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Free Kelly Boyz Country Music in Park Tonight

Free concert tonight at Station Square Amphitheater, The Kelly Boyz Country Band. From 7-8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Urban Forest Community Roundtable


- Brad Haugaard

Warehouse Condos at Magnolia and Chestnut


Ten warehouse or “flex” condos will replace the burned out automotive customization and repair shop at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Chestnut.

- Brad Haugaard 

Tacos Ensenada Coming

A Tacos Ensenada restaurant is coming to the former Starbucks on the north side of Huntington Drive in Monrovia. This is a chain of restaurants. Others nearby are in Sierra Madre and Duarte. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Informational Zoom Meeting for Parents Wanting to Continue At-Home Learning

Monrovia's Mountain Park school offers independent study for children of parents who would prefer that their students continue to learn from home. The school will host an informational event on Wednesday, August 4 at 7 p.m. Details: https://is.gd/Y9NqXT

- Brad Haugaard

Meet the Police - National Night Out; Monrovian Running in Olympics; Monrovia Strong Web Page; Hiring Library Associate

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

~ Get to know members of the Monrovia Police Department at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Library Park. This is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police/community partnerships and camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring.

~ Monrovian Cravon Gillespie will be competing in the 4x100 meter relay next week.

~ The new Monrovia Strong web page has lots of resources to help get through challenging times. https://is.gd/TKCm3n

~ Monrovia is hiring a library associate. Details here: https://is.gd/qmLeln

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider: Updated Chick-fil-A/Starbucks Plan, How to Honor Pamela Fitzpatrick

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

~ Consider approving the revised Chick-fil-A and Starbucks plan to develop the former Claim Jumper restaurant site on Huntington Drive after Chick-fil-A exceeded the requests by the City Council at its previous meeting. The company has agreed to save an old sycamore tree; to provide not just two parking spots dedicated to future electrical charging stations, but to provide two fully functional electric vehicle charging stations; and to incorporate alternative tree types in the  landscaping. https://is.gd/tDNyNe

~ Discuss how to recognize recently deceased Pamela Fitzpatrick for her years of service to the Monrovia community. https://is.gd/FxpAtr

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Still Rising - Up 49 Cases; No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/28/2021. Changes since 07/21/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,321 cases (up 49), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 389 cases (up 9), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Two Weeks, Three Burglaries; Man Breaking Into Cars Given Ticket; Woman Bites Man; Shoplifter Ticketed; Woman Threatens to Send Nude Pictures of Man to His Friends, Family

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 22 – July 28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 375 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
July 22 at 5:12 a.m., a driver near the intersection of California and Huntington reported she was side swiped by a vehicle while stopped at the intersection. The suspect vehicle fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
July 22 at 11:52 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1700 block of California reported that over the course of two weeks, three separate burglaries occurred. An investigation revealed the suspect/s accessed the location through an unlocked door. Various tools and a computer were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
July 22 at 1:19 p.m., the Facebook Law Enforcement Response Team contacted dispatch regarding suicide postings made by a female who lived in the 1800 block of Tenth. An investigation revealed her exact address and officers were able to contact her at her residence. The female had taken a large quantity of a prescription medication and made multiple suicidal statements. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment and to be evaluated by a mental health professional.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 3:26 p.m., a caller reported a reckless driver in the area of Olive and Myrtle. Another caller reported the same vehicle hit a car in a parking lot in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and were able to locate the vehicle and the driver. The driver exhibited signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
July 23 at 2:13 p.m., an employee of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington called to report a vandalism. An occupant had vandalized a hotel room prior to checking out. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 23 at 4:27 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Officers and paramedics responded to the area and made contact with the parties. Three occupants reported minor injuries. An investigation was conducted and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 8:36 p.m., a caller reported a minor traffic accident had just occurred near the intersection of Magnolia and Huntington. One of the parties continued driving finally pulling over at Ivy and Evergreen. Officers responded and determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He also had warrants. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department.

Mental Evaluation
July 24 at 12:51 a.m., a caller reported a subject on the Metro bus in the 700 block of W. Huntington was trying to physically harm the bus driver. Officers arrived and detained the subject in question. No one on the bus was injured. It was determined the subject was a danger to others and he was in need of being evaluated by a mental health professional. He was taken to a local facility for treatment.

