Family asking help to return body of hit-and-run victim to Guatemala


The family of Sulmy Merary Lopez, the 16-year-old girl who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Duarte Road has set up a GoFundMe page (here) to help pay for the return of the girl's body to Guatemala. 

- Brad Haugaard

New proposal for revamped Community Center unveiled

Community Center design proposal.
 Here's a revised design proposal for redoing the Community Center. Instead of five arches out front, as in the previous proposal, there would be four, shaped to echo the arch at the front of the Library. Lots more pictures here.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to meet with assemblyman on state initiatives, budget

The Monrovia City Council will hold a special meeting with Assemblyman John Harabedian to get an overview of legislative initiatives and the state budget at the Canyon Park Nature Center on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Details.

Comment: I certainly hope Canyon Park parking fees will be waved for people attending the meeting. People shouldn't have to pay to hear what their government is doing.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at JB Burgers


Dinner at JB Burgers, at the northwest corner of Olive and Myrtle. Got the double cheeseburger combo for  $13.59. Ambience? Not much, but a mighty good burger.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Fatal hit-and-run investigation continues; DUI asleep in middle of road; Missing Sacramento man found safe; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 2 – 8. - Brad Haugaard]

During this period the Police Department handled 423 service events, resulting in 89 investigations.

Grand Theft
October 2 at 2:55 p.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported that the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
October 2 at 3:05 p.m., multiple callers in the 900 block of California reported a disturbed subject yelling that he was going to harm someone. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was a danger to others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication / Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 12:49 a.m., an officer patrolling the 400 block of W. Huntington saw a male subject in a parking lot of a business who showed signs of intoxication. Officers made contact with the subject and determined he was under the influence and in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Missing Located
October 3 at 10:19 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported that a male subject was at the location and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who appeared disoriented. An investigation revealed the subject had been reported missing in Sacramento. MFD responded and transported the subject to a medical facility for treatment. His family was contacted and notified.

Grand Theft Auto
October 3 at 12:48 p.m., a grand theft auto was reported in the 800 block of E. Olive. Officers arrived and determined the victim’s vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 3 at 8:36 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who reported his vehicle keys were stolen from his locker and when he went outside he discovered his vehicle had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 10:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and California regarding a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway with the driver unresponsive. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver who was discovered to be under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 8:34 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Mountain was alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. The vehicle was located with two occupants inside. A high risk traffic stop was conducted and both subjects were removed from the vehicle without incident. A computer search revealed the passenger had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was found to be in possession of a stun gun. They were both arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 11:01 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Ivy regarding a vehicle seen driving the wrong way. Officers arrived and located the vehicle with two occupants inside. A traffic stop was conducted and the occupants were contacted. The driver and passenger displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The occupant was displayed signs of intoxication and was unable to care for himself. They were arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 5 at 2:42 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Central and California. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. Both parties complained of pain. One party refused treatment and the other was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 5 at 5:30 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported a female subject in the middle of the roadway. Officers and MFD responded. She was transported to a hospital for treatment. She later succumbed to her injuries. This is an active investigation.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 9:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a male subject refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject standing behind the glass door of a closed business. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Tampering
October 6 at 8:55 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of W. Evergreen reported property was taken from her unlocked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 11:24 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a female subject who was asked to leave refused. Officers arrived and made contact with her. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 2:29 p.m., several thefts at different stores were reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and located a male subject matching the description of the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody after an investigation.

Commercial Burglary
October 6 at 5:20 p.m., a victim in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle reported that her locker was broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
October 6 at 7:08 p.m., an officer in the area of Duarte and 10th saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
October 7 at 1:39 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a vacant business office was broken into and material was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 3:03 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject yelling and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
October 7 at 3:15 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington phoned to report a subject had entered the store, concealed items, and left without paying for them. The employee said this is the same subject that has stolen items from the same department store in different cities. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 8 at 11:21 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported their parked vehicle was broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 8 at 11:53 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in a parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 8 at 12:11 p.m., a caller in the 1900 block of S. Peck reported her parked vehicle was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Identity Theft
October 8 at 1:57 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report his identity was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 8 at 2:17 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Foothill and Violet. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One of the parties complained of pain and received treatment.

Shoplifting
October 8 at 6:25 p.m., a loss prevention officer for a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft. Officers arrived and located a male and female subject nearby. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Tickets on sale for Community Prayer Breakfast

Tickets are now on sale for the 59th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast, on Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 a.m., at the Doubletree in Monrovia. Tickets (available here) are $45 per person or $400 for a table of 10.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police seeking evidence on fatal hit and run at Duarte and Eighth

The Monrovia Police Department is seeking witnesses and anyone who may have residential or vehicle surveillance cameras that may have recorded information  about a felony hit-and-run at West Duarte Road and Eighth Avenue between 5:15 and 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. If you have such information, contact Detective Lopez at 626 258-8044 or at mlopez@monroviapd.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Update: The teenage girl who was struck has since died of her injuries.

- Brad Haugaard

Well-mannered Astro loves a dip in a kiddie pool


Astro is a handsome, 4-year-old black Siberian Husky at Pasadena Humane with a gentle soul and a playful side. While he can be a little shy at first, he warms up with calm energy, tasty treats, and a bit of patience - eventually leaning in for pets and affection.

Out on walks, Astro is well-mannered and curious. He rarely pulls and loves to take his time sniffing and observing the world around him. He's done great on field trips to local parks, car rides, and even short home visits where he enjoyed the pool, naps, and some indoor chill time. Though he's strong, he’s not reactive to dogs or people but definitely prefers calm environments where he can relax.

While he’s not super into toys, he loves a good splash in the kiddie pool and the occasional burst of zoomies once he’s comfortable.

Astro is available for a 10-day adoption trial, giving you a chance to get to know this sweet boy in your home. Come meet him today at Pasadena Humane!

Astro and all other available animals will have their adoption fees waived on Free Adoption Day, October 18th from 10am to 2pm.

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.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Enjoying a swing ride

Jack Hosfield and woman on swing at a campsite, around 1910. From the photo album of May Baker, an avid photographer. 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

Beginner vocal class for 16 and up, Oct. 11 at the library


Introductory vocal workshop for ages 16 and up in the library Story Room from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Attendees will learn basic vocal exercises and simple songs. Instruction by Monrovia Music Academy. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Loteria for children, Oct. 9 at the library


Loteriafor children ages 6–11 on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the library Youth Services Area. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with games, prizes, and snacks. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Robotics for kids, Oct. 18 at the library


Gears & Gadgets: Exploring Robotics, for ages 6–12, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Presented by Monrovia High’s robotics team. Kids will learn how robots work, see student projects, and participate in hands-on activities. Register here. An adult must accompany each child.

- Brad Haugaard

Noche de Familia fun time planned for Oct. 15


Pacific Clinics will host a free, family-friendly "Noche de Familia" event with games, activities, and information on community resources on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 902 S Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Walk, Bike, Roll to school event see for Oct. 15


Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day takes place Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Mayflower Elementary. Students are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to school alongside community members, with city officials and school leaders participating. Morning traffic will be slowed at key intersections, including Mayflower at Concord, Court, and Hillcrest, and Alta Vista at Hillcrest and Concord.

- Brad Haugaard

SCE to begin replacing streetlights with LEDs and will use helicopters and drones for inspections


Southern California Edison (SCE) will begin retrofitting streetlights with more efficient LED lights this month. Work for October 6–10 will take place  south of Colorado Blvd and north of El Sur Street, and also on streets south of Foothill and east of Mountain. Expect parking restrictions and noise during work hours. For information, contact SCE at 626 815-7256. Also, the company will conduct aerial inspections for wildfire prevention over the next several weeks using drones and helicopters.

- Brad Haugaard

Experimental. try to get to work on mobile devices