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Dinner at Tommy’s

Dinner at Tommy’s, at the corner of Huntington and Mountain. Got the No. 3, a chili burger with fries and a soda for $9.45. Messy but tasted fine. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Maya Needs Lots of Play Time to Work Off Her Puppy Energy


Two-year-old Maya is playful and energetic, and loves meeting new people! She has a lot of puppy energy and needs a home where she can get lots of play time and enrichment. Maya also has a history of seizures, but she has medication to help control them – and she loves taking her medication in chicken or cheese. Maya is a sweet and happy girl who would be a wonderful addition to your family!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Monrovia Walking Tour This Saturday

This Saturday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m., the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will lead a two-hour journey tracing the town's history from its origins to the present day. Cost is $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Firehouse No. 2

No. 2 Firehouse, Monrovia, Calif. Postmarked July 22, 1949. . From the Steve Baker collection. See full details here.

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

Oakglade Debris Basin to Be Cleaned Out - Three Weeks of Work

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik writes that Oakglade Debris Basin in north Monrovia needs to be cleaned out after the rain washed a lot of mud and debris down from the hills burned by the Bobcat Fire. The LA County Department of Public Works will be working on it Monday, Jan. 31 to Friday, Feb. 4, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays as needed. No hauling on Sundays. It will take approximately three weeks.

- Brad Haugaard

City to Consider Tree-Planting Program; Ending On-Street Dining; Measure K Funds; Black History Month; Teacher of the Year


At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/GOHxW) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ A tree planting program throughout the city, starting with the south end of town, which has fewer trees. The city has identified about 455 locations where it could plant new trees. The staff report (https://tny.im/KcMQ1) has an alphabetical list of streets being considered. Comment: It would have been nice - since we're still in a drought - if the staff report had discussed how much water the trees will use.

~ Ending the outdoor dining permits that allow restaurants to put seating in the street. If the council approves, permits would end on Feb. 28. While positively received, the staff report says usage has declined during the winter, there are 24 fewer parking spaces, the spaces are often unsightly and unused, and some businesses are given an unfair advantage over others. https://tny.im/NO0WM

~ A report on what has been done with Measure K tax funds, which have "largely remained unappropriated since the tax measure was approved in Fall 2019 and merchants began collecting the new 0.75% sales tax effective April 1." 2020.  https://tny.im/KUfMq

~ Proclaiming February 2022 as "Black History Month." https://tny.im/m2Nev

~ Honoring San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District's "2021 Public Health Teacher of the Year," Clifton Middle School Teacher Gina Ayala. https://tny.im/13zsD

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 551 New Cases in Monrovia, No More Deaths; But One Death in Unincorporated Monrovia

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/26/2022. Changes since 01/19/2022.

City of Monrovia: 7,460 cases (up 551), 89 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 786 cases (up 56), 2 deaths (up 1)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Transient Calls Police on Woman With Dog Off Leash; Roll-Over Traffic Collision; Transient Sets Fire; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 20 – January 26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 491 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
January 20 at 1:19 a.m., an officer patrolling the 900 block of W. Duarte located a stolen vehicle parked in a parking lot there. The vehicle was recovered and stored since the registered owner was not available to respond. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
January 20 at 8:08 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Royal Oaks called to report that a family member came to her house and kicked the front door, causing minor damage. This investigation is continuing.

Fight Challenge – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 9:33 a.m., a caller reported that a male subject approached him in the 300 block of Myrtle and challenged him to a fight. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect. An investigation was conducted and evidence of the interaction was recovered. The caller placed the subject under private person's arrest. The arrest was accepted and the suspect was taken into custody.

Medical Assist
January 20 at 11:02 a.m., a fentanyl overdose was reported in the 1600 block of Myrtle. Officers arrived and administered one dose of Narcan, allowing the patient to regain consciousness. Paramedics responded and then transported the subject to a local hospital for further treatment.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 20 at 1:51 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Huntington. Officers responded and checked on the well-being of all occupants. An investigation was conducted and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Missing Person Located / Medical Assist
January 20 at 10:20 p.m., an employee at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth called advising there was a female transient lying in a hallway. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed she was reported missing out of San Bernardino. She complained of pain to her ankle and requested paramedics. Officers removed her from the Missing Person’s System and she was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Fraud / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 3:19 a.m., officers contacted a subject in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was in possession of various identification documents and debit cards belonging to three other subjects. The cards and documents were collected by officers for safekeeping. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 21 at 9:09 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Central advised that his vehicle had been broken into sometime during the night. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The victim advised he had taken his vehicle to a local dealership to get it serviced. The vehicle however was not locked and upon returning to his vehicle he discovered items were now missing. This investigation is continuing.

Wind Related Service Calls
January 21 officers working the night shift handled multiple calls for service related to the extreme Santa Ana winds present throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Officers responded to thirty four alarm calls and thirty six tree emergencies that included trees down in the streets, trees down on vehicles, and one that fell into a residence. There were also twenty six downed electrical wires that were sparking. Three fires were also extinguished.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 1:17 a.m., officers patrolling the area of W. Colorado and S. Primrose observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 22 at 9:51 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision occurred in the area of Duarte and Myrtle. Officers and Paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One of the drivers had visible injuries. An investigation was conducted and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 6:51 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of S. Myrtle regarding a report of domestic violence. An investigation revealed that a male and female were involved in an argument when the female struck the male with a clenched fist and kicked him numerous times. The male sustained minor injuries. The female was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 11:29 p.m., officers were patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when they observed a subject at the Station Square Park after hours. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Disturbed Subject
January 23 at 10:02 a.m., a caller was walking her dog in the 300 block of Myrtle when a male transient told her it was a crime to walk her dog off leash. The caller ignored the subject, which upset him and he yelled that he would call the police. Officers arrived and spoke with both parties. Peace was kept and the parties separated.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 23 at 11:21 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Shamrock and Central. Officers and paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the driver. A vehicle struck two parked vehicles. The driver was transported to a local hospital. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 23 at 3:41 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision occurred in the area of Myrtle and Lemon. Officers and paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One of the driver's complained of pain. An investigation was conducted and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 5:13 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report of a domestic dispute. Officers arrived and located the couple. It was discovered that the male subject physically assaulted the female. The male was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 7:32 p.m., a caller reported a male subject in a store in the 700 block of Huntington was harassing her. The subject reportedly got into an argument with shoppers. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. During the course of their investigation, they discovered the subject had stolen merchandise from the location. The store desired prosecution and the male subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
January 24 at 1:21 p.m., a caller stated she had just met with an ex-boyfriend in the 900 block of W. Huntington. He told her he wanted to see her one last time before he killed himself. Officers arrived and determined he needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Grand Theft Auto
January 24 at 7:47 p.m., a victim reported his Honda CRV had just been stolen from a parking lot in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived, but could not locate the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle database. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Stolen Property / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 10:17 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious male walking in the 900 block of Norumbega. Officers arrived and located the male. An investigation revealed he was in possession of stolen property and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:10 p.m., a vehicle was reported to have collided into the center median in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers located the vehicle and determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail. During the booking process officers determined that he also needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was issued a citation and transported to a local facility for treatment.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Wanted
January 25 at 7:37 p.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Olive reported that her husband threatened to kill her while holding a knife before leaving the location. Officers arrived and searched the area, but he was not found. An emergency protective order was obtained and a warrant was issued for the husband.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 26 at 9:54 a.m., a caller reported two motorists had collided in the intersection of Lemon and Magnolia. Both drivers were injured, and one was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital for treatment. An investigation was conducted and the driver who was found to be at fault was issued a citation.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 10:26 a.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male adult subject had just left the store with merchandise he did not pay for. Officers responded and searched the area. The subject was located nearby and was detained. After an investigation, the property was returned to the store. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Residential Burglary / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 4:39 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive reported a male adult subject had just attempted to burglarize her home while she was inside. She saw him cutting one of her window screens to gain access. When she confronted him, he yelled profanities at her, then ran from the area. Further investigation revealed that just prior to attempting to burglarize the home, he had sliced the tires of a parked car near the victim's home. Officers located the subject running from the scene and detained him. He was positively identified by the victim before being arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 26 at 6:29 p.m., a roll over traffic collision was reported in the area of Shamrock and Evergreen regarding a roll over traffic collision. An investigation revealed that one of the drivers did not see there was a stop sign at the intersection and clipped two vehicles before rolling over. Paramedics responded and transported one of the involved parties to a local hospital for treatment.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 7:36 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a subject refusing to leave the location. Officers contacted the subject and an investigation revealed that a valid no trespass authorization existed preventing the subject from being at the location. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Fire Assist
January 26 at 9:51 p.m., a large fire in the area of Peck and Live Oak was reported. Upon arrival they determined the fire had been set by a transient in the area. Fire personnel from Los Angeles County arrived to put out the fire.

Dinner at Noodle Street

Dinner at Noodle Street, in the Vons shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. Got the Dan Dan noodle bowl with seasoned ground pork and spinach for $12.80 and an iced tea for $4.50. Good!

- Brad Haugaard 

$10,000 Reward in Murder of Terry Alford

Press release from the office of County Supervisor Catherine Barger:

Seeking justice for the Monrovia community, Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced a motion at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting to offer a $10,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest of whomever is responsible for the murder of Terry Alford.

The reward comes nearly a year after the incident occurred on January 29, 2021, when 46-year-old Alford was shot multiple times in front of a residence in Monrovia while visiting his family. He was on the front porch when four male suspects snuck up behind him. Law enforcement investigators believe the shooting was gang related and intentional, but presume Alford was not the intended target.

“Terry Alford and his family deserve justice and answers,” Supervisor Barger said. “While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Monrovia Police Department have been dedicated to solving this crime, we need the community’s help to reach a conclusion. My thoughts are with Terry’s wife, children, and siblings as they grapple with this senseless tragedy.”

The City of Monrovia is closely partnering with Los Angeles County in this effort.

“The Alford Family deserves justice for the tragic death of Terry,” City Manager Dylan Feik said. “Four suspects remain in our community, somewhere, and we ask for the community’s help in finding them.”

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323)-890-5617 or the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: Press release from Supervisor Barger: https://shrtm.nu/Wv24

- Brad Haugaard 

Mayor Tom Adams Will Not Run Again

Adams announces he will not run again.

Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams announced that he is retiring from public office at the end of his term in June.

Adams, who has served the city for more than 30 years, first on the Planning Commission, then City Council, and most recently as Mayor, made the announcement at the conclusion of this year's State of the City address. 

Adams said he feels he has achieved "every single goal" he set for himself when he was first elected mayor. "I feel I am leaving Monrovia in far better shape than I found it," and "if stay longer it would be just for my ego."

Adam's seat will be filled in this June's election.

Here is his announcement: https://youtu.be/Wv0GI9wjANg?t=3901

- Brad Haugaard

Nominations Open for 'Woman of the Year'

Assemblyman Chris Holden is accepting nominations for "Woman of the Year" for the 41st Assembly District. Details: https://a41.asmdc.org/woman-year-nominations

-Brad Haugaard

Chicken (the Cat) Has Gone Through a Lot; She Just Wants Love and Stability


Three-year-old Chicken was surrendered to the shelter due to anxiety after the other cat in the household passed away. Understandably, Chicken has been under some stress due to losing her cat friend and her family, so she needs a patient adopter who will let her go at her own pace. It would be helpful to provide her with a sanctuary space, such as a quiet room, while she gets used to her new environment. Chicken has been through a lot, and just wants the love and stability of a forever home!

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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia High Student One of Just Nine Posse Scholars Across the Nation


Monrovia High School Senior Tamika Samuels will be attending Middlebury College in Vermont with the help of the Posse Scholarship, a full, 4-year scholarship for students traditionally overlooked in the college admissions process.  Middlebury chooses a handful of students each year for this honor.

Samuels is one of just one other Posse scholars from around the nation.

Celebrating with Samuels' family and friends on the zoom call was MHS School Counselor Noel Hernandez, one of many who helped on the journey to this achievement. 

"It was absolutely amazing to hear such great news.", said Hernandez. "This news made my week and I advised Tamika to keep that feeling alive in her heart for as long as possible."

From her time with the Black Student Union, Math and Science Academy, Varsity Tennis team and many other programs, she said they all helped her get to where she is now.

"MHS has helped prepare me for college," Samuels said. "I want to take the time to thank all the teachers I've had throughout high school and my counselor Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Putrika."

She has one piece of advice for those that might be holding off on applying: "I'd say, just go for it. You never know what the outcome would be but you'll feel at peace knowing that you did your best and prepared for it. So just do what you have to do, be your authentic self and believe in yourself."

Samuels will join the Middlebury's Math and Science Department and plans to focus her studies in biology. Her goal is to eventually attend medical school and become a pediatrician to help close the healthcare gap for communities in-need.

- Brad Haugaard

Getting Rid of Your Storm Debris

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that …

“City crews are working through the streets of Monrovia to pick up piles of debris. Residents with downed trees and limbs can stack them in the front yard near the street to be hauled off. Crews will continue picking up debris through the end of the week so please don’t worry if we haven’t come just yet…we’ll get there! In addition, the City is placing large roll-off dumpsters at 3 locations should you wish to dump green waste. The bins are already placed at the following locations –
  • Community Center (119 W. Palm Avenue)
  • Public Works Yard (600 Mountain Avenue)
  • Recreation Park (2 bins at 620 S. Shamrock Avenue)”
Also, Edison still has a backlog but is working to restore power, and the city is helping those with significant damage to their homes.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Union High School

Monrovia Union High School. From the Steve Baker collection. See full details here.

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

Artist Reception for New Exhibit at Community Center

- Brad Haugaard

Tree Falls Onto Property in North Monrovia


The wind did cause some serious damage in Monrovia. This house on Heather Heights in north Monrovia  had a tree fall on it. 

- Brad Haugaard 

City Provides Staging Area to Help SCE Restore Power

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that to assist Southern California Eduson in its work restoring power in Monrovia, the city has closed Central Avenue between California and Shamrock so SCE can stage more equipment, which will speed up its efforts to restore power.

- Brad Haugaard 

City Manager: Just Stack Windstorm Branches and Bags of Debris By the Curb

In case you are running out of green waste containers following Friday night's windstorm, City Manager Dylan Feik writes that you can "just  stack limbs and branches somewhere near the street so we can get to it. No need to schedule…there are downed limbs everywhere so we’ll stop wherever we see them!" Also, you can put other storm debris in trash bags and put it at the curb. Crews will pick those up as well when they come by.

- Brad Haugaard