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Dead of Night to Feature Murder of Monrovian LaJoya McCoy

David and Alicia Clark speak with Dateline this Monday about their niece, LaJoya.

Updated: Dateline's "The Dead of Night," on the murder of LaJoya McCoy, will now air this Friday, October 9 at 10 p.m. It was previously scheduled to air September 28 but was preempted due to sports. Includes interviews with LaJoya's Uncle David and Aunt Alicia Clark, LaJoya's best friend Eva Mendoza, Detective Eddie Brown and more. 

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 743, Up 13, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 9/23/2020. Changes since 9/16/2020.

City of Monrovia: 743 cases (up 13), 38 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 81 cases (up 1), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Refuses to be Released From Jail; Burglars Removed With Baseball Bat; Amazon Truck Stolen; Burglar Snags Loose Change; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 17-23. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 335 service events, resulting in 61 investigations. 

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 1:54 a.m., officers responded to a family disturbance in the 500 block of W. Duarte. A male and female couple had been arguing and the male subject slapped the female. When she tried to call the police, he broke her phone. Officers conducted an investigation and the male subject was arrested for domestic battery. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 12:41 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Lemon called police to report a male subject loitering at the location. The subject had already been advised of a no-trespass authorization against him. Officers arrived and located the subject inside the residence. Further investigation revealed he had been advised and knew he was not supposed to be at the location. The subject was arrested for trespassing. 

Grand Theft Auto
September 17 at 8:09 p.m., an Amazon driver left his keys inside his vehicle as he dropped off a package in the 700 block of W. Duarte. As he was dropping off the package, a suspect entered his vehicle and fled the scene. The vehicle was then entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapons Offense
September 17 at 8:27 p.m., a male subject inside a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington threatened to stab a security guard with a pocket knife after being told to leave the store. Officers arrived at the location, but the suspect had already left the area and could not be located. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
September 18 at 10:29 a.m., a customer at a restaurant in the 400 block of S. Myrtle called police to report an employee hit him. Officers responded along with paramedics. The suspect had left the scene before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
September 18 at 12:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Walnut discovered someone had forced entry into his garage and took tools and a bicycle. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The investigation is continuing. 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 12:45 p.m., an employee of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject inside the hotel behaving erratically. Officers responded and determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 2:36 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 200 block of E. Central when he saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of a lane. He contacted the driver, who displayed signs of intoxication. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and determined the subject was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Identity Theft – Suspects Arrested
September 19 at 2:47 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of E. Foothill and observed a vehicle commit multiple traffic offences. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was found to have a suspended license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver also admitted to being in possession of a controlled substance. The passenger consented to a search of her person and property. The driver was arrested for the warrant and was also found to be in possession of completed checks not issued to him, as well as other identity theft materials. The passenger was found to be in possession of identity theft materials and credit cards not issued to her. The passenger was also arrested for identity theft. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 7:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to a family dispute in the 100 block of N. Magnolia. A subject outside the location was found to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He did not live at the location and had arrived unannounced. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 8:08 p.m., a business owner in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a subject acting strangely and refusing to leave the location. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He was advised he could not stay at the location and a no-trespass authorization was completed. After the owner left, the subject told officers he was going to go back inside the location. He was told again by officers that he could not return to the location. At that point the subject ran to a side security door and attempted to get back inside. He was arrested and taken into custody for trespassing. 

Residential Burglary
September 19 at 8:16 p.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia was sitting on his couch when he heard someone breaking into his apartment through one of the windows. Two male suspects wearing all black clothing and carrying black backpacks entered. The resident grabbed a baseball bat and chased them out of the apartment. The suspects fled the location. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The investigation indicated that the suspects thought they were breaking into a vacant apartment. The suspects dropped items when they fled, which were collected as evidence. This investigation is continuing. 

Negligent Firearm Discharge
September 19 at 10:04 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Cypress regarding a report of shots fired in a condominium complex. The investigation determined a resident had negligently discharged his firearm while cleaning it inside his garage. Officers were able to locate the bullet impact point in a neighbor's garage door and confirmed there were no injuries as a result. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 11:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to a welfare check in the 100 block of W. Huntington. A subject was passed out in a vehicle on the side of the road. Officers arrived and determined the subject was not in need of medical care or assistance, but that his car was broken down. During a consensual search of the vehicle, drug paraphernalia was found, as well as a controlled substance. The subject was arrested. 

Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 2:22 a.m., a subject previously arrested for trespassing in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle was being released from custody and was refusing to leave the Monrovia Police Department Jail. He became argumentative and assumed a fighting stance. During the incident, the subject threw multiple punches at officers and bit one officer on the arm. He was arrested for battery and taken back into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
September 20 at 5:25 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Greystone reported that her uncle’s motorcycle had been stolen from the garage at the residence. Officers arrived and saw the lock to the garage had been cut. It had been a week or two since she had last seen the motorcycle in the garage. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 7:35 p.m., an officer patrolling a parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington saw a vehicle with no license plates. The vehicle was occupied by a female adult that was found to be on probation. Further investigation revealed she was also in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
September 20 at 11:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a disturbance involving a male and female near the intersection of Canyon and Greystone. Upon arrival, they stopped a vehicle matching the description given. Neither subject in the vehicle had a driver's license. The vehicle was searched and multiple controlled substances were found. The suspects were arrested. 

Brandishing a Firearm
September 21 at 1:31 p.m., multiple subjects at a memorial remembrance being held in the 700 block of E. Lemon advised police that they were approached by an adult male Hispanic subject in a black BMW with orange stripes on the side windows and on the front windshield. The subject got out of his vehicle holding a firearm with a high capacity magazine. The suspect never pointed the firearm at anyone, he just held it at his side. The suspect got back into the vehicle and drove around the park several times. Officers responded and checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 8:21 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive reported two subjects hiding in his backyard. Officers arrived and detained both subjects. One of the subjects was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant. 

Residential Burglary
September 23 at 6:37 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte returned home and found the residence and garage and been burglarized. Officers arrived and learned the only loss was an unknown amount of change taken from a large water bottle. The suspect gained entry by breaking the lock on a rear window to the home. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
September 23 at 9:37 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. The victim parked her vehicle and left it. Upon her return, she saw a window had been forced down and items were stolen from inside. Officers arrived and determined the loss included change, a phone charger and a credit card. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
September 23 at 10:14 p.m., a male subject parked his bicycle at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington and went inside. While inside, he saw a male suspect steal his bike. The suspect was wearing a green shirt and green hat. The bike is a green Cannondale with orange graphics that was just purchased. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at Basin 141

Lunch today at Basin 141, at the corner of Myrtle and Lime. Got the pork belly tacos for $12, plus $2 for black beans, and a very tasty beer for $6. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Virtual Craft Beer and Music Festival Oct. 17

The Monrovia Chamber & Volunteer Center of the SGV have organized a Virtual Craft Beer & Music Festival for Saturday, October 17, from 6-8 p.m. The festival will last about an hour and twenty minutes and will include a showcase of craft beers from San Gabriel Valley breweries, and entertainment by the band LA Undercover.

Tickets are $50 each and each ticket includes a cooler bag filled with an 8-pack of craft beer, souvenir koozie and other items. Local brew masters will share information about their beers and participants will enjoy music by LA Under Cover.

Guests must be 21+ to purchase a ticket, pick up the variety pack and consume alcohol. Pick up location and time will be emailed to you.

You will also be emailed a YouTube link on the week of the event to log in.

Participating breweries include Monrovia's Hop Secret, Over Town, Pacific Plate, and Wingwalker; and Nova Brewing Co. of Covina.

For details and to purchase tickets: https://is.gd/8TRjoo

- Brad Haugaard

Lentil : With Patience He'll Love You.


How is such a cute kitten still waiting for his forever home? Five-month-old Lentil is as adorable as any kitten and loves to lounge around and show off his pink toe beans. He’s also a big fan of toys and is very active. When he first came to us he was a little shy, but now he enjoys petting and being around people. Although it might take him a little time to come out of his shell around new humans, with a little patience, this guy will love you! This handsome guy is a true undiscovered gem of Pasadena Humane, so adopt him before someone else does!

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org and make an appointment for a virtual adoption consultation. Adoptions are by appointment only.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia State of Schools Address Postponed to Oct. 21


Monrovia School District has announced that ...

As a result of the Bobcat Fire, we have needed to postpone the event. The new date of our second annual State of the Schools Address is Oct. 21, 2020.

We look forward to sharing our 2020-21 journey with you at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 21 via Facebook and YouTube!

- Brad Haugaard

New Kind of BAER in Monrovia; Helicopters Fighting Blaze on Hwy 2; Painted 'Thank You' Rocks

Fire fighting helicopter refilling with water from a pool near Sawpit Debris Basin.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports a new kind of BAER in Monrovia.

~ The Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) is made up of specialists in hydrology, soil science, archeology, wildlife biology, forestry and plant biology. They'll be looking at the potential for accelerated erosion and runoff resulting from vegetation loss, as well as, identifying fire-weakened hazard trees. Throughout this period, Monrovia Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will remain closed

~ The helicopters you've heard, he said, are working to secure the line between Mt. Wilson and Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway). "These helicopters are utilizing the helipad, located near the Sawpit Dam, since it is the closest in proximity to their drop-off destinations for the south end of the fire."

~ Residents left a Thank You sign for Feik with a dozen painted rocks. He said, "While I certainly would never do this job for praise or accolades, these heartfelt messages mean the world to me. These past two weeks have brought me closer to this community and I can already feel a deeper, more meaningful connection to all of you. I am so proud to be a Monrovian."

