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Discussion of Bonsai at Monrovia Garden Club March 26

 

Ted Matson, curator of the joint bonsai collections at the Huntington Botanical Garden, will discuss Bonsai at the Monrovia Garden Club meeting on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

- Brad Haugaard

Compost and Mulch Giveaway April 13


Free compost and mulch giveaway on April 13, from 8 a.m. to noon at Monrovia Public Works yard, 600 S. Mountain. First-come, first-served. Bring an ID or Athens Services bill, containers, and a shovel (no plastic bags). For questions, contact jhadden@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5574.

- Brad Haugaard

Earth Day Celebration April 20

 

Earth Day at One Earth Community Garden, 777 E Greystone Ave, Monrovia, on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy kids' activities, live music, and more.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Gunshots, But Nobody Found; Railroad Arm Hits Vehicle; Tools and Tailgate Stolen; Seven Arrested for Sleeping in Park; Traffic Stop Leads to Drugs, Swiped Checks, Identity Info; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 14 - 20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 517 service events, resulting in 101 investigations. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 12:03 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when the officer noticed subjects loitering in a park after hours. One of the subjects had been cited several times in the past. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Runaway Juvenile
March 14 at 12:23 a.m., a juvenile was reported as a runaway from the 800 block of Ocean View. He was entered as a runaway. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 14 at 7:58 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of S. Primrose. The caller reported that sometime during the night, someone broke into his work truck and stole tools. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 14 at 8:48 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Foothill reported that sometime during the night, someone drained gas from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
March 14 at 10:37 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Linwood walked into the MPD lobby to report check fraud. An unknown suspect intercepted the victim's check, changed the payee information and cashed it. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 14 at 1:17 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported the railroad crossing arms fell on his vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 14 at 3:19 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Duarte. The victim was struck by a vehicle and the driver of the suspect vehicle did not stay to exchange all information. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 5:31 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a male subject took merchandise and fled the store without paying. He returned to the store while officers were at the scene, he was positively identified by the employee. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery
March 14 at 8:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of E. Evergreen regarding a family fight. Several brothers and sisters engaged in mutual combat after an argument. Injuries were minor and all parties declined prosecution.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 11:13 p.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when he saw a subject in a park after hours. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 15 at 8:43 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Ivy and Maple. The driver at fault was issued a citation and released in the field.

Mental Evaluation
March 15 at 9:50 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Chestnut called to advise that a male subject had locked himself in the restroom for two hours and was refusing to walk out. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who eventually walked out of the restroom. An investigation revealed he was a danger to himself and other. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 1:54 p.m., a shoplifting was reported in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The caller reported a female subject took merchandise and fled without paying. Officers located the subject and a computer check revealed she had a no bail warrant for her arrest and was positively identified as the one who stole from the business. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
March 15 at 2:35 p.m., a caller walked into the MPD lobby to report that while she was in line at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington she discovered her wallet was missing. An investigation revealed that the victim dropped her wallet while standing in line, the person behind her picked it up and did not return it. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen Plate
March 15 at 6:41 p.m., a caller 307 Valle Vista reported witnessing a neighbor's license plate being stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation
March 16 at 3:47 a.m., an officer was patrolling 742 E. Lemon Recreation Park when he saw a local transient camping out within park boundaries after-hours. The suspect was arrested for a municipal code violation and booked.

Grand Theft
March 16 at 10:27 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Lemon reported tools from the bed of his truck and his tailgate had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
March 16 at 11:48 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report that a male paid with counterfeit money. This investigation is continuing.

Lost / Stolen Plate
March 16 at 1:13 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of California reported that both license plates to his vehicle were stolen sometime while parked. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
March 16 at 3:42 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report two female subjects were concealing merchandise. As officers responded, the females exited the store and the employee lost sight of them. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 7:24 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks saw a vehicle commit a traffic code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 1:37 a.m., while patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon an officer saw a male adult subject in a park after hours. The subject had been issued multiple citations in the past and has even been arrested for the same violations. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of Drugs
March 17 at 11:13 a.m., an officer was flagged down by a citizen in the 100 block of E. Pomona regarding a possible intoxicated subject. The officer made contact with the subject and checked on his well-being. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shooting
March 17 at 8:17 p.m., residents in the 100 block of N. Sunset reported hearing several gunshots. Officers arrived and were unable to locate a suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 1:41 a.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon located a male adult subject in a park after hours. The male has been issued multiple citations and arrested for the same violations. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
March 18 at 8:27 a.m., a business in the 3200 block of S. Peck called to report a theft that had occurred the previous day. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 18 at 8:59 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Madeline called to report that her unlocked vehicle was ransacked overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 10:12 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of N. Myrtle regarding unknown trouble. Officers arrived and determined a couple had been involved in physical altercation. An investigation revealed the female subject was the aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
March 18 at 11:34 a.m., a business in the 200 block of Kruse called to report that one of its trailers was stolen from the street. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
March 18 at 12:34 p.m., a retail store in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a theft occurred two days prior. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 10:46 p.m., while patrolling the area of Mountain and Lemon an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 2:05 a.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon saw a subject sleeping in a park. The officer saw that the subject was the same as previous nights. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Drug Activity
March 19 at 12:09 p.m., an officer on patrol near a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle noticed a male subject acting erratically. He contacted the subject and observed symptoms that indicated the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. An investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Activity / Fraud / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
March 19 at 4:07 p.m., while patrolling the 1400 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The driver provided false identification to the officer and when his identity was discovered he was determined to have several warrants. One of the passengers was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The other passenger was in possession of large amounts of uncashed checks and other persons’ identification information. They were all arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 1:43 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of E. Olive regarding a subject at the location driving away intoxicated. Officers located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who displayed signs of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation confirmed that he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 2:30 a.m., an officer patrolling the 600 block of S. Mountain saw a subject sleeping in a park after hours. The officer recognized the subject from previous nights. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Person
March 20 at 1:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of W. Central regarding a missing juvenile. Officers searched the residence and the area but did not locate her. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 20 at 1:47 p.m., a retail business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report merchandise was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 2:54 p.m., a battery was reported in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects involved in the physical altercation. An investigation revealed both subjects desired to place the other party under citizens’ arrest. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
March 20 at 3:40 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report that a package was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Kingdom of Caid to Hold Tournament in Recreation Park Saturday

The Kingdom of Caid, of the Society for Creative Anachronism, will hold the "Martial Consort’s Champion for Her Majesty Mercedes Eirnyardóttir," on Saturday, March 23, at Recreation Park (620 S Shamrock, Monrovia), hosted by the Barony of Angels . There will be tournaments for determining Armored, Rapier, Cut & Thrust, and Youth Champions. The "lists" (tournament field, as best I understand) will open at 9 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard


Dinner at Panera Bread


Dinner at Panera Bread, in the Huntington Oaks shopping center on the south side of Huntington. I got the “Pick 2” with half a Chipotle Chicken Avocado Sandwich for $7.99 and a cup of Autumn Squash soup for $5.99, and added a strawberry smoothie for $7.49. Excellent!

- Brad Haugaard 

Barony of Angels Fighter Practice at Library Park

The Barony of Angels, of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval re-creation group, will hold its weekly armored fighter practice on the Myrtle side of Library Park Tuesday, March 19, from 7-9 p.m. The Barony of Angels is one of 15 baronies and shires belonging to the Kingdom of Caid, one of 23 kingdoms in the society. Details

- Brad Haugaard

500 Shade Trees Available For Unincorporated Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia

Grow Monrovia is partnering with LA County Public Works to plant up to 500 trees in unincorporated Monrovia, Duarte and Arcadia (also known as Mayflower Village). If you live in or know someone who lives in this area and you want a shade tree planted in your parkway or public right of way email info@growmonrovia.org with your address and contact info.

- Brad Haugaard

Shy Kelce Needs Quiet Home to Blossom


 Kelce is a shy and sensitive husky who is in search of a quiet home that will allow him to blossom into the wonderful dog that we know he can be. While initially he can be unsure of new people and places, Kelce quickly warms up and becomes a wiggly puppy!

Kelce is a little over one year old and likely close to full grown at fifty pounds. He has made a lot of close friends with volunteers and staff at Pasadena Humane, so his forever family will get an instant BFF!

He recently got to go out on a field trip with some volunteers. They reported that he had a great day out- playing fetch in the yard, going for walks and getting tons of attention. He loves chasing toys but hasn’t quite grasped the “bring it back” idea. He does well in the car, enjoys getting pets and appears to be house trained.

Handsome and adorable Kelce is a diamond in the rough. Once you get past his shy exterior, you’ll find the gentle heart and loving personality that we get to see all the time!

The 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.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: The Carnegie Library

The new library opened January 27, 1908 and was replaced in 1956. "Mr. Carnegie's liberal offer of ten thousand dollars for the library building, inspired an active and harmonious civic spirit that aroused the voting public to the advisability of securing this central location for a city hall and park. Over one hundred and seventy-five merchants and other prominent citizens joined in the publication of an appeal to the public, urging support of the bonds. The ladies of the Saturday Afternoon Club did yeoman service among the voters, and served luncheon on election day in one of the rooms of the Granite Bank Building. Among the prominent ones engaged were Mesdames A. H. Johnson, E. S. Armstrong, F. D. Hammond, C. H. Anson, M. W. Cole, George O. Monroe, C. E. Slosson, 1. N. Wheeler, 1. M. Banks and K. E. Lawrence. Both bond issues carried by overwhelming majorities, and the evening after the election, the civic battlers celebrated at the Grand View Hotel with an oyster supper where oratorical felicitations flowed freely." John L. Wiley, History of Monrovia 1927 p 98. 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

Innovation Lab For Children March 20 at Library

Innovation Lab for children aged 6-11 at library on March 20, 3-4 p.m. STEAM activities. Accompanying adult required; no drop-offs. Accessible accommodations provided on request (contact 72-hours in advance). For further information contact: jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Hindu Festival at Library March 23


Holi celebration at library on March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. Cultural dancing, crafts, and learning about the Hindu festival of Holi, celebrating spring, love, and new life. For all ages. For more information, contact asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8269.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Celebrate Pi Day With Pie


Monrovia School District reports that Monrovia High School students threw more than 3.14 pies at their teachers to celebrate Pi Day.

- Brad Haugaard

Expect Smoke Next Week Above Bradbury

The LA County Fire Department Forestry Division will conduct a burn in Spinks Canyon, above Bradbury east of Monrovia, on March 20-21 to reduce wildfire risk. Visible smoke but no harm expected.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Jobs for Monrovia Youth

Monrovia is opening applications for its paid YES (Youth Employment Services) Summer Internship, designed to offer local youth an a mentorship from city staff and real-world work experience through partnerships with local businesses, including weekly professional development workshops. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Free Oil Recycling Kit from Public Works Yard

Monrovians can pick up a free used oil recycling kit at the Public Works Yard, 600 S. Mountain Avenue: Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, contact Public Works directly at 932-5575. Details

- Brad Haugaard

 Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

City Seeks Nominees for Older Monrovian of the Year

The City of Monrovia is accepting nominations for the "Older Monrovian of the Year" Award, aimed at residents 60 or older who showed community service in 2023, with a deadline on March 29 and the award presentation on April 25. For more information contact Lauren Pagliotti at LPagliotti@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8225. Application here

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30


Easter Bunny Pictures March 23 in Library Park

On Saturday, March 23, Easter Bunny photos at Library Park. For more information, call Community Services Department at 256-8246. Photos will be moved to the Community Center in the event of rain.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Consider Water/Sewer Rate increases; Renaming Wilderness Area Building as 'Crudgington Station'; More Money for Canyon Park; Etc.

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

~ Increasing water and sewer rates. Here are the estimated increases for residential homes:

There will be discounts available for seniors, vets, and low income households. Lots more detail here.

~ Recognizing outgoing City Councilmember Gloria Crudgington's preservation efforts, and particularly her work in creating the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, by consider renaming the small house in the preserve near the Cloverleaf entry point as "Crudgington Station," and put up a sign with the name on the building. The building is currently called Fire Station 103. Details

~ Awarding Pokrajac Corporation a contract of up to $12,095,217 for the Canyon Park Infrastructure Improvement Project, plus a contingency fund up to $1,209,522. Also, award Merrell Johnson Engineering a contract of $2,086,424 to manage the project. Total: $15,391,164. Details

~ Permitting the construction of four new two-story detached houses across two parcels at the property located at 619 East Walnut. The staff report says that "The proposed development will result in four new homes that will be an attractive addition to the neighborhood and community. " Details

~ Proclaiming March 24 as National Vietnam War Veterans' Day  and April as DMV/Donate Life Month

~ The council will also evaluate City Manager Dylan Feik in closed session. Details.

- Brad Haugaard