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Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder Investigation; Multiple Shoplifting Arrests at Same Store; Shoplifter Wanted in Kentucky for Manslaughter

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 5-11. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 298 service events, resulting in 55 investigations. 

Theft
November 5 at 3:19 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Lime called police to report the catalytic converter had been stolen off his Toyota Prius. The suspect vehicle, also a Prius, was seen fleeing the area by the victim. Officers searched the area, but were not able to locate the suspect vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 4:32 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect just left the store with merchandise without paying for it. The suspect was detained outside the store by loss prevention and the property was returned. Officers responded and arrested the subject for shoplifting. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 5 at 6:49 p.m., a resident in the 2200 block of S. Peck called to report his parked vehicle had been struck by another vehicle. He heard the collision, ran outside, and saw a dark colored vehicle leaving the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 5 at 6:57 p.m., a caller reported that a driver had just rear-ended her vehicle at a slow speed near Huntington and Mountain. The driver quickly left the location without providing proper documentation. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 7:30 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of Norumbega when he observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. He checked on the solo occupant of the vehicle, who said her vehicle was having mechanical issues. While talking with the driver, the officer saw a container of a controlled substance in plain view. Further investigation revealed drug paraphernalia also in the vehicle. The driver was arrested. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 9:32 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report a male subject had attempted to open her car door while she was inside it. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. The subject was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Vandalism / Graffiti
November 6 at 12:44 p.m., the manager of a motel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported that someone had spray painted graffiti on the side wall of their building. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Murder
November 6 at 7:20 p.m., several calls were received by police dispatch reporting shots fired. One caller reported a male subject had been shot at Recreation Park, near Shamrock and Olive. Officers arrived and located a subject who sustained gunshot wounds. His injuries were non-life-threatening. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A crime scene was established and evidence was collected. The Detective Bureau was notified and they responded to take over the investigation. This investigation is ongoing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 12:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of W. Huntington when he observed a vehicle run a red light. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed, and the driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Shoplifting / Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 8:04 a.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a customer had just left the store with merchandise and did not pay for it. The subject was detained by store security. Officers arrived and took custody of the subject and the property was returned to the store. Further investigation revealed the subject was wanted in the State of Kentucky for manslaughter. He was arrested and taken into custody. He was later transported to the Los Angeles County Jail, where he will await pickup by an officer from Kentucky. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 8:31 p.m., a male resident from the 1700 block of S. Mayflower called stating his live-in girlfriend had just assaulted him with a knife. Officers arrived and detained the female. The male sustained no visible injuries. After investigation, the female suspect was arrested for battery and taken into custody. 

Vandalism
November 7 at 8:43 p.m., a caller reported that two male subjects had just vandalized a truck in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Officers responded and searched the area, but the suspects were not located. Large rocks were thrown at the truck, causing damage. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 12:32 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle driving in the 100 block of E. Evergreen without its headlights and swerving. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was found to be displaying symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 8 at 8:15 a.m., a caller reported a parking problem near the intersection of Sunset and Foothill. An officer responded and ran a computer check on the vehicle, which revealed it had been reported stolen out of Anaheim. The vehicle was recovered and taken out of the stolen vehicle system. 

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 6:07 p.m., a vehicle was traveling east on Huntington and failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. A vehicle traveling west on Huntington struck the vehicle. Officers arrived and identified the drivers of the vehicles. One of the drivers had a visible injury to her hand and a complaint of pain. The male driver of the eastbound vehicle displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted, but he refused to take any of the standardized field sobriety tests. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released on citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 6:55 p.m., a male subject was reported near the intersection of Myrtle and Maple, lying on the sidewalk with his bike in the street. Officers arrived and after speaking to the subject, determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held a sobering period. 

Theft From a Vehicle
November 9 at 11:19 a.m., a female subject in the 400 block of Patterson called to report a theft from her vehicle, which had been left unlocked. The victim’s laptop computer had been taken from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
November 9 at 11:26 a.m., a gardener was working at a residence in the 400 block of W. Olive. He left his vehicle parked in front of the location while he worked on a tree in the backyard. When the gardener returned to his vehicle, he discovered his equipment was missing from the back of the truck. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. No suspect was seen in the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 8:14 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 900 block of S. Fifth when they saw a subject riding a bike commit a vehicle code violation. The bicyclist was stopped and consented to a search. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested. 

