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Happy New Year, Monrovia!


The New Year’s Eve party is just getting started in Od Town. Happy 2020, Monrovia!

- Brad Haugaard 

Socrates: Loves Car Rides, Treats, and Tricks

Look at this cutie! Socrates is a sweet one-year-old terrier mix who loves snuggling and being called a “good boy”. He also enjoys car rides, the finest meat-based treats, and doing tricks. He recently had a Foster Sleepover and got along great with his foster family’s two dogs. This little guy would love a home where he can hang out with you on the sofa and watch TV, go for walks, and cuddle. If this description of Socrates has made you say “awwwww!” just wait until you meet him!

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

Monrovia Police: Woman's Car Flips After Tire Goes Flat; Motorcyclist Runs Stop Sign, Hit by Car; Dog Bites Woman; Shoplifting; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 19 – December 25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 370 service events, resulting in 89 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 19 at 11:58 a.m., two vehicles were involved in a collision near the intersection of Mountain and Central. One of the parties involved complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. Officers arrived and completed an investigation.

Grand Theft Auto
December 19 at 1:18 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of N. Ivy. The victim reported his vehicle was stolen between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. while he was doing yard work. Officers arrived and searched the area. This investigation is continuing.

Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 3:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A female subject exited the business without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise. The subject was detained outside the business by officers, an investigation revealed she had outstanding warrants for her arrest. The subject was arrested for the theft and per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 19 at 7:54 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle had struck a motorcyclist near the intersection of Evergreen and Mountain. Officers responded with paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. An investigation found the motorcyclist had failed to stop at a posted stop sign. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia– Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 10:02 p.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Lime and Mayflower. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 11:02 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Mountain and Foothill. The officers contacted the subject and an investigation revealed she was under the influence of alcohol. The subject was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and taken to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 2:28 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of California and Duarte. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of an unlawful weapon. The driver was arrested and issued a citation.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 10:36 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of E. Huntington, the caller reported he was hiding in his room because gang members were trying to kill him. Officers found the subject and an investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 20 at 8:16 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Walnut regarding a vehicle vandalism. The rear passenger window of the vehicle was shattered. An investigation revealed the window had a small hole in the center and no entry to the vehicle had been made. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
December 20 at 8:32 p.m., officers responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in the 200 block of Montana. The male subject had left the location prior to officers’ arrival. The victim said she was involved in an argument with the subject when he physically assaulted her. The subject is on parole and his Parole Officer was contacted. Charges are pending.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 21 at 2:43 p.m., two vehicles were involved in a collision near the intersection of Olive and California. One of the parties involved complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. Officers arrived and completed an investigation. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 4:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting. The store’s Loss Prevention Officers had detained a female subject for concealing items and exiting the store without any attempt to pay. Officers arrived and an investigation was conducted, the female subject was arrested for shoplifting.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 5:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting incident. When officers arrived the subject had been detained by the store’s Loss Prevention Officers. The subject refused to provide his name and did not have any identification. The subject was arrested for shoplifting.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 22 at 1:10 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The driver displayed symptoms of being intoxicated and an investigation was conducted. The driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 22 at 2:53 a.m., a caller reported a male subject loitering in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for this arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 22 at 7:05 a.m., a caller reported a driver collided into a parked vehicle near Peck and Live Oak. The driver fled the scene without exchanging information. He abandoned the car a block away then walked away from the area. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
December 22 at 8:06 a.m., officers responded to a call in the 400 block of Genoa regarding a vandalism. A resident reported that the mailboxes at her condominium complex all had the locks broken sometime during the night. It is unknown if any mail was stolen from the boxes. This investigation is continuing.

Animal Problem
December 22 at 10:16 a.m., an officer was patrolling Library Park in the 100 block of W. Lime, when he saw a dog on a leash bite a female subject who was holding a small dog. Paramedics responded and treated the bite on the victim, the victim refused to go to a hospital. The victim took her small dog to an emergency vet, as it was injured as well. The Pasadena Humane Society responded and completed an investigation.

Vandalism
December 22 at 7:09 p.m., a vehicle vandalism was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The caller reported that when he returned to his vehicle, someone had keyed his vehicle and left an eight inch scratch down the passenger side. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
December 22 at 10:38 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male subject had left the business with unpaid merchandise. Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 23 at 8:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of E. Lime. A resident walked outside his home and attempted to drive to work. He discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
December 23 at 8:23 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a shoplifting report. Security personnel for the business reported a male subject had just ran out of their store with power tools that he did not pay for. Officers responded to the area but could not locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 23 at 2:30 p.m., Loss Prevention Officers for a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject had stolen items and was being detained. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation in the field.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 23 at 2:47 p.m., a motorist was traveling in the 400 block of W. Huntington when her car's tire went flat causing her to hit the curb. Her car flew over the curb and into the air landing upside down on top of a parked car in a parking lot. Officers responded and found she was not injured.

Vandalism
December 23 at 3:23 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of W. Maple. The owner discovered one of the windows to his building had been broken sometime during the weekend. It did not appear as if anyone had crawled through the window to get into the building. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 24 at 2:46 a.m., an officer patrolling the 400 block of W. Foothill stopped a UHaul box truck for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the male adult driver had a suspended license and the female adult passenger was on probation for forgery. The passenger admitted to being in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. The driver was cited for driving on a suspended license and the U-Haul truck was impounded. The female passenger was arrested and issued a citation in the field for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
December 24 at 10:42 a.m., a red pickup truck that was wanted by the Pasadena Police Department in connection with a robbery in their city was located by an officer in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle. The vehicle was stopped and both occupants detained. Pasadena Police detectives arrived shortly thereafter and arrested both subjects.

Shoplifting
December 24 at 7:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a shoplifting report. Security personnel for the business reported two male subjects in their 30’s had just taken $700 worth of merchandise before fleeing in a vehicle. Officers responded to the area but could not locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
December 24 at 11:50 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Eighth regarding a domestic violence incident. A female subject reported her live-in boyfriend had just strangled her during an argument. Officers responded but the suspect had already left the area. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 25 at 1:23 a.m., a caller reported she discovered her vehicle’s driver side window had been smashed and her purse was taken while it was parked in the 700 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and reviewed video surveillance. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 25 at 3:54 p.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject on a bicycle chasing after a female subject who was running east in the 100 block of E. Evergreen from Myrtle. Officers responded and located the female subject. The female stopped and saw the officers then began running from them and refused to stop. Officers recognized her from past encounters, an investigation revealed she had two warrants for her arrest. Officers were able to apprehend her, she was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She said no crime had occurred between her and the male subject who was never found. She was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 25 at 4:15 p.m., several callers reported two vehicles collided into one another in the 800 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found one driver complained of pain. Paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department provided assistance, but the driver refused to be transported to a hospital. The driver who caused the collision was issued a citation

Someone's Been Hyping Monrovia Company's Stock

Someone has apparently been hyping the stock of Monrovia's Sugermade, Inc. - a hydroponics equipment firm that has focused on marijuana growers, and now also provides disposable cups for the restaurant business. In a press release (https://is.gd/tFPVq2) the company disclaimed any knowledge of the promotional activity. Sugarmade's stock is currently trading at slightly over a penny a share.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Noodle St.

Dinner at Noodle St., in the Vons shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. Got the Signature Beef Noodle Soup for $10.  Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Visiting the Snow




I decided to go on a bicycle ride into the hills today and kept thinking, “That snow doesn’t look too far away.” Ant it wasn’t! This picture was taken well below White Saddle, about a third of a mile above the restroom on the fire road north of Canyon Park. I threw a few snowballs, froze fingers, nose and toes, and came down. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Low Snow


I don’t think I’ve ever seen snow down so low on the mountains above Monrovia. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Tree Pick-Up

The city says ... Curbside Christmas Tree Recycling will be available from Dec. 26 - Jan. 11. Please place your tree curbside on your regular trash collection day. In order for your tree to be picked up, all ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, nails, lights, and plastic or metal stands need to be removed. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Something a bit different this year. I liked this little Christmas devotional thought by Robert Hawker, an English cleric from the 1800s. Hope you do, too. 

- Brad Haugaard 




Drive Sober

Arcadia Police sent a reminder that through New Year’s Day the Arcadia Police Department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. I'm sure Monrovia PD will also be on the lookout.

- Brad Haugaard

Molly: Friendly, Loving, and Happy

Friendly, loving, and happy – do these sound like three adjectives you need in your life? Then come meet Molly! This beautiful tabby was brought in to the shelter after her owner died and no one else in the family could take her in. She’s only three years old and would love to find her forever home for the new year. If you’re looking for an all-around great cat, Molly is ready to wow you!

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

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

Auditions for 'A Little Night Music' on Jan. 12-14

Auditions for The Jewish Federation's JFed Players' Spring 2020 production, A Little Night Music, will be held Sunday, Jan. 12, from 2-4 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13, 14, from 7-9 p.m. Auditions are at the Jewish Federation, 114A Lime Ave. in Monrovia.

Set in 1900 Sweden, A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress, Desirée Armfeldt, and the two men who love her: a lawyer, and a Count. When Desirée performs in Fredrik's town, their passion rekindles, inciting a flurry of jealousy and suspicion between Desirée; Fredrik; Fredrick's very young wife, Anne; Desirée's current lover, the Count; and the Count's wife, Charlotte.

Both men - as well as their jealous wives - agree to join Desirée and her family for a weekend in the country at Desirée's mother's estate. With everyone in one place, infinite possibilities of new romances and second chances bring endless surprises.

For more information call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

Source: Jewish Federation press release

- Brad Haugaard

School Superintendent Thorossian's December Update

Dear Monrovia Unified School District community,

In December, I reflect upon the year – both successes and failures – before resolving to attain perfection in the new year. I am proud of our many accomplishments and recognize that nothing is accomplished without a team comprised of expert, determined, and thoughtful like-minded individuals committed to realizing their goal.

The Monrovia Unified School District is fortunate to have so many such individuals, accompanied by an equally committed, supportive, and hard-working community.

Monrovia Unified has received many notable awards and accomplishments over the years, including a variety of prestigious California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards for model programs and services. This month, the District received a Golden Bell Award at the CSBA Annual Education Conference for our Early College Program.

The Golden Bell Award recognizes outstanding programs and governance practices in school Districts and reflects the District’s effort to provide programs for students that lead to academic success.

At the conference, Monrovia Unified trustees participated in panels and gave presentations on how intervention and support programs are building stronger ties with parents, which in turn boosts student achievement.

The CSBA conference was the perfect event to culminate a successful first half of the school year – highlighting the strength of our programs as a model for instruction and parent engagement. Indeed, Monrovia Unified recognizes the power of its community support and partnerships as a key element in our students’ continued success.

Our commitment to ensuring that success has been showcased throughout the last few months.

At the beginning of the school year, Monrovia Unified’s Board of Education came together to celebrate the Grand Reopening of Wildcat stadium. The celebration highlighted the renovation done over summer.

At Monrovia High School, our WorkAbility and Transition Partnership program gained attention for its MHS Roasters program, which teaches students job skills and opens doors to job opportunities from local business partners.

In October, the District hosted its Inaugural State of the Schools Address, which outlined plans for student support and success. Ending the State of the Schools Address, Monrovia Unified premiered our District’s showcase video, which gave a look into student academic success and culture.

Our students continue to excel in programs such as our Spanish and Mandarin Dual-Language Immersion, robotics, coding, athletics, and more!

Thank you to all our Monrovia Unified team members who play critical roles in delivering the tools students need to succeed – from our dedicated staff to our talented teachers to our steadfast administrators. It is a true honor to witness your commitment to our students and the achievements that commitment helps inspire.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones, and I look forward to joining you all when we return in 2020 for the remainder of our highly successful school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Former Monrovia Teacher and Principal, Byron Greer, Has Died

Today, December 20, 2019, Monrovia Unified School District honors the legacy of former MUSD educator, Mr. Byron Greer, by lowering all District flags to half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Byron served over 40 years in MUSD as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal- primarily at Monrovia High School and Clifton Middle School. His efforts and impact on those fortunate enough to have known him will always be cherished. We find it only fitting to commemorate his life and service to the students and staff of Monrovia with this tribute.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Gueros

Lunch at Los Gueros, on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. Got the Seafood Soup for $15.95 and an iced tea for $2.95.  It was good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Gives Presentation at School Boards Association Conference

Monrovia Unified School District representatives gave presentations on how intervention and support programs are building stronger ties with parents to boost student achievement during the California School Boards Association's (CSBA) 2019 Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show held Dec. 5-7 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The conference featured over 120 workshops on topics that included teaching and learning, advocacy, engagement and community relations, equity, opportunity and access, wellness and safety, and funding, finance and facilities. Monrovia Unified School District was selected to present two of those workshops.

Monrovia Unified Board of Education Clerk Maritza Travanti, Director of Counseling, College, and Career Dr. Catherine Real, and Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian gave a workshop on how the District's Wellness Center Model supports students in all District schools by establishing community-based partnerships. 

"Monrovia Unified wants to share with our partners in education what we are doing right, as well as learn from our partners what we can do better," Travanti said. "The Annual Education Conference is a great opportunity for us to expand our knowledge and bring back new ideas to help our students succeed."

More than 3,000 school board trustees attended the conference to collaborate with their colleagues, participate in workshops and hear keynote speeches from distinguished guests, such as physicist and futurist, Dr. Michio Kaku and Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Ron Suskind. 

Monrovia Unified Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sue Kaiser and Instructional Specialist Stacy Wilkins also presented a workshop on the District's supplemental summer intervention programs in reading and math, targeting students two or more years behind in achievement. The programs result in students completing an estimated six months of learning in just four weeks. 

The highlight of the conference was the presentation of Monrovia Unified School District's 21st Golden Bell Award for its Early College Program at Monrovia High School. The Golden Bell is awarded for innovative programs that have yielded positive results for students in the State of California.

In receiving the award, then Board President Ed Gililland said, "This award reflects the vision of this Board of Education in creating opportunities for students which will promote their success in college and in their future career choices."

"Our District is a community dedicated to student achievement, and what better place to share, study, and seek new approaches to educating our students than at the California School Board's annual conference?" Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Monrovia Unified is proud have presented at this year's conference and to collaborate with our colleagues who are just as excited about education as we are."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Conference Call First, Then Report Burglary in Progress; Resident Finds Grenade While Gardening; Fake Bail Scam; Package Theft Suspect Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 12-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 12:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Colorado regarding a report of possible drug activity. They arrived and contacted a male subject to the front of the location. The subject walked away from officers and discarded methamphetamine. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance / False Information – Suspects Arrested
December 12 at 4:18 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a female suspect run out of a business who was being followed by store employees. The suspect entered a vehicle and fled the area. A traffic stop was conducted and the suspect admitted to the theft. She was arrested and taken into custody. During the booking process, it was discovered she also had methamphetamine hidden on her person. A passenger in the car lied to officers about his identity and was also arrested for providing false information.

Theft of Package / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 4:44 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Alta Vista called police to report a male subject had taken packages from her neighbor’s porch. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The packages were located and returned to their owner. It was discovered the suspect also had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 7:12 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of W. Olive regarding a family member causing a disturbance. The caller stated that when he came home that evening his brother was outside yelling. He told his brother to come inside and be quiet, but they became involved in an argument and the police were called. The investigation revealed the brother had warrants for his arrest. Once officers arrived, he was detained and arrested for the warrants.

Theft From a Vehicle / Fraud
December 13 at 8:59 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut called police to report his wallet was stolen from his vehicle. His credit cards were used at several business locations. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 13 at 11:58 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Sombrero called to report his vehicle had been broken into while it was parked in the driveway. A window was smashed on the vehicle and a canvas tool bag containing tools was taken from inside. Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary
December 13 at 1:29 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a resident in the 200 block of Melrose stating his neighbor’s home had just been burglarized. Four male suspects in a white Kia arrived and went around to the back yard. The suspects were wearing masks or hoods and they left carrying bags of belongings out to the waiting vehicle. The witness did not call police right away as he was on a conference call. The home owner responded to the location. Entry into the home was gained through a window in the back yard. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting / Parole Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 13 at 4:15 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a subject was being detained for shoplifting. Officers arrived and discovered the subject also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from parole. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
December 14 at 2:12 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of W. Chestnut. The victim parked his vehicle the day before and when he returned the following day, his vehicle was gone. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 14 at 2:41 p.m., an injury traffic collision occurred in the 400 block of W. Foothill. A motorist was parked in a stall with the driver's door open. She was standing next to the door when another motorist attempted to park next to her and struck the driver's door mirror. This caused the door to swing back and hit the other driver on the head. She sustained a minor laceration. Monrovia paramedics arrived on scene and treated her for her injuries. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 5:24 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte when he was notified of a stolen vehicle traveling ahead of him. Officers located the vehicle as it was entering the 210 Freeway at Myrtle, heading west. A traffic stop was initiated and the vehicle exited at Santa Anita and yielded. One female suspect was taken into custody. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 15 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

LASD Bomb Squad Response
December 15 at 10:21 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of N. Magnolia was gardening when she came upon a grenade in her backyard. She picked up the grenade, placed it into a cement pot and called the Monrovia Police Department. Officers had the residents evacuate the home. LASD Bomb Squad was notified and responded to the location. The grenade was found to be inert and was removed. No other evacuations were needed.

Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
December 15 at 2:01 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report two male subjects had concealed jeans on their person and exited the store without any attempts to pay for the merchandise. They were detained by loss prevention. Officers arrived and learned that one of the subjects had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 15 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Palm when he saw a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
December 16 at 7:53 a.m., a caller reported their vehicle was stolen while it was parked in the area of Fifth and Duarte. An officer responded and completed a report. Shortly after the report was completed, Arcadia Police Department located the vehicle and the occupants were arrested.

Suspicious Person / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 12:34 p.m., security for a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a suspicious male subject in their parking lot who they recognized as stealing merchandise from one of their stores in another city. As officers responded, the suspect fled in a vehicle without taking any merchandise. Officers stopped the suspect and a computer check revealed he had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. His identity was provided to the neighboring police agency for their theft investigation.

Suspicious Person / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 1:09 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious female loitering in the south alley in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located the subject. A computer check revealed she had two warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
December 18, at 1:38 p.m., an elderly female resident who lives in the 300 block of W. Palm received a telephone call from a male suspect who said he had her daughter in jail with a bail for a large sum of money. He told her if she wanted her daughter out, she would have to pay the cash bail. The victim went to her bank and withdrew the requested amount. The suspect met her at her house and she gave him the cash. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 18 at 3:33 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Foothill and Fifth. Officers responded and found both drivers had minor visible injuries and paramedics responded. Both subjects were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

New Year's Eve in Monrovia

Coming up after Christmas:

Noon Year's Eve family event Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Library Park. For details call Community Center at 245-8246.

New Year's Eve on Myrtle Avenue, from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Child care at Monrovia Community Center (Residents $25, non-residents $50).

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Home and Business Decorating Winners

Here are the winners of this year's home (and business) decorating contest. See map full size here: https://is.gd/64jjz2

2019 Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners
  • Best Still Display Award - 214 South Alta Vista
  • Best Outdoor Display - 333 Norumbega Drive
  • Most Effective Use of Lighting Award - 380 Norumbega Drive
  • Best Neighborhood Effort Award - Valmont Drive and Valmont Place
  • Santa’s Workshop Award - 436 North Primrose Avenue
  • Holiday Spirit Award - 2400 & 2500 Block of Rochelle Avenue
  • Children’s Choice Award - 309 North Madison Avenue
  • Judges Award - 300 Block of North Alta Vista Avenue

2019 Old Town Merchant Window Decorating Contest Winners
  • Best Holiday Display – Paint N Play
  • Most Spectacular – Monrovia Floral
  • Judge’s Award – Monrovia Chamber of Commerce
  • Honorable Mention - St. Clair Bridal
  • Honorable Mention – Sugarland
- Brad Haugaard

Chase: A Real Cool Dog! No Drama

Two-year-old Chase is a real cool guy! He’s happiest when he’s around people, and his smile is cute as a button. He’s gone on a number of Foster Field Trips with our volunteers, and has been a calm and well-behaved boy on all of them. Whether he’s relaxing with you at home while you work, or going in the car with you to local pet stores and dog-friendly restaurants, Chase will fit in with every aspect of your life!

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