Twelve students from Monrovia Unified elementary, middle and high schools - and nine district employees - will shave their heads at the fourth annual Old Town Monrovia FuzzFest (Friday, March 15, 5 to 9 p.m. at the Old Town Street Fest), in partnership with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Shaving shows support for children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. Fundraising teams from Mayflower Elementary, Clifton Middle School, and Monrovia High School are currently the top three fundraising teams for the event. https://goo.gl/QhYMzD
- Brad Haugaard
Meeting on Four Big Projects Planned for City; Sales Tax Meeting; TWO Burgerim's; Etc.
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ A joint City Council / Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. will consider four major projects planned for Monrovia ...
~ There will be a second community meeting to discuss a possible sales tax at the Community Center on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-7 p.m. Chi writes: "We want to hear from the community to see if a local tax measure could be a viable solution for Monrovia as we search for ways to protect our local sales tax capacity from other governmental jurisdictions, including LA County."
~ Two high-end Burgerim restaurants may open in Monrovia. Chi reports that "a franchise operator recently leased the former Sprint store in Old Town located just north of Studio Movie Grill to open a Burgerim." A Burgerim is already planned for 1108 S. Fifth Ave. at the Areum Apartments. https://www.burgerim.com/
~ Monrovia Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator, Ariel Tolefree-Williams, was selected as one of Assembly District 48's 2019 Woman of the Year recipients.
~ If you don't want to use a cell phone app to get a Lyft ride, you can book a GoMonrovia Lyft ride by calling in to the dispatch center. BUT, if you do that you have to pre-register. Chi said this will cut back on underage riders and simplify billing. If you use the app, no change. Here's the registration form: https://goo.gl/PqmYnf
~ The Monrovia Public Library is celebrating Women's History Month with activities and a wall of trivia in the Youth Services Area. Also Wonder Woman display in the lobby.
~ Telecommunication veterans Steve Berkson and Roger Anderson founded the Monrovia business, Jolly Roger Telephone Company, which patches callers through to a robot that wastes their time with absurd conversation: "Did you wash my leggings?" They appeared on Shark Tank. No deal but a lot of exposure.
~ Librarian Mabel Cross and Veterans Resource Center volunteer Joe Callahan were interviewed by CBSLA and told about all the resources the center has for veterans and their families. Video here: https://goo.gl/4jmg57
~ Community Media of the Foothills has a new Executive Director, David Palomares.
~ To raise awareness of suicide prevention, Healing Connections will host "Choose 2 Live" on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Library Park. For more information call (323) 282-9892.
~ The city is accepting nominations for the 2019 Older American of the Year Award hosted by LA County Commission for Older Adults. Candidate must be a Monrovian 60 or older, working or retired, and still active in a volunteer service in Monrovia. The award is to honor and encourage older individuals to remain active in our community. Nomination form: https://goo.gl/rD7uqg
~ Mt Sierra College and the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host a free art show March 15-16. View the works of students and local artists and meet with them. March 15 from 6-9 p.m. and March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Mt Sierra Campus (800 Royal Oaks Drive, Suite 101).
~ Assemblymember Chris Holden wants to highlight a small business. If you know of one that deserves to be recognized, use this nomination form: https://goo.gl/8WxHKb. Nominations are due by Thursday, March 14.
- Brad Haugaard
~ A joint City Council / Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. will consider four major projects planned for Monrovia ...
- Trammell Crow Residential - The Alexan Specific Plan - A 436-unit project proposed to be built at 1625 S. Magnolia Ave.
- Fifield Realty Corporation - West Pomona Transit District - A 310-unit project proposed to be built at 123 W. Pomona Ave.
- MW Investment Group - Arroyo at Monrovia Station - A 284-unit proposed project to be built on the City block by South Magnolia to the west, South Primrose to the east, West Evergreen to the north, and West Pomona to the south.
- City Park-and-Ride Lot - A ~130 key Cambria hotel project located on the City's park-and-ride lot at the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue / Pomona Avenue.
~ There will be a second community meeting to discuss a possible sales tax at the Community Center on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-7 p.m. Chi writes: "We want to hear from the community to see if a local tax measure could be a viable solution for Monrovia as we search for ways to protect our local sales tax capacity from other governmental jurisdictions, including LA County."
~ Two high-end Burgerim restaurants may open in Monrovia. Chi reports that "a franchise operator recently leased the former Sprint store in Old Town located just north of Studio Movie Grill to open a Burgerim." A Burgerim is already planned for 1108 S. Fifth Ave. at the Areum Apartments. https://www.burgerim.com/
~ Monrovia Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator, Ariel Tolefree-Williams, was selected as one of Assembly District 48's 2019 Woman of the Year recipients.
~ If you don't want to use a cell phone app to get a Lyft ride, you can book a GoMonrovia Lyft ride by calling in to the dispatch center. BUT, if you do that you have to pre-register. Chi said this will cut back on underage riders and simplify billing. If you use the app, no change. Here's the registration form: https://goo.gl/PqmYnf
~ The Monrovia Public Library is celebrating Women's History Month with activities and a wall of trivia in the Youth Services Area. Also Wonder Woman display in the lobby.
~ Telecommunication veterans Steve Berkson and Roger Anderson founded the Monrovia business, Jolly Roger Telephone Company, which patches callers through to a robot that wastes their time with absurd conversation: "Did you wash my leggings?" They appeared on Shark Tank. No deal but a lot of exposure.
~ Librarian Mabel Cross and Veterans Resource Center volunteer Joe Callahan were interviewed by CBSLA and told about all the resources the center has for veterans and their families. Video here: https://goo.gl/4jmg57
~ Community Media of the Foothills has a new Executive Director, David Palomares.
~ To raise awareness of suicide prevention, Healing Connections will host "Choose 2 Live" on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Library Park. For more information call (323) 282-9892.
~ The city is accepting nominations for the 2019 Older American of the Year Award hosted by LA County Commission for Older Adults. Candidate must be a Monrovian 60 or older, working or retired, and still active in a volunteer service in Monrovia. The award is to honor and encourage older individuals to remain active in our community. Nomination form: https://goo.gl/rD7uqg
~ Mt Sierra College and the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host a free art show March 15-16. View the works of students and local artists and meet with them. March 15 from 6-9 p.m. and March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Mt Sierra Campus (800 Royal Oaks Drive, Suite 101).
~ Assemblymember Chris Holden wants to highlight a small business. If you know of one that deserves to be recognized, use this nomination form: https://goo.gl/8WxHKb. Nominations are due by Thursday, March 14.
- Brad Haugaard
Shadow: A Very Large - and Adoptable - Lapdog
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Gets Another Brewery
Monrovia is getting yet another brewery. Over Town Brewing at 227 W. Maple Ave. - just east of Magnolia and two blocks north of Huntington - is holding its grand opening this Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16. The brewery promises 13 beers on tap and food trucks. Over Town is open from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon-11 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. https://goo.gl/b9Jizi
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia PD to Conduct Drunk Driving and License Checks This Saturday
Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI / CDL (drunk driving and driver's license) checkpoint on Saturday night, March 16. Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped. Drivers will then be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having a valid driver's license.
Over the course of the past three years, there have been 123 DUI collisions, with 32 of those collisions resulting in injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.
In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.
Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Over the course of the past three years, there have been 123 DUI collisions, with 32 of those collisions resulting in injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.
In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.
Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:
- Always use a designated driver - a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation.
- See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
- Report drunk drivers - Call 911.
- Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Identity of Man Arrested in Connection With Arson Fires
According to the LA Times, the person arrested in connection with recent arson fires is a 25-year-old Monrovia man named Ryan Dhalliwal. https://goo.gl/ugG8Y3
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Pharmacy Closes
Monrovia Pharmacy, just east of Magnolia on Foothill, has closed.
Janice Chen, representing the company, writes on Facebook:
"Dear Monrovians, Monrovia Pharmacy is closed as of today after 1 and 1/2 years of service. It was a pleasure to serve this town but the business isn't growing as much as I was hoping for.
"Thank you for those who come through the doors first as my customers and later became lifelong friends. We will still keep in touch even after the business is closed."
- Brad Haugaard
Janice Chen, representing the company, writes on Facebook:
"Dear Monrovians, Monrovia Pharmacy is closed as of today after 1 and 1/2 years of service. It was a pleasure to serve this town but the business isn't growing as much as I was hoping for.
"Thank you for those who come through the doors first as my customers and later became lifelong friends. We will still keep in touch even after the business is closed."
- Brad Haugaard
Price of Monrovia School Lunches May Go Up 25 Cents
At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/tKMjdW) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...
~ A twenty-five cent increase for the paid breakfast and lunch rate for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 school years.
~ Affirming - as required by law - that the Monrovia Unified School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the 2018-19 fiscal year and the subsequent two fiscal years.
~ Honoring its Employees of the Month for March, including: Markiena Madison, Teacher at Bradoaks; Jesus Jara, Campus Assistant at Bradoaks; Janette Bacus, Teacher at Clifton Middle School; and Jose Simuta, School Office Manager at Clifton.
~ Commending district employee and US Army Major, Ken Singleton, Logistics Officer, who has been called to active duty and must report to Kuwait later this month.
- Brad Haugaard
~ A twenty-five cent increase for the paid breakfast and lunch rate for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 school years.
~ Affirming - as required by law - that the Monrovia Unified School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the 2018-19 fiscal year and the subsequent two fiscal years.
~ Honoring its Employees of the Month for March, including: Markiena Madison, Teacher at Bradoaks; Jesus Jara, Campus Assistant at Bradoaks; Janette Bacus, Teacher at Clifton Middle School; and Jose Simuta, School Office Manager at Clifton.
~ Commending district employee and US Army Major, Ken Singleton, Logistics Officer, who has been called to active duty and must report to Kuwait later this month.
- Brad Haugaard
St. Luke's Presents 12th Women's Evensong Invitational
The free public performance will spotlight the women's voices of the choir along with many invited guest singers. Music will include Gabriel Fauré's Ave Verum, Denis Mason's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, and the Monrovia Preces and Responses, written for this group by Kent Bennett Jones.
The Rev. Neil Tadken, Rector, will officiate. Mezzo-soprano Trisha Rivera will be Cantor. A freewill offering will be taken. Guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception in Guild Hall following the performance.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Mooncat Ramen
Lunch at Mooncat Ranen, not to be confused with Mooncat Sushi next door. It’s a cozy little place on the south side of Lime just east of Myrtle. Got the Curry Ramen for $11 and an almond milk-tea for $4. Very nice.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Wildcat Theatre to Perform 'In the Heights'
https://goo.gl/2PcdZw
- Brad Haugaard
Historic Homes Tour Will Have Six 'First Houses'
The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will hold its 37th Historic Homes Tour on Sunday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will include six of Monrovia's "First Houses" (those built before the end of 1887).
Ticket sales will begin the end of March (not yet!) at the group's online store (using PayPal or a credit card or you can download an order form to pay by check), or at the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce (620 S. Myrtle Ave), Dollmakers' Kattywompus (412 S. Myrtle Ave) or Foothill Gym (202 S. Myrtle Ave). https://goo.gl/I9gLrc
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Two Arson Fires - Little Library Set Afire; She's Drunk, He's Violent; Man Runs Off With Visitor's Luggage; Man Whacks Suspects With Cane
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for February 28 – March 6. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 437 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 1:05 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. Loss prevention was reviewing security cameras when they saw a subject tossing merchandise over a fence and into the county park area. They detained the suspect and an associate at the exit. Both were cooperative. The merchandise was recovered and returned. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 11:04 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1100 block of E. Huntington and conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, it was discovered the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia and narcotics. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Shots Heard
February 29 at 2:24 a.m., police dispatch received three separate calls reporting approximately 4 gunshots in a rear alley in the 300 block of California. Officers responded and conducted an area check, but did not find any evidence of gun shots. The reporting parties were contacted; however, they did not see anything, but only heard shots. Officers continued to stay in the area, but nothing was located. The day watch shift conducted an additional search during daylight hours, but again, nothing was located.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspects Arrested
March 1 at 7:52 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers located a stolen motorcycle with a punched ignition at a motel in the 900 block of E. Huntington. Further investigation revealed the suspect was staying at the motel along with two other subjects who had warrants for their arrest. Additional officers responded to assist and all three subjects were arrested.
Battery/Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 12:17 a.m., a caller reported a physical altercation in the 700 block of S. Magnolia with a female screaming. Officers responded and learned that a boyfriend and girlfriend were sitting in their vehicle arguing. The female was intoxicated. A man walking past the vehicle tried to intervene because he thought the female needed help. The boyfriend exited the vehicle and became involved in a physical altercation with the man who tried to intervene. The boyfriend was arrested on a private person's arrest for battery and the girlfriend was arrested for public intoxication.
Driving Under the Influence/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 2:22 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at Central and Myrtle. During the traffic stop, the driver was determined to be intoxicated and one of the passengers was found to have a warrant for his arrest. After further investigation and field sobriety tests being conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and a passenger was arrested for a warrant.
Commercial Burglary
March 2 at 3:02 a.m., an alarm activation call was received for a business in the 900 block of S. Alta Vista. Officers arrived shortly after and discovered that forced entry had been made to the front door. A perimeter was set up and an interior search was conducted; however, the suspects had already fled the scene. One of the employees responded and indicated the suspects had ripped the alarm panels off the wall. It was unclear if anything was taken at the time. The business contains jewelry, however, all of the jewelry was secured. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting/Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 4:36 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident in progress. Officers responded and waited for the suspect to exit the store, where they detained him. Store loss prevention made a private person's arrest of the suspect. The suspect was arrested and found to currently be on parole and was in violation on his parole. He was transported to the city jail.
Possession of Burglary Tools/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 8:04 p.m., officers observed two male subjects acting suspicious to police presence in the south alley of 100 W. Chestnut. As they approached the subjects, they saw they were wearing dark hoodies and had masks covering their faces. The subjects were detained. One subject had a warrant for theft and was also found to be in possession of burglary tools. The second subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were arrested and later released with citations to appear in court on the charges.
Theft of Luggage
March 3 at 9:40 a.m., a theft of luggage was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The victim set his luggage out in front of the hotel and went inside. When he came back, he saw a male Hispanic subject in his 50's running away with his luggage. He lost sight of the suspect and called the police. The luggage contained his passports and other personal property. An area search was completed, but the suspect was not located.
Commercial Burglary
March 3 at 8:03 p.m., police dispatch received a burglary alarm activation at a commercial building in the 400 block of W. Maple that had been burglarized multiple times. Officers quickly responded and saw a boarded-up window had been forced open. An El Monte Police Department canine unit responded to the location to assist in searching the building. The interior was searched, but the suspect was not located. The owner responded and reviewed surveillance video of the break-in. It appears to be the same suspect from the previous burglaries and an unknown amount of cash was taken from the tip jar. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
March 3 at 11:35 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of S. Myrtle. The victim reported that someone had broken into his work vehicle. The victim saw a male and a female Hispanic inside his vehicle. The victim confronted the male suspect and began hitting him with his cane. Both suspects fled in a silver, Volkswagen hatchback. The victim did not find anything missing at the time. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence
March 5 at 1:23 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Shamrock and Valley View. A motorist was traveling north on Shamrock and collided into a parked vehicle near the intersection. The impact was so severe it disabled both vehicles. The driver fled the scene on foot, but was quickly detained nearby. The driver was possibly under the influence of drugs, but due to his injuries, he was taken to a hospital for immediate medical aid. Charges are pending and the investigation is continuing.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 1:13 p.m., police received a call reporting a female subject trespassing at a vacant residence in the 400 block of E. Maple. An officer responded and found a female subject sleeping inside the residence covered up with a blanket. An officer made contact with the subject and she said she entered the location through an unlocked door. The officer searched the location and found no signs of forced entry. The subject was arrested for trespassing; she was booked and later released on a citation.