Shoplifting Thefts – Suspects Arrested
November 10, police responded four times throughout the day to a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain on separate reports of shoplifting thefts. The suspects were arrested in each case and released on a citations to appear in court on the charges. The suspect in one of the incidents was held in custody, as he also had a bench warrant for his arrest. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 10 at 9:18 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of Encino Place. The victim parked his work truck in front of his residence, left the engine running and went inside to eat. When he returned, the vehicle was gone. The male suspect arrived in a silver Nissan Altima. The investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting Theft / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 1:38 p.m., police responded to a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill regarding a reported theft at the location. The suspect stole items from the location and was detained by store loss prevention. The suspect had stolen from the location previously and had been advised he was not allowed at the location. He was arrested for theft and trespassing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 7:30 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of W. Walnut when he observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. A computer check revealed the driver had two outstanding traffic warrants for his arrest. The driver was arrested for the warrants and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Shoplifting / Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 7:41 p.m., officers were dispatched to a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a grand theft shoplifting incident. A male subject walked into the business and selected several expensive items, putting them into a cart. He then went to the return desk with the items he just selected without paying for them and attempted to return the items for cash. Officers responded and detained the suspect. After investigation, he was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Lunch at Jake’s Roadhouse

Lunch at Jake’s Roadhouse, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Kinda cool out so I got the chili  for $9.95 and a soda for $3.05. Very nice chili; real chunks of meat. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Happy Veterans Day, Monrovia!


Thanks so much, veterans! If you served in the military, add a comment about your branch, unit, and years.

- Brad Haugaard 

Chalksgiving Art Contest


Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) reports that its summer Chalkdemic was so popular that partnering with the City of Monrovia to celebrating Thanksgiving with another virtual chalkfest on home driveways and sidewalks.

The suggested theme is "What We're Thankful For" but any artwork that's family friendly is welcome.

There will be prizes for the top three chalk artworks in these three categories:

  • Monrovia resident adults and families
  • Monrovia resident children under 12 (with signed consent of parent or guardian)
  • Professional artists anywhere

Thanks to sponsorships by Air-Tro Heating & Air Conditioning and the Arcadia Association of Realtors, each family group or individual artist will receive a free, personalized Chalksgiving kit containing a 30-piece box of sidewalk chalk along with custom coloring sheets featuring scenes of Monrovia and stickers and pencils for kids.

The sponsors are also providing $50 gift certificates to local Monrovia restaurants as the prizes in each category.

To register for free, go to www.monroviafinearts.org and click on the Chalksgiving graphic on the home page.

The Monday after you register your customized chalk kit will be waiting for pickup at Century 21 Adams & Barnes, 433 W. Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Ask at the front desk for your chalk kit using the name you registered under. 

For prize consideration, photos of your artwork must be submitted to christine@monroviafinearts.org no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 29.

The MAFA Board of Directors will judge the entries and announce the winners within 10 days of the photo deadline.

For questions email christine@monroviafinearts.org or call 483-0560.

- Brad Haugaard

Tips on Catalytic Converter Thefts

Like Monrovia, Arcadia has been seeing more thefts of catalytic converters. Here is some information and advice from the Arcadia Police Department:

Catalytic converters are usually stolen because of the value of the metals inside of these emission control devices. Thieves often use a portable saw or angle grinder to cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust system, underneath vehicles, in just a matter of minutes. Once removed, the thieves recycle them at scrap yards getting the current value for the metals inside.

We would like to offer the following tips to help prevent the theft of your catalytic converter:
  • If possible/available, park in a secured parking lot/garage
  • Park in a well-lit and visible area
  • Park near, or install surveillance cameras in the area where you park
  • Set car alarms to more sensitive settings
There are a number of security devices for sale on the internet, as well as suggestions on how to secure your catalytic converter to your vehicle. Another suggestion is to engrave your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) onto your catalytic converter for identification if it is stolen.

