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First Evensong of the Year at St Luke's

The choir of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia will present the first Evensong of the new year on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. at the church, 122 South California Ave., at Foothill Boulevard. 

The choir, with guest singers, will perform music for Evensong in Epiphany led by Director of Music Kent B. Jones. The program will include music by Arthur Sullivan, John Ireland, and three selections from Mendelssohn’s Christus. The Rev. Neil Tadken will be officiant and cantor.  An offering will be taken, and a wine and cheese reception will follow in Guild Hall.

- Brad Haugaard

Alhambra's Super Quarterback Coming to Monrovia High

Monrovia High is getting Alhambra's super sophomore quarterback, Noah Rodriguez, who is transferring to Monrovia. Rodriguez tweeted that he's happy to be coming home. (Apparently he grew up in Monrovia.) In the 2019 season he threw for 2,679 yards and 34 touchdowns. https://is.gd/kyuMIz

- Brad Haugaard

Why We Have a Water District


Some interesting historical images from 1959 about the founding of the Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District, from which Monrovia gets its water, here: https://is.gd/iMAhQF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Open House Jan. 15


- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers Needed for Homeless Count; Five More Big Belly Trash Cans Coming

Big Belly trash cans.

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

~ If you are interested in participating in this year's Homeless Count, show up at the Monrovia Community Center (119  W. Palm Ave.) on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. for training. The count is expected to begin at 9 p.m.

~  Five more Big Belly solar powered trash compactor units will be installed by the end of January. The units hold about five times as much as the typical trash can and alert city workers when they need to be emptied.

- Brad Haugaard

Fishing for the Friendliest Cat? Here He Is, Mr. Fish

Do you like great restaurants that no one else has heard of? Or bands that haven't made it big yet? Well, we have a hot tip for you about the greatest undiscovered gem in Pasadena: Mr. Fish. Mr. Fish is the sweetest, friendliest boy, and you can be the one to adopt him before everyone else discovers how he is. This five-year-old ginger boy absolutely loves being petted and having his head and cheeks scratched. He's so affectionate, he'll head butt you for more pets. Once word gets out about how great Mr. Fish is, there's bound to be a line of people waiting to meet him, so don't delay.

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

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 Schools and Citrus College Share Golden Bell Award

Monrovia Unified's Early College Program (ECP), a dual-enrollment partnership with Citrus College that allows students to graduate from high school with up to two years of college coursework, has been recognized with a Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian and Director of Counseling, College and Careers Dr. Catherine Real accepted the award on behalf of the District during the CSBA annual conference, held in San Diego on Dec. 5.

"Monrovia Unified's Early College Program is allowing first-generation students to receive a head start on their college education and create a culture of high expectations throughout the District," Thorossian said. "Thank you to the CSBA for recognizing the hard work of our ECP team and the innovative vision of our Board of Education."

The four-year program is designed to ease the financial burden of higher education and increase the number of underserved students who enroll in colleges and universities. The ECP is offered at no cost, with courses taught by college instructors and Monrovia High School teachers at Monrovia High.

Monrovia Unified students can earn up to 54 units of transferable credits - about two years of college - providing a savings of as much as $70,000 for tuition, books, housing and other costs for attending the University of California. Since the program's inception in 2017, more than 150 students have earned nearly 1,400 college credits.

Of the students in Monrovia Unified's Early College Program, 41% qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, 35% are first-generation college candidates and more than 50% are Latino or African-American. The program's passing rate is 95%, surpassing Citrus College's rate by 25%.

"African American, Latino, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students are underrepresented in higher education," Real said. "We want to build upon our district culture of equity and access for every student, increase student engagement, and provide relief for our families as they face the task of financing the ever-increasing cost of a college education."

Students are recruited during their final year at middle school, with many starting the ECP the summer before freshman year with a Strategies for College Success course taught by a Monrovia Unified counselor. Other ECP courses include Basic Photography, History of Rock and Roll, Physical Oceanography, Art History and Public Address.

In 2016, the California State Legislature passed AB 288, which facilitated the establishment of College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) to expand dual-enrollment opportunities for underserved students.

The Golden Bell Award is one of California's leading educational honors, presented by the CSBA to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices.

"The Early College Program provides an array of opportunities for our college-bound students to experience the rigors of college classes and reduce the cost of a college education," Board President Rob Hammond said. "Monrovia Unified is committed to providing our community the support and resources required to ensure world-class education to world-class students."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Service for Byron Greer Jan. 25

School Board Member Rob Hammond writes: “We are celebrating the life of Byron Greer on Saturday, January 25 at 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church on Foothill and Myrtle.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Myrtle Closed Next Week Between Walnut and Chestnut

Next week (Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 10), Myrtle Avenue, between Walnut and Chestnut, will be closed to motorists to replace roadway that was damaged and removed as a part of an underground utility project. Businesses on that block will remain open. https://is.gd/nNKxhl

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rudy’s Mexican Food

Dinner at Rudy’s Mexican Food, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got a small Albondigas (meat ball) soup for $7.95 and an iced tea for $3.95. Very good and very pleasant service. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Science Experiment Goes Wrong - House Burns; Thefts from Cars; Lots of People With Arrest Warrants - 10 Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 26 – January 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 365 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 8:58 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Colorado and Ivy when he saw a subject he recognized from past encounters. An investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was contacted and arrested per the authority of the warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
December 26, at 2:21 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of W. Chestnut when he saw two subjects he recognized from past encounters walking in the area. An investigation revealed both subjects had warrants for their arrest and one suspect has an active restraining order against the other. Both subjects were contacted and arrested per the authority of the warrants. They were taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Residential Burglary
December 26, at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 400 block of Highland. An investigation revealed the residents went out of town in September and did not return until several days ago. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 3:18 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Foothill when he noticed a subject carrying an open container of alcohol. The subject was contacted and an investigation revealed he had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 4:35 p.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Lemon reported there was a male subject refusing to leave the restroom. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 8:16 p.m., a caller reported seeing two subjects inside the fenced area of his business located in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and found two subjects matching the given description. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was in possession of a weapon.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 9:06 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Ivy and Huntington. The driver had a difficult time putting the vehicle in park and was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation was conducted and the driver was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 11:40 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Genoa and Magnolia when he saw a subject he recognized from previous encounters. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant. He was issued a citation in the field with a new court date.

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
December 27, at 12:36 a.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Kruse and Myrtle when he noticed a parked vehicle occupied by one subject. The subject consented to a search of his vehicle and the officer located a weapon. The subject was arrested.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 27, at 3:25 a.m., a caller reported seeing a vehicle on the curb near the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington. Officers arrived and spoke with the male subject near the vehicle. He said there was a female driver who had crashed the vehicle before running away on foot. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 27, at 8:17 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Myrtle and Brisbane saw a subject walking in the area. The officer made contact with the subject and an investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 27, at 9:07 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he saw a subject loitering outside a closed business. The subject was contacted and an investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was also found to have drug paraphernalia on his person. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Suspect Arrested
December 28, at 12:30 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Primrose and Brisbane. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation revealed the driver had been driving while under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 28, at 2:46 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the 400 block of Linwood. An investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 28, at 8:02 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. An investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.

Shoplifting
December 28, at 7:52 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a report of shoplifting. An unknown male subject had stolen merchandise from the business. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 29, at 3:22 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Violet and Lime contacted two subjects in a parked vehicle. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was on probation and had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Vehicle Burglary
December 29, at 7:39 a.m., a caller reported seeing a van parked in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle with its windows shattered and glass on the street. Officers responded and did not locate anyone in or around the vehicle. The registered owner was contacted and it was confirmed the van had been burglarized sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 29, at 8:43 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Holly walked outside her home and discovered someone had ransacked the inside of her vehicle sometime during the night. Officers responded and discovered the owner of the vehicle had left her car doors unlocked. The officer found two other vehicles parked next to the first one had also been ransacked and the doors left unlocked. Miscellaneous items were stolen from inside the cars. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public
December 30, at 12:26 a.m., an officer responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 1600 block of Venice. A female subject was contacted and an investigation revealed she was intoxicated and unable to care for herself. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for a sobering period.

Theft
December 30, at 8:19 a.m., a caller reported his wallet was stolen from his unlocked vehicle in the 500 block of Hacienda. Officers responded and an investigation revealed the victim’s credit card was used at a local gas station. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 30, at 10:10 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Parkrose regarding a fraud. The resident reported that a utility account had been opened out of state using his information. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 30, at 2:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Monterey regarding a traffic collision. A vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and collided into another vehicle. One party complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft from Unlocked Vehicle
December 31, at 12:37 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Hillcrest walked outside his home and discovered the inside of his unlocked vehicle had been ransacked. His cellphone and jacket were missing from inside the car. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
December 31, at 1:07 p.m., a customer of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain left his wallet in his shopping cart then left the store. An employee found the wallet and placed it in their lost and found, $700 cash from inside the wallet was missing. This investigation is continuing.