- Brad Haugaard

Face Masks for Band and Colorguard


As a fundraiser, the Monrovia High Marching Band and Colorguard is selling spirit green 100% cotton face masks for $6 apiece or $10 for two. Payment options: Check to MHS Band Booster Club at P.O. Box 1122, Monrovia, CA 91016; PayPal at wildcatbandboosters@gmail.com; contact Karen Schultz at 808-7455 to pay by cash.

- Brad Haugaard 

Evacuation Warning Lifted for Monrovia, Other Foothill Cities

From Monrovia Fire Department:

As of 4 p.m. today, Evacuation Warnings have been lifted in the cities of Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, and Duarte. Incident Command and the representatives from each community believe that the Bobcat Fire is no longer a potential threat to life and / or property in these regions.

Please note that the lifting of an Evacuation Warning does not mean the fire is 100% contained. There will still be smoke coming from the hillside and the air quality will continue to range between moderate and unhealthy for the next few days.

In addition to the lifted Evacuation Warning, the City of Monrovia will be withdrawing from Unified Command, but will continue to assist and support in any way possible. Monrovia Fire & Rescue will be patrolling the next couple of weeks to mop up and secure the area and will be keeping an eye on the hillside.

- Brad Haugaard

Lifting Evacuation Warning Considered; Working on Opening Canyon Park, Hillside Area; Expect Uneven Air Quality

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that ...

~ While the evacuation warning remains in effect, lifting it is being considered.

~ Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve remain closed. Only authorized personnel will be allowed in the area. Gates will be locked and there will be no public access to these areas.

~ "While the restoration process is expected to take some time, we will be working diligently to make Canyon Park and the HWP ready for hikers, bikers and everyone in-between. Monrovia Police Department, along with the Public Works, will continue to set up barricades to ensure that only residents are driving through the area above Foothill Boulevard."

~ Expect air quality to range from moderate to unhealthy for the next few days as there are still spot fires in the burned areas.

- Brad Haugaard

4.6 Earthquake Hits Monrovia

A small earthquake hit Monrovia today at 11:38 p.m. measuring  4.6 on the Richter Scale and located about 2 miles West Southwest of South El Monte. https://is.gd/vPh3ep

- Brad Haugaard

School Board: Rename Monrovia High Weight Room to 'Fred Bowden Weight Room'? Etc.


At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/lMDkPj) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Renaming the Monrovia High School weight room to the "Fred Bowden Weight Room."

~ A contract with Cognitive ToyBox, which provides "observation-based tools and touchscreen games" to help teachers to assess kindergarten readiness. https://is.gd/O9u0BZ

~ A contract with ModernBrain Corporation to provide speech/debate instruction for Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School and Monrovia High School. https://is.gd/O9u0BZ

~ A collective bargaining agreement with the California School Employees Association (basically, non-teacher and non administrative employees) giving them - among other things - the same percentage salary increase or decrease as the Monrovia Teachers Association gets. https://is.gd/VPcKXX

~  An off-campus Federal work study agreement with Azusa Pacific University to provide tutors to the district. https://is.gd/eBLWlm

~ Honor Employees of the Month:  Dennis Rios, groundskeeper; Karen Go, preschool teacher; Katrina Cuasay, SELPA nurse; Shari King, senior account clerk; Chad Miller, Teacher on Special Assignment.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Park, Wilderness Area Closed ‘Indefinitely’, Street Fair On

City manager Dylan Feik reports:

Due to fire damage, Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will be closed to the public indefinitely. Not only does the hillside exhibit dangerous conditions like falling rocks and tree branches, the City still has to perform a damage assessment and clean up the areas. Signs will be posted at the entrance of Canyon Park and along Canyon Blvd.

The Friday Night Street Fair and the closure of the 400 Block on Myrtle for outdoor dining will continue tonight after last week’s cancellation. The air quality is considered moderate as smoke is still in the air. For vulnerable populations, please take extra precautions.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 730 Cases, Up 21; No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 9/16/2020. Changes since 9/8/2020.

City of Monrovia: 730 cases (up 21), 37 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 80 cases (up 3), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 2 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Burned and Unburned


With the air reasonably clear the difference between the burned and unburned areas can be clearly seen. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Shoplifter Waves Machete; Hits Police Car, Runs, Gets Caught; Attempting to Steal from Police Car; Etc.


[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 10-16. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 351 service events, resulting in 66 investigations. 

