Attic Fire in North Monrovia

Monrovia firefighters extinguished a attic fire in the northern part of the city [on Norumbega, I heard]. “Steep terrian and limited access posed some obstacles when units arrived on scene. The fire was quickly extinguished with the aid of Arcadia fire and Pasadena fire.

Source: Facebook post by Monrovia Fire Department 

- Brad Haugaard

Sheriff's Department Investigating Homicide That Occurred Today in Monrovia

LA County Sheriff's Department Homicide bureau is assisting Monrovia Police in investigating the shooting death of an unnamed "male black adult" in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue, Monrovia. The homicide was reported today, Jan. 29, at about 6:15 p.m. https://is.gd/maUTiN

Update: NBC4 adds that the shooting was apparently gang-related and the victim was shot several times. https://is.gd/gRurHB

Update 2: The victim has been identified as Terry Alford, of Covina.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Youngest Students Back in School First; Plurality of Students Prefer On-Line; Complaints About Online Classes; Schools Rated A-

The Monrovia School District's January newsletter (https://is.gd/chQMF7) reports that:

~ The district is working on a hybrid (on-line/in person) instructional program, starting at the elementary level since it appears health officials have determined that "our youngest students will be allowed to return to school first."

~  A survey of Monrovia High students found that, "When asked which form of instruction they preferred, 37% selected virtual, 28% selected in-person, 22% selected a hybrid model, and the remaining 13% were comfortable with any format."

~ The students also said the things that stress them out with Zoom classes are:

• 26.8% (211) = Helping out with siblings
• 24.4% (192) = Device is not reliable
• 50.8% (400) = Wifi is not reliable
• 19.9% (157)  = Working to help out family
• 61.9% (487) = Distractions
• 27.3% (215) = Mental health issues
• 26.6% (209) = Feeling lonely/alone
• 44.7% (352) = Lack of social connectedness

~ The school rating service, Niche.com, has given Monrovia Unified an A- rating based on topics such as academics, teachers, diversity, college prep, administration, health and safety, and more. Full report: https://is.gd/PY7XWy

- Brad Haugaard

Mud in Canyon Park

The city has released pictures of the effects of the rain in Canyon Park. 

The road through the park at the turn-off to Camp Trask. 

The catch dam at the entrance to the park. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Danger for Dogs! Outdoor Dining; Parking Enforcement

Photo by Marliese Streefland, Unsplash 

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

~ Watch out for your dog! LA County Veterinary Public Health is warning of a distemper outbreak in wildlife in  Foothill communities, including next door Duarte. Distemper affects dogs and such wildlife as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes, but not humans or cats.  It can be spread between infected wildlife and dogs through airborne transmission and contact with shared surfaces (e.g. waterbowls).  Signs of distemper in dogs include fever, discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, lethargy, disorientation, tremors and seizures. There is no treatment for distemper, so keep your dog safe.

UPDATE: There is an inoculation for distemper, so your dog should be safe if inoculated.

~ Outdoor dining resumes this evening on Myrtle.

~  Parking enforcement will resume on Monday, February 15.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia State of the City Presentation

 - Brad Haugaard

City Council: City Okay Financially; 5% Pay Raise for City Manager; Residential Units on Walnut; Industrial Condo

Proposed residential units on East Walnut.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/yYSQEQ) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Hear a 2020-21 mid-year operating budget report, especially in light of the Covid virus. Summary: City is in okay shape. "[B]ecause of the city's foresight and ability to make quick and effective decisions, a series of cost saving measures were implemented to help offset the expected shortfall in revenue. This included savings in maintenance and operation budgets, savings in personnel budgets (e.g., keeping vacant positions frozen through the end of the fiscal year), and adjusting some transfers out to better align estimates with year-end needs. These adjustments made it possible for the General Fund to close the year with a surplus of $691,317." https://is.gd/glAjGR

~ Consider giving City Manager Dylan Feik a 5 percent salary increase. Feik's salary is subject to adjustment yearly, and the maximum increase he can get is 5 percent. https://is.gd/RWGkHI

~ Consider granting permission for Bowden Development to construct a two-story, four-unit Mediterranean-style residential development at 511-517 E. Walnut, on the north side of E. Walnut between S. California and S. Shamrock. https://is.gd/C82DFU

~ Consider approving a 10-Unit, 17,084 square-foot industrial condominium at 900 South Magnolia. https://is.gd/hk4NEC

- Brad Haugaard

No Mudflow - Yet - In North Monrovia

More rain to come, but here at the corner of Ridgeside and Oakglade at about 9 a. m Friday, there’s virtually no mud to be seen.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Hon Sushi

Got dinner tonight from Hon Sushi, on the north side of the Vons parking lot at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle. Got the Monrovia Roll (how could I resist) with tempura shrimp, crab meat, avocado, salmon and cucumber and stuff for $13.95. It was very tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 120 New Cases, 3 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/27/2021. Changes since 01/20/2021.

City of Monrovia: 2,795 cases (up 120), 53 deaths up 3
Unincorporated Monrovia: 328 cases (up 19), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Preps for Possible Mudflow on Ridgeside and Oakglade

In expectation of heavy rain - up to two inches - and the possibility of "moderate to heavy flooding and mud or sediment deposition on Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive" because of the Bobcat Fire,  here's how Monrovia is preparing:

• Monrovia Fire & Rescue has prepared an extra engine company to be on-call tonight, in coordination with an additional engine from Arcadia Fire Department.
• Monrovia Police Department will provide extra patrols throughout the evening to monitor the hillside areas.
• Public Works has prepared for tractors and dump trucks to respond as needed.
• LA County Flood Control and Public Works has pre-deployed heavy equipment.
• Gravel/sand and sandbags are available for residents at Recreation Park (620 S Shamrock) in the parking lot off of East Olive Avenue, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field. Residents must provide their own shovels, gloves and eye protection. Take only what you need.

- Brad Haugaard

72-Year-Old Monrovian Veronica Kirton Earns Degree from Citrus College

Monrovian Veronica Kirton

When Ronnese Glover completed her bachelor's degree a few years ago, her mother, Veronica Kirton, told her that she shouldn't stop there.

Ms. Kirton urged her daughter to get her master's degree. So, a deal was struck: if Ms. Glover started a master's degree program, Ms. Kirton would start at Citrus College.

A Monrovia resident, Ms. Kirton's lifelong dream was to go to college. In spring 2018, she embarked on her degree pursuit - at the age of 70.

Over the course of two years Ms. Kirton fulfilled her dream and graduated from Citrus College in June 2020. At the age of 72, she earned an Associate of Arts for Transfer in Sociology.

"I found out that I could do more than I thought I could do," she said.

Ms. Kirton had always wanted to finish college. She started in the 1960s, but, when she began working, she wasn't able to go back and finish.

After the deal she made with her daughter, who received her master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles, in spring 2020, Ms. Kirton continued chipping away at her goal.

Ms. Kirton chose to study sociology since she is interested in learning about people and has a passion for children and elderly. At Citrus College, she said she found a great deal of encouragement and support, especially from her instructors, who she said always answered her questions and emails.

"Ms. Kirton's story of completing college later in life proves that it's never too late for someone to accomplish their goals," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "While Citrus College serves thousands of traditional‐age students, this should serve as a reminder that students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to pursue their academic dreams." Attending college later in life is not uncommon at Citrus College. Nearly 500 students over the age of 50 - or roughly 2% of the student body - attended Citrus College during the 2019-2020 academic year.

The dream for Ms. Kirton and Ms. Glover was to have a joint graduation party and attend each other's commencement ceremonies. Unfortunately, due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, they couldn't take part in a traditional celebration this year.

Nevertheless, Ms. Glover said she and her mother celebrated by shopping for diploma frames together and placing Class of 2020 graduation signs into Ms. Kirton's front yard.

"On behalf of the board, I commend Ms. Kirton for her accomplishment," said Dr. Patricia A.  Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "With hard work, determination and a vision, anything is possible. I hope others are inspired by her story to follow through on their dreams." Reflecting on her experience at Citrus College, Ms. Kirton said she hopes her story will serve as encouragement for people mulling college later in life. She said it's important to get out of the "I can't do it" mindset.

Not surprisingly, Ms. Kirton's inspirational daughter is continuing beyond her own graduation - she has started applying to Ph.D. programs.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 300 Dresses Stolen; Girlfriend Bites; Tool Thief Flees in BMW; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 21-27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 287 service events, resulting in 44 investigations. 

Assault
January 21 at 2:40 a.m., an assault incident was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Hotel security responded to a room on a noise complaint and found two male subjects involved in an argument. One of the subjects asked the other to leave. The security guard escorted the subject outside, where they became involved in a physical fight. Officers responded, but the suspect had already fled the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
January 21 at 11:47 a.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police to report someone had broken into the business through a skylight sometime overnight. Officers arrived, and the investigation revealed that approximately 300 custom made dresses had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 21 at 4:36 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that his work vehicle had just been stolen. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 8:42 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Elfwood regarding a male subject seen in a resident’s backyard. When the resident yelled at the subject, he fled in a vehicle. Officers located the vehicle in the 800 block of Norumbega and conducted a traffic stop. The male driver told officers he had done work on the property 8 months prior and he was looking to get more work. The resident advised the officers that he did know the subject and there was no reason for him to have been at the residence. He authorized a No Trespass Form. The subject was also found to be in possession of various drug paraphernalia. He was arrested. 

Fraud / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 9:13 p.m., officers were extra patrolling the 200 block of E. Pomona and saw a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. A traffic stop was conducted, and the investigation revealed the female driver was in possession of burglary tools and fraudulent documents. The driver was arrested. 

Outside Assist / California Highway Patrol Pursuit – Suspects Arrested
January 22 at 3:04 a.m., California Highway Patrol notified Monrovia Police Department that they were in a pursuit on Foothill and Myrtle, traveling eastbound. Officers assisted CHP with a traffic stop related to the pursuit at the intersection of Mountain and Central. Both suspects were arrested by CHP. 

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 2:07 p.m., a caller reported a motorist stopped in the roadway at the intersection of California and Cypress. The driver was slumped over the steering wheel. Officers and paramedics responded. The driver was found to be under the influence of narcotics and was arrested for DUI. During a search of the vehicle, a large quantity of a controlled substance was found. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 8:30 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported his girlfriend bit him during an argument. She also broke a bottle and cut her hand in the process. Officers arrived, and after an investigation, arrested the suspect for domestic violence. Paramedics arrived and bandaged her injuries before she was taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
January 24 at 1:44 p.m., two motorists collided in the 700 block of E. Huntington and one of the drivers appeared injured. Officers arrived along with paramedics. The injured driver was provided with first aid and his injuries were not life-threatening. He was transported to a nearby hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Battery
January 24 at 3:07 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista called police to report her neighbor had just battered her husband outside their home during an argument. Officers responded and found the husband desired to place his neighbor under citizen’s arrest. Officers conducted an investigation and the case was forwarded to the District Attorney for filing consideration. 

Resist and Delay – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw a bicyclist commit several vehicle code violations. He stopped the bicyclist, but after a brief interaction, the bicyclist ran west on Huntington. The officer gave chase and was able to detain the subject without further incident. The subject was in possession of possible fraudulent documents. The suspect was arrested. 

Attempt Burglary
January 25 at 11:12 p.m., a business owner in the 1100 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male subject trying to get in the backdoor. He was kicking and pulling on the door, trying to force it open. When he was unable to get it open, he left the area. Officer arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
January 26 at 12:20 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Stedman called police to report seeing someone by her neighbor’s vehicle. The caller believed the subject might be stealing the catalytic converter from the vehicle. Officers arrived, but the suspect had fled the location. They found the catalytic converter had been stolen. No suspects were located in the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 6:15 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at the intersection of Fifth and Foothill. The front passenger window was smashed, and the suspect took a Trader Joe's bag containing a computer and two work cell phones. The victim said the suspect was a male subject wearing a dark hoodie, and he fled in a black, two-door Ford Mustang. A short time later, officers located the involved Ford Mustang and recovered the stolen items. The Ford Mustang was unoccupied and was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle. The registered owner was contacted and this investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
January 26 at 7:36 p.m., a male subject was seen by loss prevention officers at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain stealing tools. He fled the location in a black BMW with Carmax paper plates. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 8:57 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Duarte. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of the location on Wednesday, January 20. When he returned to pick up his vehicle it was not there. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 5:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject that exited the store without paying for merchandise. The suspect entered a vehicle and attempted to leave the area. Officers located the vehicle upon arrival and detained the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Monrovia Police Department is Retiring Its 357-CELL Phone Number

From a Monrovia Police Department tweet:

"After 30 years of dedicated service we are at once happy and sad to announce the retirement of our Cell Watch program this February... for the two of you out there who still call (626) 357-CELL for police services please change it to 626-256-8000 or dial 911 in an emergency."

- Brad Haugaard

Tyga - Senior Dog with an Inner Puppy

At thirteen years old, Tyga is a senior dog, but he’s as cute as any puppy! Tyga is house-trained, and good with people and kids. He’s calm, enjoys affection, likes playing with a ball, and walks well on a leash. He knows his “sit” command on cue, and even though they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, Tyga knows that snacks are a great motivator for him. Sure, puppies are cute, but this happy guy has an inner puppy he can’t wait to show you!

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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday 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

Foothill Gym Moves to Foothill

Foothill Gym now is on Foothill. The gym has relocated from Myrtle to a larger space at the former Monrovia Masonic Center at the southwest corner of Foothill and Primrose. It has tents covering 10,000 square feet set up for exercise in the back parking lot and its website says it is "Certified by LA County Department of Public Health for Covid19 Safety and Compliance."

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: In Front of Monrovia Steam Bakery

 Monrovia Steam Bakery on E Colorado and Central Boarding House c. 1901. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

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

Winter in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard 

Bernie on a Bench - Bernie Sanders Meme Hits Monrovia

The muffled up Bernie Sanders meme has come to Monrovia. The image of Sanders bundled up against the cold during the inauguration has been applied to probably hundreds of backgrounds worldwide, and now, to the Mark Twain bench in Library Park. Linda Elyad writes that her husband Bill Finn created it.

- Brad Haugaard

Coffee/Bookstore Espresso Mi Cultura Closing at End of Month

Espresso Mi Cultura, a gourmet espresso bar/coffeehouse and specialty bookstore at 415 S. Myrtle, founded by Josefina Aguilar, has announced that it is closing permanently as of Jan. 31. In a Facebook post: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the permanent closure of Espresso Mi Cultura. Thank you all for your support and wish you all the best! Stop by Saturday or Sunday to say goodbye!"

- Brad Haugaard

Give Your Thoughts on Monrovia General Plan

 Monrovia is working on an update to its General Plan, and would like to get your thoughts through this survey, which needs to be completed by Feb. 12: https://is.gd/GYeeIS

The General Plan is the City's long range planning document and lays out goals and policies to help guide future growth. There will be an update to the Safety Element of the plan, and there will be a new Environmental Justice Element, which will "focus on communities within the city that bear increased burdens, including high poverty, high unemployment, and air and water pollution."

There will be other opportunities to give your thooughts about the plan. If you would like additional information, or want to be added to the contact list, email the Planning Division at planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 201 More Cases, 4 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/20/2021. Changes since 01/13/2021.

City of Monrovia: 2,675 cases (up 201), 50 deaths (up 4)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 309 cases (up 21), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 'State of the City' Presentation Jan. 27

Watch the Monrovia "State of the City" presentation on January 27, 2021, at 6 p.m. at this link: https://is.gd/D3rZua

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch from Peach Cafe

Got lunch today from Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado near Ivy. Got the Chicken Pesto Salad with cornbread for $11. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Cops Follow Dripping Car to Suspect; Thieves Steal Comforters; Thief Takes Car ... And Girlfriend; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 14-20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 366 service events, resulting in 75 investigations. 

Domestic Violence / Robbery – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 9:06 a.m., a guest at a hotel in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called 911 and then hung up. Officers responded and discovered the caller's boyfriend had just battered her, causing injuries. He then forcefully took her cellphone from her and broke it, endangering their six-month-old baby, as she was holding the child as all of this occurred. The suspect was apprehended by officers as he was fleeing the area. After a thorough investigation was conducted, the suspect was arrested. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 14 at 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report someone had broken into her vehicle. Sometime during the evening, someone shattered her vehicle window and took several items from inside. Investigation continuing. 

Theft of Mail
January 14 at 8:54 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Cloverleaf called police to report he just saw a male suspect break into a neighbor's mailbox. The suspect left the area on foot. Officers arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Investigation continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 11:11 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Norumbega called to report a solo vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and spoke with the occupants. 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 a sobering period. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 4:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of W. Foothill when he saw a subject he recognized from previous contacts. He was aware this subject was wanted in relation to two felony investigations. The officer detained the subject, confirmed the wanted person warrant, and then arrested the subject. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 3:10 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Foothill called police to report that a black Mustang had collided into something and drove away. Officers responded and followed a trail of fluid from the area. The vehicle was located in a nearby parking structure. The vehicle had front-end damage. The driver was still sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. A computer check revealed she had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. Officers searched the area, but could not locate the other half of the collision. Day watch officers were notified in case a victim called to report a hit and run. The driver was arrested. 

Grand Theft
January 16 at 10:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft of merchandise. One male and two female suspects entered the store and selected six bed comforters. The suspects fled from the store without paying in a black, 4-door Volkswagen Jetta. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
January 16 at 12:05 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cherry called police to report a theft. The victim parked his Ford Excursion on the street in front of his residence the evening before. At 7:00 a.m., the victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding. When he went outside to check his vehicle, he saw a white Volkswagen Bug fleeing from the area. He started his vehicle and discovered his catalytic converter had been stolen off the vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 7:16 p.m., a community member called police to report a possible DUI driver in the 600 block of S. Mountain. An officer located the vehicle and saw the driver commit several vehicle code violations. A traffic stop was conducted, and 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 motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 7:30 p.m., a male subject called police to report his vehicle was just taken from the 800 block of W. Duarte without his permission. He informed dispatch that his 20- year-old female friend was inside the vehicle when it was taken. Officers responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. All surrounding agencies were notified and the Foothill Air Support Team was utilized. After a lengthy investigation, it was learned that the female subject willingly went with the suspect and was not kidnapped. At around 11:00 p.m., Pasadena Police Department advised they had located the vehicle in their city. The male driver was arrested, and the female subject confirmed that she willingly went with the suspect, whom she knew. She was interviewed and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft / Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
January 17 at 3:57 a.m., a resident in the area of Shamrock and Almond called to report a male suspect attempting to break into a neighbor’s vehicle. When the suspect saw the resident, he entered a white Van and left the area. Officers searched the area and located the van. One suspect was underneath the van and another was inside. Both were detained. In plain view, the officer could see several catalytic converters and burglary tools in the rear of the van. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
January 18 at 10:48 p.m., officers were patrolling the area near Alta Vista and Short when they observed a suspicious parked vehicle. They ran the license plate on the vehicle and found it had been reported stolen. The vehicle was unoccupied. The officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, and they responded and recovered it at the scene. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 2:23 a.m., officers were on patrol near the area of Mayflower and Chestnut when they saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. They stopped the bicyclist and made contact with her. A consent search of her backpack revealed drug paraphernalia. She was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Burglary
January 20 at 10:28 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 1300 block of S. Shamrock. An unknown suspect entered the location through the rear doors and stole an iPad and several other items. Video surveillance of the location was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 20 at 3:43 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle is a burgundy Chevy Silverado that was parked at the location. The suspects arrived in a large SUV and stole the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle was entered into law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing. 

A History of Monrovia High School From 1893 to 2021

By Steve Baker

City Historian, President of Monrovia Historical Society

Public education was held in high esteem by the founders of Monrovia from its beginning in May of 1886. William Monroe, a former school teacher himself, underwrote the cost of a public school from November of 1886 until May of 1887, when an elementary school district could be formed. The first public school building, the Orange Avenue School, welcomed its first classes in October of 1887. Nearly six years later, in the Spring of 1893, there was common agreement that a high school should be established in Monrovia as well. The population of the city was slightly over 900. The election on the matter of forming a high school district was set for July 22, 1893—a month and day significant for the high school over one hundred years later.

Seventy six votes were cast in favor of the new district, with one dissenting vote. As one later historian observed, “Never since that date has there been such an overwhelming majority in favor of a school issue.” On September 18, 1893 the new high school opened with 27 students. The school was housed in two rooms of the Orange Avenue School. Two years later the high school had its first graduating class: Carroll Fowler and Ida Whittington. Both went on to higher education.

By 1903, both the elementary and high schools were bursting at the seams. The elementary school district was able to pass a bond measure in the amount of $30,000 to construct a new school building on Ivy Avenue in Monrovia, now the site of Clifton Middle School. The high school district, lacking the funding to construct a school building of its own, rented space in the new building and moved the high school to Ivy Avenue. After another elementary school was constructed in 1907, the high school only occupied the campus. Another building was added to the campus in 1912, designed by the prominent Los Angeles architectural firm of Allison & Allison.

In the early years, each graduating class at the high school chose its own colors, but by 1903, green and white had been chosen for the school as a whole. The school mascot, the “Wildcat”, must have been chosen about the same time.

The neighboring communities of Arcadia and Duarte both voted to join the Monrovia City High School District in 1920—Duarte on July 26 and Arcadia on November 15. The increased student population made the Ivy Avenue buildings inadequate, and the limited size of the campus dictated a new location for the high school. On June 14, 1927 a successful bond election in the amount of $625,000 made the purchase of the present campus at Colorado and Madison and the construction of the original six buildings on the campus possible. Later that year a petition was submitted to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to change the name of the high school to the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School.

In April of 1928 the cornerstone was laid for the new high school. John C. Austin and Frederic M. Ashley of Los Angeles were the principal architects, with the assistance of Austin Whittlesey. $495,000 was the construction cost. Dedication of the new high school took place on January 25, 1929, after the move to the new campus from Ivy Avenue was completed. The dedicatory address was given by R.B. von Klein-Smid, president of the University of Southern California. The façade of the main building bore the names of the constituent communities above the arched entry doors to the mail building.

New buildings were added to the campus over the next twenty years: a new gymnasium, a social science building, and a new shop building. Superintendent A. K. Wilson wrote in 1943 that in the first fifty years of its existence, 4000 students had graduated from the high school and an additional 1,000 had attended. Also in 1943 Le Roy Criss, a member of a pioneer Black family in Monrovia, the Adams Family, dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Army. He became a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. He had learned to fly at the Monrovia Airport.

Monrovia High School’s first association with an American president was in October of 1946, when the auditorium was the scene of the 4th debate between incumbent congressman Jerry Voorhis of the 12th Congressional District and his challenger, Richard M. Nixon. It was Nixon’s first campaign for public office, and he went on to successfully defeat Voorhis and begin his journey to the White House.

The post World War II boom caused a surge in the population of the San Gabriel Valley, as orange groves were replaced by new homes for G.I.'s who had been introduced to California during the war. Arcadia grew to the extent that it could support its own high school district, and it voted to do so effective July 1, 1951. When the last of the Arcadia students graduated in 1954, the high school became Monrovia-Duarte High School. Duarte had also grown, and there was similar sentiment to establishing a Duarte High School as well. A $975,000 bond measure was approved by the voters of the district in November of 1955 for the construction of Duarte High School, with the understanding that at is completion Duarte would withdraw from the unified high school district. With the completion of the new high school and the graduation of the last of the Duarte students, the circle had come full round and the high school’s official name was once again Monrovia High School. And in July of 1961 the elementary school district and the high school district merged to form the Monrovia Unified School District, ending the high school district’s nearly seventy year history as a separate entity.

Fifty years after its first encounter with an American president, Monrovia High School was visited by an incumbent president, Bill Clinton, who spoke in the auditorium. Monrovia had gained national attention for is focus on attendance and its anti-truancy ordinance, and Clinton came to praise the efforts and to recommend them to other districts throughout the nation. It was a significant day for Clinton to visit—one hundred and three years earlier the voters of Monrovia had voted to create the very high school that Clinton visited.

After a major renovation of the high school buildings from 1955 to 1957, no new construction took place until 2006, when a successful bond measure made possible another renovation of the existing buildings and the construction of new ones. The physical features of the campus were improved as well.

The bell in the tower of Monrovia High School has an interesting history. It was originally installed in the tower of the Orange Avenue School of 1887, first home to Monrovia High School. When that building was demolished in 1918, the bell went to the district warehouse. Rediscovered in 1964, the bell was given a place of honor at the high school. Another interesting landmark is the “Big M” on the hillside overlooking the high school campus.

Created in 1951, the lighting was so arranged that at night the center section in the form of a “V” could be lighted separately as a symbol of the victory of one of the high school’s sports team.

And speaking of sports, Monrovia High School has produced some outstanding athletes: Ed Shaw, Hardiman Cureton, Johnny Lindell, Keith Lincoln, George Trapp, Corie Blount, Fair Hooker, Damon Griffin, Chris Hale, and Roy Zimmerman. For 58 years, from 1952 to 2010, a C.I.F. Southern Section championship eluded the varsity football team. After ten tries, the high school achieved that distinction in 2010, repeating that accomplishment in 2011 and 2012 as well.

Several alumna of Monrovia High School have brought honor to their Alma Mater. Colleen Kay Hutchins was named as Miss America during the 1951-1952 school year, and Dawn Baker later reigned as Queen of the 76th Tournament of Roses.

Monrovia High School also has a long history of musical excellence. The band and orchestra first achieved distinction under the thirty-year leadership of Harold Scott, while the choral music organizations were greatly expanded under the direction of Chester Ullom during a similar tenure. The drama department has won regional awards for its productions.

In the words of the Alma Mater, “There’s a high school in the valley which is lacking not in fame. Through the triumphs of her students, M.H.S. has gained a name.” Monrovia High School does indeed have a name, a proud history, and a bright future. Fight on, Wildcats!

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Wins Award for Energy-Saving Projects

Citrus College Central Plant.

 Citrus College recently received a California Community Colleges Board of Governors Energy and Sustainability Award for its retro‐commissioning projects, which reduced energy usage and costs. Citrus was one of five award recipients announced during the Jan. 19 Board of Governors meeting. The college won Best Overall Innovative Project for a medium‐sized community college district.

The projects, costing $1.2 million, took place in the college's central plant and in the 12 largest buildings on campus. As a result Citrus College is saving nearly 1.5 million kilowatt‐hours each year, for an annual cost savings of approximately $225,000. 

- Brad Haugaard

Theo - A Cat for a Non-Cat Person

Not a cat person? Theo will change your mind immediately! This eight-year-old guy is the most social and affectionate cat. If you want someone to cuddle with you while you watch movies, or be your office buddy while you work, Theo is your guy. He loves snuggling, making biscuits, and being pet. Some of his other hobbies include sitting by the window and watching the world go by, and chittering at people with his adorable meow. His foster family says he’s a very sweet boy – all he needs is a warm lap, a good view, and you!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. 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 Sunday 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Early Monrovia Auto Garage With Hearse

Ed Switzenberg at garage with hearse. He worked at Bender's Garage at 201 S. Myrtle. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

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

Wind Warning Monday Night Through Late Tuesday Night

The National Weather Service has issued a wind warning in effect from Monday evening through late Tuesday night.  Northeast winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts 55 to 60 mph possible in the San Gabriel Valley. "Damaging winds could blow down large objects such as trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles." https://is.gd/YClAXR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Increasing Old Town Board to Seven Members

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/lloQOz) the Monrovia City Council will study whether to increase the number of members on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board from five to seven. https://is.gd/EqgWFX

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 291 More Cases, 2 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/13/2021. Changes since 01/06/2020.

City of Monrovia: 2,474 cases (up 291), 46 deaths (up 2)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 288 cases (up 34), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Betty Sandford, Active Lifelong Monrovian, Has Died

Betty Sandford, a lifetime Monrovian, and very active in the community, has died, according to a post by City Council Member Becky Shevlin. From Sandford's online biography:

Betty served as Foreign Policy Chair of the League of Women Voters of Monrovia, was twice president of the League of Women Voters of Monrovia, served on the League's State Board and chaired the LWV of Pasadena's Study on Dropout Prevention. She was Newsletter Editor for Alliance for a Better Community and participated in its successful efforts to strengthen both the Monrovia School District and the City of Monrovia.

She was active in Monrovia's first Human Relations Committee, the development of the city's first Head Start program; supporting the integration of Monrovia schools and, later, a successful biracial effort to prevent anticipated violence on the high school campus.

Betty served on the Boards of Santa Anita Family Service, the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce. Monrovia League, Foothill Unity Center, Arcadia Branch of AAUW and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and as president of HOY (Help Our Youth), Social Model Recovery Systems, the Monrovia Community Services Commission, the UNA-USA Pasadena Chapter and the UNA's Committee of Chapter & Division Presidents, and served on UNA's National Board.

Betty has conducted research on local and international relations issues, chaired discussions on the information gathered and lobbied state and national legislators to further the goals developed. She trained delegates to the UN Conference on Environment & Development and led the UNA delegation. Betty chaired the first global education conference in California and was a coordinator of the Bilateral Nuclear Freeze Campaign.

And more...

Source: https://is.gd/e0eOlz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car in Living Room; Purse Swiped from Unlocked Car; Car Roll-Over; Burglary Suspects Caught; Domestic Violence

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 7-13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 311 service events, resulting in 56 investigations. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
January 7 at 1:23 a.m., a vehicle traveling east on Foothill was approaching Mountain and failed to stop at the posted stop sign. The vehicle continued through the intersection and hit the driveway at a residence in the 100 block of S. Mountain, launching the vehicle over the front porch area and into the living room of the residence. The driver fled the scene. Officers checked the area, but could not locate the driver. The family that lives in the residence was not injured. A second party was later able to identify the driver. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspects Arrested
January 7 at 11:27 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and Mountain after receiving reports of a collision in the area. Residents in the area called to report multiple subjects running from the vehicle. Officers arrived and detained three subjects and managed to detain another after a foot pursuit through a nearby park. The driver and other suspects that ran were arrested.

Theft from a Vehicle

January 8 at 7:56 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Encino walked outside her home and discovered someone had entered her unlocked vehicle sometime during the night and took her purse, which was left in the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
January 8 at 8:30 a.m., a male subject called police to report a battery incident. He told officers he was walking to work in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle when a vehicle stopped next to him and four male subjects exited. They immediately began battering him, then fled the area. They made no attempt to take any of his property. It is unknown why they battered him. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 8 at 10:51 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Shamrock and Los Angeles. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. The driver who caused the collision was issued a citation. 

Medical Assist
January 9 at 6:09 a.m., officers responded to a medical assist in the 900 block of S. Fifth. During the investigation, officers determined it was an accidental overdose. Paramedics responded and provided medical aid. The subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment 

Rollover Traffic Collision
January 9 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to the 210 Freeway off-ramp at Huntington after receiving a call reporting a vehicle exiting that lost control and rolled over multiple times. Officers responded and found the driver had sustained only minor injuries. California Highway Patrol was notified and continued the investigation. 

Vehicle Tampering / Stolen Property / Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
January 10 at 8:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Shamrock called police to report a suspect had just tried to break into his truck. The resident came outside and saw the subject going through his toolbox, which is in the bed of his truck. The resident surprised the subject, who immediately ran to a waiting vehicle and fled the area. A license plate was obtained. As officers responded to the call, they located the suspect vehicle in the 200 block of E. Lime and a traffic stop was conducted. Both occupants had outstanding warrants for their arrest. A witness positively identified the suspects and the suspect vehicle. A search incident to arrest revealed a firearm, burglary tools, and stolen property. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 11:20 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the female victim in the lobby and realized the male suspect was with her. The suspect tried to walk away against officer’s instructions. Officers were able to detain him and an investigation was conducted. The female victim said the male was her boyfriend, and he had pushed her into a table. She hit her nose and it was bleeding. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drunk in Public / Obstruction – Suspect Arrested
January 12 at 3:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject causing a disturbance. Upon arrival they found a subject who has had multiple interactions with officers during the past week. The subject was intoxicated and refused to follow instructions. He was arrested for public intoxication and delaying officers. He was held for a sobering period. 

Residential Burglary
January 12 at 7:09 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Fifth called police to report that someone broke into his room and took a backpack. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The victim said the backpack had keys to a vehicle he believes is now stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing – Suspects Arrested
January 13 at 1:21 a.m., a security company monitoring a business in the 3000 block of S. Peck called police to report two subjects inside the location’s fence. Officers arrived and detained both subjects. They were arrested for trespassing. 

Commercial Burglary
January 13 at 3:13 a.m., officers were dispatched to an alarm call at a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Upon arrival, they saw that glass was broken on the front door. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch from The Monrovian

Got lunch today from The Monrovian, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Had the Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($10), and it was excellent - moist, flavorful and Big! I was thinking of saving part for dinner but it was just too good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Relaxed and Friendly Wally - A total Sweetie

As you can see from his smile, three-year-old Wally is a friendly and relaxed dog. He’s been hanging out in the Pasadena Humane Adoptions office lately, where he’s been enjoying long naps on a pile of blankets, delicious treats, and full-body petting. Wally is eager to learn, and he’s already mastered “sit” and “paw”. He’s a total sweetie who loves attention – all he needs is you!

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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Inside Rehrman's Bakery

Charles Rehrman's Bakery on Myrtle Avenue 1907. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

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

Water District Sponsoring Free Gardening Webinars

Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is sponsoring free webinars on gardening for food and beauty. Learn more about these topics:

• Designing with Herbs in the Landscape
• Constructing and Using Raised Planters
• Organic Integrated Pest Management
• Simple Organic Lawn Care Strategies
• Drip Irrigation Installation, Maintenance and Trouble Shooting
• Creating and Using Compost

Details: https://is.gd/7nMztb

- Brad Haugaard

Jewish Federation to Hold Holocaust Remembrance

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. through 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will virtually hold its annual "Every Person Has a Name" to commemorate UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The program will begin with a commemoration ceremony at 7 p.m. with remarks from Congressman Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Judy Chu, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assembly members Chris Holden and Blanca Rubio, local clergy, and a performance by the Jewish Federation's Jewish Youth Orchestra.

Holocaust survivors and children of Holocaust survivors will read the names of their family members who were murdered during the Holocaust,followed by volunteers from throughout the community reading names.

The event will be streamed live on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jewishsgpv) and volunteers are still needed to read names during 30-minute blocks, especially between 1 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. People can sign up by visiting the Jewish Federation's website (www.jewishsgpv.org) or by calling 445-0810. For more information contact the Jewish Federation at 445-0810 or email federation@jewishsgpv.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Monrovian Chung Chien Yu in Assaults on Women

A state appeals court panel today upheld the conviction of Monrovian Chung Chien Yu for attacks on four women, including sexual assault against three of them. Yu claimed there was insufficient evidence to support charges against him. https://is.gd/gNInST

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Apply for Grant to Replace Old Buses, Honor Employees, Declare 'Racial Healing Day', Accept Water Science Grants, Contract to Reduce Absenteeism

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/ZlOBA5) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~  Applying for a grant through the South Coast Air Quality Management District's "Lower-Emission School Bus Replacement Program" to replace the district's two pre-2001 diesel school buses with new lower emission school buses. https://is.gd/KADU3L

~ Honoring (together with the Chamber of Commerce) these district employees as Employees of the Month for January: Gwen Graber, Teacher - Mayflower; Cynthia Liska, Instructional Aide SPED - Mayflower; Berenice Paramo Garcia, Clerical Assistant I - Plymouth; Karen Harvey Jarrett, Teacher - Plymouth.

~ Declaring January 19, 2020, as the "National Day of Racial Healing." https://is.gd/CGQaBv

~ Ratifying three water education grants as part of the Upper District Water Education Grant Program for Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy. $1,000 for a garden curriculum (https://is.gd/lzAkcX), $1,000 for outdoor water ecosystem (https://is.gd/H6JaUY), and $450 for a weather station (https://is.gd/jFN2MW).

~ Contracting with the LA County Office of Education Curriculum and Instructional Services Department "to help TK-third grade teachers connect and integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies, in alignment with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to further support the selected schools that have a high rate of chronic absenteeism and Out Of school suspension rates for, TK-3rd grade foster youth, by increasing academic motivation and overall engagement." https://is.gd/QryvJQ

- Brad Haugaard

Parking Enforcement Suspended; City Hiring Jailer; Opportunities for Artists

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

~  Due to the Safer at Home Order, parking enforcement is suspended for street sweeping. Vehicles may park on the streets but residents are encouraged to move their vehicles on street sweeping days, if possible, to minimize the buildup of debris.

~ The city is hiring a jailer for the Monrovia Police Department. Apply here: https://is.gd/gDpKYQ

~ Monrovia is calling for artists to submit their ideas for painting five utility boxes and for two new "Neighborhood Treasures."

The 2021 "Art on the Box" theme is Route 66 and there are five utility boxes available for painting. Applications will be accepted through March. Details here: https://is.gd/5IMHMH

The Neighborhood Treasures are ...

Tuskegee Airman Leroy "Buster" Criss, who took flying lessons at Monrovia Airport and served during World War II in the "Redtails" - America's first black combat pilots.

Almera Romney, who during her 17 years at Huntington School (now gone) as a teacher and then principal fought pretty much everybody to change this under-resourced and unsafe segregated school that children of color were forced to attend, into a school where children received an excellent education. https://is.gd/5IMHMH

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Society Seeks to Rename Its YouTube Channel

The Monrovia Historical Society is trying to get 22 more subscribers to its YouTube channel, which is filled with videos of Monrovia history. If it can get these subscribers it can change its channel name from "UCL8mHAK2qmtPV4EuVRhsYmw" to something a bit more memorable, such as "MonroviaHistoricalSociety."

The number of subscribers has risen from about four to 78 (at this writing) since the channel was introduced in early December, but YouTube requires at least 100 subscribers to allow the Historical Society to choose its own name.

If you'd like to help (it's free) please go to YouTube, here and click the Subscribe button at the top of the page. If you don't have an account it will guide you in making one.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Covid Count: 219 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/06/2020. Changes since 12/30/2020.

City of Monrovia: 2,183 cases (up 219), 44 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 254 cases (up 30), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch from Cafe de Olla

Got lunch today from Cafe de Olla, a fairly new restaurant on the west side of Myrtle about mid-block between Lemon and Lime. Very clean and modern interior. Got the Chicken Chipotle Sandwich with a side of fruit for $10.95. Great! Just right spicy.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Trespasser Uses Resident's Barbecue; Domestic Violence; Attempted Burglary at Marijuana Grow House; Vehicle Burglaries; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 31 – January 6, 2021. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 292 service events, resulting in 60 investigations. 

Vehicle Burglary
December 31 at 7:42 a.m., the owner of a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported multiple subjects had just shattered her car window and took her purse. They fled the area in a vehicle. Her vehicle was parked in front of the business. Officers searched for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
December 31 at 11:24 a.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of Ivy and Walnut when he saw a motorist had just collided into a light pole, causing damage to the pole and the vehicle. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital for minor visible injuries. 

Trespassing / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 11:42 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Greystone reported a male subject was in her backyard lounging next to her pool without permission. She did not know the person. Officers arrived and asked the subject to leave, but he refused and immediately became agitated. He resisted officers, causing minor injuries to the officers and himself. Paramedics arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital after he was released on an emergency citation. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 3:45 p.m., a caller reported a male subject in front of a convenience store in the 400 block of W. Foothill causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and found the subject to have a no-bail warrant. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 8:14 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Foothill reported yelling and screaming coming from an apartment. Officers arrived and heard a male and female yelling at each other, slamming doors and items being thrown. The officers knocked several times, but the behavior continued. Due to the exigent circumstances, officers kicked in the front door. They saw the female lying on a bed and the male was standing over her. The officers separated them and conducted an investigation. It was determined the male was the aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Burglary in Progress / Shooting
January 1 at 4:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1200 block of S. Shamrock when he was flagged down by a security guard. He was informed of a commercial burglary that occurred at an illegal marijuana grow house. The security guard was monitoring the property, when he encountered three male suspects burglarizing the building. During the encounter, the security guard discharged his firearm at the suspect vehicle, prompting the three male suspects to exit the vehicle and flee the scene. Evidence of the shooting was recovered at the scene. The investigation is continuing. 

Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
January 1 at 7:12 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Greystone reported a male subject in his backyard using the backyard barbeque. The caller advised that there was an active restraining order prohibiting this subject from coming near the home. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, which led to his arrest for violation of the restraining order. 

Commercial Burglary
January 2 at 3:57 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Foothill when he observed damage to the front window of a business and heard an audible alarm. Further investigation revealed a suspect had tried to pry open a door, which caused the adjacent window to shatter. The suspect stole cigarettes and lottery tickets. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 2 at 10:00 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Lemon called police to report a vehicle burglary. The victim parked her vehicle in the alley behind her residence overnight. She returned to her vehicle in the morning and found her vehicle had been ransacked. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. It was unknown at the time of the report if any items were taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
January 2 at 10:26 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1800 block of Alta Vista. The victim reported that someone entered his vehicle sometime overnight and stole the battery and a small amount of cash from the console. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 2 at 2:30 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 200 block of S. California. The victim reported that her live-in boyfriend had just struck her, causing injuries. Officers arrived and saw the victim had fresh visible injuries to her lip and forehead. The boyfriend was detained nearby and an investigation was conducted. The boyfriend was ultimately arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 2 at 10:23 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Duarte regarding water flowing from a broken fire hydrant. Upon arrival, they discovered a hit and run traffic collision had occurred. A witness stated that the driver of a vehicle lost control and collided into the fire hydrant and fled the scene. The water flow flooded into an adjacent commercial building. Officers located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description. The driver was identified and arrested for hit and run. 

Residential Burglary / Battery / Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
January 3 at 9:08 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Palm called police and said a male subject was inside their house fighting with residents. Officers responded and detained the subject. The subject had lived at the location previously, but the residents now have a restraining order against him. When the residents told the subject to leave, he threatened to kill them. He then battered three members of the family and was peppered sprayed by one of the family members. He was arrested and taken into custody. In the jail, he was found to be in possession of a large quantity of a controlled substance. He was booked for numerous charges, including burglary, battery, criminal threats, restraining order violations, and possession for sales of a controlled substance. 

Traffic Collision / DUI / Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
January 3 at 1:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Mountain and Royal Oaks regarding a single vehicle traffic collision. The vehicle was traveling south on Mountain and collided with a street light. It was discovered the vehicle was stolen out of Pasadena and the driver was under the influence of drugs. He was also in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was arrested and taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 4:55 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Acorn. A citizen reported a driver stopped his vehicle in the middle of the street and began yelling at kids that were playing in the street. Officers responded to the location and contacted the driver. An investigation determined he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested without incident and held for a sobering period. 

Vandalism
January 5 at 10:01 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Royal Oaks. A resident reported someone may have shot at his house with a BB gun, causing a small hole in the siding of his residence. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 2:12 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 100 block of W. Olive. A male and female subject were involved in an argument, and the female threw a glass cup onto the floor, causing a laceration to the foot of the male subject. She also scratched the male subject’s arm, causing minor scrapes, which were also bleeding. The subjects have been in a dating relationship for the past several years. The female was found to be the aggressor and was arrested for domestic violence. 

Injury Traffic Collision
January 6 at 4:46 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of Huntington regarding an injury traffic collision. The two vehicles were traveling in the opposite direction, and the driver travelling west made a turn in front of the driver traveling east, causing the collision. One of the drivers complained of pain. They were examined by paramedics and released at the scene. 

Car Crashes Into House on Mountain Near Foothill

 Police are looking for the driver of a car that crashed into a home on Mountain near Foothill about 1 a.m. today. The car apparently failed to make the turn, hit the curb and ran into the house. Driver fled. Nobody injured in the house. https://is.gd/aZXXHm

- Brad Haugaard

Presbyterian Church to Meet Outside

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia will begin holding outdoor services (weather permitting) on its patio at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Social distancing and masks required at all times. The service will be recorded and posted by Monday morning. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Domestic Violence; Stolen Car Recovered; Burglary With Shovel; Thefts From Unlocked Vehicles; Cyclist Threatens Hikers in Mask Dispute; Trespasser Re-Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 24-30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 278 service events, resulting in 48 investigations. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
December 24 at 10:08 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks reported her husband battered her the previous night. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The female victim still had visible injuries. The suspect was arrested for domestic violence. 

Mail Theft
December 25 at 6:59 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Carmelita Circle reported a male subject rummaging through mailboxes and taking mail. Officers arrived and searched for the subject, but were unable to locate him. Unopened mail was found scattered in the street. The mail was collected and returned to the listed addresses. 

Medical Assist
December 25 at 2:55 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive reported a male subject in the home had taken too many prescription pills and had stopped breathing. Officers arrived and began CPR, then applied Narcan. The subject then began breathing again on his own. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and transported the subject to a nearby hospital for further treatment. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
December 25 at 2:55 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte when he saw an unoccupied vehicle parked in a red zone, blocking traffic. An investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen in San Bernardino County. No one was around the vehicle or in the area. The vehicle was recovered and taken out of the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
December 25 at 11:56 p.m., officers responded to an alarm activation in the 100 block of W. Chestnut. Upon arrival, officers noticed the rear door, which is accessible off the alley, had been forced open. It appears the suspect used a shovel to pry open the rear door. Once the suspect stepped inside the business, the alarm went off and the suspect fled the location. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
December 26 at 2:41 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Shamrock and Olive regarding a loud screeching noise. On arrival, an officer was flagged down by a resident, who said he had called about the noise. When the resident walked outside, he saw a school crosswalk sign on the east side of Shamrock had been knocked down. There were tire marks on the street leading up to the sign. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
December 26 at 10:08 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Central walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen items from inside his vehicle. The victim had left his vehicle unlocked. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
December 26 at 10:48 a.m., the manager of an apartment complex in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported his vehicle had been rummaged through sometime during the night. Two other vehicles belonging to other residents of the building were found to have been rummaged through, as well, and personal property was stolen. Officers arrived and found that all the cars were parked in the private carport area of the building and had been left unlocked. This investigation is continuing. 

Criminal Threats
December 26 at 12:49 p.m., a male subject called police to report an incident of criminal threats. He was walking along Clamshell Road with his wife and kids and none of them were wearing masks. Two male adult bicyclists were approaching from behind, so he asked them to stop so he and his family could put on their masks. One of the bicyclists told him he had no right to stop them, then threatened to shoot them with a gun the bicyclist allegedly had with him. The caller never saw a gun. The bicyclists passed and continued further into the mountains. The incident was reported after the family hiked out of the wilderness area. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
December 26 at 6:22 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a theft that just occurred. A male adult walked into the store and selected merchandise. He then concealed it in his backpack and walked out of the store without paying for the item. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
December 26 at 10:25 p.m., an employee from an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report a vehicle burglary. An officer arrived and saw the front passenger side window had been shattered. The officer contacted the owner of the vehicle and informed her. She was a resident at the complex. The vehicle had been ransacked and it was unknown if anything had been taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
December 27 at 6:23 a.m., a business owner in the 500 block of E. Fig called police to report a male subject inside his business without permission. The owner said the suspect had done this the day before, as well, and was arrested. Officers arrived in the area and detained the suspect. The suspect was arrested for trespassing. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
December 28 at 3:40 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Palm called to report a vehicle driving up and down the street with its headlights off for the past 20 minutes. Officers arrived and located the vehicle, which was now parked in front of a residence on the street. A license plate check revealed the vehicle was a reported stolen. Officers contacted the two occupants and conducted an investigation. Both suspects were arrested for grand theft auto. 

Weapon Offense
December 28 at 8:43 p.m., a subject who lives out of town called police to report an incident that occurred while he was picking someone up near the intersection of California and Evergreen. A vehicle was stopped in the middle of the street with its lights off. As he drove away, the vehicle began following him. He told officers that the driver of the vehicle then brandished a silver handgun while looking in his direction. The caller could not identify the driver or the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision / Vehicle vs. Bicyclist
December 29 at 11:56 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Magnolia and Huntington regarding a traffic collision. A bicyclist was traveling south on Magnolia and crossed Huntington against a red light. The bicyclist was struck by a vehicle traveling east on Huntington. The bicyclist was treated by paramedics and then transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Theft
December 29 at 8:09 p.m., a female subject in the 500 block of Fano called police to report that someone and tampered with her vehicle. Officers arrived and determined the catalytic converter had been stolen off her vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
December 29 at 9:05 p.m., an officer on patrol near the intersection of Huntington and Cypress discovered a stolen vehicle parked in the area. The vehicle was occupied by a male driver. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was returned to the registered owner. 

Grand Theft Auto Attempt
December 30 at 10:06 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Heliotrope called police to report the handle on his truck and the ignition had been damaged sometime during the night. Someone broke into his vehicle and attempted to steal it. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Burglary
December 30 at 10:30 a.m., a business owner in the 300 block of W. Evergreen called police to report an attempt burglary. She arrived to work and saw the front door had a large hole drilled out near the locking mechanism. She had received a phone call from her alarm company at 4:00 a.m. regarding an alarm activation, but the alarm company failed to notify the police department. When she arrived at work in the morning, she saw the hole. It appears the audible alarm prevented the suspects from entering the building. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
December 30 at 2:12 p.m., police dispatch received several calls reporting an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Foothill and Primrose. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. Several occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The investigation revealed one of the drivers failed to yield to oncoming traffic. 

Domestic Violence
December 30 at 2:44 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported at a residence in the 1100 block of Sesmas. The caller stated her husband struck her in the face, causing visible injuries. Officers arrived and spoke with both subjects. After a thorough investigation, it was determined the husband was the aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody.