Dinner at Basin 141


Dinner at Basin 141, at the corner of Myrtle and Lime. Got the “Pickens” Chicken Sandwich for $17.50 and a beer for $7.50. Yummy good.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Neighbor stabbing arrest; lighter mistaken for gun; multiple catalytic converter thefts; etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 19 – January 7. 
1155 calls for service, 208 investigations, 5 mental evaluations, 13 traffic collisions, 52 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]


DECEMBER 19

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 10:16 am, a passerby reported a male and female subject involved in a verbal altercation in the 500 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. A computer check revealed a restraining order in effect, restraining the male subject from the female subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
At 5:54 p.m., a victim in a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported her cellphone stolen. An investigation revealed her phone was stolen from her purse while she was shopping.This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
At 7:22 p.m., a caller in a store in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported subjects were in the store displaying what appeared to be a firearm. Officers arrived and located the subjects. An investigation revealed a lighter was mistaken for a handgun. One of the subjects was found to be shoplifting and in possession of drug paraphernalia. This investigation is continuing. Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested At 8:50 p.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Lime officers saw a subject who appeared intoxicated. The officers made contact with the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

DECEMBER 20

Theft
At 6:09 p.m., officers responded to a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a theft. An investigation revealed several subjects left with merchandise without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
At 8:53 p.m., a theft was reported in a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and learned that several suspects shoplifted and fled without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Attempted Murder – Suspect Arrested
At 11:23 p.m., a stabbing was reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. Officers arrived and discovered that an argument between neighbors turned physical. The suspect stabbed the victim multiple times and fled. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. The suspect was located at a later time and taken into custody. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

DECEMBER 21

Assault
At 8:26 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Olive walked into the MPD lobby to report that she was assaulted the night prior. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 2:45 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a male and female subject fighting. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the female subject slapped the male husband multiple times. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 8:37 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and learned that an intoxicated customer punched an employee. She was located nearby. The victim declined prosecution. During contact, the suspect displayed signs of heavy intoxication and it was determined that she was unable to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

DECEMBER 22

Grand Theft Auto
At 7:37 a.m., a victim in the 1200 block of S. Myrtle reported her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. DECEMBER 23 Vandalism At 8:57 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of Sombrero reported her vehicle vandalized. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
At 3:49 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Elfwood saw a vehicle with two male occupants taking mail from mailboxes. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
At 10:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a subject who concealed merchandise and fled without paying. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. He was arrested.

DECEMBER 24

Grand Theft
At 5:25 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Duarte reported several male subjects wearing masks stole the catalytic converter from his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
At 7:37 a.m., an employee at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported that a subject stole merchandise and battered another employee. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
At 11:51 p.m., a caller in the 1800 block of S. Peck reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

DECEMBER 25-26

No incidents to report.

DECEMBER 27

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 1:43 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Duarte and Peck saw three bicyclists in violation of vehicle codes. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclists were contacted. Two of the subjects were found to be in possession of a controlled substance. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
At 5:58 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported his electric scooter stolen. The scooter was located, however, it was abandoned, and no suspects were located. This investigation is continuing. DECEMBER 28 Municipal Code Violation At 1:16 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle, officers saw a subject in a park after hours. The officers made contact with the subject. The subject claimed a medical emergency and was transported to a hospital.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 1:18 p.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver and passenger had warrants for their arrest and were in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
At 3:56 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
At 4:53 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of S. Shamrock reported the catalytic converter stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 8:13 p.m., a passerby in the 200 block of N. Myrtle reported a female subject stumbling on the roadway. Officers arrived, located the female subject and made contact with her. It was determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

DECEMBER 29

Grand Theft
At 7:10 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
At 8:14 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of Mauna Loa reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
At 8:15 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of King reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
At 9:06 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of S. Ivy reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
At 12:26 pm, a caller in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested At 1:28 p.m., officers patrolling the 600 block of W. Huntington saw a suspicious subject. The officers made contact with the subject and found him to be in possession of an open container. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

DECEMBER 30

Possession of a Weapon – Suspect Arrested
At 1:41 a.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of E. Lime saw a suspicious vehicle and made contact with the occupants. The officer noticed a handgun in the vehicle. The passenger admitted it was her handgun. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
At 10:45 a.m., a victim in the area of Mayflower and Maple reported a vehicle burglary. An investigation revealed tools were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
At 11:56 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Palm reported that his vehicle was broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Theft from Vehicle
At 3:56 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported that his vehicle was broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

DECEMBER 31

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
At 12:56 a.m., an alarm company for a business in the 700 block of E. Central reported a male subject vandalizing multiple vehicles. The subject began to flee as officers arrived. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JANUARY 1

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
At 1:12 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Colorado reported a female subject trespassing on his property. Officers arrived and made contact with her. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 5:25 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious male subject in the area in the 300 block of E. Lemon reported. Officers arrived and located the male subject. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
At 12:52 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of Naples reported suspicious activity in a vacant home nearby. Officers arrived and located two subjects inside. The property owner did not desire prosecution. A search revealed one of the subjects was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. JANUARY 2 Battery – Suspect Arrested At 1:24 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of Los Angeles reported his brother had assaulted him. Officers arrived and determined a battery had occurred. The brother was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 10:21 p.m., officers patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle saw two subjects in a park afterhours. The officers made contact with the subjects. They were both arrested.

JANUARY 4

No significant incidents to report.

JANUARY 5

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
At 12:46 a.m., a passerby in the area of California and Railroad reported a suspicious person who was trying to open car doors. Officers responded and located a subject matching the description. The subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order
January 5 at 11:07 a.m., a victim reported a male subject known to her in violation of a court order. This investigation is continuing.

Medical Assistance
At 2:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Lemon regarding a male subject who was severely injured by a fall. He was transported to a hospital.

Public Intoxication
At 5:44 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject hunched over the community mailboxes. Officers arrived and made contact with him. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

JANUARY 6

Grand Theft
At 8:40 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Duarte reported landscaping equipment stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Theft
At 10:56 a.m., landscapers in the 100 block of N. Sunset reported two masked subjects attempted to take property from their vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Theft
At 11:09 am, a caller in the 700 block of E. Foothill reported two masked subjects attempted to take property from their vehicle. This investigation is continuing. Trespass – Suspect Arrested At 3:13 p.m., an officer patrolling the 200 block of E. Evergreen saw a suspicious subject in a vacant residence. The officers made contact with the subject and the property owner was contacted. The owner desired prosecution. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
At 4:22 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order
At 7:39 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of W. Foothill regarding a violation of court order. The reporting party stated her daughter, who she has an active restraining order against, was at her door. She was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

JANUARY 7

Residential Burglary
At 11:16 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of Monterey reported she returned home to find it ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Theft by False Pretenses
At 11:39 a.m., an employee from a bank in the 200 block of S. Myrtle reported that a customer had his card stolen and money was taken. This investigation is continuing.

City program invites residents to read the book, 'The Bear', Jan. 24

Monrovia's One City, One Story program invites residents to read The Bear, by Andrew Krivak, and join in citywide conversations, workshops, and nature-themed events.  One City, One Story is designed to foster community through shared reading, with this year’s selection exploring legacy, survival, and nature. The program launches Jan. 24 with free book distribution.

- Brad Haugaard

Blood drive at Santa Anita Family YMCA Jan. 13


There will be a blood drive at the Santa Anita Family YMCA (501 Mountain) on Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Maybe win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX. Sign up here. (Enter Zip 91016, then click on "By Distance".)

- Brad Haugaard

Quietly confident Cinco loves long walks and exploring her world


Cinco is a stunning 3-year-old husky at Pasadena Humane with both beauty and heart. This foster field trip veteran loves getting out and about. She especially loves going for long walks, taking in the world around her, exploring, and showing off her calm confidence with new people and environments. Cinco also rides well in the car, settles quickly, and takes treats very gently. While out and about several people couldn’t help but comment on how beautiful she is - and we couldn’t agree more!

She is also very affectionate and enjoys leaning in for pets and attention whenever she can. Cinco would love an adopter who can help her gain confidence, and in turn, she will be a wonderfully devoted companion.

If you’re looking for a sweet, active, and loving dog, Cinco may be your perfect match.

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

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

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

- Brad Haugaard

First 2026 baby born at USC Arcadia Hospital is a Monrovian


The first baby to be born in 2026 at USC Arcadia Hospital is a Monrovian. Carmelo Sebastian Mireles was born on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 5:38 a.m. to parents Sebastien Mireles and Hannah Green, residents of Monrovia. Carmelo weighed 8 lbs. and 3 oz. at birth. Mother and baby are doing well. Photo courtesy of Sebastian Mireles.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: MHS class of 1896

Monrovia High School class of 1896. It's grown a bit since then. The fellow with the beard looks as if he may be the teacher. 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

Workshop on capturing rainwater for gardens, Jan. 29


Rain to Roots, a virtual landscaping workshop on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m., will discuss best rainwater capture methods, designing and maintaining rain gardens, managing water flow, and troubleshooting. Sponsored by Upper Water (Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District). Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Max Parker promoted to fire captain


Monrovia Fire and Rescue engineer Max Parker is being promoted to fire captain. A post by the department says that, "Max has consistently demonstrated our core values through outstanding leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to both our department and the community we proudly serve."

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovians can vote on recipients for six Chamber of Commerce awards

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce invites the public to vote (here) for six recipients of its annual awards. Voters can choose from its list of finalists for outstanding businesses and leaders. Voting is open until Friday, Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, Feb. 6.

- Brad Haugaard

Vocal lesson for adults and teens at Library Jan. 17


Introductory vocal class for adults and teens 16 and older on Jan. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Basic voice exercises and simple songs. Registration and more information here.

- Brad Haugaard


Storytime with the Park Naturalists Jan. 10


Storytime with the Park Naturalists will be held Jan. 10 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the Youth Services Area at the Library. For children to age 5 and their caregivers. Stories, music, movement, and nature facts led by Library staff and Park Naturalists. No drop-offs. Register here

- Brad Haugaard

Street Fair cancelled for tonight

Mayor Becky Shevlin reports that the street fair has been cancelled for this evening. She doesn't say why but a good guess would be the possibility of rain.

- Brad Haugaard

Retired Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna has died


Announcement from Monrovia Fire and Rescue...

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of retired Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Chief DiGiovanna dedicated 26 years to the City of Monrovia, serving with distinction in every role he held—Firefighter, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief—before retiring in 2006. His commitment to the fire service did not end there. He went on to spend more than 15 years shaping future generations as Chief of the Verdugo Fire Academy at Glendale Community College.

His legacy lives on through the countless firefighters he led, mentored, and inspired. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him.

Rest in peace, Chief. Your service and impact will not be forgotten.

Update: NBC4 remembers DiGiovanna's career and his service as a regular contributor to NBCLA's coverage of wildfires, earthquakes, floods and more. Here.

- Brad Haugaard

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