Arson
March 5 at 11:49 p.m., Monrovia Fire and Rescue requested officers respond regarding a suspicious fire in the 900 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and found a bush had been set on fire. They were also told by fire personnel that an earlier fire had occurred in front of the Unity Center on Chestnut. The self-serve library box had been set on fire about an hour earlier. An unknown suspect filled the book box with sticks and debris, and then lit the box on fire. The investigation is continuing.
Structure Fire
March 6 at 12:35 a.m., police dispatch received numerous calls reporting a structure fire at a residence in the 700 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and found the location on fire, and the fire had spread to an adjacent home. Multiple agencies responded to assist Monrovia Fire and Rescue with firefighting efforts, including Pasadena and Arcadia Fire Departments. Arcadia and Sierra Madre Police Departments also assisted with evacuations and traffic control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Theft of Mail
March 6 at 3:56 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting two subjects stealing mail from a location in the 200 Block E. Foothill. They fled west on Foothill in a blue vehicle. Officers arrived and confirmed a theft had occurred. An area search was conducted, but officers were not able to locate the suspects. Investigation to continue.
Theft of Wallet From Shopping Cart
March 6 at 10:45 a.m., a female customer of a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported someone had taken her wallet and credit cards from her shopping cart while she was shopping inside the store. She discovered her wallet had been stolen when she went to checkout at the registers and pay. This investigation is continuing.
Theft of Purse From Shopping Cart
March 6 at 11:33 a.m., a theft of a purse at a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington was reported to police. The female victim reported that someone had stolen her purse and credit cards from her shopping cart while she was shopping the day before on March 5. This investigation is continuing.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 11:42 a.m., the owner of an unoccupied rental home in the 400 block of E. Maple called police to report a subject that had gained entry into the home somehow and was using it as their temporary residence. Officers arrived and found no-trespassing signs posted around the home. The subject inside was detained, and after an investigation, was arrested for trespassing.
Traffic Collision – Citation Issued
March 6 at 1:30 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found no one was injured. After an investigation was conducted, the party at fault was issued a citation.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 7:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Alta Vista regarding a male subject that appeared extremely intoxicated. They arrived and found the subject, who displayed obvious signs of intoxication. The subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.
Arson
March 7 at 12:03 a.m., dispatch received numerous calls reporting a structure fire at a residence in the 800 block of W. Walnut. The residence was occupied by one male adult, who escaped injury. The Monrovia Fire Department arrived and put out the fire. The Police and Fire Departments are investigating the cause of the fire. Monrovia Police Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 437 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 1:05 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. Loss prevention was reviewing security cameras when they saw a subject tossing merchandise over a fence and into the county park area. They detained the suspect and an associate at the exit. Both were cooperative. The merchandise was recovered and returned. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 11:04 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1100 block of E. Huntington and conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, it was discovered the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia and narcotics. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Shots Heard
February 29 at 2:24 a.m., police dispatch received three separate calls reporting approximately 4 gunshots in a rear alley in the 300 block of California. Officers responded and conducted an area check, but did not find any evidence of gun shots. The reporting parties were contacted; however, they did not see anything, but only heard shots. Officers continued to stay in the area, but nothing was located. The day watch shift conducted an additional search during daylight hours, but again, nothing was located.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspects Arrested
March 1 at 7:52 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers located a stolen motorcycle with a punched ignition at a motel in the 900 block of E. Huntington. Further investigation revealed the suspect was staying at the motel along with two other subjects who had warrants for their arrest. Additional officers responded to assist and all three subjects were arrested.