Robbery
September 10 at 9:19 p.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. A male suspect entered the business and selected two bottles of wine. He appeared to be standing in line to pay for the items, but then ran out the exit doors. Once outside, he realized he was being chased by an employee. The suspect then retrieved a machete from a suitcase he was holding and waved it several times at the employee. The suspect then fled on foot. Officers arrived and checked the area, but the suspect was not located. This investigation continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 11 at 6:10 p.m., an officer responded to an injury traffic collision in a business parking lot in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A driver was backing her vehicle out of a parking stall and struck a pedestrian. Officers arrived and saw the pedestrian had sustained abrasions to his right knee and elbow. The pedestrian was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department and transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 12 at 1:46 a.m., a vehicle traveling eastbound through the 100 block of E. Lime struck a parked police vehicle and continued driving away. Shortly after the incident, officers responded to a medical call and found the subject involved in the hit and run. The subject was incoherent and having a medical emergency. He was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department and transported to a local hospital. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 11:15 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Melrose reported seeing a male subject stumbling along the sidewalk who appeared to be intoxicated. Officers responded and located the subject at Primrose and Foothill. He had fallen into a bush, picked himself up and fell against a wall. Officers contacted him and found he was so intoxicated he could not care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Battery
September 12 at 3:53 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a business in the 3200 block of S. Peck. The victim reported that he was shopping at a vehicle parts store when he got into an argument with another customer. The argument led to the victim getting struck by the suspect, who fled the area. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 11:06 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding an intoxicated subject harassing customers inside a business. The subject was contacted and found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Traffic Stop / Pursuit
September 13 at 2:02 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mountain and Central saw a vehicle fail to stop for a solid red light. A vehicle traveling north on Mountain had to swerve to avoid colliding with the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle failed to yield as the officer attempted a traffic stop and fled onto the 210 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officers continued pursuing the vehicle. The driver eventually pulled over and fled on foot. This investigation is continuing. 

Mail Tampering
September 13 at 6:42 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block Elfwood regarding suspects tampering with mail. A male and female were seen in a 4-door, white vehicle loitering near the mailboxes. After the subjects left, a resident found mail on the ground next to the mailboxes belonging to residents in El Monte. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
September 13 at 8:22 a.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle window smash in the 400 block of W. Duarte. A passerby saw the broken window and called police. The owner of the vehicle said he left a new stereo sitting on the seat in plain view and was going to have it installed today. While he was away from the vehicle, someone smashed the window and took the stereo. The officers saw a couple subjects sitting on a couch in a nearby parking lot. The officers contacted them and noticed the stolen stereo sitting behind the couch. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 13 at 11:49 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at a parking garage in the 200 block of W. Pomona. A pedestrian was walking inside the parking garage and was struck by a vehicle at slow speed. Officers arrived and determined the pedestrian had sustained minor injuries. The pedestrian was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. 

Commercial Burglary
September 14 at 3:07 a.m., the owner of a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington was contacted by his alarm company advising there was a window break at the location. He logged into his business cameras on his phone and saw a suspect inside stealing lottery tickets. He called police. Officers arrived at the location, but the suspect had already fled the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 3:29 a.m., while officers were handling a call in the 600 block of W. Huntington, a subject waited for officers to walk away from their units. He then reached in and was going through the officer's bags attempting to take items, when another officer coming from the rear happened upon the crime in progress. The suspect was arrested. During a search incident to arrest, he was also found to be in possession of multiple controlled substances. 

Vandalism
September 16 at 12:12 a.m., a witness saw a male subject break a window in the 100 block of E. Colorado and called police. Officers responded, but the suspect had already left the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
September 16 at 2:31 p.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called to report that sometime during the night someone had stolen a catalytic converter from one of the vehicles parked on his property. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
September 16 at 3:13 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 2600 block of California. A large shipment of E Cigarettes had been set outside the business and was waiting for pickup by a customer, but someone else arrived and took the boxes. Officers arrived and collected video surveillance showing a suspect loading the boxes into his vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
September 16 at 6:09 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked his vehicle at 8:30 a.m. that morning and left his vehicle. When he returned at 6:00 p.m., he noticed his trunk had been opened. The door locks had been tampered with and a duffel bag containing baseball equipment had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at Nano Cafe

Lunch at Nano Cafe, on the north side of Duarte Road just east of Mayflower. The restaurant has lots of shaded outdoor seating. Got the Reuben Sandwich with coleslaw for $12.99 and an iced tea for $2.99. Enjoyed it a lot. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Free Flu Shots at Monrovia Church on Oct. 3


First Evangelical Church, Arcadia - which, despite its name, is in Monrovia - will provide free flu shots on Oct. 3. Details: https://is.gd/8UMmTb


- Brad Haugaard

Neighbors Express Thanks to Firefighters, Police

As you might expect, the neighborhoods of North Canyon Blvd, Ridgeside Dr, and Oakglade Dr., all at the very top of Monrovia, are mighty grateful. The residents expressed their gratitude with these signs, collected into a collage by Scott Morgan, who lives on North Canyon. (Thanks Scott!)

- Brad Haugaard