Monrovia High Battle of Bands April 14

Monrovia High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association will host the 17th annual Battle of the Bands on April 14 from 6-10 p.m. The event will feature 14 teen bands from Southern California. Attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes such as spa treatments from Park Place Medi Spa, a signed Eric Nash skateboard deck, and a Michael Anthony signed Fender bass. More here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Eastertime in Monrovia

Easter Activities in Monrovia:

~ Get your picture with the Easter Bunny (or "Spring Bunny," if you prefer) tomorrow, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Library Park. Plus arts and crafts, lawn games, and Storytime.

~ And the following Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. an Easter egg hunt at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue). Arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

~ And the next day, Easter, Calvary Chapel Monrovia will hold a service in Library Park at 10 a.m. Childcare available.

- Brad Haugaard

Support Monrovia Youth Baseball at the Carnival

Support the Monrovia Youth Baseball League by purchasing an MYBL wristband at the Santa Anita Park Spring Carnival this weekend and next. $20 gets you an unlimited ride wristband, and $5 goes to MYBL. Use code MYBL23. Get tickets online (here) or pay $30 on-site.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider: Opposing Tax- and Fee-Limitation Measure; Resolution Condemning Antisemitism

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ A resolution opposing an upcoming statewide ballot measure, the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act," filed by the California Business Roundtable. The initiative would expand restrictions on local governments' revenue-raising authority regarding taxes and fees. It would also introduce more restrictive standards and heightened legal challenges to fees and charges imposed by local agencies, affecting an estimated $2 billion per year of local government fee and charge revenue, according to the League of California Cities. More...

~ A resolution "Condemning and Rejecting Antisemitism and supporting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance by Affirming Monrovia's Commitment to Ensuring our Community is a Safe and Welcoming Place." Details

~ Proclaiming April DMV/Donate Life Month (here) and  Oral Cancer Awareness Month (here).

- Brad Haugaard

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Expo April 15

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Expects Mountain Park, Canyon Oaks, and Adult School Will be Accredited

Mountain Park School, Canyon Oaks High School, and Monrovia Community Adult School have completed the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation process. The process evaluates the schools' programs, learning outcomes, and performance to ensure they meet standards. Superintendent Ryan Smith said the visiting committee was impressed and he expects that all three schools will receive a full six-year accreditation term. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Institutes STAR Awards

Monrovia School District has instituted a new tradition called the STAR (spectacular, terrific, amazing, remarkable) Awards to recognize employees who have been nominated by their peers for excellence in their work. The awards will be held on April 11 at Monrovia High School in the Taylor Performing Arts Center, and one nominee from each category will be named as the person of the year. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Jewelry Heist on Huntington; Assault With TV Remote - Wife Arrested; Man Assaulted While Walking; Man Wandering in Traffic ; Etc…

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 23 – 29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 71 investigations. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 23 at 4:02 p.m., the victim reported her vehicle had been stolen overnight from the 200 block of Los Angeles. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
March 23 at 5:33 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a domestic incident. A female subject was located and stated she was slapped by her boyfriend. There were no injuries and the male subject was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 10:15 a.m., a security guard from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The subject had six outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
March 24 at 3:39 p.m., an employee in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject entered the business, smashed a jewelry display case and took merchandise. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
March 24 at 5:08 p.m., a motorist called to report a traffic collision in the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Officers and Paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. Three people were injured and one was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Weapon / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 4:11 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject was in her back yard. Officers responded and located the subject. He was in possession of a concealed dirk and dagger and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
March 25 at 4:53 a.m., a security guard in the 1600 block of California called and report there was an assault victim at the location. Officers arrived and found an adult male with injuries to his face. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The victim stated two male subjects assaulted him while he was walking. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
March 25 at 6:42 p.m., a caller reported a motorist collided into a parked vehicle in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Officers arrived and found the driver to be intoxicated, but was also complaining of pain. MFD responded and transported the driver to a nearby hospital. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 8:48 p.m., an officer working at a DUI Checkpoint in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle found one of the motorists to be intoxicated after speaking with him. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 11:16 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Shamrock an officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. After he stopped the bicyclist he found the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
March 26 at 5:12 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Benrud saw an adult male subject walking in traffic lanes. A vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed towards the subject so the officer positioned his vehicle between the man and the vehicle and activated his emergency lights. It was determined the man was a danger to himself, he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 26 at 10:25 p.m., a witness reported a hit and run traffic collision in the 800 block of Monterey where a vehicle hit multiple parked cars. The driver ran from the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 3:40 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington she was flagged down by a store security guard. The security guard reported three male suspects were taking items from the store and fled on foot. The officer was able to locate and detain one suspect. The suspect was arrested, cite, and released at the scene. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 5:02 p.m., domestic violence was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. A couple was arguing when the wife picked up the TV remote control and threw it at her husband hitting him in the mouth. The husband refused an Emergency Protective Order and prosecution. The female was arrested, cited and released. 

