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DC Comics Trivia at Copper Still Grill

Hosted by the Monrovia Public Library.

- Brad Haugaard

Blood Drive Thursday at Police Department

American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Monrovia Police Department (119 W. Palm) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 16, this Thursday. You can schedule a time here: https://is.gd/E0FcY3

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Church Turns Eight Years Old

Fellowship Church, the large congregation that meets at the Monrovia High School auditorium, will celebrate its eighth anniversary Sunday night, Jan. 26, from 6-8 p.m. in the auditorium with music and special guests. https://is.gd/dMfveS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Has New Promotional Video



Monrovia Schools has a professional new promotional video narrated by Director of Performing Arts, Patrick Garcia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Whose Ancestors Sailed on the Mayflower

At the Hastings Branch Library in Pasadena recently, descendants of the Pilgrim colonists who sailed to America on the Mayflower (including Carole Curran and Erica Hahn of Monrovia) describe the ship's voyage and the life of the early colonists on this, the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage. https://is.gd/NFMkBn

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Troy Donut and Burger

Lunch at Troy Donut and Burger, on the west side of Myrtle a block south of Duarte Road. Got the Pastrami Sandwich Combo with an iced tea for $8.49. Tasted fine. 

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board and City Council to Discuss Vaping, Active Shooter Drill, and Monrovia Days

The Monrovia School Board and City Council will hold a joint session to discuss vaping, active shooter drill, and Monrovia Days 2020. The meeting will be held this Monday at 6 p.m. in the school district board room, 325 Huntington Drive.

- Brad Haugaard

Endorsement in City Election Reported as Incorrect

Monrovian Gayle Montgomery reports that she was incorrectly cited as having endorsed Donna Baker in her run for City Council. She said a notice saying she (Montgomery) had endorsed Baker appeared on Baker's Facebook page. Montgomery said she received a thank-you letter from Baker. But this is incorrect, she said. She has not endorsed Baker.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Brakes Fail, Causing Injury Accident; Girlfriend Whacks Boyfriend with Dinner Plate; Plus Drugs, Alcohol, and Whatnot

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 2-8. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 347 service events, resulting in 54 investigations.

Attempt Commercial Burglary
January 2 at 11:10 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Duarte called police to report one of the windows to the business had been broken and a door was damaged. Video surveillance showed a suspect attempting to make entry into the business at 3:53 a.m., but the suspect was unsuccessful. Investigation continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 2 at 10:01 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Duarte and Myrtle when he saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the bicyclist and spoke with him. A consent to search was given and the officer located a small amount of illegal drugs and some drug paraphernalia on the subject’s person. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 3 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was on patrol near California and Lime when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer spoke with the driver. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 3 at 12:40 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision in the intersection of Ivy and Chestnut. A vehicle was traveling east on Chestnut, approaching Ivy, and another vehicle was traveling south on Ivy, approaching Chestnut. The vehicle traveling east entered the intersection without stopping at the stop sign and collided with the vehicle traveling south. The driver of the vehicle traveling east said he tried braking prior to the stop sign, but his brakes failed. An officer on scene checked and said there did appear to be something wrong with the brakes. One of the passengers complained of pain to their wrist and was treated at the scene.

Shoplifting
January 3 at 2:19 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject that selected a pair of shoes and exited the store without paying for them. He fled the area prior to the police being called. Video footage was obtained. Investigation continuing.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 7:42 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2000 block of Peck when he saw two subjects he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check of the subjects revealed they both had outstanding warrants for their arrest. The subjects were detained and arrested for the warrants.

Lost / Stolen License Plate
January 4 at 9:53 a.m., a victim called and reported a license plate was removed from his vehicle while it was parked in the 100 block of W. Colorado. Investigation continuing.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 2:56 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of E. Huntington when he saw a female who he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check on the subject revealed she had outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was detained and arrested for the warrants.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 6:47 p.m., a male adult subject was reported staggering in front of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and checked on the subject’s welfare. It was determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Fraud
January 6 at 8:18 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Madeline reported someone had opened bank accounts using his name without his permission. He received notices from these banks, but did not know who opened them. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 6 at 3:03 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Hillcrest arrived home and found her house had been burglarized. One of the back windows was shattered and several items were taken. She had only been gone for a couple hours. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 4:36 p.m., security for a clothing store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject left the store with merchandise without paying. She was stopped outside the store and found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used for smoking methamphetamine. She was found to be on probation for shoplifting and had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Parole Violation / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Wanted Person
January 7 at 7:19 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of Montana when he saw a vehicle belonging to a subject he knew was on parole and was wanted for domestic violence. The vehicle was parked in the garage of a home. He obtained consent to search the home and located the suspect hiding in the home. The suspect was in possession of heroin and a used syringe. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
January 7 at 4:19 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle. As officers were responding, one of the drivers fled the area and could not be located. No one was injured. This investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
January 7 at 5:30 p.m., a caller reported someone had entered his vehicle and stole property from inside. The vehicle was parked in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The owner was adamant he locked his vehicle, but there were no signs of forced entry. A small amount of change and a pair of sunglasses were taken. Investigation continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
January 7 at 11:55 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Cherry when he observed two subjects riding bicycles without proper lighting requirements. The subjects were stopped for the equipment violations and it was discovered both are on probation. The subjects were found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested, issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft From a Vehicle
January 8 at 11:52 a.m., a resident walked outside his home in the 400 block of N. Ivy and discovered his pickup truck had been ransacked and several items were taken. The resident had a Ring device at his home which captured the theft occurring. This investigation is continuing.

Graffiti Vandalism
January 8 at 1:30 p.m., a caller reported fresh graffiti written with green paint in the bathroom at Station Square Park in the 1600 of S. Myrtle. Officers responded but could not identify what the graffiti said. Graffiti removal was called and extra patrol requested.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
January 8 at 2:22 p.m., employees of a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject inside the restaurant who was yelling and refusing to leave. Employees of the restaurant had previously told her not to return and had a no trespass authorization signed. Officers arrived and the subject still refused to leave. She was arrested and taken into custody for trespassing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 8 at 10:27 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a male subject who stated he had been hit over the head with a large ceramic plate by his girlfriend, causing injury. Officers arrived at the residence in the 400 block of W. Lime and found the male victim in his front yard bleeding from his head. The female was detained and Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene. The investigation revealed the couple lives together and was involved in an argument over their relationship. The male subject began yelling at the female and, during the argument, the female struck him over the head with a large ceramic dinner plate, causing a laceration to his head. The male subject was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and the female was arrested for domestic violence.

First Evensong of the Year at St Luke's

The choir of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia will present the first Evensong of the new year on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. at the church, 122 South California Ave., at Foothill Boulevard. 

The choir, with guest singers, will perform music for Evensong in Epiphany led by Director of Music Kent B. Jones. The program will include music by Arthur Sullivan, John Ireland, and three selections from Mendelssohn’s Christus. The Rev. Neil Tadken will be officiant and cantor.  An offering will be taken, and a wine and cheese reception will follow in Guild Hall.

- Brad Haugaard

Alhambra's Super Quarterback Coming to Monrovia High

Monrovia High is getting Alhambra's super sophomore quarterback, Noah Rodriguez, who is transferring to Monrovia. Rodriguez tweeted that he's happy to be coming home. (Apparently he grew up in Monrovia.) In the 2019 season he threw for 2,679 yards and 34 touchdowns. https://is.gd/kyuMIz

- Brad Haugaard

Why We Have a Water District


Some interesting historical images from 1959 about the founding of the Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District, from which Monrovia gets its water, here: https://is.gd/iMAhQF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Open House Jan. 15


- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers Needed for Homeless Count; Five More Big Belly Trash Cans Coming

Big Belly trash cans.

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

~ If you are interested in participating in this year's Homeless Count, show up at the Monrovia Community Center (119  W. Palm Ave.) on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. for training. The count is expected to begin at 9 p.m.

~  Five more Big Belly solar powered trash compactor units will be installed by the end of January. The units hold about five times as much as the typical trash can and alert city workers when they need to be emptied.

- Brad Haugaard

Fishing for the Friendliest Cat? Here He Is, Mr. Fish

Do you like great restaurants that no one else has heard of? Or bands that haven't made it big yet? Well, we have a hot tip for you about the greatest undiscovered gem in Pasadena: Mr. Fish. Mr. Fish is the sweetest, friendliest boy, and you can be the one to adopt him before everyone else discovers how he is. This five-year-old ginger boy absolutely loves being petted and having his head and cheeks scratched. He's so affectionate, he'll head butt you for more pets. Once word gets out about how great Mr. Fish is, there's bound to be a line of people waiting to meet him, so don't delay.

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

Monrovia Schools and Citrus College Share Golden Bell Award

Monrovia Unified's Early College Program (ECP), a dual-enrollment partnership with Citrus College that allows students to graduate from high school with up to two years of college coursework, has been recognized with a Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian and Director of Counseling, College and Careers Dr. Catherine Real accepted the award on behalf of the District during the CSBA annual conference, held in San Diego on Dec. 5.

"Monrovia Unified's Early College Program is allowing first-generation students to receive a head start on their college education and create a culture of high expectations throughout the District," Thorossian said. "Thank you to the CSBA for recognizing the hard work of our ECP team and the innovative vision of our Board of Education."

The four-year program is designed to ease the financial burden of higher education and increase the number of underserved students who enroll in colleges and universities. The ECP is offered at no cost, with courses taught by college instructors and Monrovia High School teachers at Monrovia High.

Monrovia Unified students can earn up to 54 units of transferable credits - about two years of college - providing a savings of as much as $70,000 for tuition, books, housing and other costs for attending the University of California. Since the program's inception in 2017, more than 150 students have earned nearly 1,400 college credits.

Of the students in Monrovia Unified's Early College Program, 41% qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, 35% are first-generation college candidates and more than 50% are Latino or African-American. The program's passing rate is 95%, surpassing Citrus College's rate by 25%.

"African American, Latino, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students are underrepresented in higher education," Real said. "We want to build upon our district culture of equity and access for every student, increase student engagement, and provide relief for our families as they face the task of financing the ever-increasing cost of a college education."

Students are recruited during their final year at middle school, with many starting the ECP the summer before freshman year with a Strategies for College Success course taught by a Monrovia Unified counselor. Other ECP courses include Basic Photography, History of Rock and Roll, Physical Oceanography, Art History and Public Address.

In 2016, the California State Legislature passed AB 288, which facilitated the establishment of College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) to expand dual-enrollment opportunities for underserved students.

The Golden Bell Award is one of California's leading educational honors, presented by the CSBA to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices.

"The Early College Program provides an array of opportunities for our college-bound students to experience the rigors of college classes and reduce the cost of a college education," Board President Rob Hammond said. "Monrovia Unified is committed to providing our community the support and resources required to ensure world-class education to world-class students."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Service for Byron Greer Jan. 25

School Board Member Rob Hammond writes: “We are celebrating the life of Byron Greer on Saturday, January 25 at 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church on Foothill and Myrtle.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Myrtle Closed Next Week Between Walnut and Chestnut

Next week (Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 10), Myrtle Avenue, between Walnut and Chestnut, will be closed to motorists to replace roadway that was damaged and removed as a part of an underground utility project. Businesses on that block will remain open. https://is.gd/nNKxhl

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rudy’s Mexican Food

Dinner at Rudy’s Mexican Food, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got a small Albondigas (meat ball) soup for $7.95 and an iced tea for $3.95. Very good and very pleasant service. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Science Experiment Goes Wrong - House Burns; Thefts from Cars; Lots of People With Arrest Warrants - 10 Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 26 – January 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 365 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 8:58 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Colorado and Ivy when he saw a subject he recognized from past encounters. An investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was contacted and arrested per the authority of the warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
December 26, at 2:21 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of W. Chestnut when he saw two subjects he recognized from past encounters walking in the area. An investigation revealed both subjects had warrants for their arrest and one suspect has an active restraining order against the other. Both subjects were contacted and arrested per the authority of the warrants. They were taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Residential Burglary
December 26, at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 400 block of Highland. An investigation revealed the residents went out of town in September and did not return until several days ago. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 3:18 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Foothill when he noticed a subject carrying an open container of alcohol. The subject was contacted and an investigation revealed he had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 4:35 p.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Lemon reported there was a male subject refusing to leave the restroom. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 8:16 p.m., a caller reported seeing two subjects inside the fenced area of his business located in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and found two subjects matching the given description. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was in possession of a weapon.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 9:06 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Ivy and Huntington. The driver had a difficult time putting the vehicle in park and was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation was conducted and the driver was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 26, at 11:40 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Genoa and Magnolia when he saw a subject he recognized from previous encounters. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant. He was issued a citation in the field with a new court date.

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
December 27, at 12:36 a.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Kruse and Myrtle when he noticed a parked vehicle occupied by one subject. The subject consented to a search of his vehicle and the officer located a weapon. The subject was arrested.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 27, at 3:25 a.m., a caller reported seeing a vehicle on the curb near the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington. Officers arrived and spoke with the male subject near the vehicle. He said there was a female driver who had crashed the vehicle before running away on foot. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 27, at 8:17 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Myrtle and Brisbane saw a subject walking in the area. The officer made contact with the subject and 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 Police Department for booking.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 27, at 9:07 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he saw a subject loitering outside a closed business. The subject was contacted and an investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was also found to have drug paraphernalia on his person. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Suspect Arrested
December 28, at 12:30 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Primrose and Brisbane. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation revealed the driver had been driving while under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 28, at 2:46 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the 400 block of Linwood. An investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 28, at 8:02 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. An investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.

Shoplifting
December 28, at 7:52 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a report of shoplifting. An unknown male subject had stolen merchandise from the business. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 29, at 3:22 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Violet and Lime contacted two subjects in a parked vehicle. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was on probation and had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Vehicle Burglary
December 29, at 7:39 a.m., a caller reported seeing a van parked in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle with its windows shattered and glass on the street. Officers responded and did not locate anyone in or around the vehicle. The registered owner was contacted and it was confirmed the van had been burglarized sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 29, at 8:43 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Holly walked outside her home and discovered someone had ransacked the inside of her vehicle sometime during the night. Officers responded and discovered the owner of the vehicle had left her car doors unlocked. The officer found two other vehicles parked next to the first one had also been ransacked and the doors left unlocked. Miscellaneous items were stolen from inside the cars. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public
December 30, at 12:26 a.m., an officer responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 1600 block of Venice. A female subject was contacted and an investigation revealed she was intoxicated and unable to care for herself. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for a sobering period.

Theft
December 30, at 8:19 a.m., a caller reported his wallet was stolen from his unlocked vehicle in the 500 block of Hacienda. Officers responded and an investigation revealed the victim’s credit card was used at a local gas station. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 30, at 10:10 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Parkrose regarding a fraud. The resident reported that a utility account had been opened out of state using his information. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 30, at 2:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Monterey regarding a traffic collision. A vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and collided into another vehicle. One party complained of pain and was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft from Unlocked Vehicle
December 31, at 12:37 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Hillcrest walked outside his home and discovered the inside of his unlocked vehicle had been ransacked. His cellphone and jacket were missing from inside the car. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
December 31, at 1:07 p.m., a customer of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain left his wallet in his shopping cart then left the store. An employee found the wallet and placed it in their lost and found, $700 cash from inside the wallet was missing. This investigation is continuing.

House Fire
December 31, at 1:55 p.m., residents in the 200 block of E. Pomona reported a house on their street was on fire. Officers and the Monrovia Fire Department responded. Officers made sure the house on fire and surrounding homes were evacuated, while the Fire Dept. extinguished the flames. The fire was caused by one of the resident's children doing a science experiment which sparked flames at him and the curtains in his bedroom. The child's eyebrows were singed, but the family refused medical care.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 31, at 2:14 p.m., callers reported two motorists collided into one another in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. Officers responded and found no one was injured. The driver who was found to have caused the collision was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
December 31, at 3:57 p.m., a motorist reported he just collided into another motorist in the intersection of Greystone and May. Officers responded and found no one was injured. Both parties did not desire a police report, but only exchanged information.

Shoplifting
December 31, at 5:11 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject had stolen tools then fled in a vehicle. Officers responded to the area but could not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.