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Monrovia Police: Cops Spot Car Driving on Flat Tires, Intoxicated Driver Arrested; Vehicle Hits Gas Line - Residents Evacuated; Graffiti Artist Apprehended; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 4 – 10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 352 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:01 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Duarte regarding a subject writing graffiti on the wall to a business. Officers responded and detained the subject. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:36 p.m., a passerby in the 400 block of Monrovista requested a wellness check on a subject who appeared to be sleeping in a vehicle. Officers checked on the subject, and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 1:45 a.m., a solo traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Duarte. Officers arrived and conducted a DUI investigation. The DUI investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 1:17 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle traveling on Mountain. Officers searched the area and located the vehicle, parked and unoccupied. The officers made contact with two individuals nearby and one of the individuals matched the description of the suspect. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
May 5 at 3:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Heather Heights regarding a juvenile hitting mom. Officers arrived and they were separated. The mother had visible signs of injury and the daughter was taken found to be a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 5 at 3:15 p.m., a grand theft auto was reported in the 1100 block of E. Huntington regarding a rented vehicle that was never returned. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Theft / Weapons – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 6:40 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Duarte regarding a report of an attempted theft from the cash register. Officers responded and were able to locate the suspect some time later. The suspect was found to be in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested, issued a citation and released at the scene. 

Missing Person
May 5 at 9:01 p.m., a care giver in the area of Myrtle and Walnut reported an adult male subject with mental health issues became separated from the care giver. The adult male subject was later located on Duarte. 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 10: 26 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Live Oak and saw a vehicle driving on flat tires. The vehicle was stopped and it was discovered it had just been involved in an accident. The other involved party was contacted and had suffered minor injuries from the collision. The driver was determined to be intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 11:44 p.m., while on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Huntington, an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found to be driving under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 1:14 a.m., an officer in the area of Fifth and Huntington stopped a vehicle for vehicle code violations. The driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DUI. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 1:22 a.m., while on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Live Oak and officer stopped a vehicle for vehicle code violations. An investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
May 6 at 11:00 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 6 at 4:51 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Norumbega reported his neighbor’s trailer was stolen from the residence. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 7 at 1:18 a.m., numerous witnesses in the 400 block of E. Lemon reported a vehicle driving recklessly and crashing into parked vehicles. The vehicle was located inside private property and denied access by a gate guard. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 7 at 9:19 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Alta Vista reported their vehicle was stolen overnight. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 7 at 12:47 p.m., a caller from the 200 block of E. Maple reported that an unknown vehicle crashed into their parked vehicle and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Drunk in Public / Resisting an Officer
May 7 at 5:13 p.m., a passerby reported a male subject down in the area of Primrose and Walnut. The caller was not sure if the male subject was breathing or not. Officers responded for a welfare check and found the subject laying on the grass. The subject immediately became upset and showed signs of extreme intoxication. Once in handcuffs, he was transported to the hospital. 

Traffic Collision
May 7 at 10:04 p.m., a vehicle pulling a trailer collided into a main gas line in the 100 block of S. Encinitas. Officers arrived and began evacuations. Fire personnel managed to cap the gas line and the Gas Company responded for the repair. All residents were able to return to their homes. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 10:26 p.m., a caller reported a male subject in the 1100 block of E. Huntington who they believed vandalized a vehicle. Officers arrived and located the subject. No vandalism occurred. A computer check of the subject revealed he was a parolee at large and was arrested. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
May 8 at 7:36 a.m., a stolen catalytic converter was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 8 at 9:43 a.m., a caller from the 100 block of W. Chestnut reported his vehicle was stolen during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
May 8 at 12:42 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Anita reported a suspicious vehicle on the street. Officers arrived and discovered the vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 1:50 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the area of Myrtle and Brisbane. When contacted, the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 11:48 a.m., a caller from the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject stole items from their business. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. The subject was identified as the suspect. The suspect was arrested, cited, and released in the field. 

Embezzled Vehicle
May 9 at 10:15 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1100 block of E. Huntington reported a rental vehicle had been embezzled from their company. Officers arrived and attempted to contact the renter, but they refused to answer. The vehicle was listed as stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Peeking While Loitering
May 10 at 10:40 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Foothill reported that someone has been looking into their bedroom windows at night. The victim claims a male subject was first seen late Sunday night and again the night prior. The victim and her husband had video of the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 11:22 a.m., a caller from the 300 block of E. Lime reported seeing a couple fighting in the street. Officers arrived and detained a male and female adult subjects. It was determined the female was the aggressor who caused visible injuries on the male. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 10 at 4:26 p.m., a vehicle was traveling in the 100 block of W. Cherry and pulled in front of another vehicle, causing a collision. Both drivers complained of pain and were treated at the scene. 

Dinner at Pieology

Dinner at Pieology, on Huntington just east of Fifth. Got the Chicken Bacon Ranch on a cauliflower crust for $11.95 and a soda for $2.99. The cauliflower was an experiment I tried with trepidation, but it was all very good.

- Brad Haugaard 

Gus Is a People-Centric Dog


Gus is an active young dog who is eager to please. He is always up for a hike or a game of fetch, but his favorite thing is to just hang out with his people. He is friendly and affectionate with people and is clearly ready to have a BFF.
Because Gus is so clever and people-centric, the trainers at Pasadena Humane have been working on giving him activities that make him think and problem-solve. He loves it! 


Gus is also working hard on settling down on his bed. He gets to hang out while his people sit nearby and enjoy a tasty treat- the best things ever! Come meet this smart guy today!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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


Last Evensong of Season at St. Luke's Church

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia will present its last Choral Evensong in the 2022-23 season on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. Evensong is a reflective service combining Vespers and Compline. St. Luke's Choir, with guest singers, will perform Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis by Richard Ayleward, and Joys Seven by Stephen Cleobury. The church is at 122 S. California at Foothill. The Rev. Neil Tadken will be officiant and cantor, and Sean O’Neal - Director of Music and Organist at St. Cross Episcopal Church, Hermosa Beach - will be guest organist. A wine and cheese reception will follow the service.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A Mule Riding a Trolley

This mule-drawn trolley served Monrovians in the early days. It traversed Myrtle Avenue from the Santa Fe Depot to Lemon Avenue and thence east. The gradient of Myrtle was sufficient to allow the car to 'coast' on the southbound run, so the mule got a free ride downhill. L to R: J. S. Williamson, Sam Wilson, B.F. Crews. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Meeting on Pedestrian Safety, Street Light Outages, Traffic Sign Installation Guidelines


Monrovia Area Partnership community meeting this Saturday, May 13, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Community Center - Monroe Room. Topics: Pedestrian Safety Tips, Street Light Outages, Traffic Sign Installation Guidelines. Details and register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Applications Being Accepted for Sidewalk Poems


Applications are now being accepted for the city's "Footnotes" program, which features poems and interesting historical facts stamped into newly poured concrete throughout the community. The program aims to encourage walkability and celebrate the poetic talents of local residents.

Residents may submit small poems that fit the requirements for the program's annual contest. The poems must be original, family-friendly, and have a 250 total character limitation. The deadline for entries is June 29, and two poems can be submitted per person.

The Art in Public Places Committee will review and select the poems based on originality, creativity, and quality. Incomplete or late applications, and poems exceeding the character limit, will be disqualified.

For more information or to submit an application, contact Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5564.

- Brad Haugaard

Documentary About Ralph Walker Sunday at LOOK Theaters


There will be a KGEM documentary about Ralph Walker's 30-plus years of  volunteering as a Community Activist and Citizen Journalist this Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at LOOK Dine-In Cinema. Tickets are $10 here. To make a donation to The Ralph Walker Paid Internship, click here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Captain Robert Wilken Retiring

Monrovia Police Captain Robert Wilken is retiring after 30 years of law enforcement, according to City Manager Dylan Feik. Wilken began as a reserve police pfficer in 1993 and over 30 years held assignments such as motor officer, field training officer, detective,  sergeant, and lieutenant before becoming captain. He assisted the Special Enforcement Team, Community Activist Policing Bureau, Chaplain Program, and the Citizen Volunteer Program. He sought and administered state and federal grants awarded to the department over many years.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Girlfriend Attempts To Kill Boyfriend; Woman Convinces Man To Buy Cryptocurrency, Then Disappears With Money; Drunk Riding Mini-Motorcycle Leads Cops On Chase; Five Vehicles Stolen; and More...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 27 – May 3. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 360 service events, resulting in 74 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest
April 27 at 1:10 p.m., an officer recognized a female transient in the 900 block of South Alta Vista who he knew had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was stopped and detained. The issuing agency did not want to pick her up so she was issued a citation for the warrant in the field.

Fraud
April 27 at 2:39 p.m., a victim came in to the Monrovia Police Department lobby to report her debit card had been used at the post office in Monrovia and in Arcadia without her consent. This investigation is continuing.

Theft by False Pretense
April 27 at 4:19 p.m., a victim came into the lobby to report that he befriended a female subject on a social media platform. She convinced the victim to purchase a large amount of crypto currency. The victim is now unable to locate the account where the money was placed and the female subject. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
April 28 at 7:44 a.m., a witness in the area of Myrtle and Duarte reported a female subject on the roadway. Officers arrived and located the female subject on the roadway, swinging a full plastic bag at cars trying to go around her. Officers detained her and determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a mental health facility for a mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
April 28 at 9:14 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported two subjects sitting in a vehicle in a carport consuming alcohol and urinating in public. Officers located the subjects and determined both were too intoxicated to care for themselves. They were both arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrested – Suspects Arrested
April 28 at 10:44 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Arcadia Police Department to pick up a female subject being held for a Monrovia felony warrant. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
April 28 at 4:50 p.m., an employee at a business in the 200 block of Kruse reported that a company truck had been stolen. While officers were responding the employee found the vehicle parked. When officers arrived the vehicle was no longer occupied. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
April 28 at 7:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Heliotrope reported the catalytic converter from her vehicle had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Family Disturbance / Child Endangerment / Battery on Officer – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 7:55 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of California reported her daughter was intoxicated and yelling at everyone. The daughter got into her parked car with her infant children in the car, locked herself inside, and was threatening to drive away intoxicated. Officers arrived and prevented the suspect from driving. The suspect was heavily intoxicated, and while attempting to arrest her for being drunk in public, child endangerment and a battery warrant, she kicked an officer. At the jail, she was seen by paramedics and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital.

Graffiti
April 28 at 8:43 p.m., officers were extra patrolling the 100 block of W. Colorado when they came across several juveniles loitering. The juveniles scattered and ran from the building. Officers checked the upper level again and discovered someone had spray in the upper level stairwell. Officers continued searching the area for the suspects who had run from the scene, but did not locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 11:31 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Ivy and Cherry when he witnessed a male subject riding a homemade mini motorcycle, illegal for the road, with no plates. He attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the rider refused to stop and led the officer on a brief pursuit. The pursuit ended at California and Central. The driver was found to be intoxicated. A DUI investigation determined he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Graffiti
April 29 at 12:20 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Walnut reported seeing 5 to 6 male juveniles spray painting the side of a building on his street. Patrol officers arrived and found the fresh graffiti, but the juveniles were gone. They searched the area for the juveniles, but could not locate them. Additional graffiti was discovered in several other locations nearby, including all over a parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Impound Vehicle
April 29 at 6:31 a.m., the officer responded to the 700 block of Ocean View regarding a vehicle parked on the street with expired registration. A computer check of the vehicle revealed 7 unpaid parking citations and registration expired since 2020. The vehicle was impounded and the registered owner was notified.