Grand Theft
March 27 at 8:40 p.m., a victim reported that the catalytic converter from his vehicle was stolen in the 200 block of N. Canyon. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
March 28 at 6:50 a.m., an officer responded to 2000 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject who was confused. He was not reported as a missing person. The subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Grand Theft
March 28 at 10:53 a.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of East Lemon regarding a theft of a catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius. The victim parked his vehicle last Saturday at his residence and discovered the catalytic converter missing this morning. The victim will review his Ring camera to see if the suspects were caught on video. The loss value is $ 1,400.00. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
March 28 at 2:17 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Lime reported a burglary in a commercial unit. An investigation revealed the suspects forced open the unit and took numerous items. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery Report – Suspect Arrested
March 28 at 3:47 p.m., a male subject walked into the MPD lobby reported he was robbed and battered by two male suspects in the 500 block of W. Huntington. MFD responded to the lobby and treated the male subject. An investigation revealed that the male subject was actually involved in a domestic fight with his partner. Officers responded and interviewed the partner and confirmed it was domestic violence and no robbery occurred. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
March 29 at 9:02 a.m., an officer responded to 200 block of N. Magnolia regarding a welfare check on a female subject. Upon arrival officers noticed food was delivered some time ago and appeared no one was home. Officers were able to locate the resident through a side door. MFD responded and transported her to a local hospital, where she was placed on a hold for being unable to care for herself. 

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
March 29 at 9:22 p.m., an employee from the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting in progress involving three suspects. Officers arrived as two of the suspects left the store and a foot pursuit ensued. Both suspects were located and detained. The third suspect fled as the two other suspects were being detained. The suspects were arrested, cited and released. 

Registration Open for 13th Annual Neighborhood Conference

Monrovia Area Partnership's 13th free Annual Neighborhood Conference will be held on April 29, with registration and a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. and workshops starting at 10:15 a.m. The conference will feature workshops, an information fair, health screenings, and food. The goal is to provide education, information, training, and resources for the community, and to encourage attendees to share what they have learned. The event features two workshop sessions, with topics including gardening, city resources, landlord-tenant rights, leadership, community projects, Monrovia history, active shooter training, and SB1383 (organic waste recycling). Workshops have limited capacity, so attendees should register as soon as possible. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Ike’s Love and Sandwiches

Dinner at the new “Ike‘s Love and Sandwiches,” in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got the Hunter Pence sandwich (turkey, bacon, avocado, and cheese,) combo for $18.95. The combo includes a drink and the bag of chips. Very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Mischievous Loki Can Play Catch Even By Himself

You can tell by the twinkle in his eye that Loki is aptly named. This mischievous little rascal is a laugh a minute and always has us shaking our heads. Loki is very playful and entertains himself by playing catch, even when no one else is playing!

Loki has been in a foster home for a few weeks now and he’s made great progress! He really likes a routine and learning new things. He’s a master at some tricks already and eager to learn more. Loki loves toys, kids, and he’s even made some dog friends!

Loki is on the smaller side- he has lovingly been described as a “pocket husky”. He won’t take up too much room on the couch when he’s getting his always-appreciated snuggles!

