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Foothill Lane Closures March 11-19


City contractor, Excel Paving Co., will be replacing water lines at the intersection of Foothill and Sunset Place from March 11-19. Avoid Foothill from Madison to Mayflower from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be lane closures (red highlighted area), increased traffic, and noise. For questions contact Monrovia Public Works at 256-8224.

- Brad Haugaard 


Family Garden Day March 9 - Free


Family Garden Day at Monrovia Community Garden: March 9, 9 a.m.-noon, corner of Colorado and Magnolia. Crafts, critter visits, and ladybug release, suitable for elementary-age children, free. Vegetable garden workshop: March 21, 7-8 p.m., learn garden layout and practices with free giveaways, open to all, free. Contact: info@monroviacommunitygarden.org.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Fire Starters; Man Kicked in Head by Coworker; Dog Owners Fight; Man Carries Off Cash Register; Girl Beaten at School; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 29 – March 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 450 service events, resulting in 78 investigations.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 29 at 5:20 a.m., a caller in the area of Hillcrest and Melrose reported a solo vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and located the driver who had collided into a curb. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 29 at 9:08 a.m., a witness reported a traffic collision in the area of Camino Real and Peck Rd.

Grand Theft
February 29 at 1:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a theft that had occurred the day prior. Two suspects entered the business and stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft from Vehicle
March 1 at 12:49 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte walked outside to his car and discovered someone had entered his unlocked vehicle, ransacked it, then took personal items. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 1 at 6:23 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported her vehicle was broken into overnight while parked in a parking lot. The window was smashed and her backpack and wallet were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 9:23 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. A male subject walked out of a business without paying for merchandise. Officers arrived and located the suspect. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Petty Theft
March 1 at 12:24 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 400 block of W. Huntington. A male subject stole a merchandise and fled the scene. Officers conducted an area check but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic
March 1 at 3:52 p.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and 5th regarding a non-injury traffic collision investigation.

Arson
March 1 at 4:11 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that a male subject started a fire. Officers arrived and made contact with a male subject in the area, but the caller was unable to identify him. This investigation is continuing.

Pursuit
March 1 at 5:14 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Myrtle and Palm attempted to pull over a subject on a moped for a traffic violation but the subject failed to yield and led officers on a brief pursuit. Due to the safety of the public, the pursuit was terminated. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 7:41 p.m., a witness reported a group of juveniles fighting two other males in the 100 block of W. Lime. Officers arrived and located a juvenile victim who had injuries to his face. The suspects had fled prior to officers’ arrival. The victim said he had been battered by multiple suspects, one of the suspects forced the victim's skateboard out of his hands, and they all fled the area. Officers located the juvenile suspect with the skateboard and positively identified him. Paramedics responded and treated the victim who was released to his family. His stolen skateboard was returned to him. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
March 1 at 8:07 p.m., a caller reported she was in a struggle with her adult son in the 100 block of W. Olive. When officers arrived, the male subject immediately ran into a crowd of people. While officers were talking with the caller, they saw the male running back toward them. A struggled ensued between the officers and the male. It was determined the male subject was in need of a mental health evaluation.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 1 at 9:26 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Chestnut. Officers arrived and after conducting an investigation, issued a citation to the driver found to be at fault.

Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
March 2 12:09 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a male adult in the bar was yelling at customers and trying to get behind the bar. When officers arrived, the male had already left, but was found banging on the front door of a home that did not belong to him. Officers arrived and located the subject. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of narcotics. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mental Evaluation
March 2 at 1:06 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of El Norte a male guest was in her home and she did not feel safe. Officers arrived and determined the male subject was in need of a mental health evaluation. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 10:37 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Duarte reported a subject had set something on fire and there was smoke. Officers arrived and located a subject who had started a fire near a gas line. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
March 2 at 10:41 a.m., a passerby in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a male subject yelling. Officers arrived and located the subject and ultimately transported him to a hospital for a mental evaluation due to the statements he was making.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 2 at 11:40 a.m., an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported in the area of Canyon and Foothill. The injured party refused medical attention.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 2 at 11:52 a.m., officers responded to the area of Duarte and Magnolia regarding a traffic collision where a vehicle struck a tree. No injuries were reported.

Mental Evaluation
March 2 at 4:53 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that her son, who suffers from mental health conditions was threatening to harm her. Officers arrived and made contact with the male subject. Officers determined he was a danger to others and transported him to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 3 at 3:32 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Encino an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted. A computer search revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Battery
March 3 at 4:35 pm., a caller in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported he was battered by a co-worker. The co-worker punched the victim and repeatedly kicked him in the head while the victim was on the ground. The victim sustained a broken nose and a contusion on his head. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Defraud Innkeeper – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 7:46 p.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a customer had finished his meal, but wasn’t able to pay. Officers arrived and found the customer was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. The restaurant refused to prosecute, but wanted him to leave. He was arrested and transported ot the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 2:32 p.m., an officer witnessed a pedestrian standing near the roadway in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle who was displaying signs of being under the influence. The officer made contact with the subject and determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Battery
March 5 at 7:13 p.m., a caller reported he had just been battered by an unknown male adult subject in the area of Mayflower and Genoa. He said the fight started while he was walking his dog and another dog walker became angry when their dogs passed one another and almost started fighting. The male subject hit the caller in the face and fled the area. The caller refused medical treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglaries
March 5 at 7:23 p.m., a customer of a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington walked out to her car and discovered someone had shattered one of her vehicle windows and took personal items. At the same time several others reported that their vehicle windows had been shattered and items taken from their vehicles. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
March 5 at 10:53 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported hearing glass breaking nearby, so he looked out his window and saw a male carrying something. Officers arrived and discovered the front glass window to a restaurant in the 600 block of S. Myrtle had been shattered and the cash register was stolen. The owner of the restaurant responded to board up the window. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
March 5 at 11:24 p.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported her car window was shattered. Officers arrived and searched the area, but could not locate a suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation
March 5 at 11:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when he saw a male adult in the park after the park had already been closed for almost 2 hours. He contacted the subject and issued him a citation for the violation then had him leave the park. This same subject has been issued several citations in the past for the same violation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 6 at 10:33 a.m., a driver said he was involved in a traffic collision on Huntington, east of Fifth, involving two other vehicles. Following the collision, one of the other vehicles, a black Nissan, fled the scene into Arcadia. Arcadia PD and Sierra Madre PD assisted in searching the area for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located. Investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 11:26 p.m., a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a person was walking around with an open container of alcohol. Officers responded and contacted the suspect. An investigation determined the suspect was also in possession of a weapon and in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
March 6 at 11:38 a.m., a school in the 100 block of Boley reported a theft. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 1:17 p.m., a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a person who has shoplifted in the past was inside and shoplifting. Officers arrived and located the suspect outside the store. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
March 6 at 3:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W Foothill reported a suspect entered the store, shattered a locked glass case, and stole merchandise. The suspect fled the store in a vehicle. Officers responded and searched the area but did not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
March 6 at 11:41 p.m., a nurse from a hospital reported a female juvenile was getting treatment for injuries suffered after being battered by another juvenile in a school in the 800 block of W. Colorado. The juvenile did not report the incident to staff. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Noodle Star


Dinner at Noodle Stars, in the Baja Ranch Market shopping center on Huntington. Got the Chicken Satay plate for $14.75 and a soda for $2.25. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Shevlin, Jimenez, Belden Ahead in Monrovia Race - Updated

Update March 8

Update March 7

Update March 6


-----

March 5 Results

Source here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Calvin McKendrick Named Principal of Bradoaks School

Calvin McKendrick has been appointed Principal of Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, returning to Monrovia where he previously served as an assistant principal at Canyon Oaks High School, Mountain Park School, and Monrovia High School. He holds a Master's in Education from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor's in Latin American Studies from Brigham Young University. McKendrick is fluent in Spanish and has spearheaded initiatives for English Language Learners. Most recently he was principal at San Antonio High School in Claremont. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Today Is Last Day to Vote


If you are planning to vote, today is the last day to do it. You can ...

  • Go to the Vote Center in the Library Community Room from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. today.
  • Drop your ballot in the Ballot Drop Box on Palm Avenue on the north side of the Library.
  • Mail it. It needs to be postmarked today!

- Brad Haugaard  

Silly Hermes Plays Fetch With Himself


Hermes is a young and playful two-year-old pit bull mix who can’t wait to meet you!

This handsome boy is fond of squeaky toys, treats, and sitting in the closest lap he can find. He’s a 50 pound lap-dog who is not afraid to use his powers of persuasion (puppy-dog eyes) to get the attention he so clearly deserves!

Hermes will keep everyone he meets entertained with his silliness. He plays a version of “fetch” with himself- tossing every toy he can find airborne and pouncing on it when it comes down. It’s like the canine equivalent of whac-a-mole.

Once he’s had enough playtime, Hermes will show off his repertoire of tricks. He’s very smart and enjoys performing for rewards; pets and treats.

One of the staff members at Pasadena Humane has sponsored the adoption fee for Hermes, so his lucky family can spend that saved cash on some more squeaky toys and treats!

The normal adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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. Daily adoption appointments can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in appointments are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. 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: 1887 New Year's Day Celebration at Monroe and Pile Real Estate Office

"This cut represents the office of our worthy entrepreneurs. Monrovia aged one year. The boys are splendid young fellows. The gentleman on the left is W.E Pile. The gentleman standing with pitcher & glass in hand is M.S. Monroe of Monroe & Pile. The gentleman seated at the left of the table with glass in hand is W.N. Monroe, the founder of the town of Monrovia, founded May 1886. The gentleman on the right is C. O. Monroe." Photographer: Shaffner -- Grand View Hotel Series, Monrovia. The office was located at approximately 411 S. Myrtle Ave and lighted by gas, so there must have been a gas manufacturing plant on the premises. The date - Jan 1, 1887 - suggests this is a celebration of the New Year. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

Tabletop Game Night at Library March 8

Tabletop Game Night for Adults at Library on March 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of new and social games from the library's collection. Contact: aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8254.

- Brad Haugaard

Rock Painting at Library March 5


Spring Crafternoon: Rock Painting for adults and teens (16+) at Library, tomorrow, March 5, 6 to 7 p.m. No registration required, supplies provided, but participants may bring their own rocks. Contact: abanuelos@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8272.

- Brad Haugaard

Line Dance With a Veteran

Line Dance with a Veteran at the Community Center, 119 W Palm, on March 9, 2 to 3 p.m. Open to all ages. For military members, veterans, and their families and friends. Instructors John and Katie Watson. No experience or partner required; soft sole shoes recommended. Contact: mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8294.

- Brad Haugaard 

Clifton Middle School Honored as California Distinguished School


Monrovia's Clifton Middle School is one of 293 California middle schools and high schools named by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond as California Distinguished Schools. The award honors schools for either closing the achievement gap or demonstrating exceptional student performance. Schools will be honored at an event in Anaheim on May 3.

- Brad Haugaard

City Invites Comments on Planned Norumbega Home


The city is inviting residents with specific environmental concerns on a residential project planned for 545 Norumbega Drive, to submit them by 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, to  Planning Division Manager Sheri Bermejo at planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets on Sale for Monrovia Wine Walk April 13


The 7th Annual Wine Walk in Old Town will take place on Saturday, April 13, from 6 - 9 p.m. Participants will explore businesses and sample wines. Tickets required. Purchase here, at the Community Center or Charlie's House, 430 S. Myrtle Ave. Tickets are $45 pre-sale and $60 at the event if not sold out. Contact the Community Center for questions at 256-8246. 

- Brad Haugaard

Where to Drop Off Your Ballot; City Street Repaving; Historic Walking Tour

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

~ If you don't want to mail in your ballot, you can drop it off at the Library Community Room, open open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Or... you can drop it in the official ballot box on the north side of the Library, on Palm Ave.

~ The city is replacing  nearly 1.1 million square feet of roadway, 4,566 square feet of sidewalks and driveway approaches, nearly three quarters of a mile of water main, and cleaning over three miles of sewer mains, and is replacing two parking lots in Old Town. He said the current Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is an "incredible" 87, and will certainly improve after the current road work, and work scheduled for next year on Peck Road and South Myrtle. For comparison, he said the average California PCI is 66.

~ There will be a two-hour walking tour of historic Monrovia tomorrow, March 2, starting at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person with proceeds benefiting Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.

- Brad Haugaard

Spring Monrovia Today Magazine Is Out


The Spring 2024 Monrovia Today magazine is out, with information about Monrovia Days, Spring Bunny Photos and Egg Hunt, upcoming classes and more. Here

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - March

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

There is also a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia and Sierra Madre VFWs to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War


The Monrovia VFW post will provide the color guard - which posts the flags - and a rifle team to render the rifle salute at a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration on March 23, at 11 a.m. at Sierra Madre's Memorial Park (222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.). The public event, hosted by Sierra Madre VFW Post 3208, includes speakers, a POW/MIA tribute, and refreshments, and is part of a national commemoration honoring service members. For more information call call (626) 355-7016.

- Brad Haugaard

Three-House Development Planned for North Monrovia Hillside

Three houses and a debris basin are planned for a hillside development on Highland Place in north Monrovia. There will be a public meeting March 14, from 6-7 p.m. in the Library Community Room about the project.

- Brad Haugaard