- Brad Haugaard
Sidewalk Astronomers Tonight
The Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the corner of Myrtle and Lime tonight from about 7:30-9:30. First up, Venus, followed by great views of Jupiter, Saturn and probably Mars by 9 p.m. Stop by to look through some telescopes.
Early Monrovian - 'Aunt' Kate Wright, Honored
A monument honoring early Monrovian, Kate Wright, was unveiled today on Cypress, just west of Shamrock and a block south of Huntington. The monument was designed by Dawn Mendelson.
Below the monument is a sidewalk poem that says:
This I believe
Above all other things
A man shall find goodness
If goodness he brings
Wright, born a slave, had a religious conversion in 1907 and devoted the rest of her life housing and caring for the sick and indigent.
“Aunt” Kate Wright
By Steve Baker, City Historian
“Aunt” Kate Wright was born a slave in Clark County, Kentucky in October of 1857. She was able to read and write, something not true for all African-Americans of her generation.
Little is known of Aunt Kate’s life prior to coming to Monrovia. Some time before l900, she became a domestic servant of the household of the Rev. John Stonestreet Van Meter, a Presbyterian minister in Lexington. She was living with the family in 1900 in Clinton, Missouri, with her son, Lewis Marshall Wright. Due to his wife’s health, The Rev. John Van Meter left his pastorate in Clinton and came to Monrovia in 1901, where he served the First Presbyterian Church for one year. Aunt Kate and her son came with them. In 1902, John Van Meter and his wife moved to New York City, where their son was in medical school. Aunt Kate remained in Monrovia, and spent the rest of her life here. Her mother, Eliza Baker, also came to Monrovia after the death of her husband. She died here in 1918 at the age of ninety-five and is buried at Live Oak Cemetery.
After the Van Meter family left Monrovia, Aunt Kate supported herself by working for the family of the local superintendent of schools, Nathan F. Smith. She left a lasting impression on his daughter, Lorena Smith Holmes. Even after the Smith family moved from Monrovia, Aunt Kate would visit them in South Pasadena, taking the Pacific Electric Red Car and carrying with her a basket full of her famous beaten biscuits.
The earliest record of Aunt Kate’s residence in Monrovia is in the 1904 Tax Assessment Roll for the City where she is listed as living at 528 E. Cypress Avenue. She lived on Cypress for the remainder of her life.
About 1907, Aunt Kate had a religious conversion, and out of that experience came the conviction that she was to devote her life to the care of the sick and indigent. She began her ministry by inviting twelve of Monrovia’s most needy to live at her house. Aunt Kate tended for her guests regardless of race, gender, or religion. Later she asked for donations of lumber and labor to build small cottages on her property. She also asked for donations of food and nursing supplies for her patients. With limited financial resources herself, Aunt Kate believed that “the Lord would provide.” And time after time assistance would come from unexpected sources.
Aunt Kate carried out her mission for nearly thirty years, until her health failed under the burden of work she had undertaken and she was forced to retire from her ministry.
For many years, Monrovians donated to a special fund so that Aunt Kate could prepare baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The local newspaper published an account of the donations to her fund as an encouragement for others to give as well.
Aunt Kate died October 13, 1937 after a brief illness and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery next to her mother. The editor of the local newspaper wrote the following in his column:
“News has just come of the passing of Aunt Kate Wright. I can well remember, in the early days of Monrovia, when local physicians gave free treatment and Aunt Kate free board and lodging to sufferers from tuberculosis who were unable to pay for care. I have seen a dozen or more lying in their little one-room cottages on Aunt Kate’s property, mostly whites, but with an occasional Negro or Japanese, and getting the best treatment she could give them. She served all alike, regardless of color, nationality or creed. Aunt Kate, of the Negro race, was a saintly character, and during the past score of years that she labored here she had hundreds of friends among Monrovia’s pioneers who realized and valued her worth. A few days ago when we were informed of her serious illness we found her reading her Bible, and cheerful as ever. The world, to her, was a good place to live in and a grand place to do the work of Her Master.”
Many years after her death, Lorena Smith Holmes wrote, “If ever there were a saint, it was she.”
“Aunt” Kate Wright was born a slave in Clark County, Kentucky in October of 1857. She was able to read and write, something not true for all African-Americans of her generation.
Little is known of Aunt Kate’s life prior to coming to Monrovia. Some time before l900, she became a domestic servant of the household of the Rev. John Stonestreet Van Meter, a Presbyterian minister in Lexington. She was living with the family in 1900 in Clinton, Missouri, with her son, Lewis Marshall Wright. Due to his wife’s health, The Rev. John Van Meter left his pastorate in Clinton and came to Monrovia in 1901, where he served the First Presbyterian Church for one year. Aunt Kate and her son came with them. In 1902, John Van Meter and his wife moved to New York City, where their son was in medical school. Aunt Kate remained in Monrovia, and spent the rest of her life here. Her mother, Eliza Baker, also came to Monrovia after the death of her husband. She died here in 1918 at the age of ninety-five and is buried at Live Oak Cemetery.
After the Van Meter family left Monrovia, Aunt Kate supported herself by working for the family of the local superintendent of schools, Nathan F. Smith. She left a lasting impression on his daughter, Lorena Smith Holmes. Even after the Smith family moved from Monrovia, Aunt Kate would visit them in South Pasadena, taking the Pacific Electric Red Car and carrying with her a basket full of her famous beaten biscuits.
The earliest record of Aunt Kate’s residence in Monrovia is in the 1904 Tax Assessment Roll for the City where she is listed as living at 528 E. Cypress Avenue. She lived on Cypress for the remainder of her life.
About 1907, Aunt Kate had a religious conversion, and out of that experience came the conviction that she was to devote her life to the care of the sick and indigent. She began her ministry by inviting twelve of Monrovia’s most needy to live at her house. Aunt Kate tended for her guests regardless of race, gender, or religion. Later she asked for donations of lumber and labor to build small cottages on her property. She also asked for donations of food and nursing supplies for her patients. With limited financial resources herself, Aunt Kate believed that “the Lord would provide.” And time after time assistance would come from unexpected sources.
Aunt Kate carried out her mission for nearly thirty years, until her health failed under the burden of work she had undertaken and she was forced to retire from her ministry.
For many years, Monrovians donated to a special fund so that Aunt Kate could prepare baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The local newspaper published an account of the donations to her fund as an encouragement for others to give as well.
Aunt Kate died October 13, 1937 after a brief illness and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery next to her mother. The editor of the local newspaper wrote the following in his column:
“News has just come of the passing of Aunt Kate Wright. I can well remember, in the early days of Monrovia, when local physicians gave free treatment and Aunt Kate free board and lodging to sufferers from tuberculosis who were unable to pay for care. I have seen a dozen or more lying in their little one-room cottages on Aunt Kate’s property, mostly whites, but with an occasional Negro or Japanese, and getting the best treatment she could give them. She served all alike, regardless of color, nationality or creed. Aunt Kate, of the Negro race, was a saintly character, and during the past score of years that she labored here she had hundreds of friends among Monrovia’s pioneers who realized and valued her worth. A few days ago when we were informed of her serious illness we found her reading her Bible, and cheerful as ever. The world, to her, was a good place to live in and a grand place to do the work of Her Master.”
Many years after her death, Lorena Smith Holmes wrote, “If ever there were a saint, it was she.”
Back to School Nights
Here’s the back-to-school night schedule:
Mayflower - August 23
Bradoaks - August 28
Monrovia High - August 29
Monroe - August 30
Clifton - September 5
Santa Fe - September 6
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Ramen Naruto
Dinner at Ramen Naruto, a new restaurant about half a block east of Myrtle on the south side of Lemon. They’re still setting up so at the moment it’s cash only. Kinda hip decor. I ordered the Spicy Miso Tori Ramen (chicken) for $11.50 and added an egg for $1.50, plus an iced tea for $2.50. Nice rich broth. Liked it a lot.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Beware the Kidnap Phone Scam; Slamming the Door on the Cops; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for August 9-15. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 387 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 387 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 7:06 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of W. Palm saw a male subject that had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant, and during the arrest, methamphetamine was found on his person.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 1:24 p.m., officers responded to a theft that just occurred at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. An officer arrived and was able to stop the suspect vehicle before it left the parking lot. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
Violation of Court Order / Battery on a Peace Officer / Resisting a Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 7:01 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1200 block of S. California regarding a disturbing subject. There is an active restraining order against the subject and he was refusing to leave the residence. The subject was uncooperative and argumentative with the officers, and slammed the door on one of them. The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 9 at 7:18 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The suspect side-swiped a parked vehicle as he was backing out of a parking stall in a business parking lot. When the suspect realized there was someone sitting inside the vehicle, the suspect fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
August 10 at 3:17 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. When officers arrived, they saw one of the north windows had been shattered. The loss is unknown at this time until the owner can inventory. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 8:05 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of Shamrock when he saw two subjects hiding under the bleachers in Recreation Park. He contacted both subjects, and one male adult was arrested for possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine.
Grand Theft Auto / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 8:19 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Mountain and Oceanview regarding a welfare check. The caller reported a male subject had parked in the area and was acting erratically. He then appeared to fall asleep in the truck. When the officers arrived, they found the male subject standing outside of the truck. He admitted to driving the truck and his personal items were inside the vehicle. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. The suspect was arrested, and during the arrest, he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 9:55 p.m., a caller reported a man sleeping on the driveway of a residence in the 100 block of N. Myrtle. An officer arrived to check on the welfare of the subject and found he was extremely intoxicated. The subject was too intoxicated to care of his own safety and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle when he stopped a bicyclist for failure to stop at a stop sign and riding during the hours of darkness without lighting. During a pat-down search, the subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested.
Brandishing a Firearm – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 8:39 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Linwood regarding a disturbance. The subject who lives at the location became involved in an argument with his nephew, who was visiting. During the argument, the subject brandished a weapon, causing his nephew, who was holding his child, to feel threatened. The suspect was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto
August 12 at 9:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked his truck in the parking area for his residence in the evening on August 11. When he returned to his truck the next morning, he found it was missing. The vehicle is a red, 1995 Toyota pickup. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 12 at 8:29 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 800 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim was coming from San Bernardino after being at a marijuana convention. He was selling marijuana wax for a company and was transporting it back. He stopped off at a restaurant to use the restroom and get some food. When he came out approximately 20 minutes later, one of the windows on his vehicle had been broken and the container with the marijuana wax in it was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 8:30 p.m., a disturbance between a male and female subject was reported in the area of Cypress and Sherman. Officers responded and located both subjects. After talking to both of them, it was determined the male half was drunk in public. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Shots Heard
August 13 at 1:10 a.m., an officer was driving north on Shamrock, near Royal Oaks, when he heard what he thought were shots fired. Other police units arrived in the area to investigate and dispatch received several calls reporting shots fired. The officers checked the area and the surrounding blocks extensively for anyone or anything suspicious, but did not locate anything. One caller reported hearing something on the side of her residence in the 600 block of Royal Oaks. Officers searched the premises of that location and the surrounding residences, but nothing was located. No other calls were received.
Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 2:30 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Peck and Longden. He stopped the vehicle, and after receiving information on the driver and passengers, one of the passengers was found to have warrants for his arrest. The passengers were asked to exit the vehicle, and a consent search revealed the female driver was in possession of methamphetamine. The driver and passenger were both arrested and taken into custody for the charges.
Shoplifting
August 13 at 11:55 a.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report and incident of power tools being taken by a male suspect who fled the location in a burgundy sedan. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 13 at 2:29 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that sometime between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., someone smashed the passenger window of her vehicle and took a small amount of cash from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 8:56 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of W. Duarte observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation and stopped him. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant.
Commercial Burglary
August 14 at 5:15 a.m., a police volunteer was notified by a passerby regarding broken glass in front of a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The volunteer notified dispatch and officers responded. They cleared the business and it was obvious things were missing. A responsible party was notified of the burglary and the investigation is continuing.
Fraud / Kidnapping Scam
August 14 at 9:43 a.m., a hysterical female subject came into the police department lobby reporting her adult niece had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom. The woman’s brother was in front of the police station on a cell phone, talking with the suspect. The suspect had called the victims and told them he had kidnapped their relative and would not release her until they withdrew money for him. The victims said they heard a female screaming in the background and they believed their relative had been kidnapped. The victims kept the suspects on the phone while detectives tried to help coordinate where to meet him. Eventually, with the assistance of the San Diego Police Department, the female was located safe and sound, and the entire incident was determined to be a phone scam. The suspect had disconnected while the victims were trying to stall him, probably realizing it was taking too long to get his money. The investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation / 72-Hour Hold
August 14 at 11:27 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Maple on the report of a man with a gun inside a residence with possible hostages. A second call was made to the police department by the mother of the disturbing subject, who was at the location. She stated her son has mental issues, was in possession of a knife and was threatening them. The mother and two 15-year-old boys had locked themselves in a bedroom. Police personnel were able to get the family members out of the house safely and officers talked the subject out of the house, where he was safely detained without further incident. They detained him for a 72-hour mental evaluation and he was taken to a hospital.
Drunk in Public / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 2:12 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of W. Foothill on the report of a male subject yelling to the front of his residence. Officers arrived and contacted the subject near the area and determined he was intoxicated. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and public intoxication.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 387 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 387 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 7:06 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of W. Palm saw a male subject that had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant, and during the arrest, methamphetamine was found on his person.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 1:24 p.m., officers responded to a theft that just occurred at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. An officer arrived and was able to stop the suspect vehicle before it left the parking lot. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
Violation of Court Order / Battery on a Peace Officer / Resisting a Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 7:01 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1200 block of S. California regarding a disturbing subject. There is an active restraining order against the subject and he was refusing to leave the residence. The subject was uncooperative and argumentative with the officers, and slammed the door on one of them. The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 9 at 7:18 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The suspect side-swiped a parked vehicle as he was backing out of a parking stall in a business parking lot. When the suspect realized there was someone sitting inside the vehicle, the suspect fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
August 10 at 3:17 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. When officers arrived, they saw one of the north windows had been shattered. The loss is unknown at this time until the owner can inventory. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 8:05 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of Shamrock when he saw two subjects hiding under the bleachers in Recreation Park. He contacted both subjects, and one male adult was arrested for possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine.
Grand Theft Auto / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 8:19 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Mountain and Oceanview regarding a welfare check. The caller reported a male subject had parked in the area and was acting erratically. He then appeared to fall asleep in the truck. When the officers arrived, they found the male subject standing outside of the truck. He admitted to driving the truck and his personal items were inside the vehicle. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. The suspect was arrested, and during the arrest, he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 9:55 p.m., a caller reported a man sleeping on the driveway of a residence in the 100 block of N. Myrtle. An officer arrived to check on the welfare of the subject and found he was extremely intoxicated. The subject was too intoxicated to care of his own safety and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle when he stopped a bicyclist for failure to stop at a stop sign and riding during the hours of darkness without lighting. During a pat-down search, the subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested.
Brandishing a Firearm – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 8:39 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Linwood regarding a disturbance. The subject who lives at the location became involved in an argument with his nephew, who was visiting. During the argument, the subject brandished a weapon, causing his nephew, who was holding his child, to feel threatened. The suspect was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto
August 12 at 9:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked his truck in the parking area for his residence in the evening on August 11. When he returned to his truck the next morning, he found it was missing. The vehicle is a red, 1995 Toyota pickup. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 12 at 8:29 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 800 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim was coming from San Bernardino after being at a marijuana convention. He was selling marijuana wax for a company and was transporting it back. He stopped off at a restaurant to use the restroom and get some food. When he came out approximately 20 minutes later, one of the windows on his vehicle had been broken and the container with the marijuana wax in it was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 8:30 p.m., a disturbance between a male and female subject was reported in the area of Cypress and Sherman. Officers responded and located both subjects. After talking to both of them, it was determined the male half was drunk in public. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Shots Heard
August 13 at 1:10 a.m., an officer was driving north on Shamrock, near Royal Oaks, when he heard what he thought were shots fired. Other police units arrived in the area to investigate and dispatch received several calls reporting shots fired. The officers checked the area and the surrounding blocks extensively for anyone or anything suspicious, but did not locate anything. One caller reported hearing something on the side of her residence in the 600 block of Royal Oaks. Officers searched the premises of that location and the surrounding residences, but nothing was located. No other calls were received.
Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 2:30 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Peck and Longden. He stopped the vehicle, and after receiving information on the driver and passengers, one of the passengers was found to have warrants for his arrest. The passengers were asked to exit the vehicle, and a consent search revealed the female driver was in possession of methamphetamine. The driver and passenger were both arrested and taken into custody for the charges.
Shoplifting
August 13 at 11:55 a.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report and incident of power tools being taken by a male suspect who fled the location in a burgundy sedan. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 13 at 2:29 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that sometime between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., someone smashed the passenger window of her vehicle and took a small amount of cash from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 8:56 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of W. Duarte observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation and stopped him. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant.
Commercial Burglary
August 14 at 5:15 a.m., a police volunteer was notified by a passerby regarding broken glass in front of a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The volunteer notified dispatch and officers responded. They cleared the business and it was obvious things were missing. A responsible party was notified of the burglary and the investigation is continuing.
Fraud / Kidnapping Scam
August 14 at 9:43 a.m., a hysterical female subject came into the police department lobby reporting her adult niece had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom. The woman’s brother was in front of the police station on a cell phone, talking with the suspect. The suspect had called the victims and told them he had kidnapped their relative and would not release her until they withdrew money for him. The victims said they heard a female screaming in the background and they believed their relative had been kidnapped. The victims kept the suspects on the phone while detectives tried to help coordinate where to meet him. Eventually, with the assistance of the San Diego Police Department, the female was located safe and sound, and the entire incident was determined to be a phone scam. The suspect had disconnected while the victims were trying to stall him, probably realizing it was taking too long to get his money. The investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation / 72-Hour Hold
August 14 at 11:27 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Maple on the report of a man with a gun inside a residence with possible hostages. A second call was made to the police department by the mother of the disturbing subject, who was at the location. She stated her son has mental issues, was in possession of a knife and was threatening them. The mother and two 15-year-old boys had locked themselves in a bedroom. Police personnel were able to get the family members out of the house safely and officers talked the subject out of the house, where he was safely detained without further incident. They detained him for a 72-hour mental evaluation and he was taken to a hospital.
Drunk in Public / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 2:12 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of W. Foothill on the report of a male subject yelling to the front of his residence. Officers arrived and contacted the subject near the area and determined he was intoxicated. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and public intoxication.
SCE May Cut Off Power in Emergency
Portion of letter from SCE.
- Brad Haugaard
Low Cost Pet Wellness Clinic, Two Big Projects Before Planning Commission; Life with Wildlife; Last Art Walk of Summer
In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reported that ...
~ The Pasadena Humane Society will offer a low-cost animal wellness clinic on Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., at the Foothill Unity Center (790 W. Chestnut Ave.).
~ The Planning Commission will consider two big projects, the Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel project, located at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Huntington, and the Avalon Bay multi-family project, at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Chestnut (where the Tanner Research building is now). At the Development Review Committee there was no opposition to either initiative and both items were approved unanimously.
~ The Living with Wildlife forum was standing room only. The basic rule, of course, is, "Don't feed the animals," but here is some additional information:
Life with bears: https://goo.gl/o15Fsj
Mountain Lions: https://goo.gl/CRR7Ey
Various animals: https://goo.gl/m86YWN
~ Last art walk of the summer. The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will hold its last art walk of the summer on August 25 (Saturday) from 7-10 p.m. on Myrtle in Old Town.
- Brad Haugaard
Allie: Spunky 13-Year-Old German Shepherd Needs New Home
The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.
View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
*** The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is participating in the 4th annual “NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Clear the Shelters,” a pet adoption campaign spearheaded by both stations. On Saturday, August 18, the adoption fee for all animals will be reduced to $20 and the shelter will hold extended adoption hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. View all animals at the shelter at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.
Block Party This Saturday Honoring Woman Who Dedicated Her Life to Sick and Poor
Partnership’s (MAP) Block Party and Neighborhood Treasure Art Reveal. We will be featuring our
Neighborhood Treasure, Ms. Kate Wright, who was divinely inspired to devote her life to care for
the sick and the poor. Through donations of supplies and labor she built small cottages on her East
Cypress property, where she tended for patients suffering from tuberculosis who had no family or
resources to assist them. Kate received no financial compensation for any of her services and
served selflessly for over 30 years. She died in 1938 and is buried in Live Oak Cemetery.
Her devotion and selfless actions are being honored and recognized on August 18th, 2018 with a
unique piece of artwork that will be installed within the 500 Block of East Cypress Avenue. There
will also be a block party that will include free activities, free games, raffles, and free food for all of
our guests.
TO RSVP:
Go to the Eventbrite website and type in the search bar for “MAP Block Party and Neighborhood
Treasure Unveiling” or you can visit our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/MonroviaAreaPartnership
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at 1776
Lunch at 1776, on the east side of Myrtle just below Lemon. Got a Cobb salad for $8 with chicken (an extra $4) and a beer for $7. Very good!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Airport Mural Enhanced
The Monrovia Landing shopping area (the old Alberstons) has enhanced the tile depiction of the Monrovia Airport - which used to be on the shopping center site - with a "flying" airplane, complete with pilot. The artwork is between Aldi and HomeGoods. Gem City Images snapped some pictures of it, which you can see here: https://goo.gl/rX7ra2
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Is Caridad Papa the Oldest Monrovian?
Is Monrovian Caridad Papa the oldest resident of Monrovia?
That's what her neighbor, Clifford DeCosta, wonders.
Caridad was born in the Philippines on August 14, 1913, which will make her 105 on the 14th of this month.
DeCosta said she lives with a daughter, Josette, and a granddaughter, Stephanie, and has been a Monrovia resident since 1981. She is very active, goes to church every Sunday and to the hair dresser every week. She takes out the trash, sweeps the front porch and waters the yard.
Last year she received a certificate from the City, recognizing her as a centenarian. Councilman Larry Spicer delivered a birthday cake to her home.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Lots of Domestic Violence; Motorcyclist vs. Power Pole; Plus Shoplifting, Drugs and Alcohol
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for August 2–8. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 392 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 392 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.
Shoplifting / Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 12:39 p.m., security at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious male subject in their store who they believed was shoplifting. When the subject left the store, he was detained by Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team and the stolen property was recovered. The subject was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.
Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 2:02 p.m., Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington, when they saw a male subject they recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed he was wanted by State Parole for violations. He was stopped and arrested.
Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 2:48 p.m., a caller reported a male subject behaving erratically in the 100 block W. Palm. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He was found to be in possession of an unsheathed dagger. He was arrested and taken into custody for the weapon offense.
Fraud
August 2 at 7:26 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Hillcrest was notified by her credit card company of possible fraud on her card. After being told of the charges made in several different cities that she did not make, she called the police to report the fraud. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 3 at 10:41 p.m., a caller reported a male and female subject inside a vehicle yelling in the 100 block of E. Lime. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. The female subject hit and scratched her boyfriend’s face, causing visible injuries. She was arrested for domestic violence.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 2:14 a.m., a caller reported a motorcyclist had just collided into an Edison pole in the 200 block of N. Canyon. Officers responded to investigate the collision. The motorcyclist was not injured; however, was heavily intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.
Bicycle Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 3:50 p.m., a caller reported his bicycle had just been stolen by a male subject in the park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and located the subject with the bicycle. The bicycle was returned to the owner and the suspect was arrested.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 4 at 3:55 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle had collided into another vehicle and a block wall in the 1100 block of E. Royal Oaks. Officers responded and located the suspect’s vehicle; however, the driver had fled from the scene prior to officers arriving. A search was conducted, but the driver was not found. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 10:02 p.m., a caller reported a male and female fighting at a house in the 600 block of W. Palm. Officers responded and contacted both subjects, who were in a dating relationship. After further investigation, it was discovered the female subject had hit the male several times in the face. She was arrested.
Petty Theft / Vehicle Tampering
August 4 at 11:00 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Colorado walked outside his apartment to the public parking garage, where his vehicle was parked. He discovered someone had opened his vehicle’s gas cap and removed all the gas. The vehicle had been parked for several days in the lot while the victim was on vacation. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 4:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist stopped in the roadway with the engine running. He stopped and contacted the driver, who was asleep in the driver’s seat. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 11:34 a.m., employees of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just run out of their store with stolen merchandise. Officers responded and located the subject running through the parking lot. The merchandise was returned to the store and the suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 9:18 p.m., a caller reported a possible DUI driver in the 800 block of W. Duarte. Officers responded and located the vehicle. Officers stopped the motorist, who was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 8:46 a.m., a caller reported a male and female subject yelling at one another inside a house in the 2600 block of Doray Circle. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. It was discovered that the husband had hit his wife multiple times. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 9:12 a.m., a caller reported a male subject that was heavily intoxicated inside a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and located the subject, who was too intoxicated to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody.
Domestic Violence
August 6 at 10:50 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Briarcliff reported that a male subject she had allowed to live with her grabbed her neck and pushed her to the ground during an argument. He then left the home. The resident complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto – Motorcycle
August 7 at 8:13 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Sesmas walked outside his apartment to where he had parked his motorcycle and discovered someone had taken it sometime during the night. Officers responded and had the vehicle information entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Possession of Prescription Medication / Counterfeit Bill – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 9:00 a.m., employees of a store in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported two male subjects inside the store exchanging what appeared to be medications. Officers arrived and contacted one of the subjects. He was in possession of medication without a prescription and a counterfeit bill. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
August 8 at 8:25 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Royal Oaks reported she had ordered a computer system, which was to be delivered to her home. On the day the system was to be delivered, she arrived home from work and it was gone. The delivery service confirmed they had delivered it to her front porch. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
August 8 at 3:24 p.m., the owner of a vehicle walked to where he had parked his car in the 100 block of S. Canyon and discovered it had been stolen. Officers arrived and entered the vehicle into the DMV stolen vehicle system. The vehicle was located in the City of San Gabriel and the suspect was arrested.
Petty Theft
August 8 at 7:13 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Wildrose ordered merchandise from an online store, which was to be delivered to her home. The delivery was made; however, someone took the merchandise from her front porch. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence
August 8 at 10:09 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Walnut reported her husband had just hit her multiple times after an argument, then left the home. Officers responded to investigate. They discovered the couple’s daughter was also pushed by the suspect. The suspect did not cause visible injuries. This investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 11:54 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Duarte when he saw a male subject hitting a street sign. He stopped and contacted the subject. His erratic behavior indicated he may be under the influence of narcotics, so field tests were conducted. The subject was taken into custody for being under the influence of a controlled substance and taken to a nearby hospital for sobering.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 392 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 392 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.
Shoplifting / Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 12:39 p.m., security at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious male subject in their store who they believed was shoplifting. When the subject left the store, he was detained by Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team and the stolen property was recovered. The subject was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.
Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 2:02 p.m., Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington, when they saw a male subject they recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed he was wanted by State Parole for violations. He was stopped and arrested.
Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 2:48 p.m., a caller reported a male subject behaving erratically in the 100 block W. Palm. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He was found to be in possession of an unsheathed dagger. He was arrested and taken into custody for the weapon offense.
Fraud
August 2 at 7:26 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Hillcrest was notified by her credit card company of possible fraud on her card. After being told of the charges made in several different cities that she did not make, she called the police to report the fraud. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 3 at 10:41 p.m., a caller reported a male and female subject inside a vehicle yelling in the 100 block of E. Lime. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. The female subject hit and scratched her boyfriend’s face, causing visible injuries. She was arrested for domestic violence.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 2:14 a.m., a caller reported a motorcyclist had just collided into an Edison pole in the 200 block of N. Canyon. Officers responded to investigate the collision. The motorcyclist was not injured; however, was heavily intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.
Bicycle Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 3:50 p.m., a caller reported his bicycle had just been stolen by a male subject in the park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and located the subject with the bicycle. The bicycle was returned to the owner and the suspect was arrested.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 4 at 3:55 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle had collided into another vehicle and a block wall in the 1100 block of E. Royal Oaks. Officers responded and located the suspect’s vehicle; however, the driver had fled from the scene prior to officers arriving. A search was conducted, but the driver was not found. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 10:02 p.m., a caller reported a male and female fighting at a house in the 600 block of W. Palm. Officers responded and contacted both subjects, who were in a dating relationship. After further investigation, it was discovered the female subject had hit the male several times in the face. She was arrested.
Petty Theft / Vehicle Tampering
August 4 at 11:00 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Colorado walked outside his apartment to the public parking garage, where his vehicle was parked. He discovered someone had opened his vehicle’s gas cap and removed all the gas. The vehicle had been parked for several days in the lot while the victim was on vacation. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 4:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist stopped in the roadway with the engine running. He stopped and contacted the driver, who was asleep in the driver’s seat. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 11:34 a.m., employees of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just run out of their store with stolen merchandise. Officers responded and located the subject running through the parking lot. The merchandise was returned to the store and the suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 9:18 p.m., a caller reported a possible DUI driver in the 800 block of W. Duarte. Officers responded and located the vehicle. Officers stopped the motorist, who was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 8:46 a.m., a caller reported a male and female subject yelling at one another inside a house in the 2600 block of Doray Circle. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. It was discovered that the husband had hit his wife multiple times. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 9:12 a.m., a caller reported a male subject that was heavily intoxicated inside a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and located the subject, who was too intoxicated to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody.
Domestic Violence
August 6 at 10:50 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Briarcliff reported that a male subject she had allowed to live with her grabbed her neck and pushed her to the ground during an argument. He then left the home. The resident complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto – Motorcycle
August 7 at 8:13 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Sesmas walked outside his apartment to where he had parked his motorcycle and discovered someone had taken it sometime during the night. Officers responded and had the vehicle information entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Possession of Prescription Medication / Counterfeit Bill – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 9:00 a.m., employees of a store in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported two male subjects inside the store exchanging what appeared to be medications. Officers arrived and contacted one of the subjects. He was in possession of medication without a prescription and a counterfeit bill. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
August 8 at 8:25 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Royal Oaks reported she had ordered a computer system, which was to be delivered to her home. On the day the system was to be delivered, she arrived home from work and it was gone. The delivery service confirmed they had delivered it to her front porch. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
August 8 at 3:24 p.m., the owner of a vehicle walked to where he had parked his car in the 100 block of S. Canyon and discovered it had been stolen. Officers arrived and entered the vehicle into the DMV stolen vehicle system. The vehicle was located in the City of San Gabriel and the suspect was arrested.
Petty Theft
August 8 at 7:13 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Wildrose ordered merchandise from an online store, which was to be delivered to her home. The delivery was made; however, someone took the merchandise from her front porch. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence
August 8 at 10:09 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Walnut reported her husband had just hit her multiple times after an argument, then left the home. Officers responded to investigate. They discovered the couple’s daughter was also pushed by the suspect. The suspect did not cause visible injuries. This investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 11:54 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Duarte when he saw a male subject hitting a street sign. He stopped and contacted the subject. His erratic behavior indicated he may be under the influence of narcotics, so field tests were conducted. The subject was taken into custody for being under the influence of a controlled substance and taken to a nearby hospital for sobering.
Monrovia Homeless Population Jumps Up; Lyft Price-Change Details; Memorial for Pam Fitzpatrick; A Police Birthday Party; Library Gets Grant
In his weekly update (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
~ Monrovia's homeless population has grown. Official stats show there are fewer homeless living on the street in 2018 compared to 2017 (from 14 down to 9). However, there was a big jump in the number of homeless living in vehicles (cars, vans, campers). From 15 in 2017 to 55 in 2018.
~ The proposed change to the GoMonrovia Lyft program (which the city council will probably approve tonight) means that: Shared rides will cost 50 cents, and standard rides will cost $3. However, definition time:
"Shared ride" means the Lyft driver may stop to pick up another passenger nearby who is going in the same direction as you, so you could make an additional stop before getting to your destination. You'll need to select "Shared ride" in the app to keep the 50-cent rate.
"Standard ride" is basically what happens now: you and up to three additional passengers can be picked up and taken directly to your destination.
~ The memorial service for Pam Fitzpatrick, prominent Old Town merchant and advocate, will be held on Aug. 9, at 11 a.m., at Live Oak Cemetery.
~ A Monrovia mother, whose son Micah, loves the Monrovia Police and all law enforcement officers, asked if an officer could drop by during her son's police-themed fifth birthday party. An officer did. In fact, the Monrovia Police Officers Association and the officers on the Saturday shift purchased small birthday gifts and the entire shift stopped by Micah's party to wish him a happy birthday.
~ Monrovia Public Library received a grant from the State Library for $7,500 to purchase nonfiction materials on community partnership building, life over 50, mental health information, early literacy, and workforce development. Should be on the shelves by fall.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia's homeless population has grown. Official stats show there are fewer homeless living on the street in 2018 compared to 2017 (from 14 down to 9). However, there was a big jump in the number of homeless living in vehicles (cars, vans, campers). From 15 in 2017 to 55 in 2018.
~ The proposed change to the GoMonrovia Lyft program (which the city council will probably approve tonight) means that: Shared rides will cost 50 cents, and standard rides will cost $3. However, definition time:
"Shared ride" means the Lyft driver may stop to pick up another passenger nearby who is going in the same direction as you, so you could make an additional stop before getting to your destination. You'll need to select "Shared ride" in the app to keep the 50-cent rate.
"Standard ride" is basically what happens now: you and up to three additional passengers can be picked up and taken directly to your destination.
~ The memorial service for Pam Fitzpatrick, prominent Old Town merchant and advocate, will be held on Aug. 9, at 11 a.m., at Live Oak Cemetery.
~ A Monrovia mother, whose son Micah, loves the Monrovia Police and all law enforcement officers, asked if an officer could drop by during her son's police-themed fifth birthday party. An officer did. In fact, the Monrovia Police Officers Association and the officers on the Saturday shift purchased small birthday gifts and the entire shift stopped by Micah's party to wish him a happy birthday.
~ Monrovia Public Library received a grant from the State Library for $7,500 to purchase nonfiction materials on community partnership building, life over 50, mental health information, early literacy, and workforce development. Should be on the shelves by fall.
- Brad Haugaard
Nash the Purr-Machine Wants a New Best Friend
Nash (A462807) is a 5-month-old purr-machine! As soon as you open his kennel doors he comes over, curiously, and starts purring. He head bumps for attention and rubs against his kennel. He likes to be petted, especially behind his ears, and likes to play. Nash is looking for a new best friend today!
The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.
View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Meet the Monrovia Police - Tomorrow
National Night Out will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Library Park. Meet several of Monrovia’s police officers, detectives, bike patrol, community policing, SWAT officers, Special Enforcement Team officers, volunteers, Police Explorers and have some BBQ’d all-American hot dogs.
Source: Monrovia Police Department
- Brad Haugaard
Stock in Monrovia's Staar Surgical Jumps
Stock of Monrovia's Staar Surgical Company is up dramatically after announcing a 55% net sales jump for its second quarter. The stock was trading at about $32, but has jumped up to about $38. Staar makes implantable contact lenses. https://goo.gl/YC2hYt
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Blind Monrovian Starts Company Providing Braille Menus for Restaurants
Seventeen-year-old Monrovian Mason Fessenden is blind, but has started a new company to provide braille menus for restaurants. Rudy's Mexican Food in Monrovia is one of the first to get the menu. https://goo.gl/4Zwimv
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
New Lyft Pricing May Go Into Effect Sept. 1
At its Tuesday, August 7 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/AEBco2) the Monrovia City Council will consider a) increasing the price per ride of the "wildly successful" Lyft program (Currently the program generates about a thousand rides per day!) and b) regulating scooters, since LimeBike is beginning to introduce scooters as well as bikes.
But back to Lyft. The problem with the Lyft program is that the transportation grant money the city uses to pay for it will run out if the program continues at its current pricing.
So, if the council approves the Lyft price increase, the 50-cent Lyft rides would remain in effect for groups (two or more), so if you and your honey want to go out to dinner it'll still cost you 50 cents each for the ride - each way.
However, if you want a solo ride, it'll cost $3 - each way.
New prices would go into effect on the first day of this September.
Here's the full report: https://goo.gl/mPaJKg
- Brad Haugaard
But back to Lyft. The problem with the Lyft program is that the transportation grant money the city uses to pay for it will run out if the program continues at its current pricing.
So, if the council approves the Lyft price increase, the 50-cent Lyft rides would remain in effect for groups (two or more), so if you and your honey want to go out to dinner it'll still cost you 50 cents each for the ride - each way.
However, if you want a solo ride, it'll cost $3 - each way.
New prices would go into effect on the first day of this September.
Here's the full report: https://goo.gl/mPaJKg
- Brad Haugaard
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