Source: Arcadia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Iris - An Affectionate Love Bug in Training


Seven-year-old Iris was a little shy when she came to us, but this sweetie has made huge strides in coming out of her shell! In such a short time, she went from avoiding people to actively meowing at them to join her in the communal cat room and then trying to follow them out! She’ll also approach our staff and volunteers and stick her nose up so they can scratch it. Iris would do best with a patient person who can give her time to get to know them and adjust to her new home, but she’s already shown that she’s an affectionate love bug in training.

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 and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaardd

Monrovia Police Ask for Information About Attempted Murder on Shamrock

Monrovia Police Department is asking that anybody with information about the following shooting please contact Detective Garcia at 256-8045 or Lieutenant Covarrubias at 256-8031.

"Monrovia Police Department Detectives are conducting an attempt murder investigation following a shooting on Friday, Nov. 6, at approximately 7:20 p.m. Officers responded to the 600 block of S. Shamrock about a shots heard call in the area. One male adult sustained two non-life threatening gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Evidence of the shooting was recovered at the scene. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

"No additional information is available for release now."

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Joanne Montgomery Retires After 22 Years on Citrus College Board

 Citrus Community College District Trustee Joanne Montgomery is retiring from the college's governing board after serving for 22 years.

Montgomery, who represents Monrovia, Bradbury and portions of Duarte, was first appointed to fill a vacancy in 1998. She was later elected in 1999 and then reelected in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

She began her career as an educator and worked as an elementary school teacher for the Monrovia Unified School District for 32 years. She was also a master teacher for several universities and served on numerous school committees.

"During her more than 20 years of service to Citrus College and the communities it serves, Trustee Montgomery has contributed greatly to the college's growth and progress. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing Citrus College as a national leader in higher education," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "On behalf of the college community, I congratulate Trustee Montgomery on her retirement and thank her for the decades of guidance and vision she has provided. Her presence at the college will be dearly missed."

Throughout her career, Montgomery received awards as an educator and community leader. Some of her honors include a Teacher of the Year award; being appointed by the California governor to serve on the board of directors for the 48th District Agricultural Association, where she served for more than 16 years; being selected as the 2003 recipient of the Dick Lord Award from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce; being named the 2015 Woman of the Year for Monrovia for California's 48th State Assembly district; and the Outstanding Educator Award from the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association. Most recently, in May 2019, Trustee Montgomery received a Fulfilling the Trust award from the Community College League of California.

Montgomery had a reputation for understanding how big-picture decision-making affected instructors and students. She was a passionate advocate for AB 288, which allowed high school students to take college-credit courses while still in high school, and she tirelessly promoted Citrus College.

"This is a bittersweet moment for me. I have been honored and privileged to serve Citrus College for over two decades, but now is the time for me to move on to a new chapter in my life. I would like to thank the students, faculty, staff and constituents of the district for allowing me the opportunity to serve," she said. "I'm looking forward to spending more time with my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

"It has been an honor to serve beside Joanne Montgomery on Citrus College's governing board, and I extend my most heartfelt congratulations on her retirement," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Mrs. Montgomery's commitment and thoughtful decision-making will leave a positive impact on Citrus College for years to come. We wish her a most enjoyable and rewarding retirement."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mugs Available; Sandbags, Too; Helicopter at MHS for Filming; Chalksgiving; Monrovia House on TV Show


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

~ The city has Monrovia mugs for sale - $15 plus tax. If interested email cityhall@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5550. 

~ Rain is forecast so Monrovia is making gravel bags available to residents at Recreation Park in the parking lot off of East Olive, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field. Bring your own shovels, gloves and eye protection. For questions contact Public Works at 932-5575 or pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~  Filming has been taking place at Monrovia High for an Apple TV series, The Afterparty.  Today there will be a scene with a helicopter landing and taking off from the football field. It will be in the area at 1 p.m. for the initial landing, then from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for a night time flyover.

~ The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is sponsoring ChalksGiving from Nov. 26 to Nov. 29. Amateurs, families, students and professionals are encouraged to spread art all over from the driveway or sidewalk of your home and compete for prizes. The theme is "What We're Thankful For," but artists can choose any family friendly theme. Details: https://is.gd/TwNVxc

~ A 1927 Monrovia Storybook Cottage was featured on the television show, Restored, which focuses on homes with unrealized potential hidden beneath neglect, bad renovations and ugly additions. This house will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission for landmark designation. https://is.gd/TFASDP

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 37 New Cases - 885 Total

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 11/04/2020. Changes since 10/28/2020.

City of Monrovia: 885 cases (up 37), 42 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 89 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Cell Phone Tracks Stolen Vehicle; Drunken Collision - Car Rolls; Assault With Baseball Bat; Bus Passenger Upset at Driver Violating Driving Laws; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 29 – November 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 335 service events, resulting in 72 investigations. 

Battery
October 29 at 5:18 a.m., a battery incident was reported at a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. A male subject was standing near the air pumps at the station, when two subjects confronted him for an unknown reason. A physical fight ensued and the subject received minor injuries to his face. Officers arrived, but the suspects had already fled in a vehicle. Paramedics responded and treated the subject at the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
October 29 at 12:52 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Monterey called police to report her mother’s vehicle was stolen earlier in the day from West Covina. Her cell phone was in the vehicle and it was tracking to the area of Monterey and Montana. Officers responded and located the vehicle. The vehicle was then recovered by the registered owner. 

Grand Theft Auto
October 30 at 7:03 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Myrtle called to report her vehicle was stolen from her driveway the night before. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The victim does not know who took the vehicle and she accounted for all of the keys. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
October 30 at 8:20 a.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report a break-in. Officers arrived and saw that weather stripping had been pried off the front door and a window had been removed. It appears the suspect stole money and electronics. Surveillance footage is being analyzed and this investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 1:01 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A male suspect entered the store and selected several items. He paid for some of the items at the checkout counter, but did not pay for the flooring in the cart. As he passed the manned registers and exited the building, he was stopped, detained, and arrested when officers arrived. He was issued a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 2:56 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Royal Oaks and Mountain. Two vehicles collided in the intersection and one of the vehicles rolled over, but no injuries were reported. The driver that rolled his vehicle was displaying symptoms of being under the influence. Field sobriety tests were performed, and the driver was determined to have been driving under the influence. He was arrested, held for a sobering period, and later released on citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Drunk in Public / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 9:57 p.m., officers responded to the report of an intoxicated subject causing a disturbance inside a fast food establishment in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The subject was located and detained outside of the business. Employees reported the subject had demanded free food, and then vandalized the interior of the restaurant, causing damage. The subject was arrested. 

Overdose / Medical Assist
October 31 at 10:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a female subject that overdosed at a residence in the 700 block of W. Lemon. When the officers arrived, the female was not breathing and was experiencing signs of an opiate overdose. Officers administered Narcan and paramedics arrived and took over efforts. The female regained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Burglary / Assault with a Deadly Weapon
November 1 at 2:50 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Sierra Blanca reported his utility room was just burglarized and the suspect fled the scene. The resident chased after the suspect and confronted him in a neighbor's yard. The suspect pulled a board from the neighbor's fence and swung it at the resident, just missing his head. Officers arrived, but the suspect had fled the area. Arcadia Police Department had a similar incident with the same subject earlier that morning. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
November 1 at 11:26 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower called police to report a theft. The catalytic converter on her vehicle had been stolen a couple days prior. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision / Suicide Attempt
November 1 at 3:22 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington regarding an injury traffic collision. A vehicle traveling west on Huntington ran the red light and struck a vehicle traveling north on Mayflower. The vehicle that ran the red light had a single male occupant. When officers approached the vehicle, he refused to come out and held a knife to his neck. Officers tried to talk him into putting the knife down, but he refused and started to cut his own neck with the knife. He was detained by officers, and they were able to remove the knife from his hands. He was then treated by paramedics and transported to a local hospital for further treatment. At the hospital he was placed on a mental evaluation hold. 

Theft
November 1 at 11:00 p.m., a theft was reported in the 500 block of Sombrero. The victim reported the tailgate from her truck was stolen sometime during the night while it was parked. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 1:10 a.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of California and Maple when he saw a utility van with a broken tail light. He initiated a traffic stop for the vehicle code violation, and a computer check of the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen out of Norwalk. The driver admitted to knowing the vehicle was stolen, and she was arrested. 

Vandalism / Graffiti
November 2 at 6:47 a.m., an employee of a concrete business in the 1800 block of S. California reported finding fresh graffiti on the walls and windows of the business. The graffiti occurred sometime over the weekend. Officers responded and conducted an investigation, which is continuing. 

Shoplifting
November 2 at 10:54 a.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill called police to report a male subject ran out of the store with merchandise without paying. The subject drove away in a black Nissan. Officers responded and searched the area for the suspect, but did not locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 2 at 12:54 p.m., a customer at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported her vehicle stolen. While she was shopping inside the business, someone stole her 1992 Honda Civic. Officers searched the area in an attempt to locate the vehicle, but were not successful. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
November 2 at 6:00 p.m., a male subject entered a business in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle and got into an argument with an employee. The subject had a baseball bat in his possession that he swung at the victim during the argument. The victim was not injured, and the suspect fled the area before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Suspended License / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 8:05 p.m., an officer on patrol near the intersection of Shamrock and Foothill saw a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found to have a suspended license. Further investigation revealed the passenger of the vehicle was on parole and was in possession of a controlled substance. The passenger was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and the driver was cited for driving with a suspended license. 

Residential Burglary
November 3 at 6:21 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported her husband had just discovered their attached garage, which was locked, had been burglarized sometime during the night. Several power tools were stolen. Officers responded to collect evidence. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 7:08 a.m., an employee at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington called police to report a male subject that concealed merchandise in his backpack. Officers arrived just as the suspect walked out of the store without paying for the stolen merchandise. He was detained and, after investigation, he was arrested for shoplifting. 

Request for Assistance
November 3 at 2:04 p.m., a mental health worker was attempting to provide assistance to a male subject suffering a mental health emergency in the 600 block of S. Shamrock. She reported that he was pulling tree branches, was pacing and yelling at people. She advised she could not control him by herself and requested help. Officers responded, and through de-escalation communication, were able to calm the subject. He began complying with the therapist after officers spoke with him. 

Attempt Suicide
November 3 at 2:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Monroe called police because a family member had threatened to kill herself and was holding onto a sharp kitchen knife. While officers were responding, she dropped the knife and locked herself in the bathroom, where she had access to pill medications. Officers arrived, and by using calm deescalation communication, they were able to convince the subject to open the bathroom door. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. 

Disturbing Subject
November 3 at 5:01 p.m., a Foothill Transit bus stopped in the 400 block of W. Huntington and called police to report a female subject on their bus causing a disturbance. She was throwing things and yelling at people on the bus. She claimed she had a knife. When officers arrived, the female subject exited the bus when asked, and once she was off the bus, the bus left the area. Further investigation revealed she was not in possession of a knife. She said she was upset because the driver was violating driving laws and it scared her. Officers spoke with the subject for quite a while and were able to de-escalate and calm her to a point where she was allowed on the next bus to continue to her destination. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 4 at 9:29 a.m., a business in the 200 block of S. Madison called police to report a stolen vehicle at their lot. A vehicle they purchased in early October had come back as stolen when they processed it. The vehicle was reported stolen just after they took possession from the tow yard. The registered owner could not be reached. The vehicle was recovered and stored. 

Lunch at Seasoning Alley

Lunch at Seasoning Alley, at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. Got the falafel plate for $9.99 and a soda for $2.25. Nice and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

'Field of Honor' at Library Park for Veterans and First Responders

To honor veterans and first responders, the City of Monrovia will hold its first annual "Field of Honor" display at Monrovia Library Park from  Monday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. You can remember veterans and first responders by writing a message of appreciation and tying it to a flag pole. City staff will be available to hand out tags for those wishing to thank a veteran or first responder. https://is.gd/JcMs8M

- Brad Haugaard

Comment: Room For Improvement at the County Registrar-Recorder's Office

One of the main tasks of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder is to collect the filings of all candidates running for offices within the county - such as the Monrovia School Board - and make those documents available to the public. But this election showed me that there is a lot of room for improvement at the Registrar's office.

Around October 20 I thought I'd look up who has given what to the various Monrovia School Board candidates. Today, a day after the election, I got that information.

Here's how the process worked:

I searched for financial disclosure information at the Registrar's website, lavote.net, and failed, then used Google and failed, then wrote to the Registrar's email help line and got an irrelevant answer.  I finally spoke with the treasurer of one of the candidates who - because he had to do the financial reporting - knew a phone number for the Registrar's Campaign Finance Section.

I called that number and was told the information I wanted is not online and to get it I'd need to send an email with my request, including the name of the election (Monrovia School Board), the candidates for whom I wanted information (all of 'em), and the year of the election (sigh, 2020). 

I did that and got back an email saying they could not provide the information by email, I'd also have to provide a postal address.

I did that, and I got the information (most of it) on the day after the election.

I'm sorry, but this is the kind of rigmarole I would expect in 1993. This is the computer age and this information should be online - all of it, not just for countywide offices. The Registrar's job is to collect that data and make it public, so every document that is public record should be scanned into PDF form the moment it comes in the door and should immediately be posted on the Registrar's website.

The contortions that were required to obtain basic public information shouldn't be necessary. This needs to be corrected.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Again Named Top Community College for Hispanics

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, was recently ranked among the country's top 100 colleges and universities for Hispanics, according to an annual list from the Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine.

Citrus has been recognized as a top community college for Hispanic students for more than a decade.

In its October issue, the magazine ranked Citrus College in the top 10 colleges and universities in two categories: ninth for conferring family and consumer sciences/human sciences degrees to Hispanic students, and 10th for conferring English language and literature/letters degrees to Hispanic students.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Election Results: Gholar, Anderson, Hammond


Updated 5:24 a.m. Nov. 4. It appears challengers Traci Gholar and Jennifer Baird and incumbent Rob Hammond have won seats on the Monrovia School Board.

- Brad Haugaard 

Former Monrovia Police Chief Tubbs Has Died


Former Monrovia Police Chief, Bill Tubbs, has died. The Monrovia Police Department reports that:

Bill Tubbs was appointed as the Monrovia Chief of Police in 1979, and served in this position for ten years. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and came up through the ranks of our department. Under the guidance of Chief Tubbs, the department explored and adopted a number of new and innovative techniques for policing the community. He believed that the backbone of the department was the patrol force and emphasized the importance of the patrol officer in keeping the community safe and free from crime.

- Brad Haugaard

Why You May See Scruffy Monrovia Cops


Monrovia Police Department tweeted: "You might notice our officers are looking a little . . . scruffy . . . in the month of November. Don’t worry, it’s all for a good cause! We are all taking part in a department fundraiser to benefit cancer awareness and research with City of Hope."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Election Results

If you would like to follow the Monrovia School Board election results tonight, here's how: 

Go to this web page (https://results.lavote.net/#year=2020&election=4193) and scroll down and down and down forever until you come to the Schools section, then find Monrovia alphabetically.

- Brad Haugaard

Pancho Wants a Home With Fun and Games


 One-year-old Poncho is technically an adult dog, but he’s full of that puppy energy! Poncho is very intelligent and active, and would do best with an adopter who can keep him busy with training, agility, and toys. He’s so smart, he already knows sit and shake! Poncho takes a little time to warm up to new people, but he’s very food and toy-motivated and can definitely be swayed into being your best friend. This handsome guy is looking for a calm, adults-only home with someone who can give him all the fun and games he needs. And he loves giving doggy kisses, so if you love receiving them, you’ll get along with Poncho just fine!

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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard