News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Monrovia Police: Arrest in Attempted Murder; Firefighter's Command Post Trailer Burglarized; Officers Buy Food for Hungry Panhandler; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 1-7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 327 service events, resulting in 70 investigations. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 8:10 p.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a verbal argument between a father and a son. Investigation revealed the argument turned physical, and the father’s wife was also injured during the fight. The father was arrested for domestic violence. 

Grand Theft Auto
October 1 at 9:43 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a dealership in the 700 block of E. Central. On September 30 at approximately 3:00 p.m., two suspects went to view a used vehicle at the dealership. An employee started the truck, and one of the suspects distracted the employee, while the second suspect entered the truck and fled in the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Tampering / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 11:18 p.m., a suspicious person was reported in the 200 block of E. Lime. The caller stated she heard sounds in the alley and looked out and saw a female suspect open a car door and go inside. A second caller advised he had video of the suspect damaging his patio lights. Officers checked the area and located the subject. She was positively identified and arrested for vehicle tampering and vandalism. 

Theft
October 2 at 8:28 a.m., a gardener working at a home in the 400 block of N. Magnolia reported that two suspects driving a white van just took his gardening equipment from the back of his pickup truck. Officers searched the area for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
October 2 at 9:27 a.m., an employee of a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported that someone had shattered one of her car windows. The suspect did not enter the vehicle or take anything. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 2 at 11:04 p.m., a female subject came into the police department lobby to report she had been battered by her ex-boyfriend earlier in the evening while at a residence in the 500 block of E. Olive. Officers conducted an investigation and located the suspect. He was arrested for domestic violence and the violation of a restraining order. 

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
October 2 at 11:58 p.m., officers patrolling the 500 block of W. Colorado were waved down by a resident. She complained about suspicious people coming and going from a nearby garage. Officers located two subjects matching her description. An investigation revealed that one of them had a warrant for his arrest and was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 2:29 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Duarte regarding a report of a vehicle that had just been stolen. The officers obtained the license plate number and description, and began checking the area. A short time later, officers saw the vehicle exit the freeway at Huntington and enter a nearby parking lot. Officers stopped the vehicle and detained a suspect. He was positively identified by the victim as the person who stole his vehicle. The suspect was arrested. 

Battery
October 3 at 6:21 a.m., an employee of a fast food restaurant in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a battery incident. Two employees were just battered by a male suspect who attempted to follow them inside the restaurant, which is not open for business yet. When told he could not enter the building, he hit both employees in the face and fled. Officers searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 3 at 2:08 p.m., a motorist reported another vehicle just collided into his vehicle at the intersection of Monterey and Huntington, then fled the scene. Officers arrived and took statements from the reporting party. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 2:26 p.m., security for a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a customer just left the store with merchandise and did not pay. Officers located the subject and returned the stolen property to the store. The subject was arrested for shoplifting. 

Disturbing the Peace
October 3 at 3:08 p.m., a customer at a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject who was disturbing the peace by walking through the shopping center panhandling for money or food. She said she felt he was being too aggressive by approaching people. Officers located the subject, who apologized and said he was just really hungry because he hadn't eaten in two days. The officers purchased food out of pocket and fed the man. He was extremely grateful and thanked the officers for their kindness and compassion. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 1:00 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Violet called police to report an unknown subject was banging on her front door. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 2:23 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Mayflower called police to report an unknown subject was pounding on her front door. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for and a sobering period. 

Shots Fired
October 4 at 2:24 a.m., several residents in the 300 block of E. Palm called police to report hearing a single gunshot and then a vehicle speeding away. Officers arrived on scene and checked the area. One bullet hole was located in the front door of an apartment. The occupants of the apartment were contacted and they were okay. The bullet went through the front door and into a wall, which leads to another apartment. That apartment was also checked, and it was confirmed that the bullet did not exit the wall. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
October 4 at 2:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called to report a subject vandalizing a wall with spray paint. Officers arrived and saw the graffiti, but the subject was already gone and could not be located. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Murder – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 2:53 a.m., several calls were received in dispatch reporting shots fired in the 100 block of McKinley. One caller reported a male subject was down in the alley. Officers arrived and located a subject in the alley. He had sustained one gunshot wound to his leg, which was non-life-threatening. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A crime scene was established and evidence was collected. The suspect was eventually identified and a wanted person warrant was issued for his arrest. On October 6 at 6:56 p.m., deputies from the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department located and detained the suspect at Duarte and Wardell. Monrovia officers responded to their location and arrested the suspect. 

Grand Theft Auto
October 4 at 12:19 p.m., an employee at a restaurant in the 500 block of W. Huntington parked his vehicle in the parking lot and went into work. After work, he returned to his vehicle and saw it had been stolen from the parking lot. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 10:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a disturbance. They arrived and discovered a female adult had battered a male adult, her boyfriend, causing injury. Officers conducted a domestic violence investigation and determined the female was the primary aggressor. She was arrested for domestic violence. 

Burglary
October 5 at 5:48 a.m., an employee at a gym in the 200 block of W. Duarte arrived and saw it had been burglarized. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed that an unknown suspect gained entry through a window. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
October 6 at 9:32 a.m., an officer was driving through a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he was stopped by security, who told him a subject was seen pulling a trashcan with wheels through the store. They believed he had hidden merchandise in the trashcan and tried to stop him as he left the store, but were not successful. Officers checked the area for the subject, but were unable to locate him. Store security checked the surveillance cameras, which captured the subject selecting merchandise and placing it inside the trashcan. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
October 6 at 2:25 p.m., a box trailer used by California Fire as a command post was parked in a parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington over the weekend. When staff returned to the trailer, they discovered someone had broken into the two side compartments. The loss was a propane tank, a five gallon gas tank, and the automatic leveling computer. Officers did an area check and found the propane and gas tanks discarded nearby. This investigation is continuing. 

Prowler
October 6 at 8:05 p.m., a female resident in the 100 block of N. Primrose reported seeing a male suspect peeping into her restroom window. She had reported the same suspect peeping in her home the night prior. There was also a peeping report filed by another victim the week prior that lives on Stedman. The suspect is described as a male white, 20-30 years old, with thick eyebrows. A short time later, a resident in the 200 block of Primrose reported seeing a male subject in his backyard with a flashlight. Officers checked the surrounding area, but were not able to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 7 at 6:59 p.m., a caller was inside his residence in the 100 block of N. Mountain when he heard a loud crashing noise. He went outside and found his garage door had been caved in and damaged. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. It appears a vehicle pulled into his driveway, possibly to turn around, and it collided into the garage door. The vehicle fled to scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
October 7 at 11:29 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The caller said he had witnessed a male subject breaking into a parked vehicle at the location. The suspect fled in a tan vehicle prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at Thai Divine

Lunch at Thai Divine, on the east side of Myrtle half a block south of Colorado. Got the Kang Ka Ree (yellow curry) for $10.95, rice for $3, and a large beer for $8. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Burned Mountain Lion Responding to Treatment

A cougar with paws burned in the Bobcat Fire was rescued in a Monrovia backyard and is responding to treatment: https://is.gd/hwJaJM

- Brad Haugaard

Meil Coming Out of Her Shell, Showing Her Fun Personality

14-week-old Miel has come such a long way since she arrived at the shelter! At first, she was fearful of people and of her new environment. But our cat behavior staff has worked hard to gain her trust, and now she allows people to pet her. She has such a fun personality and loves to play – if you throw her a treat, she’ll bat it around and chase after it. She’s such a cutie! She’s done a great job at coming out of her shell, and just needs a patient adopter who can give her the time she needs to adjust to new people and a new home. This sweetie is worth it!

Miel is eligible for a 30-day adoption trial. Take her home for a month, get to know and love her, and we’ll provide all the supplies. At the end of 30 days, you can make your adoption official. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get your adoption trial started!

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.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Home Decorating and Pumpkin Carving Contest

Home Decoration registration deadline Friday, Oct. 16. Judging on the week of Oct. 19. After winners are announced, a map will be published.

Those interested in the Jack-o-Lantern Carving Contest must submit carvings by Oct. 19. Judging the week of Oct. 19. Winners will be selected and notified on Oct. 30. The city will share a video, on YouTube, of all pumpkin carving submissions on Oct. 31.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: Report on Local Water Supply; Breast Cancer Awareness; 'Clean Air Day'

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/bdJumE) the Monrovia City Council will hear a report on our water supply by Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District General Manager Tom Love and Director Dr. Tony Fellow. It will also consider making October Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 7 as Clean Air Day. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Get Grant to Improve Traffic Safety

The safety of everyone traveling is the focus of a grant awarded to the Monrovia Police Department. The $62,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will assist the City of Monrovia’s efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on its roads.

“These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety,” Monrovia Police Department Lt. Daniel Verna said. “This funding allows us to educate and enhance the safety of all residents.” The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. 

The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including:
  • Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
  • Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
  • Patrols with emphasis on education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
  • Patrols with emphasis on education and awareness of motorcycle safety.
  • Roadside checkpoints with an emphasis on awareness and education of alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
  • Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
  • Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
“Through education and behavior changes, we hope to create an environment that is safe and equitable for all road users in our community,” Lt. Verna said. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 19 More, 3 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 9/30/2020. Changes since 9/23/2020.

City of Monrovia: 762 cases (up 19), 41 deaths up 3
Unincorporated Monrovia: 81 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Boyfriend Bites Girlfriend; Suspect Returns to Scene of Crime - Arrested; Drunks and Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 24-30. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 70 investigations. 

Vehicle Burglary
September 24 at 7:05 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Ninth Avenue. The victim reported that the windows on his vehicle had been smashed while it was parked and his backpack had been taken from inside. The windows and doors had been secured. Officers obtained surveillance footage that showed a suspect smashing the windows at 1:30 a.m. that morning. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 24 at 8:33 a.m., a traffic collision involving two vehicles occurred at the intersection of Magnolia and Olive. Officers arrived and found one of the parties was complaining of pain to his shoulder. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Mail Tampering
September 24 at 9:48 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Greystone found mail on the ground that belonged to nearby residents and called police. Officers arrived and located surveillance footage which showed a subject in a silver Toyota Prius throwing mail out of the vehicle window. The license plate was captured and returned as being stolen out of Los Angeles. The mail was returned to the owners. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 8:47 a.m., a resident from the 400 block of E. Lemon called police to report a male subject in his backyard. Officers arrived and confirmed a no-trespass authorization was in effect against the subject for that location. The subject was detained and advised regarding the no-trespass order. He said he already knew about the order, but he had no place else to go. He refused to take any resources regarding homeless shelters. He was arrested for trespassing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 10:46 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Maple regarding a domestic violence incident. Two subjects are in a dating relationship and had been drinking. They became involved in a verbal argument. The argument escalated and the boyfriend pushed the girlfriend up against a wall, and at some point, bit her on the arm. The boyfriend was deemed the primary aggressor. He was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 11:23 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject that was heavily intoxicated. Officers located the subject, who was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 2:09 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle speeding near the intersection of Foothill and Magnolia and conducted a traffic stop. The investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
September 27 at 11:57 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Peck and Jefferies regarding a vehicle colliding into a parked vehicle. When officers and paramedics arrived, they found the driver inside his vehicle and unresponsive. Paramedics delivered a dose of Narcan to the driver, and he responded. Prescription medication was found inside the vehicle, indicating a possible opiate overdose. The driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver told the officers he took pain killers thirty minutes prior to the accident for a preexisting injury. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Burglary
September 28 at 4:31 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill when he heard an audible alarm. He checked businesses in the area and found there was an attempted burglary at a local business. The responsible party was advised of the attempt. This investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 6:18 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. One of the drivers showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 29 at 9:19 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a wanted person. An employee was a victim of a robbery several weeks ago and the suspect had returned to the location. The victim called to have officers respond. The suspect was located and detained. Officers confirmed the suspect was wanted for the robbery, and he was arrested and taken into custody. 

Lunch at Max’s Mexican Cuisine

Lunch today at Max’s Mexican Cuisine, on the north side of Huntington just across from Target. There’s a nice big tent set up in the back parking lot with a mister. Got the Chile Relleno from the Lunch Specials menu for $10.50 and a small beer for $6.  Yummy all around. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Canyon Park Will Be Closed at Least Six Months; Wilderness Preserve Should Open Soon

City Manager Dylan Feik reports:

"When the Bobcat Fire entered Monrovia Canyon Park, firefighters used a defensive approach to protect buildings and structures, including the Nature Center, Ranger Station, cabins, and restrooms. The fire suppression tactics, which included controlled burns, burned a significant amount of brush in the park but all buildings remain standing with only smoke damage. Some portions of the park remain with plentiful greenery and shrubs, while others are left burned to a crisp. Popular hiking trails are no longer accessible and debris from high above is already rolling down the hills and landing on park trails. In some cases, staff is already noticing trees falling over since the fire. In total, about 278 acres of Monrovia Canyon Park is damaged while much more land area is damaged above the park, but still within the watershed area. With the need for ongoing damage assessments, insurance reviews and repairs, we anticipate the park will be closed for at least six months and possibly longer. During this time, to secure Monrovia Canyon Park, a fence has been installed and a chain lock has been set to secure the gate. Additionally, signs are posted as the area remains very dangerous.

"The community will be relieved to know that the Hillside Wilderness Preserve suffered minimal burns and will be open to the public much sooner. Staff is installing replacement signage and fencing, where appropriate, but please know that popular trails within the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, including Lower Clamshell Trail, will soon be reopened."

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Movie Nights at Recreation Park

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Honor Teacher of the Year, Daniel Ray; Report on Start of School; Letting Boys & Girls Club Use Mayflower Campus

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/mSS7sE) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Congratulate Clifton Middle School teacher Daniel Ray on being named the "MUSD 2020-21 Teacher of the Year."

~ Hear a report by Superintendent Katherine Thorossian on the start of the school year, including an update on the COVID Exposure Management Plan.

~ Consider updating an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills to use the Mayflower Elementary School campus for a Learning Pod and After School Program during the 2020-21 school year.

- Brad Haugaard

Reservations Open to Get Free Compost

Reservations now open to get free compost and mulch at the Public Works Yard on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, 8 a.m. - noon. Face covering required. Bring gloves, a shovel, and a container no larger than 32 gallons. A drive up only event. For more information and to make a reservation, contact Jamie Bumia, at 932-5579.

- Brad Haugaard

Hazardous Waste Roundup in Monrovia Oct. 31

Household hazardous and electronic waste drive-thru collection Oct. 31, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Monrovia City Yard on Mountain. Waste materials must be in the trunk (or bed of pick-up in a sturdy box (you gotta leave the box) with no other items. No explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, controlled substances, trash, tires, or large appliances (like refrigerators, stoves and washing machines).

- Brad Haugaard

Paper Lantern Kits for Kids to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival


Free paper lantern kits for children to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Pick up locations and times: 

  • Wednesday, Sept. 30: Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 7: Lucinda Garcia Park, 1 to 4 p.m. 

In Eastern cultures, Mid-Autumn Festival (or Lunar Festival) celebrates family, reunions, and gratitude. On this day, the Autumn moon is at its fullest and roundest, shining brightly in the night.

- Brad Haugaard

Helping Wildlife Injured in Bobcat Fire; Fountain Running; Higher Trash Bills Coming

 


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

~ Library Park fountain is back up and running. The City's maintenance contractor was able to locate the needed replacement part and install it sooner than anticipated.

~ In the wake of the Bobcat Fire residents have been reporting injured wildlife. The city is working with Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist injured animals. To report an an injured animal, call 255-6799. Include: specific location of animal, apparent health of the animal, any description of the animal and its species.

~ You'll be paying extra on your next trash bill. Athens will charge an extra 5.66 percent retroactive to July 1. That's because on Aug. 4 the Monrovia City Council approved a 5.66% rate increase for Athens Services, which includes costs related to Assembly Bill 1594, the Consumer Price Index, and wages. For more information, call Public Works at 932-5575. 

~ With street paving completed, asphalt speed bumps will be placed in two locations along  Bradbury Road and Terrado Drive. The work will take place in the coming weeks and will take two days to complete.

- Brad Haugaard

Max: Full of Puppy Energy and Love for People


Four-year-old Max absolutely loves being around people! He has lots of exuberant puppy energy and loves walks, and he’s super smart and picks up on commands really quickly. With his happy smile and constantly wagging tail, Max is a joy to be around. Max would do best as your only pet, but he truly loves people and will give so much love to his forever family! 

If you’re wanting to spend some time with Max before you adopt, he’s eligible for a 30-day trial. Take him home for a month, get to know and love him, and we’ll provide all the supplies. At the end of 30 days, you can make your adoption official. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get your adoption trial started!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog 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.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Opens Automotive and Diesel Tech to On-Site Training.

 

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has recently reopened labs for students in the Automotive and Diesel Technology programs to train essential workers for the Transportation and Logistics industry, according to Dr. Edward C. Ortell, Citrus governing board member. Labs and clinical training for several other essential worker programs requiring in-person hours are also available at Citrus College, or will be available soon, he said.

He added that the classes will require basic COVID-19 protections, such as temperature checks, mask-wearing, personal protective equipment, and distancing of work stations. The college has developed a detailed set of checklists for instructional labs that follow guidelines provided by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. These include specific protocols for parking, arrival and departure from campus, floor diagrams for standing and walking, the cleaning of classrooms and equipment and a great many other details. The limited number of students who are enrolled in these labs have been informed of the protocols and are also reminded of the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Hot This Week - To 105 Degrees

The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for the Monrovia area extending from Tuesday at 10 a.m. to Thursday at 8 p.m.- temperatures up to 105 degrees. https://is.gd/5rFj11

- Brad Haugaard