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Memorial Fund Created for Monrovia Student Who Died

A GoFundMe memorial fund for Mya Victor, the Monrovia student who died tragically December 6 at just 16 years old, has been set up to cover a memorial service and cremation expenses of $10,000. At this writing $7,821 has been contributed. https://is.gd/ZxWBTN

Update: Now, more than $11,500 has been contributed.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School District Webinar on 'Hybrid Model of Learning'

The Monrovia School District will hold two informational webinars on "Developing a Hybrid Model of Learning" on December 10, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., to share information and thoughts gathered through ThoughtExchanges from parents, students and staff on the Districts plan to develop a hybrid learning model.

To join either of the webinars mentioned above, please register by clicking on the links below:

10 a.m. https://is.gd/SUVOJQ

6 p.m. https://is.gd/oLvhaA

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Police Arrest Suspect in Sunday Shooting

On Sunday, November 29, at 1:29 a.m. Monrovia Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting with a victim down in the 400 block of E, Maple Ave. Based on statements and evidence obtained at the scene by responding officers, Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau immediately began working leads in an attempt to identify and locate the suspect. 

On the evening of Tuesday, December 8, Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau personnel, with assistance from the L.A. IMPACT regional task force, located the suspect in the city of La Puente. The suspect was arrested without incident on a charge of attanpted murder and is currently being held in custody at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail. 

While an arrest has been made this incident is still considered to be under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau Commander at (626) 256-8041. For general inquiries please contact the Watch Commander at (626) 256-8000.

Source: Monrovia Police press release 

- Brad Haugaard 

Bob - Handsome Kitty With a Big Personality


Two-year-old Bob is active, energetic, and loves attention! This handsome kitty would do best in a home with an experienced cat person who is not only savvy with cat body language, but can also give Bob all the mental stimulation (like puzzle feeders and lots of playtime) he needs to be happy. Bob is an enthusiastic guy who purrs when he’s touched and eagerly accepts treats. He has such a big personality!

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Superintendent Reports Death of High School Student

Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian reports that ...

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that one of our high school students tragically passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020. This will be a painful time for the student’s family, friends, and classmates. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

We will offer grief counseling for students and staff starting Monday, December 7, 2020, and continuing as long as needed. Members of our crisis response team, including counselors, school psychologists, and D’veal Family & Youth Services therapists are available.

To make an appointment for individual counseling, please contact your school administrator or counselor by email or phone. Our school counselors can make appointments to provide counseling services while following pandemic guidelines for social distancing.

The family has requested that information about the cause of death not be shared at this time. We are aware there have been rumors that this was a death by suicide. Since the subject of suicide has been raised, we would like to remind you that suicide is a complex act with many causes.

I am including our district link to mental health services. Our resources include links to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, as well as other mental health resources for your child or family. I’ve also attached a document on how to discuss suicide with your child.

We also will host a webinar on suicide awareness and prevention with D’veal Family & Youth Services at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. This webinar will identify risk factors and warning signs of suicide. See ParentSquare communication for the Zoom webinar.

D’veal Family & Youth Services also holds office hours from 5:30 to 6 p.m. every weekday.


- Brad Haugaard

Covid Makes Monrovia Suspend Most Parking Enforcement; Possible Power Outage in Northwest Monrovia

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

~ That because the LA County Department of Public Health says Intensive Care Unit capacity has fallen below 15 percent, "effective immediately, the City will suspend parking enforcement activities except for illegal parking considered a hazard or danger to the public such as blocking a fire hydrant, parking in a red zone, or parking in a designated ADA stall. Please continue to be mindful of your street sweeping and trash pick-up schedules, as those services will continue."

~ SoCal Edison (SCE) may shut off power in part of Monrovia because of Santa Ana winds predicted through tomorrow evening, which may constitute a fire danger. The area that MAY be affected is roughly north of Foothill from the Arcadia border east to Mayflower.

- Brad Haugaard

Two Shooting Incidents Saturday Night in Monrovia

Monrovia Police Deparment Detectives are conducting an attempted murder investigation following a shooting on Saturday; Decenber 5, at approximately 9:47 p.m.

Officers responded to the 300 block of W. Duarte regarding a "shots heard" call in the area. Moments later, another "shots heard" call was received tor the 400 block of W. Huntington.  Two male adults sustained gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  Evidence of the shooting was recovered at the scene.  The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

No additional information is available for release at this time due to this being an active investigation, 

Anyone with information is urged to call the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 256-8041.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Wind Monday Evening to Noon Tuesday

The National Weather Service is predicting Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph in the San Gabriel Valley from 6 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday. "Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects." https://is.gd/fLoN24

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Historical Society Unveils 83 Videos on Monrovia History

What's the origin of Monrovia's street names? Really? There was a Banana Avenue?

The Monrovia Historical Society has unveiled a set of 83 videos on Monrovia history featuring Monrovia Historical Society President - and City Historian - Steve Baker.


During this months-long project Historical Society Vice President Sandy Burud interviewed Baker - a fifth generation Monrovian with a gift for storytelling - about the great bank robbery of 1908, a murder, an explosion, the fire that destroyed our grand old hotel, early architecture, churches, schools, movie theaters, film studios, and dozens more topics.

A selection of videos is on the Monrovia Historical Society web page (monroviahistoricalsociety.org/monrovia-stories), but many more are on its YouTube Channel, here: . Or, just search YouTube for "Monrovia Historical Society."

The Monrovia Historical Society's goal is to “preserve and share Monrovia’s historical legacy” through the George H. Anderson House at 215 E Lime and the Legacy Project (monroviahistoricalsociety.org/legacy-project), an online collection of 6,000 historic photos and papers.

Old Market Grill Building Being Renovated

 The former Monrovia Market and Market Grill building on Shamrock at Colorodo has been gutted. Gem City Images has a good picture. Click through: https://is.gd/ZiURxu

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 99 More, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 12/02/2020. Changes since 11/25/2020.

City of Monrovia: 1170 cases (up 99), 41 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 108 cases (up 11), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch from JB Burgers


Lunch from JB Burgers, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the pastrami sandwich for $7.95. Really good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder; Grandson Lights Bushes on Fire; Five Vehicles Stolen, Bicycles Too; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 25 – December 2. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 323 service events, resulting in 45 investigations. 

Vehicle Burglary
November 25 at 7:08 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Walnut called to report her vehicle had been broken into sometime during the early morning hours. She walked out to her vehicle at approximately 6:30 a.m. and saw the front passenger window to her vehicle was shattered. She checked the interior of the vehicle and noticed some personal belongings were missing. Investigation continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 25 at 9:15 a.m., a passerby called police to report a traffic collision that occurred near the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. An officer arrived and spoke with both drivers. No one was injured and they requested an exchange of information. The officer assisted the drivers with the exchange. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 1:47 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Foothill called to report an individual was sleeping on his property without his permission. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who showed obvious signs of intoxication. It was determined that the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft
November 25 at 3:35 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called police to report two male subjects entered the establishment, grabbed a display rack of watches, and fled on foot. Officers searched the area, but did not locate the suspects. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 27 at 7:05 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of E. Lemon walked outside her home and discovered her vehicle was gone. Someone took it without permission sometime during the night. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 27 at 10:53 a.m., a driver reported she was involved in a minor collision in the private parking lot on the corner of Magnolia and Huntington. The other driver fled the area after the collision. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Criminal Threats / Arson – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 12:16 p.m., residents in the 500 block of E. Greystone reported their son/grandson was at the home kicking at the front door and demanding to be let in the house. The suspect had an active court order restraining him from going near the home. Officers responded, but the suspect was gone and could not be located. At 3:35 p.m., the residents called to report the suspect had returned and had lit one of their bushes on fire. He then yelled at them that he was going to return to kill everyone in the house. The residents ran outside and put the fire out with the garden hose, and then called the police. Officers responded and located the suspect nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 27 at 1:39 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Parker walked outside her home and discovered someone had stolen her 2005, white, Chevrolet truck sometime after 8:00 p.m. the previous night. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 2:33 p.m., the management of a grocery store in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject was inside their store yelling profanities at customers as he rode around on one of their electric shopping carts designed for disabled persons. Security for the store stopped the subject and detained him until officers arrived. Officers found the subject was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. The store signed a no-trespass authorization against the subject as well. 

Shoplifting
November 27 at 9:01 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a shoplifting had just occurred. A male adult entered the store, selected merchandise, and left without paying. The subject had left prior to police being notified. Investigation continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 12:13 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Duarte and Mayflower when he saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of the lane, blocking westbound traffic. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed and it was determined the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for and a sobering period. 

Grand Theft of Bicycles
November 28 at 7:45 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut walked outside his home and discovered someone had taken several bicycles during the night that he had locked to the open bed of his truck. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 12:51 p.m., a caller reported seeing a motorist stopped in the middle of the street at Huntington and Magnolia, passed out at the wheel. Officers and paramedics responded and found the driver was heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 10:02 p.m., officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm activation at a business in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia. They arrived on scene and saw two subjects leaving the area. The subjects were contacted and questioned. Two additional officers checked the business and found no signs of a crime. During the interaction with the two subjects, one of them admitted to having drug paraphernalia in his possession. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Attempt Murder
November 29 at 1:29 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Maple called police to report shots heard in the area. Officers responded and located a victim, who sustained two gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Evidence of the shooting was recovered at the scene. Monrovia Police Department detectives arrived on scene and took over the investigation, which is ongoing. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 11:07 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Duarte walked outside his home and discovered someone took his grey, 2000, Jeep Grand Cherokee. Officers searched for the vehicle, but could not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 29 at 12:39 p.m., a motorist reported he just collided with another motorist at the intersection of Duarte and Tenth. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. Both drivers exchanged information. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 12:54 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Canyon discovered his 2002 GMC truck had been stolen sometime over the last two days from where it was parked on the street. Officers searched for the truck, but could not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 2:15 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Walnut walked outside his home and discovered someone had attempted to steal his 2002, Chevrolet truck by punching the ignition. The suspect was not successful in taking the vehicle, and had fled the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 2:23 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Maple reported her boyfriend's vehicle had been stolen sometime earlier in the day. She advised that her boyfriend was in the hospital and they did not give anyone permission to take their car, a 2011, white, two-door Lexus. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft
November 29 at 8:57 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim was shopping at a store and had set her fanny pack, which contained her wallet, down inside the women's restroom and walked out without it. She was in the checkout line when she realized she had left her pack behind. She went back to the restroom, but her fanny pack and wallet were gone. Investigation continuing. 

Petty Theft
November 30 at 9:26 p.m., employees of a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road reported that three male subjects in their 20's went inside and stole merchandise. The same subjects had stolen merchandise the previous night. Officers arrived and observed subjects matching the description. When the subjects saw the officers, they all took off running. The suspects could not be located. Investigation continuing. 

Duarte Mayor Donates Masks, Sanitizer to Monrovia Schools


The Monrovia School District tweeted:

"City of Duarte Mayor Samuel Kang donated N95 masks, hand sanitizer, and student health packs to MUSD! Board President Rob Hammond and Board Clerk Maritza Travanti were on hand to receive the donation. Also present was Monrovia Council Member Larry Spicer. Thank you, Mayor Kang!"

- Brad Haugaard

First Presbyterian Collecting Food to Give for Christmas

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia (Myrtle and Foothill) is collecting donations of food and other items for Christmas. Donations can be brought to the Sunday "Prayer on the Pavement" service or to the church office, which will be open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggested donations, but any non perishable items or monetary gifts are welcome:  Stuffing, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jam/jelly, cereal, canned soup and stews, applesauce, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, boxed mashed potatoes, canned yams,  marshmallows, boxed Jell-o, baking mixes (Bisquick, cakes, cookies, brownies), grocery store gift cards, retail store cards.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council Annoyed With County Health Department, But Will Stick With It

Monrovia is not going to create its own health department; it's sticking with the County Health Department, which is not to say it is happy with the County Health Department, or more particularly with its decision to ban outdoor dining at restaurants.

At the Tuesday City Council meeting Mayor Tom said it seems the County Health Department is making decisions based not on science but “on a whim.” He said it is as if the Highway Patrol said there were too many accidents so they were shutting down all the freeways. Nevertheless, he said, the city has no intention of going it alone.

Anders Corey, a representative of Supervisor Kathryn Barger - said he believes County Health based its no-outdoor-dining decision on a “hunch.”

City Attorney Craig Steele said that even if the city wanted to create its own health department, it couldn't go into effect before July 1 of 2021 at the earliest. Steele suggested the best way forward would simply be political pressure. 

- Brad Haugaard

K-Rail Coming to North Monrovia Below Burn Areas

Monrovia is planning to put concrete K-rail barriers along Ridgeside, Oakglade, and in Canyon Park in north Monrovia to prevent damage from possible flooding following the Bobcat Fire. The barriers would likely remain in place for five years.  The exact location for rail placement has not been decided. 

- Brad Haugaard 

County Grants Available to Small Restaurants - Brief Window to Apply

The Los Angeles County Development Authority is offering grants to restaurants to help them stay in business during the shutdown. However, there is just a three-day window to apply. Application period opens Thursday, Dec. 3, at 12:00 a.m. and is available through Sunday, Dec. 6, at 11:59 p.m. OR until 2,500 applications are submitted. Details: https://keeplacountydining.lacda.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Retiring Monrovia School Board Member Ed Gililland Reflects on His Years on Board

By Ed Gililland

As I retire from the Monrovia Unified School District I look back on 15 years of service to this great community, our educators, and our students. There are many great memories, a lot of good memories, and a few memories that were not so good. 

Great memories include working with some excellent, dedicated, and hard working School Board members and educators. Even though the Board is elected via the political process there was very little political influence in our work or decisions. We all wanted what's best for the students. The greatest memories though are of graduation ceremonies and shaking hands with the students who were ready to go out into the world with the skills and knowledge they would need to succeed. Particularly great were those evenings I was able to shake hands with graduates that had been in kindergarten and first grade classes I visited early in my School Board days. 

Really good memories include the establishment of dual immersion language programs, math & science academy at MHS, arts programs, music programs, coding programs, and specialties at each elementary. We were also able to save and improve our Adult School while other Districts lost theirs.  So many other great programs have been established and we have seen tremendous growth in academic rigor and success. 

Really tough days include the ridiculously tough budget cuts and accompanying staff and program cuts. Also tough were staff and student disciplinary actions. 

The only regret I have is that just as we were seeing the opening of a path to academic excellence and closing the achievement gap, we had to close the schools and completely retool our delivery to distance learning. 

I thank the wonderful people of Monrovia for the opportunity to serve all these years and the for the great cooperation and sense of community that you create here in this beautiful place we live.

Sweet and Gentle Bear Looking for a Home

Bear is such a joy! This ten-year-old sweetie is gentle and easy to please, with great manners. She’s a mellow dog, but gets excited about going for walks and the prospect of getting treats. A typical day for Bear includes following her favorite person around the house or napping nearby, interspersed with bursts of wiggly playtime – she’s so well-rounded! She’ll even hop up on the bed for cuddles if that’s what you like, but will stay on the floor if you prefer your bed to be dog-free (but honestly, how can you resist morning snuggles from such a cutie?). Bear is looking for a relaxed adult household without other pets so she can be your one-and-only favorite friend.

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard