Monrovia Preps for Possible Mudflow on Ridgeside and Oakglade


In expectation of heavy rain - up to two inches - and the possibility of "moderate to heavy flooding and mud or sediment deposition on Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive" because of the Bobcat Fire,  here's how Monrovia is preparing:

  • Monrovia Fire & Rescue has prepared an extra engine company to be on-call tonight, in coordination with an additional engine from Arcadia Fire Department.
  • Monrovia Police Department will provide extra patrols throughout the evening to monitor the hillside areas.
  • Public Works has prepared for tractors and dump trucks to respond as needed.
  • LA County Flood Control and Public Works has pre-deployed heavy equipment.
  • Gravel/sand and sandbags are available for residents at Recreation Park (620 S Shamrock) in the parking lot off of East Olive Avenue, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field. Residents must provide their own shovels, gloves and eye protection. Take only what you need.

- Brad Haugaard

72-Year-Old Monrovian Veronica Kirton Earns Degree from Citrus College

Monrovian Veronica Kirton

When Ronnese Glover completed her bachelor's degree a few years ago, her mother, Veronica Kirton, told her that she shouldn't stop there.

Ms. Kirton urged her daughter to get her master's degree. So, a deal was struck: if Ms. Glover started a master's degree program, Ms. Kirton would start at Citrus College.

A Monrovia resident, Ms. Kirton's lifelong dream was to go to college. In spring 2018, she embarked on her degree pursuit - at the age of 70.

Over the course of two years Ms. Kirton fulfilled her dream and graduated from Citrus College in June 2020. At the age of 72, she earned an Associate of Arts for Transfer in Sociology.

"I found out that I could do more than I thought I could do," she said.

Ms. Kirton had always wanted to finish college. She started in the 1960s, but, when she began working, she wasn't able to go back and finish.

After the deal she made with her daughter, who received her master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles, in spring 2020, Ms. Kirton continued chipping away at her goal.

Ms. Kirton chose to study sociology since she is interested in learning about people and has a passion for children and elderly. At Citrus College, she said she found a great deal of encouragement and support, especially from her instructors, who she said always answered her questions and emails.

"Ms. Kirton's story of completing college later in life proves that it's never too late for someone to accomplish their goals," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "While Citrus College serves thousands of traditional‐age students, this should serve as a reminder that students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to pursue their academic dreams." Attending college later in life is not uncommon at Citrus College. Nearly 500 students over the age of 50 - or roughly 2% of the student body - attended Citrus College during the 2019-2020 academic year.

The dream for Ms. Kirton and Ms. Glover was to have a joint graduation party and attend each other's commencement ceremonies. Unfortunately, due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, they couldn't take part in a traditional celebration this year.

Nevertheless, Ms. Glover said she and her mother celebrated by shopping for diploma frames together and placing Class of 2020 graduation signs into Ms. Kirton's front yard.

"On behalf of the board, I commend Ms. Kirton for her accomplishment," said Dr. Patricia A.  Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "With hard work, determination and a vision, anything is possible. I hope others are inspired by her story to follow through on their dreams." Reflecting on her experience at Citrus College, Ms. Kirton said she hopes her story will serve as encouragement for people mulling college later in life. She said it's important to get out of the "I can't do it" mindset.

Not surprisingly, Ms. Kirton's inspirational daughter is continuing beyond her own graduation - she has started applying to Ph.D. programs.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 300 Dresses Stolen; Girlfriend Bites; Tool Thief Flees in BMW; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 21-27. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 287 service events, resulting in 44 investigations. 

Assault
January 21 at 2:40 a.m., an assault incident was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Hotel security responded to a room on a noise complaint and found two male subjects involved in an argument. One of the subjects asked the other to leave. The security guard escorted the subject outside, where they became involved in a physical fight. Officers responded, but the suspect had already fled the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
January 21 at 11:47 a.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police to report someone had broken into the business through a skylight sometime overnight. Officers arrived, and the investigation revealed that approximately 300 custom made dresses had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 21 at 4:36 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that his work vehicle had just been stolen. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 8:42 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Elfwood regarding a male subject seen in a resident’s backyard. When the resident yelled at the subject, he fled in a vehicle. Officers located the vehicle in the 800 block of Norumbega and conducted a traffic stop. The male driver told officers he had done work on the property 8 months prior and he was looking to get more work. The resident advised the officers that he did know the subject and there was no reason for him to have been at the residence. He authorized a No Trespass Form. The subject was also found to be in possession of various drug paraphernalia. He was arrested. 

Fraud / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 9:13 p.m., officers were extra patrolling the 200 block of E. Pomona and saw a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. A traffic stop was conducted, and the investigation revealed the female driver was in possession of burglary tools and fraudulent documents. The driver was arrested. 

Outside Assist / California Highway Patrol Pursuit – Suspects Arrested
January 22 at 3:04 a.m., California Highway Patrol notified Monrovia Police Department that they were in a pursuit on Foothill and Myrtle, traveling eastbound. Officers assisted CHP with a traffic stop related to the pursuit at the intersection of Mountain and Central. Both suspects were arrested by CHP. 

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 2:07 p.m., a caller reported a motorist stopped in the roadway at the intersection of California and Cypress. The driver was slumped over the steering wheel. Officers and paramedics responded. The driver was found to be under the influence of narcotics and was arrested for DUI. During a search of the vehicle, a large quantity of a controlled substance was found. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 8:30 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported his girlfriend bit him during an argument. She also broke a bottle and cut her hand in the process. Officers arrived, and after an investigation, arrested the suspect for domestic violence. Paramedics arrived and bandaged her injuries before she was taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
January 24 at 1:44 p.m., two motorists collided in the 700 block of E. Huntington and one of the drivers appeared injured. Officers arrived along with paramedics. The injured driver was provided with first aid and his injuries were not life-threatening. He was transported to a nearby hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Battery
January 24 at 3:07 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista called police to report her neighbor had just battered her husband outside their home during an argument. Officers responded and found the husband desired to place his neighbor under citizen’s arrest. Officers conducted an investigation and the case was forwarded to the District Attorney for filing consideration. 

Resist and Delay – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw a bicyclist commit several vehicle code violations. He stopped the bicyclist, but after a brief interaction, the bicyclist ran west on Huntington. The officer gave chase and was able to detain the subject without further incident. The subject was in possession of possible fraudulent documents. The suspect was arrested. 

Attempt Burglary
January 25 at 11:12 p.m., a business owner in the 1100 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male subject trying to get in the backdoor. He was kicking and pulling on the door, trying to force it open. When he was unable to get it open, he left the area. Officer arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
January 26 at 12:20 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Stedman called police to report seeing someone by her neighbor’s vehicle. The caller believed the subject might be stealing the catalytic converter from the vehicle. Officers arrived, but the suspect had fled the location. They found the catalytic converter had been stolen. No suspects were located in the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 6:15 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at the intersection of Fifth and Foothill. The front passenger window was smashed, and the suspect took a Trader Joe's bag containing a computer and two work cell phones. The victim said the suspect was a male subject wearing a dark hoodie, and he fled in a black, two-door Ford Mustang. A short time later, officers located the involved Ford Mustang and recovered the stolen items. The Ford Mustang was unoccupied and was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle. The registered owner was contacted and this investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
January 26 at 7:36 p.m., a male subject was seen by loss prevention officers at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain stealing tools. He fled the location in a black BMW with Carmax paper plates. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 8:57 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Duarte. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of the location on Wednesday, January 20. When he returned to pick up his vehicle it was not there. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 5:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject that exited the store without paying for merchandise. The suspect entered a vehicle and attempted to leave the area. Officers located the vehicle upon arrival and detained the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Monrovia Police Department is Retiring Its 357-CELL Phone Number

From a Monrovia Police Department tweet:

"After 30 years of dedicated service we are at once happy and sad to announce the retirement of our Cell Watch program this February... for the two of you out there who still call (626) 357-CELL for police services please change it to 626-256-8000 or dial 911 in an emergency."

- Brad Haugaard

Tyga - Senior Dog with an Inner Puppy

At thirteen years old, Tyga is a senior dog, but he’s as cute as any puppy! Tyga is house-trained, and good with people and kids. He’s calm, enjoys affection, likes playing with a ball, and walks well on a leash. He knows his “sit” command on cue, and even though they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, Tyga knows that snacks are a great motivator for him. Sure, puppies are cute, but this happy guy has an inner puppy he can’t wait to show you!

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 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

Foothill Gym Moves to Foothill

Foothill Gym now is on Foothill. The gym has relocated from Myrtle to a larger space at the former Monrovia Masonic Center at the southwest corner of Foothill and Primrose. It has tents covering 10,000 square feet set up for exercise in the back parking lot and its website says it is "Certified by LA County Department of Public Health for Covid19 Safety and Compliance."

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: In Front of Monrovia Steam Bakery

 Monrovia Steam Bakery on E Colorado and Central Boarding House c. 1901. See full details here. 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

Winter in Monrovia


- Brad Haugaard 

Bernie on a Bench - Bernie Sanders Meme Hits Monrovia


The muffled up Bernie Sanders meme has come to Monrovia. The image of Sanders bundled up against the cold during the inauguration has been applied to probably hundreds of backgrounds worldwide, and now, to the Mark Twain bench in Library Park. Linda Elyad writes that her husband Bill Finn created it.

- Brad Haugaard

Coffee/Bookstore Espresso Mi Cultura Closing at End of Month

Espresso Mi Cultura, a gourmet espresso bar/coffeehouse and specialty bookstore at 415 S. Myrtle, founded by Josefina Aguilar, has announced that it is closing permanently as of Jan. 31. In a Facebook post: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the permanent closure of Espresso Mi Cultura. Thank you all for your support and wish you all the best! Stop by Saturday or Sunday to say goodbye!"

- Brad Haugaard

Give Your Thoughts on Monrovia General Plan

 Monrovia is working on an update to its General Plan, and would like to get your thoughts through this survey, which needs to be completed by Feb. 12: https://is.gd/GYeeIS

The General Plan is the City's long range planning document and lays out goals and policies to help guide future growth. There will be an update to the Safety Element of the plan, and there will be a new Environmental Justice Element, which will "focus on communities within the city that bear increased burdens, including high poverty, high unemployment, and air and water pollution."

There will be other opportunities to give your thooughts about the plan. If you would like additional information, or want to be added to the contact list, email the Planning Division at planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 201 More Cases, 4 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/20/2021. Changes since 01/13/2021.

City of Monrovia: 2,675 cases (up 201), 50 deaths (up 4)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 309 cases (up 21), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 'State of the City' Presentation Jan. 27


Watch the Monrovia "State of the City" presentation on January 27, 2021, at 6 p.m. at this link: https://is.gd/D3rZua

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch from Peach Cafe


Got lunch today from Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado near Ivy. Got the Chicken Pesto Salad with cornbread for $11. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Cops Follow Dripping Car to Suspect; Thieves Steal Comforters; Thief Takes Car ... And Girlfriend; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 366 service events, resulting in 75 investigations. 

Domestic Violence / Robbery – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 9:06 a.m., a guest at a hotel in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called 911 and then hung up. Officers responded and discovered the caller's boyfriend had just battered her, causing injuries. He then forcefully took her cellphone from her and broke it, endangering their six-month-old baby, as she was holding the child as all of this occurred. The suspect was apprehended by officers as he was fleeing the area. After a thorough investigation was conducted, the suspect was arrested. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 14 at 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report someone had broken into her vehicle. Sometime during the evening, someone shattered her vehicle window and took several items from inside. Investigation continuing. 

Theft of Mail
January 14 at 8:54 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Cloverleaf called police to report he just saw a male suspect break into a neighbor's mailbox. The suspect left the area on foot. Officers arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Investigation continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 11:11 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Norumbega called to report a solo vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and spoke with the occupants. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed, and it was determined the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 4:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of W. Foothill when he saw a subject he recognized from previous contacts. He was aware this subject was wanted in relation to two felony investigations. The officer detained the subject, confirmed the wanted person warrant, and then arrested the subject. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 3:10 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Foothill called police to report that a black Mustang had collided into something and drove away. Officers responded and followed a trail of fluid from the area. The vehicle was located in a nearby parking structure. The vehicle had front-end damage. The driver was still sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. A computer check revealed she had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. Officers searched the area, but could not locate the other half of the collision. Day watch officers were notified in case a victim called to report a hit and run. The driver was arrested. 

Grand Theft
January 16 at 10:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft of merchandise. One male and two female suspects entered the store and selected six bed comforters. The suspects fled from the store without paying in a black, 4-door Volkswagen Jetta. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
January 16 at 12:05 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cherry called police to report a theft. The victim parked his Ford Excursion on the street in front of his residence the evening before. At 7:00 a.m., the victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding. When he went outside to check his vehicle, he saw a white Volkswagen Bug fleeing from the area. He started his vehicle and discovered his catalytic converter had been stolen off the vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 7:16 p.m., a community member called police to report a possible DUI driver in the 600 block of S. Mountain. An officer located the vehicle and saw the driver commit several vehicle code violations. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed, and it was determined the driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 7:30 p.m., a male subject called police to report his vehicle was just taken from the 800 block of W. Duarte without his permission. He informed dispatch that his 20- year-old female friend was inside the vehicle when it was taken. Officers responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. All surrounding agencies were notified and the Foothill Air Support Team was utilized. After a lengthy investigation, it was learned that the female subject willingly went with the suspect and was not kidnapped. At around 11:00 p.m., Pasadena Police Department advised they had located the vehicle in their city. The male driver was arrested, and the female subject confirmed that she willingly went with the suspect, whom she knew. She was interviewed and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft / Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
January 17 at 3:57 a.m., a resident in the area of Shamrock and Almond called to report a male suspect attempting to break into a neighbor’s vehicle. When the suspect saw the resident, he entered a white Van and left the area. Officers searched the area and located the van. One suspect was underneath the van and another was inside. Both were detained. In plain view, the officer could see several catalytic converters and burglary tools in the rear of the van. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
January 18 at 10:48 p.m., officers were patrolling the area near Alta Vista and Short when they observed a suspicious parked vehicle. They ran the license plate on the vehicle and found it had been reported stolen. The vehicle was unoccupied. The officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, and they responded and recovered it at the scene. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 2:23 a.m., officers were on patrol near the area of Mayflower and Chestnut when they saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. They stopped the bicyclist and made contact with her. A consent search of her backpack revealed drug paraphernalia. She was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Burglary
January 20 at 10:28 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 1300 block of S. Shamrock. An unknown suspect entered the location through the rear doors and stole an iPad and several other items. Video surveillance of the location was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 20 at 3:43 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle is a burgundy Chevy Silverado that was parked at the location. The suspects arrived in a large SUV and stole the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle was entered into law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing. 
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