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New City Entry Sign Planned for Huntington at Fifth; MOTAB Board; Promoting Bicycle Riding


At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/SUPuXX) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider a new city entry sign at the west side of town at Huntington Drive and Fifth. It'll cost about $204,000, to be paid for from the Art in Public Places Fund, which was, in turn, funded by the builders of the Areum condo project. The sign will echo the "MONROVIA" sign at City Hall and have the leaves motif you can see at the eastbound freeway exit at Myrtle. https://is.gd/rUhy7q

~ Consider increasing the size of Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board from five to seven people. City staff is making no recommendation on what to do. https://is.gd/gXgKQU

~ Hear a report on a new program to encourage bicycle riding in the city. https://is.gd/B5BBjI

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Plans to Promote Bicycle Riding


Photo by C Drying on Unsplash

As part of the GoMonrovia transportation program, the city is planning to promote bicycle riding in Monrovia with "a 'Ride-to-Own' bicycle pilot program, which includes dedicated bike programs for residents, commuters, restaurants for delivery services, bike shops (rentals/repairs), as well as a digital platform and a budget for infrastructure updates and marketing."

The program is designed to "alleviate safety and financial barriers to owning and riding bikes in Monrovia."

Also, the city is working to get the Monrovia Transit vehicles (for handicapped individuals) onto the Lyft app so people can order a ride just as Lyft riders do.

The matter will be reported on at the next City Council meeting: https://is.gd/SUPuXX

Source: https://is.gd/B5BBjI

- Brad Haugaard

Hippity Hoppity Photo Op March 27 at Library Park


Program is free, but registration for 15-minute photo time slots are limited and required. Plague rules apply.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Report: 16 More Cases, 2 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 03/10/2021. Changes since 03/03/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,098 cases (up 16), 70 deaths up 2
Unincorporated Monrovia: 363 cases (up 2), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Vote on Hybrid Instructional Model for Elementary Schools


At a special Zoom meeting at 1 p.m. this Friday (agenda: https://is.gd/qDrBS5), the Monrovia Board of Education will consider an Elementary Hybrid Instructional Model to be implemented at all MUSD elementary schools. The proposed schedule is shown in the accompanying images.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at London Gastropub


Lunch today at London Gastropub, on the west side of Myrtle about a half block north of Lemon. Got the fish tacos for $12 and a beer for $7. I liked it a lot.

- Brad Haugaard 

Stickers for InfoWars Appearing on City Signs

Reader Brian Robinson writes that he has recently pulled down about 30 stickers for InfoWars on municipal signs, mostly in the area of Monrovia High School. He said police know about the vandalism. The sticker shown here, Robinson writes, is near Mountain Communion Church at Magnolia and Colorado. 

Wikipedia calls InfoWars a "far-right conspiracy theory and fake news website."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Robbery With Scissors; Pistol Persuades Intruder to Leave; Motorcyclist Causes Car's Airbags to Go Off; Angry Roommate Bites Live Electrical Cord; and More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 4-10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 329 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 10:30 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a female adult that entered the store, concealed items, and left without paying. As she left, she was approached by an employee. The female suspect produced a pair of scissors and held them above her head as though she was going to stab the employee. Fearing for her safety, the employee moved away and allowed the suspect to leave. Officers arrived and detained the suspect a short distance away. She was positively identified by the witness and arrested for robbery.

