School Superintendent emphasizes safety in light of Minneapolis school shooting

In light of the school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Monrovia Schools Superintendent Paula Hart Rodas has written a letter to parents saying that student safety remains the district’s top priority, with continuing reviews of security protocols and strong ties with local law enforcement. The letter encouraged families to discuss concerns openly with children, adding that counseling is available, both from school counselors and from these resources:

• Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Available in English and Spanish)

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists – Available in English and Spanish)

• Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute – Available in English and Spanish)

• Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)

• Teaching in the Wake of Violence (Facing History and Ourselves)

- Brad Haugaard

Nonprofits partner to provide food and other supplies to Valley residents

There will be a "Resource Rally" at Foothill Unity Center (790 W Chestnut) on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide food and essentials to 400 families in the San Gabriel Valley, with special focus on those affected by the Eaton Canyon fires. The rally is a partnership between Foothill Unity Center, the Popeyes Foundation, Feed the Children, and Reach Out America. Each family will receive 25 pounds of food, a 15 pound box of hygiene items, and additional products. The opening ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by drive-thru distribution. Speakers include Monrovia Mayor Becky Shevlin, School Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas, School Board President Rob Hammond, and others. For further information, text 703-2398.

- Brad Haugaard

Adventure buddy - Affectionate but Bear needs a confident handler

Looking for a big adventure buddy? Meet Bear! This handsome 3-year-old chocolate Alaskan Malamute at Pasadena Humane is a true crowd favorite wherever he goes, and it’s easy to see why. Bear is a good-natured boy through and through whether strolling around the neighborhood or leaning in for belly rubs.

Bear is smart and eager to please! He already knows sit, down, touch, and will even shake with both his paws for a treat! While he’s generally calm, he’s a strong boy and can pull while on his leash, so he’ll do best with a confident handler to guide him. He takes time to warm up to new people, but once he trusts you, Bear shows his sweet and very affectionate side.

Because of his size and strength, Bear would thrive in a home with adults (or older kids) who can give him the consistency he needs. He'd love a quieter environment where he can be the star of the show. If you’re ready for a loyal boy to share in life’s adventures, Bear is waiting to meet you at Pasadena Humane! Come fall in love with this teddy bear today.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia history ... animated

We’ll never be able to trust photos again! My brother Erik took this photograph of a Pacific Electric car in Monrovia and animated it using Grok Imagine. He said the whole process took about 30 seconds, sound included. The image is from March 1, 1903, and marks the beginning of service by the Pacific Electric Railway to Monrovia. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia's float in the Rose Parade

Monrovia's Float in Tournament of Roses Parade 1924 From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. 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

Jeopardy Night at Library Sept. 12

Jeopardy Night returns to the Library on Friday, Sept. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Participants will compete in a quiz show format with categories including history, science, pop culture, and literature. Open to adults 16 and older. Registration required by 6 p.m. that day. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Baby Storytime at Library Tuesday, Aug. 26

Baby Storytime uses songs, games, movement, and stories to support pre-literacy skills, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Library Story Room. For children to age 5 with their caregivers. Drop-offs not allowed. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Hop Secret to host beer garden at street fair

Hop Secret Brewing Company will host a Beer Garden at the Street Fair & Market on the 700 block of Myrtle beginning Friday, August 22. Adults 21 and over can enjoy local craft beers in a designated area. 

- Brad Haugaard

Vacancy on Art in Public Places Committee

Applications are open for a vacant seat on the Art In Public Places Committee, with the term ending June 30, 2027. Applicants must live within incorporated Monrovia, may not be city employees or elected officials, and may not serve on another advisory body. Apply here by Sept. 1. 

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Mikomi Sushi

Dinner at Mikomi Sushi, at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Small Bite Chicken Katsu (no rice or salad) for $12.95 and a beer for the happy hour price of $4.50. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Attempted RV theft; Husband strangles wife, flees; Suspect injures self in custody; DUI suspect crashes into cars; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 14 – 19. - Brad Haugaard]

During this period the Police Department handled 359 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.  

Missing Person
August 14 at 12:15 a.m., a husband in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported his wife missing. She was located later in the day. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 1:00 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a male subject banging on doors and windows. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Vehicle Burglary
August 14 at 4:34 a.m., a passerby in the 100 block of W. Cherry reported a vehicle that looked suspicious. Officers arrived and made contact with the owner of the vehicle who reported his vehicle had been burglarized and property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
August 14 at 12:34 p.m. – A victim in the 3100 block of S. Peck reported that an unknown subject attempted to steal his RV. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 14 at 11:16 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported his parked vehicle was struck. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 11:19 p.m., while patrolling the area of Live Oak and Mayflower an officer saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft Auto
August 15 at 7:08 a.m., a victim in the 1100 block of S. Magnolia reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 15 at 10:22 a.m., a resident in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower reported that someone vandalized his parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
August 15 at 1:13 p.m., officers responded to a facility in the 1100 block of E. Huntington regarding a violent resident. Officers arrived and determined the resident was a danger to others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 15 at 5:24 p.m., a collision between an electric scooter and a vehicle was reported in the area of Myrtle and Spanner. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the person on the scooter suffered injuries and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 7:02 p.m., a suspicious subject was reported in the 100 block of W. Scenic. Officers arrived, located the subject, and made contact with him. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 10:09 p.m., while patrolling the area of Cherry and Myrtle an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Domestic Violence
August 16 at 7:11 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject with a child screaming for help. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. An investigation revealed the subject’s husband who she has a restraining order against, strangled her, stole her purse and fled. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 7:49 a.m., a trespasser was reported in the 400 block of E. Walnut. Officers arrived, located the subject and made contact with her. A computer search revealed she had multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
August 16 at 10:04 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported a male and female subject arguing. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. The male subject was determined to be a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for observation. 

Drug Activity / Vandalism / Mental Evaluation
August 16 at 2:12 p.m., a suspicious subject was reported in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. As he was being transported to the MPD jail he hit his head against the interior of the vehicle and kicked the door multiple times, while in standard safety restraints. This resulted in self-sustained injuries and damage to the vehicle. He was transported by ambulance to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Grand Theft
August 16 at 2:45 p.m., a victim in the 1800 block of Peck reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
August 16 at 7:38 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Linwood regarding a family disturbance. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a physical altercation took place between two brothers. The brother that instigated the altercation left the location prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 16 at 7:52 p.m., a traffic collision between a vehicle and a bus was reported in the area of Huntington and Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One of the passengers on the bus complained of pain, but refused to be transported to the hospital. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 9:38 p.m., a brother from an incident that occurred hours prior returned to the 600 block of Linwood to retrieve his parked vehicle. He entered his vehicle, moved it, and began an argument with his victim brother again. Officers arrived and made contact with the brother in the vehicle. An investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Reckless Driving – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 10:23 p.m., while patrolling the 200 block of E. Foothill an officer saw a vehicle driving recklessly. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 3:48 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista. Officers arrived and determined the suspect vehicle collided with several parked vehicles and fled. Officers located the suspect vehicle a short distance away, conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation resulted that the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Mental Evaluation
August 17 at 10:00 a.m., a caller in an establishment in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject throwing items at patrons. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. It was determined he was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Petty Theft
August 17 at 4:02 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Lemon reported her vehicle’s spare tire stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
August 17 at 4:06 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1800 block of 8th . Officers arrived and discovered that the suspect entered through a rear door, ransacked the home and took property. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 4:10 p.m., an officer in the 600 block of W. Huntington saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation, a traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 17 at 10:23 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim. The investigation revealed the suspect vehicle was driving erratically in a parking lot and struck a bench and a parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
August 18 at 4:50 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a fight involving four individuals. Officers arrived and detained two parties. One male subject had injuries to his face and received treatment at the scene. He was uncooperative and did not want to press charges. 

Petty Theft
August 18 at 6:56 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Cloverleaf reported that someone entered her unlocked vehicle and stole her purse. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 7:17 a.m., while patrolling the area of Evergreen and Magnolia officers made contact with a male subject in the area. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 7:44 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. Officers arrived and made contact with a husband and wife who had been involved in a physical altercation. An investigation revealed the husband was the aggressor. The wife was transported to a hospital for treatment. The husband was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vandalism
August 18 at 8:00 a.m., a broken window was reported in a building in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Evidence was located and the investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 18 at 9:46 a.m., as officers were investigating a separate vandalism incident, they saw a subject damage a tree. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arreste4d and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
August 18 at 9:52 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Palm reported his catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Lost / Stolen Plate
August 18 at 2:02 p.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report the license plate of his motorcycle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft
August 18 at 3:35 p.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from the 200 block of E. Olive. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 18 at 4:37 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 1200 block of S. Myrtle. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
August 18 at 5:03 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Central reported her identity had been falsely used to open an account out of state. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 11:42 p.m., an officer patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle saw a vehicle in violation of a parking code. Two occupants were located inside the vehicle. Officers made contact and a computer search revealed the driver had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
August 19 at 6:54 a.m., a resident in the 1500 block of S. Fifth reported his catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 19 at 8:17 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area Mayflower and Olive. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. A passenger complained of pain and was treated at the scene. 

Petty Theft
August 19 at 4:23 p.m., an employee from a store in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a theft in progress. An investigation revealed merchandise was taken and the suspect fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Heat warning for San Gabriel Valley

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for 11 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Saturday for the San Gabriel Valley. Temperatures expected between 95 and 110 degrees. High risk of heat illness, especially for children, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and people active outdoors. Stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, check on vulnerable neighbors, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Limit strenuous outdoor activity.

Monrovia school superintendent Paula Hart Rodas recommends students stay hydrated by bringing reusable water bottles, wear light-colored loose clothing, and notify staff if feeling overheated or unwell. Parents should make sure children drink water before school and carry a bottle, talk with them about heat safety, and adjust after-school activities to limit outdoor exposure during peak heat. Sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and light clothing are also recommended.

- Brad Haugaard 

Comments by Mayor Shevlin on recent ICE raid at Home Depot

Comments by Monrovia Mayor Becky Shevlin regarding the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement action at the Monrovia Home Depot:

"I do want to make a few comments regarding the recent ICE Enforcement that took place at the Home Depot here in Monrovia last Thursday morning that resulted in the tragic and unnecessary death of  52 year old Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez.  Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Valdez. My intent here is to not debate the many “what ifs or whys”; bottom line, in my humble opinion, this outcome is far more than tragic, it is a telling and sad commentary on our ongoing failure as a Nation to not come together to humanely address the topic of immigration.  I believe we can all agree that we want violent criminals removed from our streets,  but not at the expense of public safety and unnecessary death.   I believe Monrovia can be very proud of its City Council and staff and for their ongoing dedicated care and compassion for the community.

...

"Council has requested a briefing relating to the pending litigation (Perdomo, et al. v. Noem, et al.), the enforcement of the Federal Temporary Restraining Order, and any other related actions and their significance and resulting effects on Monrovia as well as possible options; hopefully available for comment at our next Council meeting..."

- Brad Haugaard 

Sweet Praise - a gentle senior dog with an odd idea about napkins

Meet Praise – she is an 11-year-old German Shepherd with a heart as sweet as her name. She may have come to Pasadena Humane a little stressed and confused, but this gentle senior has blossomed into a loving companion who adores being near her people – whether that’s sharing the same room or keeping watch from a cozy spot nearby.

Praise loves pets, nuzzling, and belly rubs. According to her foster family, she has a cute habit of using your leg as a napkin after a drink of water, and her happy trot with her ball in her mouth will melt your heart. Calm and well-mannered, Praise is happiest simply being a part of the family.

She’s a loyal, affectionate dog who’s ready to spend her golden years with someone who will cherish her just as much as she’ll adore them. Come meet this special girl and see why she’s the perfect companion to adopt today!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

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. 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: Morris Furniture float in the 1914 Monrovia Days Parade

The Morris Furniture entry in the 1914 Monrovia Days Parade, celebrating Monrovia's 28th birthday. From the Steve Baker collection. 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