News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Dinner at Jim’s Burgers


Dinner at Jim’s Burgers, at Sixth and Duarte Road. Got the Greek Salad for $8.95 and a small iced tea for 90 cents. Service is very fast and the food was good.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Landing Sold for $30.5 Million

Monrovia Landing - the shopping center with Aldi and TJ Maxx/Home Goods - has been sold for $30.5 million, according to commercial real estate services and investment firm, CBRE.

CBRE Vice Chairman Philip D. Voorhees announced today that the National Retail Partners-West (NRP-West), along with Alex Kozakov and Patrick Wade from CBRE Los Angeles, completed the sale of Monrovia Landing in Monrovia, Calif., a grocery-anchored asset, 100%-leased to high-performing, national credit tenants Aldi, TJ Maxx/Home Goods, ULTA Beauty and O'Reilly among others.

CBRE retail experts Patrick Wade, Alex Kozakov, Sean Heitzler, Jimmy Slusher and Philip Voorhees represented the seller, a partnership between Telos Capital, a Pasadena-based private real estate investment firm, and Warner Pacific Properties, a real estate development firm. The buyer [unnamed in press release. Brad], based out of Los Angeles and represented by Marcus & Millichap (Sheila Alimadadian), purchased the asset as a 1031 exchange from a prior sale.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Blood Drive Sept. 4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Pants-less Drunk Arrested; Hubcaps Stolen; Smoking Marijuana Farm; Lottery Tickets Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 15-21. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 429 service events, resulting in 90 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 15 at 4:13 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Pomona and Myrtle, and one of the drivers was complaining of pain. Officers responded along with paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. The subject who complained of pain was medically treated. The driver found at fault for the collision was issued a citation for the vehicle code violation.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 7:30 p.m., loss prevention officers from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington stopped a male suspect who took items from the store without paying. The suspect returned the items and ran from the store. Officers responded and found the suspect hiding in a nearby business. He was positively identified by the loss prevention officers and was arrested for the theft.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 9:13 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 100 block of W. Foothill when they observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the investigation revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 3:46 a.m., a caller reported a male subject looking into vehicles in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower. Officers arrived and found the subject on top of a vehicle, and he had taken off his pants. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Theft
August 16 at 6:46 a.m., a resident in 300 block of W. Lemon called to report someone had stolen the hubcaps off her car, which was parked on the street overnight. Officers arrived and discovered two other vehicles in the 300 and 800 blocks of E. Lemon had also had hubcaps stolen sometime during the same night. This investigation is continuing.

Fire / Drug Activity
August 16 at 4:42 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported a home in the neighborhood had smoke coming from the roof, the fire sprinklers were on, and the fire alarm was sounding. Officers responded along with the Monrovia Fire Department. Upon entering the house, they discovered it was full of marijuana plants and unknown chemicals. The smoke was coming from overloaded electrical wires. Detectives, HazMat, and a building inspector responded. No one was found inside the home. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
August 16 at 7:11 p.m., a caller reported that while he was away on vacation, someone stole the tailgate from his truck. The truck was parked in the 400 block of E. Walnut. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 10:09 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and motorcycle near the intersection of Shamrock and Central. The driver of the vehicle was determined to be at fault for the collision and she displayed signs of being under the influence. The motorcyclist was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department and was transported to a hospital for his injuries. An investigation was conducted, and the driver was found to be too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. She was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
August 17 at 8:21 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of E. Duarte reported a burglary that occurred sometime overnight. They arrived to work and found someone had used bolt cutters to cut through the front security gate. The suspect shattered the front window to gain entry and stole California Lottery ticket scratchers. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 12:40 p.m., a caller reported a male subject on the roof of a building in the 200 block of W. Pomona. When officers arrived, he was off the roof and exiting the property. The officers contacted the subject, and he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
August 17 at 6:44 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Lemon called police to report the theft of her hubcaps stolen from her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Resisting Arrest
August 18 at 1:04 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of W. Chestnut when he saw two subjects occupying a suspicious vehicle. The officer was notified the vehicle had been reported stolen. As the officer was exiting his patrol unit, the driver of the vehicle accelerated down the street and out of sight. Additional officers arrived and a search of the area was conducted, but the suspects were not located. The vehicle was later recovered, unoccupied, near Parker and Mayflower. This investigation is ongoing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 18 at 7:09 a.m., a female subject reported her vehicle had been broken into overnight while parked in the 200 block of Oaks. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The rear window had been damaged and items were taken out of the rear compartment. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 18 at 7:14 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported her vehicle had been broken into and the driver-side, rear window was smashed by an unknown object. Several items were missing from the center console. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public / Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 10:06 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a disturbing male subject starting fights with people. Officers made contact with the subject and other involved parties. The investigation revealed the subject was involved in a physical fight with an individual inside a business. The subject was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 6:47 a.m., a female subject called police to report her neighbors were involved in a physical altercation in the 200 block of E. Maple and requested police. Officers arrived and the investigation revealed the argument initiated over a parking space. Both parties advised they did not desire prosecution against each other and the officers left the location. A short while later, additional calls were received reporting the subjects were fighting again. Officers arrived and one of the parties now desired prosecution. A citizen’s arrest was made and one of the subjects was arrested and taken into custody for battery.

Robbery
August 19 at 9:41 a.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington. The suspects were described as three male African Americans wearing ski masks. Two of the three were carrying firearms. They left the location in a silver Toyota Corolla after stealing store merchandise, as well as a customer’s purse. Officers responded to the location, but were not able to find the suspects or the suspect vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
August 19 at 2:13 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista called police to report their home had been broken into while they were away at lunch. Officers responded and found various items were stolen from the master bedroom. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 7:12 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 400 block of E. Duarte when then observed a subject walking with an open beer. They made contact with the subject who displayed obvious signs of intoxication. An investigation revealed the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
August 20 at 7:38 a.m., a caller said that a business in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia was broken into during the night hours. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 8:53 a.m., officers saw a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of E. Huntington occupied by three subjects. They made contact with the subjects and one of them had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking.

Prowling – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 12:22 p.m., a victim called saying there was a female at her residence in the 700 block of Crescent who tried to open her back door. She then walked to another residence and tried to open that door as well. Officers arrived and detained the subject. A citizen’s arrest was made, and she was transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking.

Shoplifting
August 20 at 1:01 p.m., loss prevention officers from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a male and female Hispanic had left with unpaid merchandise. They then left the location in a silver Honda Accord. Officers arrived, but were not able to locate the subjects. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
August 20 at 2:04 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft. A male Hispanic had taken unpaid merchandise from a business and left the location in a dark colored minivan. An area check was made, but officers could not locate the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Prowling
August 20 at 6:51 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. El Norte advised he saw a female subject checking the door handle to his home via his surveillance camera. Officers arrived and recognized the female subject from past encounters. A report was taken and was forwarded to the District Attorney’s officer for filing consideration.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 9:01 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Myrtle and Longden. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 9:21 p.m., a female subject called police to report her boyfriend had pushed and spat on her while she was a passenger in a vehicle near the intersection of Myrtle and Maple. Officers responded to the area and found the boyfriend in his vehicle. Further investigation revealed he had also threatened the female that he would kill her and her family. The boyfriend was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 21 at 9:10 a.m., a fight was reported at a residence in the 800 block of E. Lemon and officers were requested to respond. Officers arrived and found a male at the location who had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Newcomers Group Invites Local Women

Newcomers and Friends of San Gabriel Valley, a social club, invites local women to attend their next general meeting.

On Sept. 4, at 10 a.m., Newcomers and Friends of SGV's "meet-and-greet" coffee will be held in Jordan Hall at Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 West Duarte Road, in Arcadia. Free tickets here: https://is.gd/wtKH5C

This general meeting is a great way to meet the members of Newcomers and Friends and learn about the club's activities.

Newcomers and Friends' mostly-daytime, weekday activities include a Book Club, Bridge, Crafters, Day Trips, Games (Bunco, Rummikub, etc.), Golf, Hiking, Happy Hour, Lunch Bunch, Mah Jongg, Movies, Pinochle, and Wine Tasting.

Newcomers and Friends is a friendly, caring group of women of diverse ages.  This group currently has 136 members of various backgrounds and has existed since 1965.  You can choose to be as actively involved as you like, based on your time and interests.

For more about Newcomers and Friends of San Gabriel Valley, email at sgvnewcomers@gmail.com or visit online at www.sgvnewcomers.com

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Opening on Monrovia Planning Commission; Return of the Soap Box Derby; Composting; Etc.

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

~ If you'd like to be on the Monrovia Planning Commission, now may be your opportunity.  Planning Commissioner Coulter Winn recently announced he will resign to resume his professional architectural career with Disney. If you are interested you will need to submit an application by 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.  For questions, contact the City Clerk's Office at 932-5505. More detail: https://is.gd/4LFlev

~ The popular soap box derby is returning to Monrovia to raise funds for Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. The event will take place in Old Town Monrovia on Sept. 7, and is sponsored by Monrovia Old Town Derby, LLC. Details here: http://monroviaoldtownderby.com/
~  A free composting workshop will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 to 11 a.m. at Mountainside Communion Church (Magnolia and Colorado). Topics: What you can and can't compost, different types of compost methods, and all about the community compost program. 

~ Last week Congresswoman Napolitano visited Oak Crest Institute of Science to congratulate the team on their recent grant award of $748,000 for the i6 Challenge program, under the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Regional Innovation Strategies Program.

~  The curb and gutter, sidewalk access ramps, and the sidewalk itself have been replaced in front of Monrovia High. The city plans to coordinate with the school district on landscape improvements to the school. Chi writes, "We are committed to our policy of 2-for-1 replacement of all trees that we remove."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Women Welcome at Arcadia Woman's Club


Despite being named the "Arcadia" Woman's Club, it is open to Monrovia women as well (Monrovia's Woman's Club is a thing of the past). I checked, so ...

Are you interested in meeting new people, making new friends, and helping good causes?  Do you want to make a difference in the community and enjoy networking?  Arcadia Woman's Club is a local philanthropic service organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life.

On Sept. 4, from 11:00 to 1:00, Arcadia Woman's Club will have an Open House. This "meet-and-greet" will be held in their Historic Clubhouse, 324  S. First Ave., in Arcadia.

The Open House is a great way to meet the members of Arcadia Woman's Club and learn about the club's wide variety of service and fun activities.  Arcadia Woman's Club members volunteer their time to improve the community while making new friends, learning new skills, and having fun.

Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend.  You can bring a friend along or just come and meet your future friends.

Arcadia Woman's Club is a friendly, caring group of women of diverse ages.  You can choose to be as actively involved as you like, based on your time and interests.

This club has existed since 1914.  There are monthly lunch meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, from October to June, with interesting speakers on varied topics, so you can hear about the club's activities and events, including fundraisers and community service projects.

By the way, the clubhouse is also available for event rentals.  In fact, weddings have taken place in the lovely courtyard as well as receptions, anniversaries, and baby showers have been held in the large ballroom.

Arcadia Woman's Club hopes you can come and meet us and see our special Clubhouse.

To learn more about Arcadia Woman's Club, contact them via email at info@arcadiawomansclub.org or visit them online at www.arcadiawomansclub.org and www.facebook.com/arcadiawomansclub.org

Source: Arcadia Woman's Club press release

- Brad Haugaard

Box Jewelry Sign Gets Fresh Paint

(Thanks to Kelly Moran for photo!)

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Men Arrested In Connection With Shooting Death in Pasadena

Two Monrovia men, Lamarr Marquise McDaniels, 24, and Trevor James Dorman, 19, have been arrested in connection with  the Aug. 9 shooting death of 24-year-old Anthony Michael Tafoya Ortiz in Pasadena. https://is.gd/UiUOI0

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Gene’s Grinders


Lunch at Gene’s Grinders, at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the small combination cold grinder for $7 and an iced tea for $2. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

'We Will Rock You' at Monrovia High Wildcat Theater in October, November

The play, "We Will Rock You," is coming to the the Monrovia High Wildcat Theater October 25 and 26, and November 1 and 2, 7-9 p.m. The play features more than 20 hit Queen songs including "Another One Bites the Dust," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions." The story follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock 'n' roll in a post-apocalyptic world. A fist-pumping, foot-stomping, musical anthem to freedom.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Tailgate Stolen from Truck; Lying Drunk in Middle of Road; Women Arrested in Domestic Violence Incidents; Firearm Taken from Unlocked Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 8-14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 407 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 11:13 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when they observed two subjects loitering in Station Square Park after closing hours. They contacted the subjects, and the investigation revealed they were both parolees and both were found to be in possession of controlled substances. Both subjects were arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 9 at 7:26 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower regarding two vehicles that collided. One driver complained of neck pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. The driver at fault was issued a citation for a vehicle code violation.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 9 at 8:04 a.m., three vehicles were involved in a collision at the intersection of California and Huntington. Officers arrived and completed a traffic collision investigation. One subject complained of pain and was treated by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. The party at fault was cited for a vehicle code violation.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 8:17 p.m., officers patrolling on bicycles saw a subject loitering in the 100 block of W. Palm. They made contact with him and found he was extremely intoxicated. A computer check revealed he also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 11:25 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 500 block of Scenic. A caller reported a vehicle had crashed into a parked car and then drove around the corner and parked in the middle of the street. Officers arrived and found the driver attempting to notify the owner of the parked car about the accident. He appeared intoxicated and, after a DUI investigation was conducted, was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 2:50 a.m., officers were on patrol near the 100 block of Duarte and saw a female loitering near the doors of a closed business. They stopped to see if she needed any help. An investigation revealed she was wanted by the Monrovia Police Department for burglary. She was arrested for the want and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 10 at 11:37 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Colorado and Primrose. Officers and paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department responded and found a passenger had a cut on their forehead. The passenger was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor visible injuries and complaint of pain. The driver found at fault was issued a traffic citation for the violation.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 10 at 12:15 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another in the intersection of Primrose and Oaks. One of the drivers was complaining of pain from her seatbelt and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver who was found to have caused the collision was issued a citation for the vehicle code violation.

Theft
August 10 at 1:53 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Primrose walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the tailgate off his truck sometime overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
August 10 at 7:30 p.m., a resident reported the tailgate off his truck had been stolen sometime overnight. The vehicle was parked in the 500 block of E. Walnut. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 10:26 p.m., an officer was flagged down by a citizen regarding a male subject lying in the middle of the street near the intersection of Foothill and Magnolia. The subject was located and found to be intoxicated, and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence
August 10 at 11:47 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding a family disturbance. The investigation revealed a male subject went to his ex-girlfriend’s house and got into an argument with her. He pushed her to the ground and then broke the back window of her vehicle. Officers checked the area, but did not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 11:51 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of Kirkwood. A male subject was in front of the residence and appeared to be intoxicated. He identified himself, and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 1:07 a.m., police dispatch was contacted by Arcadia Methodist Hospital regarding a patient with an injury to her finger, who was possibly involved in a domestic dispute. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. Both the female and her husband were interviewed, and officers determined the female subject was the primary aggressor in the incident. After she was released from the hospital, she was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 2:47 a.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of Duarte and Magnolia when he saw a male subject lying on the curb. The officer made contact with the subject to see if he needed assistance and found him to be intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 2:51 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 200 block of E. Pomona and saw a subject slumped over on the sidewalk. The officer stopped to check on the subject and found him to be intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Theft of a Firearm From a Vehicle
August 11 at 8:22 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a theft of a firearm. A security guard left his loaded firearm in the unlocked glovebox of his vehicle. He said the windows were down and the doors to the vehicle were unlocked. He was on patrol in the area throughout the night and noticed the firearm and his backpack were missing later in the morning. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 10:34 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Further investigation revealed the bicyclist was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 11:07 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 800 block of W. Foothill. A vehicle struck a parked car and the driver was displaying symptoms of being intoxicated. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. She was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 1:59 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a subject loitering in the area. They made contact with him and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 7:28 a.m., loss prevention officers from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain saw a male subject exit the store without paying for merchandise. Officers responded to the area and located the subject near the business. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the theft charges.

Vehicle Burglary
August 12 at 9:06 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of W. Walnut regarding a vehicle burglary. The investigation revealed the suspect used a device that clones vehicle key fobs to enter several vehicles in the area. This investigation is continuing.

Public Assist
August 12 at 9:53 p.m., officers assisted the Monrovia Fire Department and the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department air unit in locating a lost hiker who had wandered 1.5 miles off trail in Canyon Park. The subject was in contact with a friend on his cell phone and was eventually located and evacuated.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 12:38 a.m., officers were on patrol near the intersection of Myrtle and Cypress when they saw a subject they recognized from previous encounters. A computer check showed the subject had a felony warrant from the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department. Officers contacted the subject and arrested him for the warrant. The subject was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 2:50 a.m., officers were on patrol near the intersection of Kardashian and Goldring, where they saw a subject loitering near a closed business. They made contact with the subject and further investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Vandalism
August 14 at 6:46 a.m., a resident reported his vehicle had been damaged overnight while parked in the 200 block of E. Palm. Officers responded, and found the victim’s windshield on his vehicle had been broken. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 14 at 6:55 a.m., a driver was exiting a parking structure in the 200 block of W. Pomona and collided with another vehicle traveling on the street. Officers responded to the location. One of the passengers complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 7:53 a.m., a caller reported his wife had hit him at their residence in the 800 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and the wife admitted to hitting her husband. The caller then told officers he did not desire any prosecution against his wife. The wife was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence.

Grand Theft Auto
August 14 at 11:24 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of W. Chestnut. The keys had been left inside the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken sometime during the night. Later that day, the vehicle was recovered by Pasadena Police Department. This investigation is continuing.

Foothill Unity Center's Van Stolen

Foothill Unity Center's 14-foot truck has been stolen from its parking lot. The truck was used to pick-up food donations from across the San Gabriel Valley. Call the Monrovia Police Department if you have any information that may be of help. https://is.gd/XfGb1c

UPDATE: Recovered! Unity Center reports that it “was recovered today thanks to the great work from the Monrovia and Pasadena Police departments. We are so grateful to have our truck back as it is a critical component to the daily operations of our programs to serve the San Gabriel Valley community.”

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Orientation Day

Monrovia Unified School District students bid farewell to summer and hello to a new school year today (Aug. 14), as they participated in orientations, toured campuses, and picked up class schedules, and committed to a successful 2019-20 academic year.

At the elementary level, parents accompanied students as they got acclimatized to their classrooms and greeted friends and teachers. Students took photos with teachers, principals, and friends before kicking off the first day of school.

Monrovia's Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School and Clifton Middle School held orientations for incoming sixth-graders, who toured their new campus and picked up class schedules. Students learned about school culture and discussed the new responsibilities that come with being a middle school student.

Monrovia High School held a special orientation for its incoming freshman class. Students were greeted with a high-five line of administrators, teachers, and staff. The Class of 2023 participated in orientation and pledged to their success in 2023 by signing gowns that will hang in the foyer for the entire academic year - a reminder every time students walk by.

Monrovia Unified offers a slate of innovative instructional and enrichment programs, including coding, dual-language immersion, robotics, music, theater and arts - giving all students an opportunity to explore new interests and develop new skills.

"Our entire team of dedicated professionals in the Monrovia Unified School District looks forward to working with our students and exploring new tools for their continued success," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "While I know that this school year will be replete with rigorous instruction and personal support, I am equally confident it will be a time to create memories."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

$10,000 Reward for Witnesses of Alleged Amanda Custer Kidnapping

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is offering a $10,000 reward to encourage any witnesses to come forward regarding the alleged assault and abduction of Monrovian Amanda Kathleen Custer, a 31-year-old single mom of an 8-year-old son. https://is.gd/NeJxY9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Football Schedule

Here's the Monrovia varsity football schedule. First up is an away game at Northview, in Covina, on August 16 at 7 p.m.

Schedule: https://is.gd/2tC7rp

- Brad Haugaard

Boba Shop Coming to Old Town; Red Cross Blood Drive; Street Digging; Oak Crest Wins Award

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

~ Old Town is getting a  T-Pumps, a trendy tea and boba shop with several locations in Northern California and one in Pasadena. The store will be at 510  S. Myrtle Ave., where the old Family Affair Music shop used to be located. Here's the company's website: https://www.tpumps.com/

~ The Monrovia Police Officers' Association will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., in the Library's Community Center. Schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "MONROVIA." Your donation directly supports trauma victims.

~ Construction crews and inspectors from Southern California Edison are continuing an electrical system improvement/relocation project along Walnut Avenue, between Myrtle and Primrose. There'll be a lot of digging, intermittent road closures and the reduction of traffic to westbound vehicles. Please avoid the area for the next couple of weeks,

~  Monrovia's Oak Crest Institute of Science has been chosen by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership to receive its "Success Within Workforce Development" award, which will be presented at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 21, during the Partnership's annual gala.

- Brad Haugaard

Pepper - If You Like Dog Kisses and Squirrel Watching

A mellow six-year old dog, Pepper (A448661) is an affectionate lap dog. He enjoys meeting new people and will roll on his back for belly rubs once he has said hello.  His favorite activity is climbing in your lap to give kisses. Pepper does enjoy walks in the park and watching the squirrels. After a little stroll, he loves nothing more than rolling in the grass and getting belly rubs. Pepper knows some commands like sit, shake and down and is working with our volunteers on learning more. If you are looking for a calm dog who likes to stroll through the park and then go home to cuddle on the couch then Pepper might be the dog for you. Stop by to meet Pepper and learn more about this affectionate dog.

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

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 at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Department Helps Rescue Hiker Monday Night

Monrovia Fire Department reports that late last night (Monday) Monrovia Fire Department helped rescue a hiker who had become lost well off of the trail in Monrovia Canyon Park. With the assistance of helicopters from LA County Fire, Pasadena PD and LA County Sheriff's Department the lost hiker was located and rescued.

- Brad Haugaard

World Whistling Competition Organized By Monrovia's 'Whistling Diva'


Monrovian Carole Anne Kaufman, "The Whistling Diva," is organizing The Masters of Musical Whistling International Competition and Festival, coming to the Pasadena Convention Center on Aug. 23 and 24.

More than 60 whistlers from 10 countries will compete for the title of World Champion. The biennial event - the only one of its kind in the United States - attracts professional whistlers and undiscovered talent from all over the world.

Kaufman, a two-time world champion musical whistler, founded the festival in 2015 to establish a meeting place for the global whistling community and promoting musical whistling as fine art.

For event tickets and more information, please visit www.mastersofwhistling.com or whistlers.eventbrite.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastersofwhistling/.

- Brad Haugaard