Weapons Offense – One Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 9:22 p.m., officers observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the 200 block of Los Angeles. They initiated a traffic stop, but both occupants exited the vehicle and ran. A containment was set up of the area, and one of the suspects was detained. Two firearms were recovered by officers that appeared to have been thrown by the suspects as they ran. The suspect that was detained was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary / False Imprisonment – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 7:46 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Linwood called police to report a male suspect that just kicked in his front door and entered his home. The suspect was holding a metal object. The resident, fearing for his safety, attempted to exit the home. The suspect told the resident he was not allowed to leave. The suspect said he was looking for his sister, and he proceeded to look in each bedroom and closet. Shortly after, the suspect exited the home without harming the resident. Police received a second call from a neighbor, as the male suspect attempted to break into his home. The homeowner pointed a handgun at the suspect and told him to get off his property. The suspect complied. Officers set up a containment in the area and saw the suspect on the roof of a nearby home. The suspect ran and a short distance, but was detained by officers. A thorough investigation was conducted and the suspect was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 6 at 10:03 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower between a vehicle and a motorcycle. Officers arrived and checked on the well being of the involved parties. The driver of the vehicle complained of pain. The motorcyclist had visible injuries and was treated at the scene. Video footage of the traffic collision was obtained that showed the motorcyclist traveling westbound on Duarte at a high rate of speed. The motorcyclist lost control and fell off the motorcycle. The motorcycle slid into a vehicle that was waiting to make a left turn onto Duarte, causing the vehicle airbags to deploy. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 5:22 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of S. Magnolia regarding a family disturbance. During the investigation, officers learned that two roommates were involved in a domestic dispute, when one bit the other on the arm, and then bit an electrical cord that was plugged in, causing an injury to his mouth. The primary aggressor was arrested and taken into custody after being medically evaluated.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 9:16 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject who appeared to be passed out. The officer stopped to check on the well being of the subject. As he approached, he discovered a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia resting next to the subject. The subject woke up and said he was okay. He was arrested and released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Mental Evaluation – Subject Evaluated
March 7 at 11:17 a.m., a caller reported a female subject lying on the sidewalk in the 500 block of W. Foothill, screaming to herself. Officers arrived and located the subject. She began screaming at the officers and stood up. She proceeded to walk away from the officers and into the street. There were several cars traveling in the roadway, which put her safety at risk. Officers determined the subject was a danger to herself. She was detained and transported to a local hospital for mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 11:25 a.m., a male adult subject was reported stumbling in the 100 block of W. Foothill and appeared intoxicated. Officers arrived and saw the subject had fallen on the sidewalk and was crawling on his hands and knees. The subject was heavily intoxicated and could not care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 8 at 9:01 a.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at the intersection of California and Central. Officers arrived and found both drivers had non-life-threatening injuries. Paramedics responded and transported both drivers to a nearby hospital for care. The party found at fault will be issued a citation.

Attempt Burglary
March 9 at 3:53 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm activation at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front window had been smashed. The front, roll-up, security screen was still intact and no suspects gained entry. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 9 at 11:27 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Mountain and Huntington after two vehicles collided in the southbound lanes. One of the drivers complained of pain and was treated by paramedics. He was later transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 9 at 1:16 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Huntington and Highway Esplanade regarding a collision between two vehicles. An investigation revealed that one of the drivers had failed to stop at a red light. The other driver complained of pain to his head and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
March 9 at 4:32 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Violet and Lime. The victim called police to report his vehicle had been hit at the intersection by another vehicle when the driver ran the stop sign. The suspect vehicle refused to stop and left the area. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 10 at 8:40 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of S. Violet. The victim reported his vehicle was broken into sometime during the night. Officers arrived and concluded the only items stolen were the vehicle registration and manual. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
March 10 at 9:56 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at a parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The suspect vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot and then drove away. Officers arrived, but the suspect vehicle had fled the area already and was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Snow Capped Mountains Over Monrovia


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovian Charged With Using Illegal Methods to Gain College Admissions for Foreign Students

Monrovian Yi Chen, also known as “Brian Chen," 33, has been charged in a 21-count grand jury indictment, along with a San Gabriel man, with running "educational consulting" companies in Alhambra and Arcadia that guaranteed admission to US colleges to foreign students. Both men have pleaded not guilty. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that the company used fake or altered transcripts and hired people to impersonate the applicant to take standardized tests, such as the test of English as a Foreign Language. https://is.gd/cpJfVA


- Brad Haugaard

Micken Is a Sweetie Ready for a Second Chance


Four-year-old Micken came to the shelter with eleven other cats as part of a hoarding case, and he’s looking for his second chance! Micken is a sweetie who loves being next to his foster parent or on their lap. He even likes belly rubs and being combed! He may need a little time to get to know you, but once he does, he’s an affectionate kitty who will bring a lot of warmth to your life.

The adoption fee for cats is $100. 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 Sunday 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1912 Monrovia Day Parade

Monrovia Days Parade 1912. See full details here. From the From the Rehrman family collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Public Works Director Sean Sullivan Accepts Job in Big Bear

Monrovia Public Works Director Sean Sullivan will resign from his position after accepting the role of Public Services Director for the City of Big Bear Lake.

“This was a decision that was not made lightly. Simply put, I love Monrovia and will always remember the team and the community,” said Sullivan. “Throughout the past five years, I have worked alongside amazing people and I could not be more proud of the work and contributions of everyone on the Monrovia team. This is truly a bittersweet moment, but I am excited at the opportunity to begin the next chapter of my family’s adventure.”

As the Public Works Director, Sullivan led the largest public works project in the City’s history. Known as Monrovia Renewal, this multi-year infrastructure improvement initiative was designed to prioritize repairs and restore the City’s aging infrastructure that was plagued by a backlog of deferred maintenance. This $55.2 million project aim to upgrade and repair water and sewer pipelines, water facilities, streets, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. After the Bobcat Fire, Sullivan coordinated post-fire mitigation efforts, including k-rail installation and debris removal after a major rainstorm. 

“It has been an honor working with Sean,” said Dylan Feik, Monrovia City Manager. “His passion to serve the Monrovia community inspired many, including myself. His family has deep ties in the Big Bear Lake community and the opportunity to continue his career there has special meaning for him. I, along with the entire team at the City of Monrovia, wish nothing but the best for Sean and his family.”

Sullivan joined the City in 2015 and held titles of Public Works Director and Public Works Manager. His last day with the City will be April 1, 2021. The City will be conducting a recruitment for the next Public Works Director in the coming weeks.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider: Recruiting Company for New Superintendent; Popular Singing Course; Naming Wellness Center after Susan Hirsch

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/fb8r9X) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Hiring Leadership Associates, of Santa Barbara, a company that specializes in executive recruiting for educational organizations, to help the district find a new superintendent to replace retiring Katherine Thorossian. If approved, the district would pay the company $25,000. https://is.gd/13OwCI

~ Creating a new high school course called Popular Singing. https://is.gd/Aq1LfQ

~ Renaming the Wellness Center at Monrovia High School after former administrator Susan Hirsch.

- Brad Haugaard

Latest Edition of 'School News' Is Online


The March/April edition of School News, with reports from each Monrovia school, is now out. You can read it (PDF) here: https://is.gd/SVNxRO

- Brad Haugaard

Police to Monitor Suspicious Bags of Meat; City Looking for Public Works Director

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

~ "Over the past several months, residents on Norumbega Drive repeatedly found bags of chicken, which some believe to be poisonous. At this time, the Monrovia Police Department will continue to look into these reports. Those who have seen any suspicious activities related to bags of food left on properties are encouraged to contact  Sgt. Donchig at 256-8020 or Officer Vanderburg at 256-8036."

~ The City of Monrovia is looking for a  Director of Public Works who is "a mentor and a team builder who prioritizes people and enhances the needs of the team." Pay, by the way, is $158,862 to $212,890. https://is.gd/JHD70C

- Brad Haugaard

Chevron Station Next to Freeway Wants to Add Car Wash


The Chevron Gas Station at 1515 S. Myrtle - on the west side of Myrtle just south of the freeway - wants to add a car wash. The Monrovia Planning Commission will consider that at its next meeting: https://is.gd/cEW8zx

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: Down, Down, Down - Only 16 New Cases

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 03/03/2021. Changes since 02/24/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,082 cases (up 16), 68 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 361 cases (up 4), 1 death (unchanged)

New cases
This week16
Last week33
Previous week42
Previous week82
Previous week114
Previous week120
Previous week201

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe X20

Dinner at Cafe X20, on the north side of Foothill a bit east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Schawerma Wrap with a side of baba ghanouj (smooshed up egg plant) for $12 and a beer for $3 (half off today because it’s Thursday)  Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunk in Public; High and Hallucinating With an Axe; She Bites Him; Drunk Demands Money From Diners; He Batters Her; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 25 – March 3. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 312 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
February 25 at 4:57 p.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Maple reported his company vehicle was just discovered missing from their lot. No one had permission to take the vehicle. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but could not locate it. It was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
February 25 at 5:19 p.m., several callers reported a traffic collision in the 500 block of E. Foothill. A motorist crashed into a parked vehicle and ended up on its side. Officers and paramedics responded to check if the driver was injured. The driver reported no injuries and a traffic collision investigation was conducted.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 9:22 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Evergreen and Myrtle. During the traffic stop, a computer check revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 11:02 p.m., an officer observed a subject having a difficult time walking in the 800 block of W. Huntington. He contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 12:03 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Mayflower and Duarte, where a citizen was trying to detain a possible driver who had collided into two parked vehicles. Officers arrived and detained the driver, who was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Theft From a Vehicle
February 27 at 1:15 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Crescent reported several items had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 12:54 a.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a drunk male subject was attempting to enter after closing hours. Officers arrived and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Theft From a Vehicle / Fraud
February 28 at 2:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of W. Hillcrest regarding a theft of items from a vehicle overnight. The victim also reported that his stolen credit cards had already been used in other cities in the area. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose / Mental Evaluation
February 28 at 10:54 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Wildrose called to report her son was possibly on drugs and was yelling in front of the residence. Officers arrived and saw the subject was armed with an axe. The subject appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was hallucinating. Officers were able to talk him into putting the weapon down. Paramedics responded and the subject was transported to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

Grand Theft Auto
March 1 at 6:42 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Fifth walked outside his home and discovered his vehicle had been stolen sometime during the night. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but did not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 1 at 10:15 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Duarte called to report that two suspects broke into his vehicle and took a duffel bag. The suspects were last seen running north toward the Gold Line. Officers arrived and found an additional victim that had her purse stolen. The officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 10:17 p.m., a robbery was reported outside a restaurant near the intersection of Myrtle and Olive. The two victims were eating at the restaurant when they were approached by the male suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The suspect started threatening the victims by raising his fist and demanded money from them. The victims ran from the suspect and he chased after them. They made it to their vehicle and locked the doors as the suspect was punching the door window. The suspect was last seen by the victims walking north on Myrtle. Officers responded and located the suspect still in the area. The suspect was positively identified by the victims and was found to be heavily intoxicated. He was arrested for robbery and was taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Vandalism
March 2 at 12:48 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. California regarding a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, they spoke to a male subject. He said he was bitten and scratched by his girlfriend. She had left the area before officers arrived. The victim had visible bite marks on his arm and his vehicle had been vandalized. Officers were unable to locate the girlfriend. A domestic violence wanted persons warrant was issued for the girlfriend.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 5:59 a.m., a motorist was driving home when he witnessed a suspect smash a window at a closed restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington, and he called the police. Officers responded and found the suspect in the lobby of the restaurant. The suspect was arrested for burglary and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
March 2 at 10:29 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made aware that someone may have seen the vehicle near Mayflower and Jeffries. They searched the area and located the vehicle in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower in Arcadia. The vehicle was then removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 2 at 2:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 500 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported the catalytic converter was stolen from her Honda CRV while it was parked in front of her residence. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 11:57 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of E. Olive regarding a domestic dispute. The female subject reported she was battered by her boyfriend, who ran out of the house as she was calling the police. Officers arrived and located the boyfriend in the rear alley. The victim told officers her boyfriend started throwing items inside the house and took her phone to prevent her from calling the police. The argument escalated and the boyfriend grabbed her by the face, causing injury. The suspect was arrested for domestic violence and was taken into custody. While searching the suspect in the jail, officers discovered a controlled substance in his shoe, which was added to his charges.

Commercial Burglary
March 3 at 1:31 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers saw the front glass door and interior jewelry cases had been smashed. No suspects were found in the area. Officers reviewed the video and saw that three suspects wearing hoodies used crowbars to gain entry and smash the jewelry display cases. They took an unknown amount of jewelry and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 3 at 8:23 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Huntington and Monterey. A computer check revealed the driver also had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant.

Grand Theft
March 3 at 5:35 p.m., a grand theft incident that occurred on March 2 was reported at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Three suspect entered the business and stole a large amount of merchandise from the location. This investigation is continuing.