolen property in his possession. Officers also located property from several nearby vehicles that were unlocked and had been ransacked by the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Annoying Phone Calls
October 17 at 11:10 a.m., a subject in the 300 block of N. Grand called police to report she has an ongoing issue with a subject who keeps harassing her, and she had just received threatening text messages from her. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 18 at 11:46 a.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of W. Foothill called to report a subject attempting to climb the wall of a business. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who they recognized from previous contacts. He had drug paraphernalia in plain view. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Commercial Burglary
October 18 at 11:57 a.m., a caller reported a large amount of water coming from a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw that the back covered storage area of the business had a water leak. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that copper piping was stolen from the exterior of the wall. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 19 at 10:15 a.m., a caller reported a catalytic converter was stolen from their motorhome, which had been parked at a business in the 3000 block of S. Peck. The motorhome had been parked at the location for several months. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 19 at 10:30 a.m., a citizen came into the lobby to report a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 100 block of E. Lemon. The reporting party parked his vehicle in a nearby parking lot and went to work for the day. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed damage that was not there before. This investigation continuing.

Vandalism
October 19 at 9:14 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Ridgeside reported that his vehicle had been vandalized the night before. His surveillance cameras do not view the area where his vehicle was parked. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Mikomi Sushi

Dinner at the new Mikomi Sushi, moved to the former T Phillips site at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. The location has been nicely redone. I got the Chicken Katsu for $16.95 and a beer for $5.95.  A very tasty and generous portion of chicken, good service, and it came with a green salad and some very nice tempura, not shown. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High Girls Volleyball Team Raises Money for City of Hope

The Monrovia High School Girls Volleyball team raised $1,703 for the City of Hope Cancer Center with its annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser match against Arcadia on October 4. The Wildcats won. The fundraiser runs until the end of October and the team is hoping to go beyond its $2,000 goal. Here's more information on how to donate.

- Brad Haugaard 

Sate of Monrovia Schools Address November 17

Monrovia Board of Education will present its 2021-22 State of the Schools Address at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center (845 W Colorado Blvd) on Wednesday, November 17 at 6 p.m.

Highlights will include how the District navigated COVID-19 and school closures; moving from virtual learning to hybrid learning; the return to in-person instruction; how MUSD has maintained a sound budget; expansion of student support systems; and school programs such as athletics, the arts, early college and more.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Auctioneer to Put Rare Apple-1 Computer on Block; Estimated worth - $400,000-600,000

Monrovia's John Moran Auctioneers will put a rare, hand-built Apple-1 computer on the auction block on November 9. The Apple-1, which belonged to Chaffey College, is estimated to be worth $400,000-600,000. 

This year marks the 45th birthday for Apple, the world's largest technology company, currently valued in the trillion-dollar range, and it all began with two Steve's, one garage, and Apple Computer 1, more commonly referred to as Apple-1. The company was created in 1976 when electronic engineer Steve Wozniak (b. 1950) teamed up with marketing guru and industrial designer Steve Jobs (1955-2011).  

Source

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Day Oct. 20


- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Board Member Edward Ortell Dies - Represented Part of Monrovia

Edward C. Ortell, J.D., who represented part of Monrovia on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, where he served for more than 50 years, passed away on Oct. 16, 2021, at the age of 82.

As a trustee, Dr. Ortell held all board offices, including more than 10 terms as board president. He also served on other boards and associations, including the California Community College Trustees Board, the California Master Plan for Education Task Force and the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association. 

A professor emeritus of business and computer technology at Pasadena City College, Dr. Ortell also authored two college textbooks on mathematics and received several National Science Foundation grants. He was also the former executive director of the Pasadena Education Association, received the CBS anchor Ralph Story Service Award, the Community College Association We Honor Ours Award and the Duarte Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Civic Service Award.

"The board extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Ortell," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "For more than 50 years, Dr. Ortell has advocated on behalf of all community colleges and was instrumental in helping promote significant initiatives at Citrus College. I served alongside Dr. Ortell since 2007, and I will always remember him for his passion, devotion and commitment. This loss is enormous, and we will all miss him tremendously."

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Snowy Mountains Above Monrovia in 1927

Winter in Monrovia 1927 showing the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue and snow on the mountains. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Asking: You Know This Motorcyclist?

Monrovia PD Tweet: "The Monrovia Police Department is asking the public’s help in identifying the subject pictured here.  Over the course of many miles yesterday this subject failed to yield to an officer who attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation, choosing instead to drive recklessly through red lights and stop signs and weave in and out of traffic at speeds topping 100 mph, both on city streets and on the 210 Freeway. He is currently wanted for felony evasion and reckless driving. Anyone with information should call the Monrovia Police Department at (626) 256-8000, or may make an online report at lacrimestoppers.org."

- Brad Haugaard

Silly Girl Is Shy But Sweet ... and Totally Up For Birdwatching!


Seven-year-old Silly Girl is a little shy but very sweet! She loves being pet on her head and shoulders, and will even lay on her back and roll around when she’s relaxed. This beautiful tabby has a calm personality and would be a wonderful companion for movie marathons or lazy Sundays birdwatching through the window. Silly Girl is ready to bring lots of light and love to your home!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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 and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Bridgestone Provides New Van for Boys & Girls Club


Bridgestone Retail Operations, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, surprised Monrovia-area youth last Friday by unveiling a new passenger van donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, one of 12 clubs to receive a van nationwide. The van (equipped with Bridgestone tires) will provide kids with transportation to and from their clubhouse, on field trips, college tours and other enrichment activities. The donation is part of the Bridgestone Driving Great Futures initiative, which has helped youth connect with Boys & Girls Club resources across the U.S. since 2015. Bridgestone will also maintain the vehicle.

"We are so grateful to Bridgestone and are honored to be selected as a recipient for a new passenger van to help our club youth and families overcome transportation barriers," said John Wilson, executive director of Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills.

Last year, Bridgestone raised $3.6 million for Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help Club kids and teens gain access to high-impact, out-of-school support amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including bridging technology and transportation gaps. Since 2015, Bridgestone has contributed a total of $15.3 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of Amereica.

Source: Bridgestone press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Defeats San Marino in Football

Undefeated Monrovia football adds to its triumphs with a 63 to 13 victory over San Marino. https://is.gd/Kp8cW1

- Brad Haugaardd