An appellate court has upheld the first degree murder conviction of Pasadenan Jose Roberto Turner for strangling Monrovian LaJoya McCoy, 31. https://goo.gl/QvqQws
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Senator's Long-Gun Bill Goes to Governor
A bill to prevent people younger than 21 from - in most cases - buying long guns, such as rifles, has passed both the Senate and Assembly and is headed to the governor’s desk for final approval.
Senate Bill 1177, authored by Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, extends the law that prohibits those younger than 21 from buying handguns.
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Senate Bill 1177, authored by Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, extends the law that prohibits those younger than 21 from buying handguns.
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Food Recipient Rips Off Church Worker; Fake Auto Dealer Employee Rips off Tire Buyer; And More...
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for August 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 409 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 9:53 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a male subject who was yelling and causing a disturbance in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. Officers contacted the subject and, through investigation, determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject complained of pain to his stomach. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the subject to a local hospital for treatment.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer/Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 2:30 p.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit several traffic code violations in the area of Colorado and Alta Vista. He attempted to stop the subject, but the subject continued riding, trying to evade the officer. A short pursuit ensued and the subject eventually stopped. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was also found to have several warrants for his arrest.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 12:50 a.m., a police sergeant on patrol witnessed an accident on Myrtle, at Central. As he contacted the drivers, he noticed one of them had symptoms of being intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and a female driver was arrested for DUI.
Fraud Report
August 24 at 7:26 a.m., a fraud incident was reported by a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive. The victim attempted to purchase tickets on Craigslist for a play. She transferred the suspect $100 online, but she never received the tickets from the advertisement. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
August 24 at 9:07 a.m., police responded to the report of a traffic collision at Mayflower and Olive. A vehicle was traveling north on Mayflower and collided into an Edison pole on the northeast corner. There was evidence on scene suggesting that narcotics may have been a contributing factor. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical treatment for his injuries. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
August 24 at 3:57 p.m., an officer was flagged down by construction workers in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The workers reported that over $2,000 worth of power tools had been taken from the construction site while they were up working on the roof. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
August 24 at 8:53 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 300 block of S. Primrose. The victim went for a walk, and when she returned a short time later, she discovered her vehicle's back window had been smashed in and a large rock was on the ground near the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 11:58 p.m., an officer stopped an adult, male subject for a traffic violation on his bike at Myrtle and Huntington. A consent search of his person revealed he was in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 1:23 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Duarte and Alamitas when he saw a known gang member riding his bicycle that he knew had a warrant for his arrest. He ran a computer check that confirmed an active warrant out of San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. The officer stopped the subject and arrested him for the warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 2:15 a.m., a police agent stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Altern for vehicle code violations. After investigation, the officer determined the driver was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely and he was arrested for DUI.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 2:56 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Central regarding a suspicious 911 call from the residence. After they contacted both residents of the house, the male adult was arrested for domestic battery. An emergency protective order was completed and given to the victim.
Receiving Stolen Property/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 5:44 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding the report of two subjects smoking methamphetamine. Officers arrived and detained a male and female adult. The suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property and drug paraphernalia. Both suspects were arrested.
Fraud
August 25 at 2:25 p.m., a fraud incident was reported that occurred in the 200 block of S. Myrtle. The victim is a volunteer at a local church. She was approached by a female subject she recognized as someone who comes to their church food distributions. The female asked the victim to cash a check for her for $600. The victim went with the suspect to the bank, cashed the check on her account, and gave the female the money. Several days later, the victim was notified by her bank that the check bounced. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication
August 26 at 1:50 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of E. Colorado contacted a suspicious subject near a closed business. The subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public.
Grand Theft
August 26 at 6:14 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft of power tools. A construction company currently working on a remodel at the location left their power tools in an enclosed area in front of the location. Someone gained entry by manipulating the fence enclosure and stole the power tools. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
August 26 at 1:35 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a grand theft report. The suspect entered the store and took approximately $2,000 worth of alcohol, then fled the location. He was last seen traveling south on Myrtle in a black BMW SUV with no plates. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
August 27 at 2:04 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 900 block of Ridgeside. During the weekend, someone entered the attached garage and stole tools from the location. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 7:51 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Mountain View regarding a domestic dispute. The suspect argued with his fiancé over car keys. He became angry and pushed the victim, then kicked her twice. He was arrested for domestic battery.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 8:33 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of W. Evergreen on the report of three subjects trespassing. Officers arrived and found two subjects in the residence. Both were found to have outstanding warrants and were arrested.
Grand Theft
August 28 at 12:27 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported in the 700 block of E. Central. The victim attempted to purchase vehicle tires through OfferUp. The suspect met the victim outside of a car dealership, wearing what appeared to be a dealership uniform shirt. The victim gave the suspect $700 to buy the tires and was told to pull into the dealership driveway to load the tires. He pulled in and waited, but the suspect fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle
August 28 at 11:00 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of W. Walnut. The vehicle is a white, 1997 Honda Civic. It was stolen sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant/Parole Violation/Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 12:11 a.m., day watch officers handled a report toward the end of their shift involving a male and female subject. The male subject was not present and the female subject waited in the police station lobby for a ride home for several hours. The officers discovered that the male subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He called the station to inquire about the female and was told to come pick her up. He responded to the station and was contacted by officers in his vehicle, where he was arrested for the warrant. A search of his vehicle revealed numerous burglary tools, including several sets of lock picks, gloves, two-way radios, head-mounted lights, and tool bags containing cut padlocks and other items. The suspect is currently on parole for burglary. Parole was contacted and a parole hold was issued for the suspect.
Suspended License/Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 4:46 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a moving violation in the 3000 block of S. Peck. The driver was found to have a suspended license for previous DUIs. He was also required to have an ignition interlock device on the vehicle, which he did not. The driver was cited for multiple vehicle code violations and arrested for two outstanding warrants.
Trespassing/Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 9:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of S. Myrtle regarding two subjects trespassing at the location. Upon arrival, the officer contacted a male and female subject and a computer check revealed the female had a restraining order against the male. The male subject was arrested for violation of the court order.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 11:04 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a battery incident at Magnolia and Walnut. Two female subjects that are involved in a romantic relationship were involved in a physical altercation. After investigation, the subject found to be the aggressor was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 6:58 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a subject concealing merchandise in his clothing. While officers were responding, the subject left the location. The subject was located on Evergreen, west of Shamrock, and was positively identified. The merchandise was recovered nearby. The subject was arrested and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Domestic Violence
August 29 at 9:16 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Melrose on the report of a husband and wife involved in an altercation. When they arrived, they found both subjects had been drinking and they determined the wife was the primary aggressor. She was arrested for domestic violence.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
August 30 at 4:18 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a grand theft of a motorcycle in progress in the area of Fifth and Walnut. The caller provided good information and updates as officers responded to the location. The officers arrived quickly and were able to detain two suspects. The suspects had attempted to punch the ignition, and when they were not successful, they tried to physically remove the motorcycle. The witness positively identified both suspects. One of the suspects was found to have a no-bail warrant. Both were arrested and taken into custody.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 409 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 9:53 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a male subject who was yelling and causing a disturbance in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. Officers contacted the subject and, through investigation, determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject complained of pain to his stomach. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the subject to a local hospital for treatment.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer/Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 2:30 p.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit several traffic code violations in the area of Colorado and Alta Vista. He attempted to stop the subject, but the subject continued riding, trying to evade the officer. A short pursuit ensued and the subject eventually stopped. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was also found to have several warrants for his arrest.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 12:50 a.m., a police sergeant on patrol witnessed an accident on Myrtle, at Central. As he contacted the drivers, he noticed one of them had symptoms of being intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and a female driver was arrested for DUI.
Fraud Report
August 24 at 7:26 a.m., a fraud incident was reported by a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive. The victim attempted to purchase tickets on Craigslist for a play. She transferred the suspect $100 online, but she never received the tickets from the advertisement. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
August 24 at 9:07 a.m., police responded to the report of a traffic collision at Mayflower and Olive. A vehicle was traveling north on Mayflower and collided into an Edison pole on the northeast corner. There was evidence on scene suggesting that narcotics may have been a contributing factor. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical treatment for his injuries. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
August 24 at 3:57 p.m., an officer was flagged down by construction workers in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The workers reported that over $2,000 worth of power tools had been taken from the construction site while they were up working on the roof. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
August 24 at 8:53 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 300 block of S. Primrose. The victim went for a walk, and when she returned a short time later, she discovered her vehicle's back window had been smashed in and a large rock was on the ground near the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 11:58 p.m., an officer stopped an adult, male subject for a traffic violation on his bike at Myrtle and Huntington. A consent search of his person revealed he was in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 1:23 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Duarte and Alamitas when he saw a known gang member riding his bicycle that he knew had a warrant for his arrest. He ran a computer check that confirmed an active warrant out of San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. The officer stopped the subject and arrested him for the warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 2:15 a.m., a police agent stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Altern for vehicle code violations. After investigation, the officer determined the driver was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely and he was arrested for DUI.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 2:56 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Central regarding a suspicious 911 call from the residence. After they contacted both residents of the house, the male adult was arrested for domestic battery. An emergency protective order was completed and given to the victim.
Receiving Stolen Property/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 5:44 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding the report of two subjects smoking methamphetamine. Officers arrived and detained a male and female adult. The suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property and drug paraphernalia. Both suspects were arrested.
Fraud
August 25 at 2:25 p.m., a fraud incident was reported that occurred in the 200 block of S. Myrtle. The victim is a volunteer at a local church. She was approached by a female subject she recognized as someone who comes to their church food distributions. The female asked the victim to cash a check for her for $600. The victim went with the suspect to the bank, cashed the check on her account, and gave the female the money. Several days later, the victim was notified by her bank that the check bounced. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication
August 26 at 1:50 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of E. Colorado contacted a suspicious subject near a closed business. The subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public.
Grand Theft
August 26 at 6:14 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft of power tools. A construction company currently working on a remodel at the location left their power tools in an enclosed area in front of the location. Someone gained entry by manipulating the fence enclosure and stole the power tools. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
August 26 at 1:35 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a grand theft report. The suspect entered the store and took approximately $2,000 worth of alcohol, then fled the location. He was last seen traveling south on Myrtle in a black BMW SUV with no plates. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
August 27 at 2:04 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 900 block of Ridgeside. During the weekend, someone entered the attached garage and stole tools from the location. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 7:51 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Mountain View regarding a domestic dispute. The suspect argued with his fiancé over car keys. He became angry and pushed the victim, then kicked her twice. He was arrested for domestic battery.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 8:33 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of W. Evergreen on the report of three subjects trespassing. Officers arrived and found two subjects in the residence. Both were found to have outstanding warrants and were arrested.
Grand Theft
August 28 at 12:27 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported in the 700 block of E. Central. The victim attempted to purchase vehicle tires through OfferUp. The suspect met the victim outside of a car dealership, wearing what appeared to be a dealership uniform shirt. The victim gave the suspect $700 to buy the tires and was told to pull into the dealership driveway to load the tires. He pulled in and waited, but the suspect fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle
August 28 at 11:00 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of W. Walnut. The vehicle is a white, 1997 Honda Civic. It was stolen sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant/Parole Violation/Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 12:11 a.m., day watch officers handled a report toward the end of their shift involving a male and female subject. The male subject was not present and the female subject waited in the police station lobby for a ride home for several hours. The officers discovered that the male subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He called the station to inquire about the female and was told to come pick her up. He responded to the station and was contacted by officers in his vehicle, where he was arrested for the warrant. A search of his vehicle revealed numerous burglary tools, including several sets of lock picks, gloves, two-way radios, head-mounted lights, and tool bags containing cut padlocks and other items. The suspect is currently on parole for burglary. Parole was contacted and a parole hold was issued for the suspect.
Suspended License/Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 4:46 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a moving violation in the 3000 block of S. Peck. The driver was found to have a suspended license for previous DUIs. He was also required to have an ignition interlock device on the vehicle, which he did not. The driver was cited for multiple vehicle code violations and arrested for two outstanding warrants.
Trespassing/Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 9:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of S. Myrtle regarding two subjects trespassing at the location. Upon arrival, the officer contacted a male and female subject and a computer check revealed the female had a restraining order against the male. The male subject was arrested for violation of the court order.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 11:04 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a battery incident at Magnolia and Walnut. Two female subjects that are involved in a romantic relationship were involved in a physical altercation. After investigation, the subject found to be the aggressor was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 6:58 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a subject concealing merchandise in his clothing. While officers were responding, the subject left the location. The subject was located on Evergreen, west of Shamrock, and was positively identified. The merchandise was recovered nearby. The subject was arrested and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Domestic Violence
August 29 at 9:16 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Melrose on the report of a husband and wife involved in an altercation. When they arrived, they found both subjects had been drinking and they determined the wife was the primary aggressor. She was arrested for domestic violence.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
August 30 at 4:18 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a grand theft of a motorcycle in progress in the area of Fifth and Walnut. The caller provided good information and updates as officers responded to the location. The officers arrived quickly and were able to detain two suspects. The suspects had attempted to punch the ignition, and when they were not successful, they tried to physically remove the motorcycle. The witness positively identified both suspects. One of the suspects was found to have a no-bail warrant. Both were arrested and taken into custody.
Monrovia Marijuana Equipment Company Expanding
Monrovia's Sugarmade, Inc., apparently plans to buy other as-yet-unnamed hydroponics companies, according to a statement by the company. Sugarmade provides hydroponic growing equipment, particularly for growing marijuana, though it appears to be playing down the cannibis connection in its latest press release. https://goo.gl/dHF4QF
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Blazing Speed for Library Internet; Quake Workshop; Fall Brochure; Firefighters Home Safe; Be a Leader; Homeless Man Gets into Permanent Housing
In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ The Library now has high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi internet connections that are ten times faster, thanks to a $24,000 grant from the state and over 18 months of work by city staff.
~ A free Earthquake Preparedness Workshop will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the library Community Room. It will feature guest speaker Margaret Vinci from the CalTech. Enrollment is limited so register today with Monrovia Historic Preservation Group: https://goo.gl/bCtEft
~ Monrovia Today Fall Brochure is now online. https://goo.gl/WdsFkn
~ Last week, on Aug. 16, Monrovia Fire Engine OES-341 arrived home safely after a 19-day deployment fighting the Carr Fire (near Redding).
~ Interested in being a Monrovia leader? MAP, a leadership program, is held for seven consecutive Thursday evenings, and "provides program participants with information about local government, neighborhood level problem solving, leadership dynamics, and more." Sign up here: https://goo.gl/5Wmzan
~ Monrovia's Community Activist Policing Bureau and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority have gotten one of Monrovia's homeless into permanent housing. "During that time, there were many challenges that Randall [pseudonym] had to overcome, and working together, we were able to connect him with the proper programs and organizations."
- Brad Haugaard
~ The Library now has high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi internet connections that are ten times faster, thanks to a $24,000 grant from the state and over 18 months of work by city staff.
~ A free Earthquake Preparedness Workshop will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the library Community Room. It will feature guest speaker Margaret Vinci from the CalTech. Enrollment is limited so register today with Monrovia Historic Preservation Group: https://goo.gl/bCtEft
~ Monrovia Today Fall Brochure is now online. https://goo.gl/WdsFkn
~ Last week, on Aug. 16, Monrovia Fire Engine OES-341 arrived home safely after a 19-day deployment fighting the Carr Fire (near Redding).
~ Interested in being a Monrovia leader? MAP, a leadership program, is held for seven consecutive Thursday evenings, and "provides program participants with information about local government, neighborhood level problem solving, leadership dynamics, and more." Sign up here: https://goo.gl/5Wmzan
~ Monrovia's Community Activist Policing Bureau and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority have gotten one of Monrovia's homeless into permanent housing. "During that time, there were many challenges that Randall [pseudonym] had to overcome, and working together, we were able to connect him with the proper programs and organizations."
- Brad Haugaard
Cupcake - Cuddle Bunny Wants a New Home
If you are looking for a friendly bunny, stop by the Pasadena Humane Society today! Cupcake (A464202) and her friend Cuddles were found abandoned in Glendale a little over 2 weeks ago. Cupcake is eager for attention and head bumps for more pets. She is easy to pick up and is ready to go to a new home. Hop on over and visit her today.
The adoption fee for rabbits is $35.All rabbits are spayed or neutered andmicrochipped before going to their new home.
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 at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Donates Drones to West Point
Monrovia's AeroVironment's MacCready Works lab has donated drones, spare parts and software to West Point to support the military academy’s Center for Innovation and Engineering and Geography and Environmental Engineering Department. https://goo.gl/6p2pWD
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Vaccines, Microchips, and Licences for Dogs and Cats Available this Thursday
The
Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will hold a mobile vaccine and
microchip clinic for dogs and cats on Thursday, August 30 at the
Foothill Unity Center in Monrovia,790 West Chestnut Ave., from 5:30
p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
The
following services will be available:
-
Rabies Vaccine $8 Dogs and cats 3 months and older
-
5-in-1 (DHLPP) Vaccine $15 Dogs 6-8 weeks and older
-
Bordetella Vaccine $15 Dogs 8 weeks and older
-
4-in-1 (FVRCP) Vaccine $15 Cats 6-8 weeks and older
-
Microchip $20 Dogs and cats of any age
Dog
licenses for Monrovia will also be available for purchase.
“Our
goal is to help families keep their pets healthy, says Julie Bank,
President & CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. “We
hold clinics around the community so people can easily access
affordable wellness services for their pets.”
All
dogs must be on leash and cats must be in carriers. The event is open
to residents of any city.
The
Pasadena Humane Society offers a low-cost, walk-in wellness clinic
every Wednesday and Saturday at its Pasadena facility, located at 361
South Raymond Avenue. Clinic hours are 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Women Charged With Attempted Murder
Two Monrovia women have been arrested and charged with attempted murder and kidnapping by Chino police. https://goo.gl/ES4Mmc
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Peach Cafe
Had lunch at the Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado near Ivy. Always nice and cheerful here. Got the Chicken Pesto salad with a slice of multigrain toast for $11 and an iced tea for $2.75. I was tempted by the 112 pound PC Burger but then I looked a bit more closely ...
Anyway, the food was fresh and delicious and the atmosphere pleasant.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Thief Drops Cell Phone - Turns Himself In; Drugs and Alcohol; Burglars Take a Safe; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for August 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 390 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 4:02 p.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation in the 300 block of W. Duarte and stopped her. A computer check of the subject showed she had two warrants for her arrest. A search of the subject revealed drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in her purse. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 4:24 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a suspicious person loitering in the 700 block of E. Olive. Officers located the subject, who admitted having bench warrants and being in possession of drugs. The suspect was arrested on the charges.
Possession of Fireworks / Curfew – Suspects Arrested
August 17 at 1:27 a.m., officers responded to a call reporting shots fired in the 300 block of Hill Street. While responding, an officer saw a vehicle leaving the area with no headlights on, that was occupied by four subjects. He stopped the vehicle in the 400 block of S. Ivy, and the driver was found to be unlicensed. The vehicle was searched and numerous mortar type fireworks and a launcher were found in the vehicle. The subjects admitted to setting off a firework in the area of Hill Street. Three of the subjects were juveniles and the driver was an adult. The driver was arrested for possession of dangerous fireworks and unlicensed driver. The juveniles were arrested and released on a citation to appear in court for the curfew violation and possession of dangerous fireworks.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 5:44 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a drunk driver in the 1400 block of S. California. Officers responded and located the vehicle. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.
Vehicle Burglary / Vandalism
August 17 at 7:22 a.m., an officer responded to the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked the vehicle in the carport and in the morning discovered the left rear window was smashed. No loss could be confirmed at the time. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 12:31 p.m., a grand theft incident that occurred in the 500 block of E. Foothill was reported to police. The victim met with the suspect to sell a cell phone through the OfferUp app. During the meeting, the suspect grabbed the victim's phone and fled in a waiting vehicle, dropping his own cell phone out of his pocket as he was fleeing. The victim collected it and gave it to police. The investigation revealed the suspect's name, and the officer contacted one of his friends on the cell phone. A short time later, the suspect came into the lobby with the victim's cell phone. He admitted to the theft and was arrested for the crime.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 8:56 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. A female suspect concealed jewelry and accessories inside her purse and exited the store without paying. She was detained by loss prevention and police were notified. The property was recovered and the suspect was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 9:51 a.m., police responded to a traffic collision in the 500 Block E. Lemon. A female adult driver hit a parked car and ended up on the lawn of a residence. Officers arrived, and after investigation, they arrested the driver for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 7:23 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a shoplifting incident. A female subject stole merchandise from the store without paying and was apprehended by store loss prevention. She was arrested for shoplifting and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She also had a warrant for her arrest, which was added to her charges.
Warrant / Receiving Stolen Property / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 7:38 p.m., two suspicious subjects were stopped in the area of Primrose and Maple. One was found to have a warrant and the other was in possession of stolen merchandise from a nearby business and drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 11:35 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington for vehicle code violations. A consent search revealed drug paraphernalia on his person. The subject was arrested and released in the field with a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 1:20 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of W. Duarte when he saw a subject passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle with the vehicle engine still running. The subject was contacted, and after further investigation, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 8:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the area of Foothill and Norumbega regarding a male subject going through trash cans. The subject was found to have a warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody.
Grand Theft
August 20 at 11:38 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain was reviewing their surveillance footage and noticed a theft that occurred on August 18. A male subject stole approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise. The investigation is continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
August 20 at 4:42 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of El Nido. The reporting party stated items were stolen from her unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.
Speed Contest – Suspects Arrested
August 21 at 12:18 a.m., officers on patrol in the area of Mountain and Huntington saw two vehicles racing east on Huntington. The vehicles were traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Officers stopped the vehicles in the City of Duarte and both drivers were arrested for participating in a speed contest. They were released in the field with citations to appear in court on the charges, and both vehicles were stored for 30 days.
Burglary
August 21 at 2:16 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival, they discovered a window had been smashed. Video surveillance footage showed two suspects wearing hoodies breaking the window and entering the location. The suspects removed a safe containing cash and took it to a waiting vehicle, which fled the area. The investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
August 21 at 4:18 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of W. Central. Two vehicles were stopped at Central and Myrtle, facing westbound. For an unknown reason, the second vehicle’s driver released his foot from the brake and rear-ended the vehicle in front of him. He provided his driver's license and phone number to the other driver, but then stated he had to leave. He admitted that he had been drinking, and he had his children in the vehicle. Officers conducted an area search for the suspect, but did not locate him. The vehicle was found to be registered out of Baldwin Park. Baldwin Park Police Department was notified to check on the welfare of the children and to check if the suspect was under the influence. The investigation is continuing.
Computer Scam
August 22 at 3:29 p.m., a computer scam was reported to police by a resident in the 100 block of E. Scenic. The victim received a pop-up message on her computer screen advising her to pay $299 to fix her computer and an additional $299 to install a firewall to prevent viruses. She and her husband were afraid and paid $500. After speaking with their daughter shortly after, they learned this was a scam. Fortunately, they were able to cancel the transaction prior to the money being withdrawn. As a precaution, they cancelled all of their accounts and obtained new ones, and thankfully, there was no monetary loss.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 3:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Foothill regarding a male subject that was passed out in front of a business. The officer determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.
Grand Theft Auto / Commercial Burglary
August 22 at 3:39 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 300 block of W. Foothill. The business buys vehicles from auctions, and then repairs and sells them. When the victim returned to work that afternoon, he discovered a Maserati had been stolen from the parking lot of his business. He last saw the vehicle the day before when he left his business. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary / Hot Prowl
August 22 at 7:36 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Los Angeles called police to report a theft of currency from their home. An upstairs window was used to gain entry to the home by an unknown suspect. The resident was home at the time of the crime. There were workers at the home using a ladder near the window prior to the theft being discovered. The investigation is continuing.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 390 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 4:02 p.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation in the 300 block of W. Duarte and stopped her. A computer check of the subject showed she had two warrants for her arrest. A search of the subject revealed drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in her purse. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 4:24 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a suspicious person loitering in the 700 block of E. Olive. Officers located the subject, who admitted having bench warrants and being in possession of drugs. The suspect was arrested on the charges.
Possession of Fireworks / Curfew – Suspects Arrested
August 17 at 1:27 a.m., officers responded to a call reporting shots fired in the 300 block of Hill Street. While responding, an officer saw a vehicle leaving the area with no headlights on, that was occupied by four subjects. He stopped the vehicle in the 400 block of S. Ivy, and the driver was found to be unlicensed. The vehicle was searched and numerous mortar type fireworks and a launcher were found in the vehicle. The subjects admitted to setting off a firework in the area of Hill Street. Three of the subjects were juveniles and the driver was an adult. The driver was arrested for possession of dangerous fireworks and unlicensed driver. The juveniles were arrested and released on a citation to appear in court for the curfew violation and possession of dangerous fireworks.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 5:44 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a drunk driver in the 1400 block of S. California. Officers responded and located the vehicle. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.
Vehicle Burglary / Vandalism
August 17 at 7:22 a.m., an officer responded to the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked the vehicle in the carport and in the morning discovered the left rear window was smashed. No loss could be confirmed at the time. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 12:31 p.m., a grand theft incident that occurred in the 500 block of E. Foothill was reported to police. The victim met with the suspect to sell a cell phone through the OfferUp app. During the meeting, the suspect grabbed the victim's phone and fled in a waiting vehicle, dropping his own cell phone out of his pocket as he was fleeing. The victim collected it and gave it to police. The investigation revealed the suspect's name, and the officer contacted one of his friends on the cell phone. A short time later, the suspect came into the lobby with the victim's cell phone. He admitted to the theft and was arrested for the crime.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 8:56 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. A female suspect concealed jewelry and accessories inside her purse and exited the store without paying. She was detained by loss prevention and police were notified. The property was recovered and the suspect was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 9:51 a.m., police responded to a traffic collision in the 500 Block E. Lemon. A female adult driver hit a parked car and ended up on the lawn of a residence. Officers arrived, and after investigation, they arrested the driver for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 7:23 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a shoplifting incident. A female subject stole merchandise from the store without paying and was apprehended by store loss prevention. She was arrested for shoplifting and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She also had a warrant for her arrest, which was added to her charges.
Warrant / Receiving Stolen Property / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 7:38 p.m., two suspicious subjects were stopped in the area of Primrose and Maple. One was found to have a warrant and the other was in possession of stolen merchandise from a nearby business and drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 11:35 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington for vehicle code violations. A consent search revealed drug paraphernalia on his person. The subject was arrested and released in the field with a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 1:20 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of W. Duarte when he saw a subject passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle with the vehicle engine still running. The subject was contacted, and after further investigation, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 8:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the area of Foothill and Norumbega regarding a male subject going through trash cans. The subject was found to have a warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody.
Grand Theft
August 20 at 11:38 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain was reviewing their surveillance footage and noticed a theft that occurred on August 18. A male subject stole approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise. The investigation is continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
August 20 at 4:42 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of El Nido. The reporting party stated items were stolen from her unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.
Speed Contest – Suspects Arrested
August 21 at 12:18 a.m., officers on patrol in the area of Mountain and Huntington saw two vehicles racing east on Huntington. The vehicles were traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Officers stopped the vehicles in the City of Duarte and both drivers were arrested for participating in a speed contest. They were released in the field with citations to appear in court on the charges, and both vehicles were stored for 30 days.
Burglary
August 21 at 2:16 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival, they discovered a window had been smashed. Video surveillance footage showed two suspects wearing hoodies breaking the window and entering the location. The suspects removed a safe containing cash and took it to a waiting vehicle, which fled the area. The investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
August 21 at 4:18 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of W. Central. Two vehicles were stopped at Central and Myrtle, facing westbound. For an unknown reason, the second vehicle’s driver released his foot from the brake and rear-ended the vehicle in front of him. He provided his driver's license and phone number to the other driver, but then stated he had to leave. He admitted that he had been drinking, and he had his children in the vehicle. Officers conducted an area search for the suspect, but did not locate him. The vehicle was found to be registered out of Baldwin Park. Baldwin Park Police Department was notified to check on the welfare of the children and to check if the suspect was under the influence. The investigation is continuing.
Computer Scam
August 22 at 3:29 p.m., a computer scam was reported to police by a resident in the 100 block of E. Scenic. The victim received a pop-up message on her computer screen advising her to pay $299 to fix her computer and an additional $299 to install a firewall to prevent viruses. She and her husband were afraid and paid $500. After speaking with their daughter shortly after, they learned this was a scam. Fortunately, they were able to cancel the transaction prior to the money being withdrawn. As a precaution, they cancelled all of their accounts and obtained new ones, and thankfully, there was no monetary loss.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 3:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Foothill regarding a male subject that was passed out in front of a business. The officer determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.
Grand Theft Auto / Commercial Burglary
August 22 at 3:39 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 300 block of W. Foothill. The business buys vehicles from auctions, and then repairs and sells them. When the victim returned to work that afternoon, he discovered a Maserati had been stolen from the parking lot of his business. He last saw the vehicle the day before when he left his business. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary / Hot Prowl
August 22 at 7:36 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Los Angeles called police to report a theft of currency from their home. An upstairs window was used to gain entry to the home by an unknown suspect. The resident was home at the time of the crime. There were workers at the home using a ladder near the window prior to the theft being discovered. The investigation is continuing.
All OSH Stores to Close
All Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) stores are closing. Monrovia has an OSH store on Huntington Drive in the shopping center at the corner of Monterey.
According to a report in USAToday (https://goo.gl/pDuc2Y), OSH's parent company, Lowe's, has decided to close all the stores by Feb. 1, 2019.
- Brad Haugaard
According to a report in USAToday (https://goo.gl/pDuc2Y), OSH's parent company, Lowe's, has decided to close all the stores by Feb. 1, 2019.
- Brad Haugaard
Possible New Logo for Old Town, Theater Will Offer Meals in October, Santa Anita Family Services Closing; Etc.
Proposed Old Town logo.
In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
~ Studio Movie Grill will begin offering meal service this October. Plus, there will be changes to the lobby sometime this year "to accommodate guests looking to grab food and drinks, but not necessarily a movie."
~ Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board and city staff are trying to get more feedback from Old Town merchants on the new logo shown above.
~ Santa Anita Family Services is closing at the end of September. A non-profit called Human Services Association will be taking over the senior services contracts, and maybe the rest of the services SAFS offers.
~ The Methodist Church, which owns part of the parking lot located at the northwest corner of Lime and Ivy has been charging people $5 to park at the location. Chi said that "the practice of closing off a portion of the Lime Avenue parking lot has caused some traffic problems, especially given the unique distribution of parking spaces at the lot." So the city is working with the church to try to solve the problems.
~ The Planning Commission has approved applications for two large projects - the Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel project (at the southwest intersection of Myrtle and Huntington) and the Avalon Bay multi-family project (at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Chestnut). The City Council will hold public hearings to consider the projects on Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Anti-Suicide Bill By Monrovia's State Senator Goes to Governor for Signature
State Senate Bill 972, a suicide prevention bill authored by State Senator Anthony Portantino (who represents Monrovia), has passed the California State Legislature and is headed to the Governor's Desk for his signature.
SB 972 requires public, charter, and private schools to print the National Suicide Prevention Hotline telephone number on all student identification cards for grades seven through college.
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
SB 972 requires public, charter, and private schools to print the National Suicide Prevention Hotline telephone number on all student identification cards for grades seven through college.
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Felix the Dog Wants a Jogging Buddy
The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.
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 at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
*** Grab your leashes and your best four-legged friend! The 20th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk will take place Sunday, September 30 at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl. Help us raise money to provide food, shelter, medical care and other services to the thousands of animals—domestic, exotic, wildlife and livestock—who come to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA each year. Register online at wigglewagglewalk.org.
View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
*** Grab your leashes and your best four-legged friend! The 20th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk will take place Sunday, September 30 at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl. Help us raise money to provide food, shelter, medical care and other services to the thousands of animals—domestic, exotic, wildlife and livestock—who come to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA each year. Register online at wigglewagglewalk.org.
- Brad Haugaard
Sidewalk Astronomers Tonight
The Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the corner of Myrtle and Lime tonight from about 7:30-9:30. First up, Venus, followed by great views of Jupiter, Saturn and probably Mars by 9 p.m. Stop by to look through some telescopes.
- Brad Haugaard
Early Monrovian - 'Aunt' Kate Wright, Honored
A monument honoring early Monrovian, Kate Wright, was unveiled today on Cypress, just west of Shamrock and a block south of Huntington. The monument was designed by Dawn Mendelson.
Below the monument is a sidewalk poem that says:
This I believe
Above all other things
A man shall find goodness
If goodness he brings
Wright, born a slave, had a religious conversion in 1907 and devoted the rest of her life housing and caring for the sick and indigent.
“Aunt” Kate Wright
By Steve Baker, City Historian
“Aunt” Kate Wright was born a slave in Clark County, Kentucky in October of 1857. She was able to read and write, something not true for all African-Americans of her generation.
Little is known of Aunt Kate’s life prior to coming to Monrovia. Some time before l900, she became a domestic servant of the household of the Rev. John Stonestreet Van Meter, a Presbyterian minister in Lexington. She was living with the family in 1900 in Clinton, Missouri, with her son, Lewis Marshall Wright. Due to his wife’s health, The Rev. John Van Meter left his pastorate in Clinton and came to Monrovia in 1901, where he served the First Presbyterian Church for one year. Aunt Kate and her son came with them. In 1902, John Van Meter and his wife moved to New York City, where their son was in medical school. Aunt Kate remained in Monrovia, and spent the rest of her life here. Her mother, Eliza Baker, also came to Monrovia after the death of her husband. She died here in 1918 at the age of ninety-five and is buried at Live Oak Cemetery.
After the Van Meter family left Monrovia, Aunt Kate supported herself by working for the family of the local superintendent of schools, Nathan F. Smith. She left a lasting impression on his daughter, Lorena Smith Holmes. Even after the Smith family moved from Monrovia, Aunt Kate would visit them in South Pasadena, taking the Pacific Electric Red Car and carrying with her a basket full of her famous beaten biscuits.
The earliest record of Aunt Kate’s residence in Monrovia is in the 1904 Tax Assessment Roll for the City where she is listed as living at 528 E. Cypress Avenue. She lived on Cypress for the remainder of her life.
About 1907, Aunt Kate had a religious conversion, and out of that experience came the conviction that she was to devote her life to the care of the sick and indigent. She began her ministry by inviting twelve of Monrovia’s most needy to live at her house. Aunt Kate tended for her guests regardless of race, gender, or religion. Later she asked for donations of lumber and labor to build small cottages on her property. She also asked for donations of food and nursing supplies for her patients. With limited financial resources herself, Aunt Kate believed that “the Lord would provide.” And time after time assistance would come from unexpected sources.
Aunt Kate carried out her mission for nearly thirty years, until her health failed under the burden of work she had undertaken and she was forced to retire from her ministry.
For many years, Monrovians donated to a special fund so that Aunt Kate could prepare baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The local newspaper published an account of the donations to her fund as an encouragement for others to give as well.
Aunt Kate died October 13, 1937 after a brief illness and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery next to her mother. The editor of the local newspaper wrote the following in his column:
“News has just come of the passing of Aunt Kate Wright. I can well remember, in the early days of Monrovia, when local physicians gave free treatment and Aunt Kate free board and lodging to sufferers from tuberculosis who were unable to pay for care. I have seen a dozen or more lying in their little one-room cottages on Aunt Kate’s property, mostly whites, but with an occasional Negro or Japanese, and getting the best treatment she could give them. She served all alike, regardless of color, nationality or creed. Aunt Kate, of the Negro race, was a saintly character, and during the past score of years that she labored here she had hundreds of friends among Monrovia’s pioneers who realized and valued her worth. A few days ago when we were informed of her serious illness we found her reading her Bible, and cheerful as ever. The world, to her, was a good place to live in and a grand place to do the work of Her Master.”
Many years after her death, Lorena Smith Holmes wrote, “If ever there were a saint, it was she.”
“Aunt” Kate Wright was born a slave in Clark County, Kentucky in October of 1857. She was able to read and write, something not true for all African-Americans of her generation.
Little is known of Aunt Kate’s life prior to coming to Monrovia. Some time before l900, she became a domestic servant of the household of the Rev. John Stonestreet Van Meter, a Presbyterian minister in Lexington. She was living with the family in 1900 in Clinton, Missouri, with her son, Lewis Marshall Wright. Due to his wife’s health, The Rev. John Van Meter left his pastorate in Clinton and came to Monrovia in 1901, where he served the First Presbyterian Church for one year. Aunt Kate and her son came with them. In 1902, John Van Meter and his wife moved to New York City, where their son was in medical school. Aunt Kate remained in Monrovia, and spent the rest of her life here. Her mother, Eliza Baker, also came to Monrovia after the death of her husband. She died here in 1918 at the age of ninety-five and is buried at Live Oak Cemetery.
After the Van Meter family left Monrovia, Aunt Kate supported herself by working for the family of the local superintendent of schools, Nathan F. Smith. She left a lasting impression on his daughter, Lorena Smith Holmes. Even after the Smith family moved from Monrovia, Aunt Kate would visit them in South Pasadena, taking the Pacific Electric Red Car and carrying with her a basket full of her famous beaten biscuits.
The earliest record of Aunt Kate’s residence in Monrovia is in the 1904 Tax Assessment Roll for the City where she is listed as living at 528 E. Cypress Avenue. She lived on Cypress for the remainder of her life.
About 1907, Aunt Kate had a religious conversion, and out of that experience came the conviction that she was to devote her life to the care of the sick and indigent. She began her ministry by inviting twelve of Monrovia’s most needy to live at her house. Aunt Kate tended for her guests regardless of race, gender, or religion. Later she asked for donations of lumber and labor to build small cottages on her property. She also asked for donations of food and nursing supplies for her patients. With limited financial resources herself, Aunt Kate believed that “the Lord would provide.” And time after time assistance would come from unexpected sources.
Aunt Kate carried out her mission for nearly thirty years, until her health failed under the burden of work she had undertaken and she was forced to retire from her ministry.
For many years, Monrovians donated to a special fund so that Aunt Kate could prepare baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The local newspaper published an account of the donations to her fund as an encouragement for others to give as well.
Aunt Kate died October 13, 1937 after a brief illness and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery next to her mother. The editor of the local newspaper wrote the following in his column:
“News has just come of the passing of Aunt Kate Wright. I can well remember, in the early days of Monrovia, when local physicians gave free treatment and Aunt Kate free board and lodging to sufferers from tuberculosis who were unable to pay for care. I have seen a dozen or more lying in their little one-room cottages on Aunt Kate’s property, mostly whites, but with an occasional Negro or Japanese, and getting the best treatment she could give them. She served all alike, regardless of color, nationality or creed. Aunt Kate, of the Negro race, was a saintly character, and during the past score of years that she labored here she had hundreds of friends among Monrovia’s pioneers who realized and valued her worth. A few days ago when we were informed of her serious illness we found her reading her Bible, and cheerful as ever. The world, to her, was a good place to live in and a grand place to do the work of Her Master.”
Many years after her death, Lorena Smith Holmes wrote, “If ever there were a saint, it was she.”
Back to School Nights
Here’s the back-to-school night schedule:
Mayflower - August 23
Bradoaks - August 28
Monrovia High - August 29
Monroe - August 30
Clifton - September 5
Santa Fe - September 6
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Ramen Naruto
Dinner at Ramen Naruto, a new restaurant about half a block east of Myrtle on the south side of Lemon. They’re still setting up so at the moment it’s cash only. Kinda hip decor. I ordered the Spicy Miso Tori Ramen (chicken) for $11.50 and added an egg for $1.50, plus an iced tea for $2.50. Nice rich broth. Liked it a lot.
- Brad Haugaard
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