Grand Theft Auto
April 29 at 8:55 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of Fano reported their vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 29 at 3:31 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of Fano to report his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 30 at 8:53 a.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Duarte called to report his vehicle was stolen overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Arson
April 30 at 11:01 a.m., a reporting party in the 1200 block of Encino reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke. Officers responded and located a pile of trash in front of a residence in the 800 block of Bonita was on fire. The explosion the reporting party heard was a spray can exploding. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 30 at 6:50 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Cherry reported their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 7:36 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Cherry reported her boyfriend and brother were in an argument and the police were needed. Officers arrived and discovered the brother had threatened the visiting boyfriend with death threats and walked into the kitchen to get a knife. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 9:33 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit driving violations. He attempted to stop the motorist, but she accelerated and led the officer on a short pursuit for a few blocks then finally stopped. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspects Arrested
May 1 at 1:59 a.m., while patrolling the 100 block of W. Lime and officer saw a motorcyclist riding the wrong way on a one way street. The officer conducted a traffic stop and an investigation revealed the motorcyclist was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. Traffic collision May 1 at 1:58 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Monterey and Huntington. A vehicle failed to stop and rear ended the vehicle in front. This investigation is continuing.

Strong Arm Robbery
May 1 at 3:44 p.m., a subject entered a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington and stole items. When employees tried to stop the suspect he used force against the employee and fled before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Murder / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspects Arrested
May 2 at 7:15 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Palm regarding a male and female couple arguing over pictures. The male threw the female to the ground and began to strangle the female subject. She punched him to release her and he walked away. She then followed him in her vehicle and got into another argument down the street. She then tried to run him over but he jumped out of the way, causing her to collide into another vehicle. The male then got onto the sidewalk against a block wall. The female then gassed her vehicle toward the male and tried to crush him into the wall. The male dove out of the way at the last second and she crashed through the wall and the incident was recorded by a bystander. While the female was detained, she became aggressive and punched an officer. The female admitted she was trying to run over her boyfriend. The female subject was arrested for attempt murder and battery on a police officer. He was arrested for domestic battery. They were both taken into custody.

Warrant / Drug Arrest – Suspects Arrested
May 3 at 8:10 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of W. Olive regarding a disturbing male subject. Officers arrived and contacted a male subject who showed signs of being under the influence of narcotics. The subject had a warrant for his arrest and was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
May 3 at 10:06 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle with expired registration in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. When the license plate was check a warrant was attached to the vehicle's registration. The officer pulled the vehicle over and contacted the driver. The officer immediately smelled alcohol on the breath of the driver. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported ot the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mental Evaluation
May 3 at 10:44 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Foothill and Shamrock when he saw a female adult walking in and out of traffic. The officer stopped and contacted the female who immediately became physically aggressive towards the officers. More units arrived and they were able to subdue the female. It was determined that she was a danger to herself and other. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Jewish Federation Hosting Town Hall With Israeli Consul General

Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will host a Town Hall Meeting with the Consul General of Israel, Dr. Hillel Newman. The event will cover topics related to Israel, ranging from the controversy regarding judicial reforms, the situation on the Temple Mount, to Iran, how Israeli innovations are impacting everyday life, worldwide issues, and more. There will also be a question and answer session. The event is open to the public but registration is required for security reasons. Register at jewishsgpv.org by May 8.

- Brad Haugaard

$75,000 Reward for Information on 2016 Killing of 4-Year-Old Monrovia Boy

LA County has raised the reward to $75,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot and killed 4-year-old Monrovia boy, Salvador Esparza in 2016 in Altadena. The reward was previously set at $50,000. If you have information, contact LA County Sheriff's Department at (323) 890-5500. More...

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at New Raising Cane’s


Dinner at the new Raising Cane’s, at Huntington and Fifth. You basically have your choice of chicken fingers or chicken fingers. I got chicken fingers, the 3 finger combo for $9.99 It’s a limited menu, but what they do they do very well. I especially liked the dipping sauce.

- Brad Haugaard 

Three Mental Health Events Planned for May 20, 21 and June 10


SET for LIFE, a non-profit organization focused on bringing communities and families together around mental health will host three free events at Second Baptist Church in Monrovia. The events are open to the public and will feature a activities and resources to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

  • SALT Shakers is a free event for youth ages 12-17. The event will take place on Saturday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. SALT Shakers will provide a safe space for teens to express themselves through art, games, and icebreakers. There will also be pizza, wings, snacks, and soft drinks.
  • ACTs is a free event for African American/Black church congregants. The event will take place on Sunday, May 21 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. ACTs will feature a moderated discussion about the stigma around mental health in ethnic and faith-based communities and will include lunch, giveaways, and prizes.
  • Love L.I.F.E. (Living In Faith Everyday) Celebration is a free, family-friendly event that will take place on June 10 from 2 to 7 p.m. The event will feature live performances, music, dance, painting, games for children and adults, a kid zone, a teen zone, Southern and Caribbean food tastings, a popup roller skating rink, 9-hole miniature golf, and hands-on activities for all ages. Resource booths will provide information on mental health and access to care.

Space is limited for all events. To register, visit setforlifenews.org. For more information, email info@setforlifenews.org or call (626) 408-8245.

- Brad Haugaard

Book Sale May 19-21

Book sale at Monrovia Public Library, Friday - Sunday, May 19 - May 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Paperbacks 50 cents, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, DVDs $2. All proceeds benefit library programs, services and collections.

- Brad Haugaard

Arctic Is More Teddy Bear Than Polar Bear


This big ball of fluff might look like a polar bear, but he has the sweet disposition of a teddy bear. Meet Samoyed/Husky mix Arctic! This handsome guy is also a social butterfly. He adores everyone he meets and happily goes from person to person getting pets, scratches and whatever treats you happen to have ready.

Arctic has become quite a star at Pasadena Humane; he is a volunteer favorite, and the volunteers love taking him out to the play yard for games of fetch or frolicking in the kiddie pool. He also finds it hilarious to jump out of the pool and shake out his beautiful coat right next to you.

Arctic responds well to training- he knows some basic commands already and is ready to learn more. Come meet stunning Arctic today!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Workshop: Where Does Our Water Come From?

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will host a free workshop on May 16, 2023 at 6 p.m. at its Monrovia headquarters, at 248 E. Foothill Blvd.. The workshop will focus on where our local water comes. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Raising Cane's Grand Opening Tomorrow - Tuesday


Raising Cane's will open its newest chicken-finger restaurant, at the corner of Huntington and Fifth, in Monrovia tomorrow, Tuesday, May 2, with a grand opening ceremony from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The opening will include prizes, giveaways, and meals featuring the company's chicken fingers. Customers who arrive early will receive $50 gift baskets filled with Cane's merchandise. There will also be a chance to win free Canes for a Year for 20 customers aged 13 and up. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature members of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and will feature donations to Monrovia and Arcadia high schools. Regular hours for the restaurant will be Monday through Sunday from 9-1 a.m. Raising Cane's plans to open 100 new restaurants across several new markets in 2023.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Home of EF Spence, Monrovia - and Young Ladies College - Co-Founder

Home of E.F. Spence, circa 1887. The home, named "Laurel Bray" on Silverhill, Prospect Ave. was built for Anna Mariah and E.F. Spence, one of the founders of Monrovia. E.F. Spence came from Ireland during the gold rush, he tried mining, almost died from what it did to his health. He went into business in Nevada City. He married and had several children. His first wife died. He went back to Ireland and married his second wife, a cousin. They eventually came to L.A. He had a banking career with the First National Bank of Los Angeles and served on the LA City Council. He helped establish the Monrovia Young Ladies College, a branch of the University of Southern California. Mrs. E.S. Armstrong, who was a niece of Mr. E.F. Spence, gave the original print of which this is a copy, to Mrs. Rex Kramer who lives in the house on the same site as the Spence home. The house was built in 1887 and demolished in 1920. The Spence home was designed by the Newsom Brothers, famous architects, based primarily in San Francisco, who opened and Los Angeles office during the land boom. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Planned: Ceramics Workshop and Store on Myrtle; New Mausoleum at Live Oak Cemetery


The Monrovia Design Review Committee (agenda here) will consider:

~ Allowing a ceramics shop/workshop, Makers & Clay, to locate on Myrtle Avenue. "Our mission is to create a space that celebrates creativity, fosters a sense of community, and supports our local economy." Details

~ Letting Live Oak Cemetery put in a new mausoleum next to California Avenue. Details

- Brad Haugaard