House Fire
December 31, at 1:55 p.m., residents in the 200 block of E. Pomona reported a house on their street was on fire. Officers and the Monrovia Fire Department responded. Officers made sure the house on fire and surrounding homes were evacuated, while the Fire Dept. extinguished the flames. The fire was caused by one of the resident's children doing a science experiment which sparked flames at him and the curtains in his bedroom. The child's eyebrows were singed, but the family refused medical care.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 31, at 2:14 p.m., callers reported two motorists collided into one another in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. Officers responded and found no one was injured. The driver who was found to have caused the collision was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
December 31, at 3:57 p.m., a motorist reported he just collided into another motorist in the intersection of Greystone and May. Officers responded and found no one was injured. Both parties did not desire a police report, but only exchanged information.

Shoplifting
December 31, at 5:11 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject had stolen tools then fled in a vehicle. Officers responded to the area but could not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Happy New Year, Monrovia!


The New Year’s Eve party is just getting started in Od Town. Happy 2020, Monrovia!

- Brad Haugaard 

Socrates: Loves Car Rides, Treats, and Tricks

Look at this cutie! Socrates is a sweet one-year-old terrier mix who loves snuggling and being called a “good boy”. He also enjoys car rides, the finest meat-based treats, and doing tricks. He recently had a Foster Sleepover and got along great with his foster family’s two dogs. This little guy would love a home where he can hang out with you on the sofa and watch TV, go for walks, and cuddle. If this description of Socrates has made you say “awwwww!” just wait until you meet him!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman's Car Flips After Tire Goes Flat; Motorcyclist Runs Stop Sign, Hit by Car; Dog Bites Woman; Shoplifting; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 19 – December 25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 370 service events, resulting in 89 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 19 at 11:58 a.m., two vehicles were involved in a collision near the intersection of Mountain and Central. One of the parties involved complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. Officers arrived and completed an investigation.

Grand Theft Auto
December 19 at 1:18 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of N. Ivy. The victim reported his vehicle was stolen between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. while he was doing yard work. Officers arrived and searched the area. This investigation is continuing.

Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 3:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A female subject exited the business without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise. The subject was detained outside the business by officers, an investigation revealed she had outstanding warrants for her arrest. The subject was arrested for the theft and per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 19 at 7:54 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle had struck a motorcyclist near the intersection of Evergreen and Mountain. Officers responded with paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. An investigation found the motorcyclist had failed to stop at a posted stop sign. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia– Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 10:02 p.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Lime and Mayflower. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 11:02 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Mountain and Foothill. The officers contacted the subject and an investigation revealed she was under the influence of alcohol. The subject was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and taken to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 2:28 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of California and Duarte. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of an unlawful weapon. The driver was arrested and issued a citation.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 10:36 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of E. Huntington, the caller reported he was hiding in his room because gang members were trying to kill him. Officers found the subject and an investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 20 at 8:16 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Walnut regarding a vehicle vandalism. The rear passenger window of the vehicle was shattered. An investigation revealed the window had a small hole in the center and no entry to the vehicle had been made. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
December 20 at 8:32 p.m., officers responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in the 200 block of Montana. The male subject had left the location prior to officers’ arrival. The victim said she was involved in an argument with the subject when he physically assaulted her. The subject is on parole and his Parole Officer was contacted. Charges are pending.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 21 at 2:43 p.m., two vehicles were involved in a collision near the intersection of Olive and California. One of the parties involved complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. Officers arrived and completed an investigation. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 4:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting. The store’s Loss Prevention Officers had detained a female subject for concealing items and exiting the store without any attempt to pay. Officers arrived and an investigation was conducted, the female subject was arrested for shoplifting.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 5:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting incident. When officers arrived the subject had been detained by the store’s Loss Prevention Officers. The subject refused to provide his name and did not have any identification. The subject was arrested for shoplifting.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 22 at 1:10 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The driver displayed symptoms of being intoxicated and an investigation was conducted. The driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 22 at 2:53 a.m., a caller reported a male subject loitering in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for this arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 22 at 7:05 a.m., a caller reported a driver collided into a parked vehicle near Peck and Live Oak. The driver fled the scene without exchanging information. He abandoned the car a block away then walked away from the area. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
December 22 at 8:06 a.m., officers responded to a call in the 400 block of Genoa regarding a vandalism. A resident reported that the mailboxes at her condominium complex all had the locks broken sometime during the night. It is unknown if any mail was stolen from the boxes. This investigation is continuing.

Animal Problem
December 22 at 10:16 a.m., an officer was patrolling Library Park in the 100 block of W. Lime, when he saw a dog on a leash bite a female subject who was holding a small dog. Paramedics responded and treated the bite on the victim, the victim refused to go to a hospital. The victim took her small dog to an emergency vet, as it was injured as well. The Pasadena Humane Society responded and completed an investigation.

Vandalism
December 22 at 7:09 p.m., a vehicle vandalism was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The caller reported that when he returned to his vehicle, someone had keyed his vehicle and left an eight inch scratch down the passenger side. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
December 22 at 10:38 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male subject had left the business with unpaid merchandise. Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 23 at 8:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of E. Lime. A resident walked outside his home and attempted to drive to work. He discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
December 23 at 8:23 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a shoplifting report. Security personnel for the business reported a male subject had just ran out of their store with power tools that he did not pay for. Officers responded to the area but could not locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 23 at 2:30 p.m., Loss Prevention Officers for a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject had stolen items and was being detained. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation in the field.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 23 at 2:47 p.m., a motorist was traveling in the 400 block of W. Huntington when her car's tire went flat causing her to hit the curb. Her car flew over the curb and into the air landing upside down on top of a parked car in a parking lot. Officers responded and found she was not injured.

Vandalism
December 23 at 3:23 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of W. Maple. The owner discovered one of the windows to his building had been broken sometime during the weekend. It did not appear as if anyone had crawled through the window to get into the building. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 24 at 2:46 a.m., an officer patrolling the 400 block of W. Foothill stopped a UHaul box truck for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the male adult driver had a suspended license and the female adult passenger was on probation for forgery. The passenger admitted to being in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. The driver was cited for driving on a suspended license and the U-Haul truck was impounded. The female passenger was arrested and issued a citation in the field for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
December 24 at 10:42 a.m., a red pickup truck that was wanted by the Pasadena Police Department in connection with a robbery in their city was located by an officer in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle. The vehicle was stopped and both occupants detained. Pasadena Police detectives arrived shortly thereafter and arrested both subjects.

Shoplifting
December 24 at 7:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a shoplifting report. Security personnel for the business reported two male subjects in their 30’s had just taken $700 worth of merchandise before fleeing in a vehicle. Officers responded to the area but could not locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
December 24 at 11:50 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Eighth regarding a domestic violence incident. A female subject reported her live-in boyfriend had just strangled her during an argument. Officers responded but the suspect had already left the area. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 25 at 1:23 a.m., a caller reported she discovered her vehicle’s driver side window had been smashed and her purse was taken while it was parked in the 700 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and reviewed video surveillance. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 25 at 3:54 p.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject on a bicycle chasing after a female subject who was running east in the 100 block of E. Evergreen from Myrtle. Officers responded and located the female subject. The female stopped and saw the officers then began running from them and refused to stop. Officers recognized her from past encounters, an investigation revealed she had two warrants for her arrest. Officers were able to apprehend her, she was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She said no crime had occurred between her and the male subject who was never found. She was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 25 at 4:15 p.m., several callers reported two vehicles collided into one another in the 800 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found one driver complained of pain. Paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department provided assistance, but the driver refused to be transported to a hospital. The driver who caused the collision was issued a citation

Someone's Been Hyping Monrovia Company's Stock

Someone has apparently been hyping the stock of Monrovia's Sugermade, Inc. - a hydroponics equipment firm that has focused on marijuana growers, and now also provides disposable cups for the restaurant business. In a press release (https://is.gd/tFPVq2) the company disclaimed any knowledge of the promotional activity. Sugarmade's stock is currently trading at slightly over a penny a share.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Noodle St.

Dinner at Noodle St., in the Vons shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. Got the Signature Beef Noodle Soup for $10.  Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Visiting the Snow




I decided to go on a bicycle ride into the hills today and kept thinking, “That snow doesn’t look too far away.” Ant it wasn’t! This picture was taken well below White Saddle, about a third of a mile above the restroom on the fire road north of Canyon Park. I threw a few snowballs, froze fingers, nose and toes, and came down. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Low Snow


I don’t think I’ve ever seen snow down so low on the mountains above Monrovia. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Tree Pick-Up

The city says ... Curbside Christmas Tree Recycling will be available from Dec. 26 - Jan. 11. Please place your tree curbside on your regular trash collection day. In order for your tree to be picked up, all ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, nails, lights, and plastic or metal stands need to be removed. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Something a bit different this year. I liked this little Christmas devotional thought by Robert Hawker, an English cleric from the 1800s. Hope you do, too. 

- Brad Haugaard