Theft
July 24 at 3:03 p.m., a caller reported she was the victim of a theft while shopping at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. She stated that while she was shopping she received text messages of possible fraudulent activity on her credit cards. She checked her purse, which was in the shopping cart, and discovered her wallet was missing. She recalled a female approaching her inside the store and asking her about certain merchandise. This was enough time to distract the victim and allow another subject to remove the victim's wallet from her purse. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 24 at 5:07 p.m., a caller reported she was standing outside of a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington when a white vehicle drove into the parking lot and stopped parallel to the victim. A female passenger used a ruse to distract the victim and remove a gold chain she was wearing. The victim realized what happened and told the suspect to give the chain back. The vehicle then drove away prior to officers arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 8:52 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding suspicious subjects concealing merchandise. A male subject selected merchandise from the hardware department and exited the store without paying for the items. The male subject was with a female subject who was contacted by officers at the scene. The female had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Loss Prevention did not desire prosecution for the theft. The female was arrested per the authority of the warrant and was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 9:13 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject harassing customers and refusing to leave. The male subject was contacted and an investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and released out in the field with a citation to appear in court.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 25 at 6:49 p.m., a caller reported subjects entering vehicles in a secured parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia. The reporting party saw a male and female climb the fence and enter numerous vehicles on the lot. Officers responded to the area and located and detained two subjects. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 25 at 8:09 p.m., officers responded to a family disturbance between a male and a female at a residence in the 800 block of W. Colorado. The couple live at the location and have a child together. The female bit the male in the shoulder causing injury. She was arrested for domestic violence and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 25 at 11:22 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a driver possibly driving under the influence. Officers responded to the area, located and stopped the vehicle. An investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 26 at 12:42 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of Monterey. They arrived and contacted one party outside the residence. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
July 26 at 6:34 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding a report of vehicle burglary. The victim said he parked his vehicle at the location on Saturday and discovered the front window had been smashed on Sunday. The interior was ransacked. This investigation is continuing

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Resisting Officers
July 26 at 4:17 p.m., a caller reported a male Hispanic showering and exposing himself in an alley in the 200 block of W. Walnut. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject became uncooperative during the detention and officers restrained him when he tried to run away. The subject displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

Missing Person
July 26 at 5:26 p.m., Monrovia Police dispatch received a call from the 800 block of E. Palm and heard a male and a female yelling at each other. The female stated her son had wires around his neck and was attempting to harm himself. Officers arrived but the subject fled from the residence. Officers attempted to locate the subject, but were unable. The mother wanted to report him as a missing suicidal person. He was placed in the missing persons systems. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
On July 26 at 10:20 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a female adult had just taken clothing from the store without paying for it. Officers arrived and detained the female. The merchandise was recovered from the female and returned to the store. The female was arrested at the scene and released with a citation.

Shoplifting
July 27 at 8:07 a.m., an employee of a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject had just left the store with food she did not pay for. Officers located the subject nearby, however, the store refused to prosecute her for the theft. She was advised she would be arrested for trespassing if she returned.

Grand Theft
July 27 at 10:15 a.m., the owner of a store in the 100 block of E. Walnut called to report the theft of a large shipment of products delivered by UPS and Amazon. Before taking the packages inside the building, she went inside to retrieve something. A few minutes later when she walked outside, all the packages were gone. This investigation is continuing.

Extortion
July 27 at 8:32 p.m., a young male adult in the 500 block of W. Walnut reported he was a victim of an online extortion scam. The victim reported he had met a female through an online dating app a day earlier. He stated they were texting nude pictures back and forth to one another, when suddenly the female started sending profile pictures of the victim's family and friends while saying she was going to post the nude pictures on the internet if he didn't pay money. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 27 at 8:34 p.m., a caller reported the theft of his catalytic converter in the 700 block of S. California. It had been stolen from his parked vehicle overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Tampering / Petty Theft
July 28 at 7:49 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen his vehicle's license plates and windshield wipers. The car had lotion squirted on it as well. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 28 at 2:32 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Grand discovered someone had stolen his vehicle's catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner from Alitalia Pizza

Got dinner from Alitalia Pizza, at the northeast corner of Foothill and Madison. Take-out only and cash only. Got an extra large pizza for $14 plus $4 for two toppings (sausage and pepperoni) and an antipasto salad for $9. Nice!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Water at 'Notification Level' for Perfluorooctanoic Acid

Contaminant levels in Monrovia's water, while overall well below Maximum Contaminant Levels set by state and federal water standards, do rise high enough for Dioxane and three variants of Perfluorooctanoic acid to have reached the state's "Notification Level."

The Notification Level is "a health-based advisory level established by the Division of Drinking Water for chemicals in drinking water that lack maximum contaminant levels."

The report says:

Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid are readily absorbed but not readily eliminated from the human body. Health effects associated with long-term exposure include harmful effects to a developing fetus or infant; harmful effects to the immune system, thyroid and liver; and cancer. Perfluorooctanoic acid exposures resulted in increased liver weight and cancer in laboratory animals. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid exposures resulted in immune suppression and cancer in laboratory animals.

Source: https://is.gd/RXTjJN

-Brad Haugaard

Police DUI Checkpoint Friday Evening, August 6

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI / CDL [driver's license] checkpoint on Friday evening, August 6, 2021.  Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped.  Drivers will then be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having a valid driver’s license.

Over the course of the past three years, there have been 292 DUI investigations with 27 of those resulting in collisions with injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia. 

In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.

Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:

  • Always use a designated driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation.
  • See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive?  Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home. 
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
  • Hosting a party?  Offer nonalcoholic drinks.  Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not!  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time. 

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Transit Drops 270 Bus Stop at Primrose and Foothill

Foothill Transit has announced that the Line 270 stop at Primrose and Foothill in Monrovia will no longer be served. Please use Primrose Ave and Lime Ave instead.

- Brad Haugaard

Craig Is a Total Sweetie Who Wants to be Your Guy


Eight-year-old Craig is a gentle and affectionate cat who’s looking for his special someone! Craig is a friendly kitty who frequently wants petting and attention from our volunteers. He would be a wonderful work-from-home, movie night, and lazy Sunday companion for a lucky adopter. Craig is a total sweetie who just wants to be your guy!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Tailor Shop on Myrtle in 1907

Louis Umbach's tailor shop that was located on the east side of 600 block of S. Myrtle Ave. c. 1907. 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

Burlington Store to Open this Fall in Huntington Oaks Shopping Center


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

~ A Burlington store (aka Burlington Coat Factory) is planning to open in the former Toys R' Us space in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center this fall. Interior and exterior improvements are being now being made to the 40,411 square foot space, which is one of the largest spaces in the center.

~  Monrovia Fire & Rescue spent five days in Ashland, Oregon, to assist with the Bootleg Fire but have now been redeployed to the Dixie Fire in Plumas County, California. All costs associated with the deployments are fully reimbursed to the city.

~ The city has broken ground on EV charging stations in Old Town. Four Level 2 charging stations will be installed at the public parking lot along the 100 block of East Lemon. Construction is expected to last from Monday, July 26 through Tuesday, August 3.

~ Monrovia Community Garden, at 303 W. Colorado, is accepting applications to rent garden beds. Beds cost $60 per year and are open to Monrovia residents and families with children enrolled in MUSD. Download an application (https://is.gd/lQvcDp) and submit it by Sept. 10. Scholarships are available to those who qualify. The program will run from October 2021-October 2022. For more information contact the Garden Director at  info@monroviacommunitygarden.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 34 More Cases, No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/21/2021. Changes since 07/13/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,272 cases (up 34), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 380 cases (up 3), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Natural History Museum Entomologist Studies Insects Around the World - and in Bug-Rich Monrovia

Monrovian Brian V. Brown, Curator of Entomology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, took the picture above with a special microscope-camera. Several similar pictures, also by Brown, appeared in an April, 2021 National Geographic article describing his and other entomologists' work studying flies in the treetops of the Amazon rainforest. (The link is here, but you need a subscription to read it.)

In addition to studying insects in tropical regions, Brown has also been part of a project to study urban insects of Los Angeles. The BioSCAN project, he writes, "has uncovered surprising new knowledge about species living in local backyards," especially including Monrovia.


Brown said he has been studying insects since he was a child and stayed interested even into his teenage years, when so many abandon their interest in the topic - though he admits that he toyed with the idea of playing in a heavy metal band - but by college he was solidly back in the entomology camp.

Monrovia, he said, has a wide variety of insects, because it, and other foothills communities, are so near the mountains, where insects abound. Of the roughly 100  species of phorid flies (his specialty) found in the Los Angeles area, he said, about 90 occur in his own backyard in North Monrovia, including many that were new to science. His backyard is the most species-rich habitat that they have examined, and he even found a couple of varieties of flies that he's only seen in Florida and South and Central America previously. Before this project began, he said, scientists estimated there were about 3-4,000 species of insects in the LA area; but the study has raised the estimate to about 20,000.

The much higher estimate, he said, is because while bigger bugs have pretty much been accounted for, the flies he works with are in the itty-bitty range - 2 millimeters long and smaller. These smaller insects, he said, are "still a frontier everywhere." The world’s smallest fly was described by Brown several years ago and is only 0.4 mm long. He named it Megapropodiphora arnoldi after former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, based on its greatly enlarged forelegs.

Brown is a native of Toronto, Canada, did his undergraduate and masters work at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Under the tutelage of Steve Marshall he began studying the fly family Phoridae. In 1990, he obtained his doctorate at the University of Alberta in Canada, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution and University of Maryland. In 1993 he took up his current position in Los Angeles.

He said when he heard he got the job he called his wife, who was watching the Rodney King riots, so ..., he said, there were some mixed feelings about moving to the LA area.

But they did, initially renting in Burbank then buying a home in Monrovia in 1996. They like Monrovia's small town feeling.

Brown has also written two books, numerous scientific papers, and has conducted research in many parts of the world, but especially tropical rainforests. There, he studies phorid flies, especially parasitic species known as ant decapitating flies and bee killing flies. He is also interested in fossil phorid flies in amber, integrating them into phylogenetic knowledge based on morphology and molecular characters. Most recently, he led a National Science Foundation funded effort to completely inventory the Diptera (true fly) fauna of the mid-elevation tropical forest in Costa Rica.

You may see Brown and his wife walking their dogs in North Monrovia. If so, say hi.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Blowing Through Red Lights; Stolen Vehicles; Fatal Crash; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 15 – July 21. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 342 service events, resulting in 47 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto / Recovery
July 15 at 6:56 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Peck regarding the theft of a vehicle. After an initial investigation, the vehicle was entered into the DMV Stolen Vehicle System. Later in the day, an officer was dispatched to a call of a suspicious vehicle that appeared to be abandoned. The officer discovered the vehicle in question was the stolen vehicle from earlier. The vehicle was recovered. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 8:45 a.m., a caller reported a male and female were arguing at a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the couple. After an extensive investigation it was determined the female was the primary aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
July 17 at 10:07 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Sesmas called to report her vehicle was broken into. Officers responded and determined that personal property had been taken from the vehicle. The suspect(s) had gained entry by shattering two of the vehicle’s windows. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
July 17 at 11:37 a.m., a caller reported his vehicle was taken from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain while he was shopping. Officers responded and collected evidence at the scene. The vehicle was entered into the DMV Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.

Fatal Traffic Collision
July 18 at 6:51 a.m., officers and fire personnel responded to the 500 block of N. Magnolia regarding a solo traffic collision. An investigation revealed the vehicle had been driving approximately 100 mph in a designated 25 mph zone. The vehicle struck a curb before overturning and catching fire. The driver did not survive the collision. No other persons were injured. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
July 18 at 8:55 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Genoa walked outside her home and discovered her vehicle had been stolen. Officers searched the area, but could not locate her car. The vehicle was entered into the DMV Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
July 18 at 11:26 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Grand discovered someone had crashed into his vehicle sometime during the night, then fled the area. The vehicle had been parked on the street in front of the resident's home. This investigation is continuing.

Reckless Driving – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 2:30 a.m., an officer was patrolling in the area of Monterey and Walnut when he observed a vehicle driving through stop signs at a high rate of speed. The officer tried to catch up to the vehicle as it continued to drive through red signals and stop signs. The officer conducted a traffic stop on Myrtle and Pomona. The driver was arrested for reckless driving and was taken to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Unlicensed Driver / False Information to a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 8:23 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of W. Foothill when he saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. He stopped the driver, who did not have any form of identification. An investigation revealed there was no license issued for the name provided by the driver. The officer arrested the subject in order to fingerprint and identify him. He was transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking. After fingerprinting, it was revealed the driver had given a false name. He was additionally charged with providing false information to a peace officer.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 2:49 p.m., a caller reported a male subject spray painting graffiti on the loading dock walls and doors of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and made contact with a subject in the area matching the description given. Witnesses positively identified him as the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
July 19 at 3:01 p.m., employees of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject had just fled the store with merchandise he did not pay for. Officers searched the area for the suspect, but could not locate him. Officers located the stolen merchandise in the parking lot and returned it to the store. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 20 at 2:07 p.m., an employee of a gas station in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject had just stolen alcohol from their store. Officers searched the area for the suspect and located him drinking the alcohol at Station Square Park, less than a block away from the store. The suspect was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Dinner at The Monrovian

Dinner at The Monrovian, at the northeast corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Avocado Toast for $10.50, the Simple Salad for $4, and a beer for $7.50. Lots of avocado and the salad was indeed “simple,” but also generous. Really good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Parking Enforcement Resumes in Monrovia

Beginning on Friday, Aug. 6, the Monrovia Police Department will resume parking enforcement for Timed Parking. Please pay attention to all posted signs when choosing your next parking spot, especially noting the time allocated for parking.

 The City has ample free parking, including on-street parking, ten designated public parking lots, and two public parking garages in Old Town. View a full list of parking locations in Old Town Monrovia here: https://is.gd/H6a2ie

If you have any questions, contact the Parking Enforcement Office at 256-8083.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fifth Neighborhood Treasure Unveiling August 7 - Airman Leroy Criss

Neighborhood Treasure unveiling and block party celebration for Tuskegee Airman, Leroy "Buster" Criss at the corner of Maple and Ivy Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Criss is the fifth Neighborhood Treasure honoree. There will be an art unveiling and a block party celebration to follow. The event is free and open to the public. For questions email map@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5525. https://is.gd/F9PNby

- Brad Haugaard

Free Back-To-School Backpacks


The Eta Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will give away backpacks to local school children at Assemblymember Chris Holden's 41st Assembly District Office at 600 N. Rosemead Blvd. in Pasadena on Saturday, July 31, from 9 - 11 a.m. RSVP here: https://is.gd/OWdX5z

- Brad Haugaard

Energetic Penelope Loves Her Doggy Pool


Penelope is an energetic dog who loves being outside and splashing around in her doggy pool! This beautiful dog is one year old and would do best in active home that can provide her with lots of fun and enrichment. Penelope is specifically looking for a home where she can be cared for in the safety of an enclosed yard with ample food, water, shelter, and love. If you can provide Penelope with a safe outdoor home and all the attention and care she needs, she may be the ideal dog for you!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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 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

Monrovia School Superintendent Reports On His First Two Weeks

My first two weeks serving as your superintendent have been fantastic! I have truly enjoyed visiting each of our schools, meeting students, teachers and staff, community members, and attending community events.


Our summer programs have gone extremely well, and it has been great seeing our students have fun while learning. Thanks to our teachers, staff, and partners at the Boys and Girls Club, for working hard to make these programs possible. As we move closer to the official start of the school year on Wednesday, August 18, I want to share some information about some important topics that we are working to address.

 
AB 104: Retention, Grade Changes, and Exemptions
Assembly Bill 104, now law, creates a range of options to accommodate K-12 students who struggled during the 2020-21 academic year when distance learning disrupted classroom routines. These include allowing students to retake their grade level under certain circumstances and the ability for high school students to change letter grades to “pass” or “no pass.” High school juniors and seniors in 2020-2021 not on track for graduation, may also be exempt from certain graduation requirements or have the option to complete coursework through credit recovery, a fifth year of high school, or other means.
 
Independent Study
Governor Newsom recently signed legislation requiring districts to offer independent study as an educational option for parents who prefer this kind of learning model or who are uncomfortable with sending their students back to school due to concerns about COVID-19. Mountain Park School continues to serve MUSD students and families who are interested in an independent study program.
 
Updated COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for Schools
The California Department of Public Health recently released its latest guidelines for COVID-19 prevention in schools. Some key takeaways from the new guidelines are: 1) masks do not need to be worn outside, 2) students must wear masks when indoors, 3) adults must wear masks indoors with students regardless of vaccination status, and 4) previous physical distancing requirements have been removed. Throughout the pandemic, MUSD has always followed public health guidelines and will continue to do so.
 
Chromebooks for Students
We are also finalizing plans to ensure that every student in grades TK-12 has a Chromebook for the start of the school year that can be used both at school and at home. Integrating Chromebooks into our classrooms presents an opportunity for us to continue to personalize and accelerate learning. Providing access to Chromebooks also allows for learning to continue beyond classroom walls.
 
At the July 28 meeting of the Board of Education at 7:00 pm, additional information about all these topics will be shared. For information about how to watch the meeting, please click here.
 
Wishing you all a safe and great summer,
 
 
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent - Monrovia Unified School District

A Moment in Monrovia History: Real Estate Office in 1887

Monroe & Pile Real Estate Office January 1, 1887. 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

Police Report on Fatal Crash on Magnolia

Monrovia Police press release on fatal crash at the north end of Magnolia Ave.:

"On Sunday, July 18, at 6:51 a.m., a male adult motorist was traveling alone, north in the 400 – 500 blocks of N. Magnolia. According to witnesses the driver was traveling approximately 100 MPH. The posted speed limit is 25 MPH. The vehicle struck a curb, then overturned and caught fire. The driver did not survive the collision. No other persons were injured from this collision. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia PD responded to assist with the investigation. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Investigators also responded. The investigation will determine if other associated factors were present other than speed."

- Brad Haugaard

Pickup Truck Hits Wall and Burns


According to early information, A pick up truck traveling at a high rate of speed up Magnolia Avenue about 7 a.m. today ran directly into a wall at the north end of the street and exploded, sending a cloud of smoke into the air and drawing police and firefighters from Monrovia and Arcadia to the scene.

- Brad Haugaard 

View The Moon Tonight With Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers

Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be letting people peek through their telescopes at about 8 p.m. today in Library Park, at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. The group reports that, "We will mainly have the Moon tonight. Venus sets shortly after sunset, and Saturn rises about 9 p.m. (although it will take some time to clear the buildings)."

- Brad Haugaard

More Study on Starbucks/Chick-fil-A Project; Dog Park And Other Issues

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/WTT8t9) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Likely put off until later the main item on the agenda, granting a conditional use permit to construct a Starbucks and Chick-fil-A at the current Claim Jumper site. City staff is recommending waiting until the August 3 meeting "to allow the applicant and staff to submit additional information for City Council review" and because "the applicant is also exploring options to address concerns raised at the public hearing." That main concern seems to be the fate of an old sycamore (I think it was) tree on the site. An independent arborist will report on this. https://is.gd/zdDvU6

~ Review directives (https://is.gd/wTzrW3) the council has given staff:

  • Do outreach and planning related to a dog park.
  • Request a meeting with District Attorney Gascon to discuss his Special Directives. 
  • Place rotating mayor issue on June 2022 ballot.
  • Have staff "discourage" the use of non-native palm trees on development projects.
  • Find out what happens if the main San Gabriel Valley aquifer drops further.
  • Council to resume in-person meetings on September 7.
  • Consider a plaque in council chambers to honor Pam Fitzpatrick. 

- Brad Haugaard


Artist Alley Gallery Reopens With July 25 Artist Reception at Community Center


The public is invited to a free Artist Reception on Sunday, July 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. featuring works by four MAFA artists installed on the walls of the Monrovia Community Center:

Jarrett Camp - Pointilism and stipple art

Roy Chang - Photography

Sharon Romero - Mosaic

Keith Slover - Watercolor and ink illustration

Students from Clifton Middle School's Arts Academy have also been invited to display their art.

Rivanis Baking Company will provide a delicious spread of treats and hors d'oeuvres and Wine of the Month Club has donated the adult beverages.


Reception guests will enjoy the sounds of live music from Lobo Reese, a Monrovia-based musical ensemble playing rock, surf, jazz and bossa nova gems.


From July 25 until Oct. 23, the artwork will be on display and for sale on the walls during the Center's opening hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 119 W. Palm Ave.


Coming this fall: Join us for the next Artist Reception on Oct. 24 featuring these MAFA artists' work, displayed until Jan. 30, 2022:


Melissa Ahaus - Oil and acrylic painting

Jeni Bate - Mixed media painting

Traci Loving - Mixed media art

John Parker - Graphite and ink art


Source: Press release from Monrovia Association of Fine Arts


- Brad Haugaard

Where Did Orphan Bear Cub Go?

On the Nextdoor social media website, Monrovian Kim Collins reports that an apparently orphaned bear cub is wandering around the Lincoln/Madison/5th Avenue area. 

She adds that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that there is room for the cub at its rehab center, but where has the critter gotten to?

Collins says that if you see the cub send a text regarding its exact location and time to Rebecca Barboza, Biologist at Fish & Game: (562) 754-9741, letting her know it's an update regarding orphaned cub in North Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia To Help Pay For Bikes, Bike Parts; Also, Weekly Bike Rider Raffles

Using the bicycle route tracking map.

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

The city has launched a new GoMonrovia website, here: https://gomonrovia.com/

... and a new program - as part of GoMonrovia - to encourage bicycle use. It is called Biking for Bucks and provides reimbursements to those who live or work in Monrovia "for purchases related to bicycle transportation and accessories." There will also be weekly raffles to encourage people to ride their bikes and share their activity on a bicycling map, shown above.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Scene Program Is Back

- Brad Haugaard

Have Coffee With a Cop


(That's the Starbucks at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia.)

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Up 14, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/13/2021. Changes since 07/07/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,238 cases (up 14), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 377 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 51 Pounds of Meth; Woman Hits Bartender, Officer, Jailer; Car at Intersection Doesn't Move - Driver Sleeping; Drunks and Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 8-14. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
July 8 at 6:04 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Duarte regarding a hit and run traffic collision. Two vehicles were traveling north on California, when the driver of the first vehicle made an unsafe turning movement and collided into the center median, striking one of the railroad crossing arms. As a result, the crossing arm got stuck underneath the second vehicle as it approached. The driver that hit the center median left the scene, but shortly after, his daughter called the Police Department to report the incident. There were no injuries involved and the investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 8 at 8:21 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a suspicious, occupied vehicle that had covered windows. Officers located the vehicle and contacted the occupants. One of the subjects was found to be currently on parole and admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 12:07 a.m., officers located an occupied vehicle parked in a closed business area in the 800 block of Royal Oaks. They contacted the occupants and one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 9:06 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Pomona called police to report a male subject in their stairwell using illegal drugs. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of Heroin. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Grand Theft
July 9 at 11:43 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a customer that had rented equipment and failed to return it. A certified letter was delivered notifying the customer of potential criminal prosecution. The equipment was never returned. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 11:54 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle after it was seen driving without headlights and speeding near the intersection of Olive and Ivy. The officer contacted the driver and noticed the odor of alcohol and began a DUI investigation. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 10 at 3:21 p.m., a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of California and Myrtle. A motorist failed to yield to oncoming traffic on Myrtle and collided into another motorist. One of the drivers complained of neck pain and was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
July 10 at 4:18 p.m., a caller reported a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista. A motorist drove up a curb and struck a traffic sign. The driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Evidence was recovered inside the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

DUI Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
July 10 at 5:25 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Foothill and Myrtle. One of the drivers displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was DUI. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Battery / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 1:18 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a business dispute. While they were investigating that event, a fight broke out inside and another patron was involved in a dispute with the bartender. The suspect struck the bartender, causing their lip to bleed. Four people restrained the suspect and notified the officers. The female suspect was arrested for battery. During the arrest, she kicked one of the officers, and later while she was going through the booking process, she also kicked one of the jailers. The suspect was held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 2:15 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle speeding and committing other traffic violations near the intersection of Myrtle and Camino Real. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. During the contact, he observed symptoms of intoxication and began a DUI Investigation. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 3:48 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling without headlights, heading east on Huntington, near Mountain, and he conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, he observed symptoms of the driver being under the influence. The officer conducted a DUI investigation and the driver was arrested for DUI. The driver also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
July 11 at 12:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. An unknown suspect broke a window on the victim’s vehicle and stole a purse from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 12:13 p.m., officers responded to a report of a subject throwing rocks and causing a disturbance near the intersection of Foothill and Primrose. Officers contacted the subject and determined he was unable to care for himself due to extreme alcohol intoxication. He was arrested and held for sobering.

Vandalism
July 11 at 4:03 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. An unknown suspect shattered a window on the victim’s vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 10:40 a.m., a male subject was reported yelling at customers and causing a disturbance in a business parking lot in the 900 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the subject. They determined the subject was under the influence of methamphetamine. The subject was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 12 at 11:39 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. Officers responded and found one of the drivers complaining of pain. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and treated the driver.

Vehicle Burglary
July 13 at 6:20 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Greystone walked outside her home and discovered someone had gained entry into her locked vehicle and took her cleaning supplies she needed for work. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose
July 13 at 12:17 p.m., a caller reported a guest at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth was found to have overdosed on Fentanyl and Xanax. Officers responded and administered Narcan to the unresponsive subject, who was revived. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital for additional care.

Grand Theft
July 13 at 1:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Walnut walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle, which was parked on the street in front of his house. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 3:58 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect had shoplifted from their store. Officers arrived, located the subject and arrested him. The stolen property was returned to the store.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 4:23 p.m., several callers reported a male driver asleep in his vehicle, which was stopped in the intersection of Huntington and California. Officers arrived and woke the subject, who was too tired to drive and had fallen asleep. The subject also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
July 13 at 8:00 p.m., an employee of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report two female subjects stole clothing items and were fleeing from the location. Officers responded, located the two female subjects nearby and detained them. The clothing items were recovered and returned to the store. The suspects were arrested for shoplifting and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 8:55 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Foothill and Primrose for traffic and equipment violations. Officers searched the vehicle and located 51 pounds of methamphetamine. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 2:43 a.m., a female subject called police to report her husband had just hit her in the face in the 1700 block of Alamitas. Officers arrived and detained both subjects, who were still arguing. The wife had visible injuries to her face, but refused medical attention. The husband was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 8:09 a.m., police dispatch received several calls reporting a male subject who was pacing back and forth and talking to himself in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was uncooperative and argumentative with the officers. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant.

Grand Theft Auto
July 14 at 8:32 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. The vehicle was rented from the business and was not returned. Several registered letters were sent with no reply, and the company wanted to report it stolen by means of embezzlement. The investigation revealed the information the male subject gave at the time he rented the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was all fraudulent. The vehicle was reported as stolen and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 5:35 p.m., the manager of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject was placing items into his backpack. He feared the subject was going to take the items without paying for them. Officers arrived as the subject walked out without making any attempt to pay for the items in his backpack. He was stopped and detained. The items were recovered from his backpack. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Monrovia Area Partnership 15th Anniversary Block Party

Sign up here: https://is.gd/69aph1

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Kiku Sushi

Dinner from Kiku Sushi, at the west end of  the Huntington Oaks shopping center. I got the Udon and Spicy Tuna Roll for $12.99 and a beer for $5.99. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Mountain Lion Treated for Burned Paws Spotted - Doing Fine

Remember the mountain lion found in Monrovia that was treated for burned paws during the Bobcat Fire? Well, she was spotted on a wildlife-cam and appears to be doing just fine. Here's a video news report: https://is.gd/j0lTuU 

- Brad Haugaard

Clover Would Like a Calm Home With a Purrfect Person


Six-year-old Clover is ready to live the calm and quiet live with her purrfect person! Clover is friendly and sweet, and just needs some time to adjust to a new home, as all newly adopted pets do. This sleek black cat is looking for some stability and love, and an adopter who can be patient while she comes out of her shell at her own pace. Clover has shown curiosity with her surroundings and she would love having spaces where she can explore, climb, and burrow.

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 at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Land Sale 1887

Keefer Subdivision Ocean View Tract Sale 1887, the earliest picture of a land sale in Monrovia. The first land sale was May 17, 1886 for lots in the Town of Monrovia.. 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 Man Arrested in Las Vegas on Suspicion of Killing His Father

The Monrovia man wanted in connection with the killing his father in Rialto was arrested today, July 11, in Las Vegas. Curtiss Booker Jr., 31, was arrested shortly after noon Sunday by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, https://is.gd/DoTc9A

- Brad Haugaard

Have You Been Eating Bugs? Learning From Tongva Tribe; Job Openings in Monrovia

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

~ In the video above, Christopher Diaz, a member of the Chumash Tribe and representing the Tongva Tribe, stopped by Lucinda Garcia Park to harvest the Cochineal scale off of the prickly pear and to demonstrate how the insects are turned into dye, which is used as food coloring, for dying clothes, makeup, and more. If you ever see carminic acid or carmine as an ingredient, you're eating bugs.

~  Monrovia is accepting applications for: Administrative Assistant and Maintenance Worker. https://is.gd/VMBcQW

- Brad Haugaard

Auction to Support Recreation and Community Programs


The Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation (https://monroviapwr.org/) is holding an on-line auction during July 18 to 23. There are 85 items to bid on, from wines and dinners out to jewelry and travel packages, like Las Vegas and Disney World Orlando. Auction page: https://is.gd/C0lDYL

The MPWR supports "recreation and community programs, parks, facilities, and open spaces in Monrovia."

- Brad Haugaard

Photo Essay on New Businesses Planned for Monrovia

Gem City Images has a great photo essay showing current building sites around Monrovia and what is planned for them. https://is.gd/GMr0qB

- Brad Haugaard

Expect Heavy Traffic in Arcadia This Weekend

Arcadia Police report …

“We are expecting an increased volume of traffic around the areas of the Santa Anita Race Track, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and the Westfield Santa Anita Mall this weekend.  There are a number of events taking place and we expect increased traffic during the afternoon and evening hours.“

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 7 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/07/2021. Changes since 06/30/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,224 cases (up 7), 79 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 377 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Chicken Finger Restaurant Planned for Zen Buffet Site


 A new fast food restaurant called Raising Cane's is planned for the northeast corner of Huntington and Fifth Avenue, at the site currently occupied by Zen Buffet. Raising Cane's serves one thing - chicken fingers.

The proposed project consists of a 3,100 square foot restaurant with 16 tables (50 seats), outdoor dining, and dual lane drive-thru service will be considered by the Monrovia Planning Commission at its July 14 meeting. https://is.gd/q422Uj

The Louisiana-based company's website says, "Our concept is simple and unique… we only have ONE LOVE – quality chicken finger meals!"

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman With Large Knife Talking to Herself; Four Arsons, One Arrest; Drunk Golf Cart Driving; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 1-7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 389 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 1 at 12:35 p.m., a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Magnolia and Olive. One of the parties had a complaint of pain to her neck and was treated by paramedics. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Arson
July 1 at 3:26 p.m., several callers advised police dispatch there was a fire in the 1400 block of Encino. Once on scene, officers found an area of vegetation near the Metro rail line was on fire. The fire was extinguished by Monrovia Fire Department and an arson investigation is ongoing.

Arson
July 1 at 3:28 p.m., two minutes after the report of the Encino fire, several more callers reported another fire near the intersection of Fifth and Huntington. Officers arrived and located a shopping cart on fire in the pedestrian tunnel. Fire personnel responded to that scene and put out that fire as well. An arson investigation is ongoing.

Mental Evaluation
July 2 at 12:24 p.m., a female subject was reported walking in the 800 block of S. Shamrock, waving a large knife in the air, and talking to herself. Officers arrived and contacted the female. Officers responded and determined the subject was a danger to others and that she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was detained safely and transported to a local facility for treatment.

Grand Theft
July 2 at 12:57 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male suspect had taken items from the business without paying for them. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already left the area. Surveillance footage was collected and the investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 3 at 2:35 a.m., a female subject called police to report she was assaulted by her husband while driving through Monrovia, near the intersection of California and Evergreen. Officers responded and located the involved parties. An investigation was conducted and it was determined the husband was the primary aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Arson
July 3 at 5:27 p.m., Fire Department personnel advised there was a brush fire near the 800 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived after the fire had already been extinguished. The fire was located in a brush area along the 210 Freeway on-ramp. It was determined that the fire was caused by human activity and an arson investigation is ongoing.

Arson – Suspect Arrested
July 3 at 8:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Fifth regarding a dumpster fire. When officers arrived, they discovered that Arcadia Fire Department personnel had responded to the fire and encountered a suspect who had placed several small items of debris in a can and lit it on fire. As they put out the fire, the suspect became upset and argumentative, and then fled the area. Local hotel staff recognized the suspect as one of their guests who was staying in a room. Officers secured the room and notified the Monrovia Detective Bureau. Detectives arrived and served a search warrant. The suspect eventually showed up and was arrested. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
July 4 at 3:51 p.m., a customer of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain walked outside the store to his truck and discovered someone had stolen unsecured tools from the bed of his truck. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already left the area. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
July 4 at 4:14 p.m., a caller reported a female subject riding an electric golf cart in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower. She had fallen from the cart while driving it. The cart was not designed to leave the golf course or be driven on public streets. The female subject was found to be too intoxicated to ride the golf cart. She was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Residential Burglary
July 5 at 12:48 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The victim reported that upon returning home, he found his balcony door had been forced open and his apartment had been ransacked. Officers responded and learned that two of the victim’s backpacks had been taken. This investigation is continuing.

Structure Fire
July 5 at 1:39 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Foothill regarding a structure fire. Upon arrival, officers saw that a dumpster against an apartment building was on fire. The flames quickly spread up the apartment wall and caught the roof on fire. A total of three apartment units sustained damage before Monrovia Fire Department personnel were able to put out the fire.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 5 at 10:05 a.m., a caller reported his vehicle just collided with another motorist at the intersection of Myrtle and Pomona. Officers responded and found no visible injuries to either driver, however, one of the drivers had a complaint of pain and wanted to go to the hospital. Paramedics transported her to a local hospital for examination and care.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
July 5 at 12:21 p.m., a concerned citizen walked into the police lobby and reported witnessing a motorist park his car in the city parking lot, 100 block E. Lime, hitting a parked vehicle and causing damage. The driver then parked his vehicle and walked away without leaving a note. Officers searched for the driver, but could not locate him. A note was left by officers on both vehicles involved. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
July 5 at 5:18 p.m., a caller reported witnessing a male suspect spray painting graffiti on the rear wall of a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect was located and an investigation revealed that he had come to Monrovia from Baldwin Park to spray paint around the city. It is unknown if other locations were also vandalized. He was arrested and released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Mental Evaluation
July 5 at 7:30 p.m., a caller reported he had received a text message from his friend, which stated she wanted to kill herself. Officers arrived at the friend's location in the 100 block of N. Primrose and found her distraught over family issues. The female adult told officers she wanted to harm herself. It was determined that she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was then transported to a local medical facility for treatment.

Grand Theft
July 6 at 4:33 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Olive reported that the catalytic converter on his vehicle had been stolen sometime during the night. He discovered the theft in the early morning, but was unable to report it until after he finished working. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
July 6 at 5:42 p.m., an employee of a business in the 200 block of W. Duarte walked outside to her vehicle and discovered someone had collided into it while she was inside working. The suspect who hit her vehicle did not leave a note or make an attempt to report the collision. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
July 7 at 7:27 a.m., a caller advised police that his work truck had been stolen from in front of his residence in the 700 block of W. Colorado. He parked it there the night before and noticed it was missing in the morning. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
July 7 at 8:07 a.m., an employee from a car dealership reported that two vehicles had been stolen from their lot in the 800 block of E. Central sometime during the night. Officers arrived and reviewed surveillance footage that showed several suspects on the property. Both vehicles were entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.