All dogs over 40 pounds at Pasadena Humane will have a reduced adoption fee of only $75 between 3/28 - 4/11!

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

Water Level Almost Up to Normal

As of March 24 the underground water table from which Monrovia draws is now just 14 inches below the 200-to-250 feet above sea level that the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District considers a safe level. The water level has increased almost 20 feet since early January, from 178.9 feet then to 198.8 feet now. Source  

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Is Finalist for All-American City Award

The National Civic League has named Monrovia as one of 20  finalists nationwide for the 2023 All American City Award. Monrovia won the award in 1995. Communities are recognized for improving the health and well-being of young people and, by extension, all residents. The awards will be held in Denver, CO from June 9-11. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia High School in 1911

Postcard of Monrovia's High School in 1911 in the original Ivy Avenue School Building before the second building was added to the campus. Postmarked October 16, 1911. 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

Easter Service Planned in Library Park

A previous Library Park service. 

This year, Calvary Chapel Monrovia plans to resume its tradition of holding Easter service in Library Park, a tradition that was interrupted by COVID. The service will be held Easter Sunday, April 9 at 10 a.m., and childcare will be available.

- Brad Haugaard 

Grand Reopening of Lucinda Garcia Park

Grand reopening ceremony today for Lucinda Garcia Park, at Olive and Mayflower. Lots of playground equipment for children, exercise equipment, a walking path, and drinking fountains.

- Brad Haugaard 

Lucinda Garcia Park Reopening; Calling Utility Box Artists; Easter Activities; After School Sports; Shoe Drive

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

~ Tomorrow, Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m., there will be a Lucinda Garcia Park Dedication and Grand Reopening Event to celebrate the improvements made to the park. The public is invited. The park is at the intersection of Olive and Mayflower.

~ Artists who want to paint one of five available Monrovia utility boxes - on the theme, "Be Water Wise" - need to apply by March 30. Selected artists will receive a $700 stipend. Contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us for questions. Apply here.

~ The Easter Bunny at Library Park April 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arts & crafts, lawn games, and library storytime. Activities will be canceled in the event of rain. For more information, contact Community Services at 256-8246. Details

~ Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day will be held on April 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Recreation Park. Arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Registration for the egg hunt will begin at 9 a.m. Activities will be canceled in the event of rain. Contact the Community Services Department at 256-8246 for more information. Details

~ Monrovia's After School Youth Sports Program is accepting registration for its Spring Co-ed Soccer Season. The program provides after-school supervision for fourth and fifth graders. Details

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is hosting a Solemates Shoe Drive to provide new socks and shoes to homeless service providers in the San Gabriel Valley. Donations can be sent to SGVCOG by April 24. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets Available for April 15 Monrovia Wine Walk

The Sixth Annual Wine Walk in Old Town Monrovia will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can sample different wines while strolling through Old Town Monrovia and visiting various businesses. Interested individuals must register and purchase tickets in advance. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Stabbed; Fights; Arrest on Murder Warrant; Employee Threatened With Knife; Stealing From Stores; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 16 – 22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 303 service events, resulting in 59 investigations. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 6:16 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of California called to report that her husband physically assaulted. Officers responded and located the husband. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 2:15 p.m., Arcadia PD initiated a vehicle pursuit and canceled shortly after. Moments after they canceled the pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed into five vehicles in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The driver fled on foot but was located shortly after. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 2:00 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Assault
March 17 at 3:27 p.m., a caller reported a male subject was stabbed near 1600 block of S. Myrtle. The victim was located and found to have several stab wounds. He was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Resist / Delay – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 3:51 p.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of E. Duarte called to report a male subject was on their property and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject who was refusing to leave. The officers attempted to place the subject under arrest for trespassing and the subject fought with officers. The officers managed to detain the suspect. Two officers sustained injuries, one of the officers was transported to a hospital for treatment. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
March 17 at 6:21 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Evergreen reported his mother was attempting to harm herself. Officers and MFD responded. She was transported to a hospital for treatment and a mental evaluation. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 9:45 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1900 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the car and discovered the driver not only was suspended from driving, but had a no bail probation warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence
March 17 at 10:02 p.m., the victim arrived at the MPD lobby to report her boyfriend had hit her and pushed her earlier in the day. She had minor visible injuries, so MFD responded to provide medical aid. The female was not cooperative. This investigation is continuing. 

Disturbing the Peace
March 17 at 11:06 p.m., a female subject in the 100 block of W. Palm reported loud music in the area. Officers responded to keep the peace. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 1:09 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and discovered the driver was heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Fight in Progress / Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 2:16 a.m., a caller reported several people fighting in the area of Myrtle and Colorado. Officers arrived and the fight was over. They located some of the subjects involved. One of them had a cut to her head and MFD responded to provide care. The person who hit her was not located, however, one of the subjects was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Battery
March 18 at 7:06 p.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported two of her employees were involved in a fist fight in the kitchen. Officers and MFD Paramedics responded. One female had been hit multiple times by another female requiring her to be transported to a nearby hospital. The other female was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 8:47 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting. Officers arrived and detained the suspect in the parking lot. The suspect was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Fight in Progress – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 11:16 p.m., an employee from a restaurant in the 100 block of E. Olive reported that two subjects were fighting in front of the restaurant. Officers arrived and detained the subjects. One of the subjects was arrested for public intoxication and was found to be in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Weapons Offense / Warrant arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 11:35 a.m., a witness reported male adult subjects were arguing with a store employees in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when one of the suspects pulled out a knife and threatened one of the employees. Both suspects fled as officers arrived. One suspect was located and detained. He was arrested for a warrant and narcotics that were found on him. The other suspect got away. This investigation is ongoing. 

Robbery
March 20 at 2:40 p.m., a caller reported two male adults entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and took items without paying for them. When he attempted to stop the suspects they pushed him down to the ground and got away. This investigation is ongoing. 

Traffic Collision
March 20 at 3:52 p.m., a driver was traveling in the area of Monterey and Huntington when they failed to stop. The driver collided into the rear of one vehicle, which then collided into the rear of another vehicle. Two people and a small child were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. 

Grand Theft
March 20 at 7:31 p.m., loss prevention in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft that occurred earlier in the day. The suspect stole merchandise and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 7:27 a.m., a male subject walked into a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain and took merchandise without paying. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect outside the store. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 21 at 2:00 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of Monrovista reported a vehicle was parked on the street for several days. A computer check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was reported stolen. The vehicle was recovered and the owner was contacted. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
March 21 at 2:37 p.m., a business owner in the 1800 block of S. California reported his business was broken into overnight. The suspects took property. This investigation is ongoing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 7:29 p.m., officers responded to a shoplifting in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Three subjects were detained as they left the store. The three subjects were arrested, cited and released in the field. 

Grand Theft in Progress – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 4:12 a.m., while on patrol in the area of 700 block of E. Central, an officer saw a subject loading a truck with tires. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. An investigation revealed the tires were stolen. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
March 22 at 3:02 p.m., a vehicle collision was reported in the area of Peck and Live Oak. One person was transported to the hospital due to minor injuries. 

Residential Burglary
March 22 at 8:37 p.m., a caller reported that her home in the 200 block of Canyon Crest had been burglarized and jewelry was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 11:23 p.m., while on patrol an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the area of Mountain and Huntington. The male passenger gave officers a false name, however, this subject is known from multiple prior arrests. A computer check revealed the subject had a million dollar attempt murder warrant. CHP responded to the traffic stop and took custody of the subject. 

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches Now Open

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, a San Francisco sandwich brand, has opened in Monrovia at 606 W. Huntington Dr., next to Chipotle. A grand opening is scheduled for April 13. The first 50 customers will receive a free sandwich, a t-shirt, and a chance to win free sandwiches for a year. Ike Shehadeh, the founder of Ike’s, will be on-site for the event. The Monrovia location will offer meat, vegetarian, vegan, and halal sandwich options.

- Brad Haugaard