November Board of Education Highlights

Teacher of the Year Kristin Ford honored by Board of Education. That and more highlights from November.  More...

- Brad Haugaard

Mayflower Students Quietly Provide a Thanksgiving for Families in Need

Mayflower Elementary students quietly put together a list of families in need, and then for Thanksgiving made sure they got a bit of everything.

- Brad Haugaard

Missy - The Cat With Calming Vibes


Don’t let Missy’s grumpy expression fool you – she’s so friendly! She even greets new people who approach her kennel. Missy is eight years old, and very mellow and well-behaved. She enjoys being petted, but will also pose for you if you want to snap a few photos. This sweet girl has such calming vibes, and will be a great companion to her future adopter!

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

Burglar Lives in Their House, Steals Their Presents, But Waters Their Lawn

A burglar camped out a Monrovia house, stole the family's Christmas presents, but watered their lawn. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Search for Missing Girls - UPDATE: Found




Update: They've been found.

Monrovia PD is currently looking for thirteen year olds Jayleen Enciso and Maqkuila Diaz. They have recently been reported missing and are believed to have run away from home together.

Jayleen was last seen wearing a black baseball hat, a black shirt with white long sleeves, black cargo, and black boots.

Maqkuila was last seen wearing a white “Monrovia” hoodie, jeans, and tennis shoes.

- Brad Haugaard 

Free Water-Saving Devices for Some Monrovians


Some Monrovians may be able to get free water saving devices, such as irrigation control systems, shower heads, etc. You have to live within the purple area on the map. To confirm that, call (866) 308-8391. First come, first served. Details: https://www.ecotechservices.net/wshp-info

- Brad Haugaard

Ryan Ries to Speak on Dangers of Drugs, Alcohol, and Depression

Guest speaker Ryan Ries will speak to youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings at Calvary Chapel Monrovia this Sunday, at 9 and 11 a.m. Ries was previously scheduled to speak in September, but came down with COVID.

Ries grew up in Southern California and made a name for himself in the skateboard industry, working for Circa Footwear, maker of skateboarding shoes. He later became involved in the rap and hip hop music industry.

He was making $300,000 a year and was traveling the world with rock bands, but began to struggle with drugs, which almost took his life.

He has been sober for many years, is married with triplet girls and a son, and travels the world speaking to youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings.

He and two rock musicians who had a similar story formed an organization called The Whosoevers, which brings a message of hope and love to young people -- and adults -- who are struggling.

He has written the book, "Kill the Noise: Finding Meaning Above the Madness," and is doing a book tour, speaking at churches, youth programs and to incarcerated juveniles. He also speaks at music festivals and skate parks across the nation.
 
- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Inside Asano Grocery Store in 1930s

Inside the Asano family grocery store on Myrtle Ave c. 1930s. See full details here.

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

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 20 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 11/25/2021. Changes since 11/17/2021.

City of Monrovia: 4,163 cases (up 20), 85 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 461 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Free Christmas Concert Dec. 3


There will be a free Christmas concert at First Presbyterian Church Monrovia on December 3 at 7 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Mountain Park and Canyon Oaks Thanksgiving

For the last 13 years, Mountain Park School and Canyon Oaks High School have held a Thanksgiving Feast before going on the holiday break. The tradition started after teachers heard their students wouldn't be getting a Thanksgiving meal. Ever since, school staff and community members put together a huge feast to make sure every student gets a chance to eat with their classmates.

Happy Thanksgiving, Monrovia!

- Brad Haugaard

City of Monrovia Goes Into Business - Mugs, T-Shirts, Etc.; Shop Old Town For Tote Bag; Youth Job Fair

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

~ The City of Monrovia has gone into business. It has "officially launched its first-ever online store!" There are t-shirts, sweatshirts, pens, mugs, and Samson teddy bears. Check it out here:  https://cityofmonroviastore.org/ 

~ Shop in Old Town Monrovia this Saturday,  November 27, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and bring the receipt to the booth at the corner of Lemon and Myrtle to get a free Shop Small tote bag, other items, and a raffle ticket. https://monroviaoldtown.org/

~  On December 8, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Monrovia Youth@Work Job Fair will connect Monrovia youth with paid internships at Monrovia businesses in a variety of fields including non-profits, education, advance manufacturing, engineering and more. Free food to the first 150 registrants who attend. Youth@Work is a program administered by LA County that provides youth ages 14 to 24 with paid work experience. https://tiktoktimetogettowork.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Market Grill @ Gem City

Had lunch today at Market Grill @ Gem City. This combo establishment (Market Grill is running the kitchen at Gem City Grill) is on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle. Got the Mad Dog for $10 from Market Grill and (separate check) a beer for $6.50 from Gem City. Excellent dog and beer. Glad Market Grill is back. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Bella - A Great Work-From-Home Companion


Bella is twelve years old and an absolute sweetie! She’s a calm dog who enjoys taking naps in our adoptions office, so we can tell she would be a great work-from-home companion. Bella enjoys being brushed, giving lots of kisses, and receiving ample ear and butt scratches. Bella would do best in a quiet home where she can be near her favorite people.

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Ben Overturff Cabin When It Still Stood

Deer Park Cabin, Ben Overturff, Owner. The cabin is now rubble. 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

Santa's Touring Schedule - Dec. 6-10

Santa and friends will be touring Monrovia next month on top of a decorated fire engine, escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh. Here's his schedule:

Monday, Dec. 6: South of Huntington, west of Myrtle, including Valley Circle. 

Tuesday, Dec. 7: East of Myrtle, north of Foothill Boulevard.

Wednesday, Dec. 8: West of Myrtle, south of Foothill, and north of Huntington.

Thursday, Dec. 9: East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road. 

Friday, Dec. 10: West of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Streets Being Labeled 'Route 66'; Horse Carriage Rides Sundays in December


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

~ Monrovia has begun painting roadway markings in the city along historic U.S. Route 66, and will be working from Fifth Avenue east to Mountain over the next couple of days.

~ Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available starting at Library Park on December 5, 12, and 19 - all Sundays - from 3-6 p.m. No reservations; first-come, first-serve.

- Brad Haugaard

Ceramic Sale By Local Artists - Dec. 3 and 4

Thousands of ceramic pieces by local artists. This is a fundraiser for The Wheelhouse community studio through Monrovia Adult Ed. It's located behind AAMCO and Troy's Donuts and Burgers, just southwest of the corner of Myrtle and Duarte Road.

- Brad Haugaard


Enter Your Home in Holiday Decorating Contest


IfIf you'd like to have your home considered in the Holiday Home Decorating Contest: https://v.gd/fPqDLe

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Parade on December 2


If you'd like to be in the parade: https://v.gd/x6V1Ra

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 33 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 11/17/2021. Changes since 11/10/2021.

City of Monrovia: 4,143 cases (up 33), 85 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 458 cases (up 2), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Market Grill Is Back!


The much-lamented Market Grill - which was broadly believed to have some of the best food in town - is back permanently, taking over the kitchen at Gem City Grill, on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle.

Its website (https://www.themarketgrillmonrovia.com/) says, "After a few successful Burger Popups @ Gem City Bar & Grill in Old Town Monrovia, we've been offered a permanent place there!" It adds that, "the fine folks over at Gem City have given us free reign of their kitchen on a permanent basis."

The restaurant reports that, "We're doing our best to work out the nuts and bolts of this new set-up. Your patience will be greatly rewarded, we promise." Kinks include: no soups or salads yet, and because Gem City Grill is a bar, you must be 21 or older to enter. 

Indicating its partnership with Gem City Grill, the top of the menu says, "Still the Old Fashioned Way ... But Better & With Booze."

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Video Shows How Monrovia Schools Foster Success

The Monrovia School District released this video at the 2021-22 State of the Schools Address showing how its schools foster success for students and staff. The State of the Schools Address was held Nov. 17 at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center, at Monrovia High, before nearly 100 community members.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: U-Turn at Major Intersection Causes Crash; Kicking Parked Cars; Four-Year Threat to Kidnap Children Used to Extort Money; And More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 10 – November 17. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Commercial Burglary
November 10 at 7:32 a.m., employees of a shipping company in the 200 block of Kruse arrived to work and discovered someone had forced entry into the business sometime during the night. An investigation revealed the suspects crashed their vehicle into a rollup door at approximately 3:40 a.m. They entered the business and took several electric scooters and other items, then left the area. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
November 10 at 9:12 a.m., a gardener called the police to report that someone had just stolen several tools from his work truck while he was doing work at a home in the 300 block of N. May. This investigation is continuing.

Embezzlement
November 10 at 1:45 p.m., officers were patrolling a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when they were notified by store security that an embezzlement had occurred a week prior, but was just discovered. The suspect rented power tools, but was refusing to return them. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 11 at 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower after a driver made a U-turn in front of another vehicle causing a collision. The driver who was hit sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital by ambulance. A child in one of the vehicles did not appear to sustain any injuries, but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 2:37 a.m., a male subject was found in a stopped vehicle to the rear of a gas station in the 800 block of E. Huntington. Officers contacted the subject and an investigation revealed he had drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance inside the vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 12 at 2:53 a.m., officers patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle noticed a male and female subject in the park after hours. The subjects were detained and an investigation revealed the male had a warrant for his arrest. The female was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Further checks of the male's property revealed he was in possession of several driver's licenses and credit cards belonging to other people. The male also had a restraining order against him and the protected person was the female he was with. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
November 12 at 2:33 p.m., a vandalism was reported in the 200 block of E. Lime. An unknown suspect shattered a window on the victim’s vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 12 at 2:44 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of E. Palm. The resident reported that the home was broken into sometime over the weekend. The home is being renovated and is currently unoccupied, several tools were taken from the home. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 11:38 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle noticed a vehicle traveling with a broken headlight. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. While speaking with the driver, the officer noticed the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. An investigation was conducted. The driver was ultimately found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 1:06 a.m., an officer was flagged down by a resident in the 100 block of E. Lime regarding female subject seen getting into a vehicle. The reporting party believed the female may have been intoxicated. Officers located the female as she drove east on Lime. A traffic stop was conducted after the vehicle failed to stop for two stop signs. While speaking with the driver, officers noticed the driver appeared intoxicated. She was arrested after an investigation revealed she was DUI and was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 2:44 a.m., while on patrol, an officer observed a speeding vehicle near the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. A traffic stop was conducted and while speaking with the driver, the officer noticed the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver refused to complete any field sobriety tests, but agreed to give a blood sample. He was transported to a local hospital where a blood sample was taken. He was then arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 4:45 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Lime called to report her son was on her property refusing to leave and she had a restraining order prohibiting him from being there. Officers arrived and located the subject on the property. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fatal Traffic Collision
November 13 at 8:00 a.m., a driver was traveling south in the 100 block of N. Myrtle. According to witnesses and evidence the driver was traveling approximately five to ten miles per hour and began making a left turn onto eastbound Foothill. The driver did not see an adult female in the crosswalk and struck her. The pedestrian was trapped underneath the vehicle. Monrovia Fire responded and utilized special equipment to hoist the vehicle and provide medical attention to the female. She was transported to a local hospital where she later died from injuries sustained in the accident. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia Police Department responded to assist with the investigation.

Critical Missing
November 13 at 9:27 a.m., a resident from the 200 block of Jasmine called to report her adult son was missing. He has mental health issues and the mother has not seen him in four days. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 13 at 9:54 a.m., a driver was traveling north in the 200 block of N. Canyon when a vehicle suddenly pulled away from the curb and struck her vehicle. One occupant complained of pain and was transported to a local hospital.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 2:35 p.m., a caller reported a domestic disturbance near the intersection of California and Duarte. A witness saw a male push a female in that area. The caller intervened and the male left the area. Officers arrived and contacted the victim. Additional officers checked the area for the male, but did not locate him at that time. The next day the suspect turned himself into the Monrovia Police Department.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 2:49 p.m., multiple callers said a female was walking in the middle of the street near the intersection of Grand and Foothill. Officers arrived and saw the female in the street. They detained her and determined she was under the influence of a controlled substance. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 13, at 4:58 p.m., a caller reported a bicyclist was riding in and out of traffic causing a traffic hazard in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Officer arrived and located the subject. It was determined he was drunk in public and he was arrested. He was transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail and held for a sobering period.

Bomb Threat
November 13 at 8:18 p.m., a male caller reported he was going to strap a bomb to his body and walk into the Monrovia Police Department lobby in the 100 block of E. Lime that same night. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 1:46 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of N. Myrtle regarding a domestic dispute. Upon arrival they discovered a male and female adult had been at a bar and left. The female returned to the bar without the male. The female called her mother because she believed there might be a problem when she returned home, so her mother went to the residence. An argument ensued and the male suspect pushed both the female and her mother. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence
November 14 at 5:14 p.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject physically assaulting a female in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and saw the female, but the male had already left. Additional officers checked the area for the suspect, but did not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Outside Assist
November 14 at 8:02 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte found a firearm in the street. It was determined the firearm had been thrown from a vehicle during an earlier pursuit involving the El Monte Police Department. Officers collected the firearm and provided it to El Monte PD for their investigation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 1:04 a.m., officers were patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when they came across a subject loitering in the area. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested.

Resisting – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 9:29 a.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of W. Central saw a subject walking in the street and kicking parked vehicles. Officers responded and attempted to contact the subject. He refused to cooperate and became combative. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 10:14 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of S. Fifth to assist the victim of a domestic violence incident in retrieving property from her apartment. While at the location, the suspect returned and then ran from officers. Officers caught up with the suspect and arrested him for domestic violence. He was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking. The investigation also revealed there was an unlawful firearm located inside his residence.

Fraud
November 15 at 4:14 p.m., a victim from the 600 block of E. Colorado came into the Monrovia Police Department lobby to report fraud. He stated he has been paying an unknown suspect every week for over four years. The suspect had reached out to the victim electronically years ago and threatened to kidnap the victim’s children. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 8:15 pm, officers responded to a report of domestic violence in the 500 block of Linwood. The suspect, who was intoxicated, had punched his wife multiple times in the face. The victim had lacerations around her eye and on her arms. She was transported to the hospital. The suspect was arrested and later transported to IRC.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 10:31 pm, a domestic violence was reported in the 800 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect punched her partner in the head, which resulted in a small bump. The victim said she did not desire prosecution nor did she want an emergency protection order. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 1:12 am, a caller reported that an intoxicated male driver was passed out in the drive-thru of a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and contacted the driver. An investigation revealed he was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested for DUI and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Attempt Commercial Burglary
November 16 at 7:15 a.m., a witness reported seeing a male subject attempting to open the front door of a closed liquor store in the 200 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and found the door's lock had been drilled, but the suspect had not gained entry. They searched the area, but the suspect had already left. This investigation is continuing.

Disturbing the Peace / Trespass
November 16 at 10:44 a.m., the manager of a gym in the 200 block of W. Foothill reported that a male subject was trespassing, yelling obscenities at customers, and drinking alcohol in public. Officers arrived and located the subject sitting on a rock wall belonging to the business. The subject had been drinking, but was not too drunk to care for his safety or that of others. He was told to leave the property, which he did. This same subject later moved onto the private property of a shopping center in the 100 block of W. Foothill. He began yelling at customers. He agreed to leave after a No Trespass Authorization form was completed.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 2:10 p.m., a caller reported seeing a suspicious vehicle parked in the 400 block of W. Evergreen. Officers arrived and discovered it had been reported stolen in Duarte. No one was found in the vehicle, however, two subjects were stopped and detained nearby. An investigation revealed one of the subjects had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed these two subjects most likely were not involved in the vehicle theft. The vehicle was recovered and removed from the stolen vehicle system.

Child Abuse
November 16 at 7:56 pm, a mother from the 100 block of E. Walnut came to the Monrovia Police Department lobby to report that her two year old child, was possibly abused at a pediatric therapy facility. The child sustained a dislocated elbow, commonly referred to as nursemaid's elbow. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 17 at 4:56 am, a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. The victim’s Dodge service body truck had been burglarized and tools were stolen. The burglary occurred sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. Non-Injury traffic Collision November 17 at 11:09 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 300 block of E. Duarte. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. Both drivers chose to exchange information only.

Bicycle Theft
November 17 at 2:00 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of S. Fifth reported his bicycle had been stolen from his yard. He last saw his bicycle two weeks prior to discovering it missing. Officers searched the area for the bicycle, but could not locate it. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 2:24 p.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject walking into the private driveways of residences in the 200 and 500 blocks of S. Magnolia. Officers arrived and located the subject. An investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. Further investigation revealed he was also in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
November 17 at 4:17 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of El Nido reported someone had stolen the catalytic converter from her parked vehicle sometime during the day in front of her house. At the same time, two other residents reported the same type of theft in the 300 block of Patterson and the 100 block of Stedman. These investigations are continuing.

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 12:58 a.m., while on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia officers located a subject in a vacant lot. The subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested.

Dinner at Pour House

Had dinner at the Pour House, a sports bar on the west side of Myrtle just below Lime. Got the roast beef sandwich for $9 and a craft beer in an ice cold mug for $6.50. Love beer in icy mugs! And the sandwich was very filling and good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Citrus College Needs Fill-In Trustee

The Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to serve the remaining term of Dr. Edward C. Ortell, governing board member for trustee area 3, who passed away on Oct. 16.

Trustee area 3 includes Duarte and portions of Azusa, Monrovia, Arcadia, Covina and Irwindale.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2021. The board of trustees will interview candidates during its public meeting on Dec. 14, 2021, and anticipates making a provisional appointment that evening. The appointee will serve until the next regularly scheduled election for trustee area 3 on Nov. 8, 2022.

To be eligible to serve as a member of the board of trustees, an applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age Be a citizen of the state of California
  • Be a resident of trustee area 3, which includes Duarte and portions of Azusa, Monrovia, Arcadia, Covina and Irwindale
  • Be a registered voter
  • Not be disqualified by the constitution or laws of the state of California from holding a civic office

Interested candidates must have the ability and time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the board, which include:

  • Participate fully in the work of the board, which includes attending all board meetings and key college events, studying and discussing policy issues, and participating in trustee education programs
  • Be knowledgeable about the communities served by the college and be willing to act on behalf and for the benefit of those communities
  • Be committed to community colleges and their missions; understand educational, social and economic policy issues
  • Engage in balancing the needs of many diverse groups
  • Be able to collaborate and build consensus
  • Contribute to effective functioning of the board and support the authority of the board as a whole

Visit the Citrus College website at www.citruscollege.edu/admin/bot for an application and for more information about the college and the board of trustees.

- Brad Haugaard


Cat Buddies Boba and Jelly - Both Super Friendly - Need a New Home


Twelve-year-old Boba, along with her cat friend Jelly, were brought to the shelter when their owner could no longer care for them. Both cats are super friendly, love being pet, and will meow for attention. Boba will even drool when she’s happy! This sweet senior girl would love a home where she, and Jelly, can get lots of love and cuddles.

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: Postcard Picture Looking North on Highland Place

Postcard looking north on Highland Place showing residences.. 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

Citrus College Invited to Compete for $1 Million Aspen Prize

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has received its fifth consecutive invitation to compete among the nation's top 150 community colleges for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, awarded every two years by the Aspen Institute College Excellence program. The $1 million prize recognizes achievement among community colleges that excel in: teaching and learning; certificate and degree completion; transfer and bachelor's attainment; workforce success; and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

- Brad Haugaard

Pedestrian Hit on Foothill

(Photo removed at request of family)

According to informal reports, a pedestrian was hit by a car on Foothill near Myrtle Saturday morning.

City council member Becky Shevlin reported that the driver, an older man, was traveling eastbound with the sun in his eyes and did not see the woman, also older, as she crossed Foothill at Myrtle. Shevlin said the driver is being cooperative and the woman was taken to the hospital and directly to surgery.

Update: The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the victim has died. https://v.gd/xLFJDG


- Brad Haugaard 

See the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn Through a Telescope Tonight


Come out to see the moon, Jupiter and Saturn up close with Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk astronomers  tonight at the southeast corner of Monrovia's Library Park from 5:45 - 8:30 p.m.  On display will be the moon, Jupiter and Saturn. Venus may be visible low in the west right after sunset. 


- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Chicken Recalled


Chicken products made by Innovative Solutions, and sold at stores owned by Monrovia-based Trader Joe's as Trader Joe's Lime Chicken Burgers and Spinach Feta Chicken Sliders, have been recalled for having pieces of bone in them. https://v.gd/qajuYK

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 45 More Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 11/10/2021. Changes since 11/03/2021.

City of Monrovia: 4,110 cases (up 45), 84 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 456 cases (up 3), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Making Fountain an Historic Landmark

At its next meeting (agenda: https://v.gd/nBKdZ2) the Monrovia City Council will consider designating the Farmers Club Fountain in Library Park as an historic landmark. https://v.gd/4o9M9E

- Brad Haugaard

Free Water Conservation Kits to Fight Drought; Tree Trimming; Road Closures

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

~ Despite the storm, this year is the second driest on record. As of October 31, 153 wells across the state have gone dry and water in key reservoirs is alarmingly low.  Monrovia is offering free water conservation kits, one per household.  https://v.gd/kv3fWF

~ This week tree trimmers will be working between Mayflower and Fifth from Duarte Road to the southern boundary of the city.

~  Beginning Friday, November 12, at 8 p.m., all westbound lanes on Live Oak Ave and all eastbound lanes on Arrow Highway will be closed and will stay closed until 5 a.m. Monday, November 15.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe X2O

Dinner at Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Kebab plate with sides of hummus and garlic paste for $15, and a beer for $7.  Came with pita bread. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Original Apple Computer Sells in Monrovia for $400,000

An original Apple 1 computer sold at auction in Monrovia through John Moran Auctioneers for $400,000. It originally belonged to a professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. https://v.gd/VMBGqy

- Brad Haugaard

Oliver! November 20 and 21


The Taylor Performing Arts Center will perform Oliver! its 16th professional production. The show will take place outdoors (with heat lamps provided) in Friendship Circle on the campus at Monrovia High School for two performances only, Saturday, November 20, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 21, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Enter Monrovia Chalksgiving Contest - Theme: What We're Grateful For


Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is holding Chalkgiving, an at-home chalk festival on November 25-28.  Registration is open on the MAFA website at monroviafinearts.org, and registered participants can pick up a free kit (thanks to community partners) to create chalk art with the theme "What We're Grateful For" on their sidewalk or driveway at home. More details on the website. 

MAFA will award first, second and third place prizes to registered participants in these categories: 

  • Monrovia Residents/Families 
  • Monrovia Resident Children to age 12 (with parental permission) 
  • Students 
  • Professional Artists
  • Monrovia City Departments 

To compete for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, registered participants should email a photo of themselves with their chalk art to sandra@monroviafinearts.org by midnight on November 28. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglaries, Drugs, Drunks, Siphoning Gas, Mental Evaluations; Car Wheels Replaced With Concrete Blocks; Surveillance Camera Records Itself Being Stolen; and More

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 335 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Commercial Burglary
November 4 at 7:25 a.m., officers responded to Fig regarding cash registers left at an empty parking lot. Upon arrival officers located registers that had been pried open. Officers searched the area and located a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington that had been broken. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 4 at 8:57 a.m., a business owner reported that his business in the 600 block of W. Huntington had been broken into overnight. Officers arrived and determined that the suspect had entered through the ceiling. Once inside the suspect ripped the cords from the surveillance equipment and left the store. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
November 4 at 6:46 p.m., an employee at a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill called to report a female subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and located the subject who was determined to be too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for a sobering period. Once in the jail she kept stating she wanted to be killed by police. It was determined that she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Public Intoxication / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 4 at 10:22 p.m., officers patrolling the 400 block of S. Myrtle saw a male subject standing in the middle of the road almost get hit by a vehicle. Officers determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for a sobering period.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 2:12 a.m., officers patrolling the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and an investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 2:27 a.m., officers were providing extra patrol to a location in the 800 block of W. Huntington that had multiple no trespass authorizations. They saw a subject on the property who had previously been trespassed from the location. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 3:32 a.m., officers patrolling the intersection of Mayflower and Evergreen saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. They conducted a traffic stop and an investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.

Commercial Burglary
November 5 at 9:14 a.m., an employee of a business in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report that someone had broken into the location during the night. Officers arrived and found a smashed front window. Further investigation revealed that the suspect(s) had entered the location and attempted to take the cash registers. During the burglary the suspect(s) damaged the surveillance equipment in an attempt to conceal their identity. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 9:15 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Alta and Encino regarding a suspicious person loitering in the area. Upon arrival they found a female subject holding drug paraphernalia in her hand. She was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
November 5 at 9:25 a.m., a caller reported his business’ vehicles parked in the 400 block of E. Duarte had been broken into during the night. The suspect had smashed the windows of several vehicles and gained access to the fuel lever. The suspect then siphoned gas from each of the vehicles. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person – Subject Located
November 5 at 11:14 a.m., officers responded to the high school regarding a missing juvenile who had returned. Upon arrival they saw the juvenile was well kept and did not need any medical attention. She was subsequently taken out of the missing person’s database and went back to class.

Vehicle Burglary
November 5 at 11:17 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported his vehicle had just been broken into. Officers arrived and saw the window had been smashed by an unknown object. The victim also stated that money was missing from the center console. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
November 5 at 11:34 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Magnolia reported a package was stolen from their front porch sometime during the morning. She described the suspect as a male wearing a hoodie. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspects Arrested
November 5 at 12:25 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of Peppertree reported that someone had just stolen her Louis Vuitton purse and wallet out of her unlocked vehicle. Officers arrived and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area. An investigation revealed that the driver and passenger had taken the purse and wallet. Both suspects were positively identified and arrested. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Mail Theft
November 5 at 12:27 p.m., a mail carrier in the 600 block of W. Duarte reported that his USPS mail truck that had just been broken into. The mail carrier stated that when he returned to his vehicle he noticed a window had been smashed and that mail was missing. Officers searched the area for evidence. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 5:20 p.m., officers on patrol in the intersection of Monterey and Chestnut conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. An investigation revealed the driver was on probation for battery and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 9:50 p.m., an officer patrolling the 600 block of W. Huntington saw a subject he recognized from prior encounters loitering in the area. An investigation revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 1:38 a.m., a caller reported a male subject passed out inside a vehicle in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Upon arrival officers found the subject was heavily intoxicated, sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. An investigation revealed that he had been operating the vehicle will under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
November 6 at 6:07 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of W. Duarte regarding a commercial burglary investigation. It was determined the business had been broken into sometime during the night and money had been taken from the cash register. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Recovery
November 6 at 7:46 a.m., the victim reported a vehicle theft in the 900 block of S. Fifth. It was determined that the victim had lost their keys a few days prior to the vehicle being stolen. During the investigation the vehicle was located in the city of Arcadia. The vehicle was returned to the registered owner. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
November 6 at 2:36 p.m., officers responded to Library Park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject asking for assistance. It was determined the subject needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 2:47 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of Evergreen and Primrose when they saw a subject walking in the middle of the street. They contacted the subject who displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Further investigation revealed he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 2:11 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Primrose and Walnut. The driver was traveling south when she drifted to the right hitting a parked vehicle. Officers saw she was displaying signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After a DUI investigation she was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.

Grand Theft
November 8 at 7:48 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Fano walked outside her home and discovered her car was propped up on concrete blocks and two of her wheels had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 11:50 a.m., an employee of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male customer had just left the store with merchandise he did not pay for. Officers arrived and located the subject. After an investigation, the subject was arrested for shoplifting.

Theft
November 8 at 2:37 p.m., a member of a residential complex in the 100 block of W. Colorado reported a surveillance camera had been stolen sometime during the night. The surveillance camera recorded the suspect removing the camera. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 8 at 3:02 p.m., a resident in the 2600 block of Doray Circle discovered several pieces of expensive jewelry missing from inside her home. The jewelry was all there in June and several people have been in her home since. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing - Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 9:51 a.m., a caller reported a male subject that was trespassing at a business located in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The subject had previously been advised about trespassing on the property and was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Grand Theft
November 9, at 11:45 a.m., an attempt grand theft was reported in the 800 block of S. Mayflower. Someone tried to steal the victim’s unlocked truck by removing the plastic guard over the ignition. The suspect had fled prior to the discovery of the attempt theft. This investigation is continuing.

Fire
November 9 at 1:36 p.m., callers reported smoke coming from the inside a home in the 300 block of W. Lemon. Upon arrival, officers and the Monrovia Fire Department discovered a cooking fire inside the kitchen. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured.

Grand Theft
November 9 at 8:03 p.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Olive reported that someone in a black sedan stole the catalytic converter from his vehicle. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already left the area. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft
November 9 at 8:10 p.m., while Officers were responding to the above call on Olive, another caller in the 700 block of E. Los Angeles, reported that two suspects in a black BMW, attempted to steal the catalytic converter and fled. The suspects were not located. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 9 at 9:03 p.m., a customer in the 1600 block of S. Mountain parked his van in the emergency lane in front of the entrance and went into the store. When he came out, he found that someone had punched his door lock and stole multiple power tool batteries and a subwoofer from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision Myrtle and Olive
November 9 at 11:32 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Myrtle and Olive. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. It was determined that the vehicle collided into a city tree and boulder after making a turn at the intersection. No one was injured and Public works was notified regarding the damaged tree.

Monrovia Historical Society President to Speak Saturday on City's Founding Women

Monrovia Historical Society President Steve Baker will speak on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Monrovia Community Center on "Monrovia's Founding Women and What they Created." The event, jointly sponsored with the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, will be both in-person and virtually by Zoom, at: https://wmp.zoom.us/j/92755488491?pwd=dlJJRDg5ZEk4YkhPamU0ZzVXTHZidz09 Password: 639273.

There will be refreshments for those who come in person. Masks will be required.  The Community Center is at 119 E Palm in Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Scout Troop Honors Four New Eagle Scouts

 New Eagle Scouts. Left to Right: Tyler Ford, Scott Reynolds, Luca Ammon and Nicholas Milazzo.

Four scouts from Monrovia Boy Scout Troop 66 have earned Eagle rank:  Tyler Ford, Nicholas Milazzo, Luca Ammon and Scott Reynolds. Scoutmaster Mark D. Peters reports the ceremony was held aboard the SS Lane Victory, a museum ship in the San Pedro harbor that served as a cargo ship during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. The scouts were presented their Eagle medals by their parents and each mom pinned the medal on her son's chest.

Also, the troop recognized new Tenderfoot scouts, Micah Beltran, Charles Gerringer, and William Wysock Jr.; and scouts advancing to First Class, James Rangel Vierra and Maxwell Rily.

For a complete report: https://www.facebook.com/monroviatroop66

- Brad Haugaard

Maggie: Beautiful Eyes and Affectionate Personality


The first thing you might notice about one-year-old Maggie is her beautiful eyes. Spend more time with her, and you’ll notice what an affectionate and playful personality she has. Along with playing, Maggie also enjoys a good nap, and will sleep or quietly chew on toys while you work. Maggie can be shy with new people, and will need time to get to know you, but it’s so rewarding to see her bright personality emerge!

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

Free Online Composting Class


 Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is sponsoring a free online Zoom class on Wednesday, November 10,  from 6-7 p.m. on:

  • How plants work with their soil
  • Introducing the soil food web
  • How to make compost, selecting soil amendments for your garden
  • How to grow healthy soil for healthy plants
Register here: https://v.gd/kO8FlZ

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia's Xencor Reports Third Quarter Loss of $40.2 Million


Monrovia's Xencor, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported a net third-quarter loss of $40.2 million, compared to a net loss of $12.6 million for the same period in 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net income was $9.6 million, compared to a net loss of $55.6 million for the same period in 2020. The company's stock closed today down 1.67%. https://v.gd/oBhWPy

- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaNow Email Address Change

Just a note to let everyone know that MonroviaNow will no longer be using the email address brad@bradhaugaard.com. The new address is brad.haugaard@gmail.com

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1923 Picture of First Methodist Church

Postcard of the First Methodist Church c. 1923.. 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

Board to Consider: Letting Some Students Off Campus for Lunch; Continuing On-Line Meetings Because of 'State of Emergency'; Honoring Teacher of the Year, Scholars

At its next meeting (agenda: https://v.gd/4rz06w) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Adopting an "open campus" policy to let 11th and 12th graders leave campus during lunchtime, subject to their maintaining a 3.0 GPA, parental approval, good attendance and basically keeping their noses clean. https://v.gd/DXCRIO

~ Adopting a resolution "recognizing the continued state of emergency and reauthorizing the need for teleconferenced meetings." State law requires districts consider this resolution monthly. https://v.gd/8OR7gc

~ Adopting a policy revision concerning absences and excuses. https://v.gd/TbHAYG

~ Congratulating Kristin Ford on being named the "2021 Teacher of the Year" for Monrovia Unified School District. This at a special 5:30 p.m. meeting. https://v.gd/TQjpf8

~ Congratulating Advanced Placement scholars: 

AP Scholars:

  • Valery Almeida, 12th grade
  • Luke Grebel, 12th grade
  • Luca Ammon, 12th grade
  • Elizabeth Hutson, 12th grade
  • Sarah Avalos, 12th grade
  • Ashley Jauregui, 12th grade
  • Sophia Childers, 11th grade
  • Raymond Revilla, 12th grade
  • Robert DeBetta, 11th grade
  • Matthew Rocha Torres, 12th grade
  • Finn Espinoza, 12th grade
  • Ava Shechtman, 11th grade

AP Scholars With Honors:

  • Alexander Lenz, 12th grade
  • Megan Ta, 12th grade
  • Jane Neuman, 11th grade

AP Scholars With Distinction:

  • Edward Feldman, 12th grade
  • Susann Martinez, 12th grade
  • Matthew Hui, 12th grade
  • Andrew Smithwick, 12th grade
  • Elizabeth Liu, 12th grade

~  Adopting a policy revision concerning absences and excuses. https://v.gd/TbHAYG

- Brad Haugaard

Honor a Veteran; Buy a $100-pie; How to Spend $15 Million; Hypertension Event; City Job Opening; Volunteers Make a Difference

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

~ You can visit the city booth at Library Park to get a tag to write a thank-you message to a veteran. Tie the tag to one of the many flags flying in the park. The city will also celebrate Veterans Day with a ceremony at 11 a.m. to noon, on Thursday, November 11, at  Library Park. 

~  The group FoodEd is baking 100 homemade pies that it willl sell for $100 each to raise funds to support garden and food science programs in the San Gabriel Valley. https://v.gd/e3TRwx

~ The city has $15 million of Measure K money to spend and it would like your thoughts. Meetings:  November 13, Station Square Park, 1-3 p.m.; December 4, Library Park, 1-3 p.m.; December 11, Station Square Park, 1-3 p.m. Or submit thoughts on-line, here:  www.cityofmonrovia.org/measurek.

~ The city is looking for a Development Services Technician, full-time - $50,589 to $67,795.04 a year. https://v.gd/po12Ao

~ The Monrovia Historical Museum will reopen on November 7 with an updated exhibit of Monrovia High School yearbooks; a Fire Department exhibit; and, upcoming, a display on the city's diversity. Regular operating hours are Sundays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. 

~ To focus attention on pulmonary hypertension, Monrovia O2breathe will hold a virtual event November 6. Details:  https://v.gd/wRL4bQ

~ The Volunteer Center of the San Gabriel Valley hosted the 31st annual Make a Difference Day event on October 23. Volunteers made home and landscaping improvements for low-income families and seniors, did park clean-ups and beautification, worked at Monrovia High School and Santa Fe Middle School doing landscaping and at Foothill Unity Center doing food sorting.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia City Manager Takes City Manager Job for Irvine

Former Monrovia City Manager, Oliver Chi, who took the job as city manager of Huntington Beach, has now accepted a job as city manager of the City of Irvine. https://v.gd/4P1bve

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 29 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 11/03/2021. Changes since 10/27/2021.

City of Monrovia: 4,065 cases (up 29), 84 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 453 cases (up 6), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Interactive Map Showing Public Art Works in Monrovia

Decorated library book drops, one of many examples of public art on the interactive map.

The Monrovia City website now has an interactive map showing the location of more than 120 pieces of public art, including painted utility boxes, Samson bears, "Projects" (sculptures, murals, metal work, decorated Big Belly trans cans, etc), "Footnotes" (poems in concrete sidewalks), and Neighborhood Treasures (plaques about notable people in Monrovia history). Here's the link. You'll need to scroll down a bit: http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/art.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Lying in the Middle of Huntington; Man Attacks Woman With Knife; Drunks; Fake 911 Call; Broken Gas Line; Tires Stolen Off Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 28 – November 3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 67 investigations.

Mental Evaluation
October 28 at 2:38 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of S. Fifth called to report that a subject was inside a vacant apartment. Officers arrived and located a subject inside the apartment. Upon arrival, it was determined the subject suffers from mental illness and lives in the adjacent apartment. It was determined he needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional and he was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 3:59 p.m., a caller reported seeing a suspect trespassing at a business in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, who they recognized from previous encounters. It was determined he was in violation of trespassing laws and he was arrested.

Mental Evaluation
October 29 at 7:40 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a female subject lying in the middle of the road. The officer positioned his patrol car to protect the safety of the female. He contacted her and she began yelling. The officer detained her and determined she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Arson – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 5:45 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Royal Oaks called to report a brush fire in the area. A suspect was seen leaving the area. Officers responded and extinguished the fire. The suspect was detained in close proximity to the fire, and a witness positively identified him as the one who started the fire. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 1:06 a.m., a manager of a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called to report a subject drove into the drive-thru and struck a vehicle in front of him. The manager believes the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Officers arrived and spoke with the drivers at the location. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined that the driver at fault was under the influence. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 2:13 a.m., a caller near the intersection of Myrtle and Los Angeles reported he was just flagged down by a female victim who reported her boyfriend threatened her with a knife. Officers arrived and located the parties involved and discovered the victim and suspect where involved in an argument. During the argument, the male suspect attacked the female with a knife. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
October 30 at 7:39 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. The victim reported his storage unit was broken into and several pairs of shoes were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 30 at 10:58 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of California and Duarte. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One driver complained of pain. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Misuse of 911
October 30 at 12:59 p.m., a caller who identified themselves as an 8-year-old girl said her mother fell down the stairs and was bleeding from her head. The caller quickly disconnected. The dispatcher recognized the voice of the caller as the same one from a previous swatting call. Officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Primrose and confirmed no one called from that residence. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 11:25 p.m., officers patrolling the intersection of Peck and Live Oak stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 11:55 p.m., officers patrolling the intersection of Peck and Lower Azusa saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Gas Leak / Fire Assist
November 1 at 12:23 p.m., a road construction crew in the 900 block of S. Primrose were excavating the road and struck a two-inch gas service line. The gas line was broken and caused a major gas leak. Officers and Fire personnel responded to the gas leak. The streets surrounding the area were shut down until the Gas Company arrived and repaired the gas line. No injuries were caused from the gas leak.

Critical Missing – Located
November 1 at 3:16 p.m., a woman came to the lobby to report her elderly mother missing. She stated that her mother suffers from dementia and Parkinson’s disease. She and her mother had gone for a walk and she lost sight of her mother near the area of Primrose and Colorado. Officers responded to the area where the missing person was last seen. Officers were able to locate the missing woman at Primrose and Chestnut. The missing woman was reunited with her daughter.

Fraud
November 1 at 6:00 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega reported that someone fraudulently cashed their escrow check at a Wells Fargo bank. The check was supposed to be mailed to them, but it was never received. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 9:20 p.m., a traffic collision involving a parked vehicle was reported in the 700 block of S. Magnolia, which caused the moving vehicle to roll over. Officers arrived and determined that the driver of the vehicle was driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking and a sobering period. During the booking process it was determined that she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was then transported to a facility for treatment.

Commercial Burglary
November 2 at 7:24 a.m., the manager of residential rental units in the 1000 block of E. Huntington arrived at his office and discovered someone had forced entry into the building sometime during the night. The unknown suspect had stolen all the rental checks he had received from tenants. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 2 at 10:08 a.m., employees of a restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington arrived to work and discovered the business had been burglarized. The suspects entered the store at 6 a.m., took the store's cash register, then fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 12:42 p.m., officers patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose contacted a subject who had just abandoned a bicycle he had been pushing. An investigation revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and it was discovered he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 1:44 p.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported that a male subject in his store was refusing to leave. The same subject was warned not to trespass at that location a week prior. The suspect began yelling at the owner and told the owner he was going to kill him. Officers arrived and found the suspect to be in possession of a knife used to threaten the business owner. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 2:49 p.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject loitering near her business with an occupied vehicle parked next to him. She requested the police to ask them to leave. Officers arrived and saw the male subject get into the vehicle. The vehicle fled and officers conducted a traffic stop. The officers discovered the male subject had an active domestic violence restraining order against him to stay away from the female driver. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 2 at 6:35 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision involving a parked vehicle was reported in the 200 block of E. Duarte. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft / Fraud
November 2 at 8:27 p.m., a mail theft incident was reported in the 300 block of N. Grand. One stolen piece of mail contained a credit card which someone tried to use at a business in Duarte. This investigation is continuing.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 3:51 a.m., officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in the 200 block of E. Lime. A female suspect was found to have multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrants.

Petty Theft
November 3 at 3:53 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain walked outside the business and discovered someone had stolen two of the wheels off her car. Her car was propped up on bricks that were placed there by the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
November 3 at 5:40 p.m., the victim reported that she left her unlocked vehicle in a parking structure in the 700 block of S. Myrtle on November 1. She returned to the vehicle on November 3 and found it had been ransacked. Her purse, wallet, and other personal documents were stolen. The investigation is ongoing.

Lunch at Cafe de Olla

Got lunch today at Cafe de Olla, on the west side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Got the Chicken Chipotle sandwich for $12.25 and an iced tea for $3.75. Excellent!

- Brad Haugaard 

Thankfulness Gathering November 18


Truck petting? I think it means petting a fire truck or police car or something.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Dance Academy, SoCal Arts, Presents 'Nutcracker'


After a difficult time with COVID, Monrovia's new dance academy, SoCal Arts, is ending its Rebirth Season with a production of Nutcraker. It will be held at the Covina Center for the Performing Arts, November 26 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., November 27 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and November 28 at 6 p.m. For more information visit: https://www.socal-arts.com/the-nutcracker-2021/ 

- Brad Haugaard