Battery/Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 12:17 a.m., a caller reported a physical altercation in the 700 block of S. Magnolia with a female screaming. Officers responded and learned that a boyfriend and girlfriend were sitting in their vehicle arguing. The female was intoxicated. A man walking past the vehicle tried to intervene because he thought the female needed help. The boyfriend exited the vehicle and became involved in a physical altercation with the man who tried to intervene. The boyfriend was arrested on a private person's arrest for battery and the girlfriend was arrested for public intoxication.
Driving Under the Influence/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 2:22 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at Central and Myrtle. During the traffic stop, the driver was determined to be intoxicated and one of the passengers was found to have a warrant for his arrest. After further investigation and field sobriety tests being conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and a passenger was arrested for a warrant.
Commercial Burglary
March 2 at 3:02 a.m., an alarm activation call was received for a business in the 900 block of S. Alta Vista. Officers arrived shortly after and discovered that forced entry had been made to the front door. A perimeter was set up and an interior search was conducted; however, the suspects had already fled the scene. One of the employees responded and indicated the suspects had ripped the alarm panels off the wall. It was unclear if anything was taken at the time. The business contains jewelry, however, all of the jewelry was secured. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting/Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 4:36 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident in progress. Officers responded and waited for the suspect to exit the store, where they detained him. Store loss prevention made a private person's arrest of the suspect. The suspect was arrested and found to currently be on parole and was in violation on his parole. He was transported to the city jail.
Possession of Burglary Tools/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 8:04 p.m., officers observed two male subjects acting suspicious to police presence in the south alley of 100 W. Chestnut. As they approached the subjects, they saw they were wearing dark hoodies and had masks covering their faces. The subjects were detained. One subject had a warrant for theft and was also found to be in possession of burglary tools. The second subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were arrested and later released with citations to appear in court on the charges.
Theft of Luggage
March 3 at 9:40 a.m., a theft of luggage was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The victim set his luggage out in front of the hotel and went inside. When he came back, he saw a male Hispanic subject in his 50's running away with his luggage. He lost sight of the suspect and called the police. The luggage contained his passports and other personal property. An area search was completed, but the suspect was not located.
Commercial Burglary
March 3 at 8:03 p.m., police dispatch received a burglary alarm activation at a commercial building in the 400 block of W. Maple that had been burglarized multiple times. Officers quickly responded and saw a boarded-up window had been forced open. An El Monte Police Department canine unit responded to the location to assist in searching the building. The interior was searched, but the suspect was not located. The owner responded and reviewed surveillance video of the break-in. It appears to be the same suspect from the previous burglaries and an unknown amount of cash was taken from the tip jar. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
March 3 at 11:35 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of S. Myrtle. The victim reported that someone had broken into his work vehicle. The victim saw a male and a female Hispanic inside his vehicle. The victim confronted the male suspect and began hitting him with his cane. Both suspects fled in a silver, Volkswagen hatchback. The victim did not find anything missing at the time. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence
March 5 at 1:23 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Shamrock and Valley View. A motorist was traveling north on Shamrock and collided into a parked vehicle near the intersection. The impact was so severe it disabled both vehicles. The driver fled the scene on foot, but was quickly detained nearby. The driver was possibly under the influence of drugs, but due to his injuries, he was taken to a hospital for immediate medical aid. Charges are pending and the investigation is continuing.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 1:13 p.m., police received a call reporting a female subject trespassing at a vacant residence in the 400 block of E. Maple. An officer responded and found a female subject sleeping inside the residence covered up with a blanket. An officer made contact with the subject and she said she entered the location through an unlocked door. The officer searched the location and found no signs of forced entry. The subject was arrested for trespassing; she was booked and later released on a citation.
Arson
March 5 at 11:49 p.m., Monrovia Fire and Rescue requested officers respond regarding a suspicious fire in the 900 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and found a bush had been set on fire. They were also told by fire personnel that an earlier fire had occurred in front of the Unity Center on Chestnut. The self-serve library box had been set on fire about an hour earlier. An unknown suspect filled the book box with sticks and debris, and then lit the box on fire. The investigation is continuing.
Structure Fire
March 6 at 12:35 a.m., police dispatch received numerous calls reporting a structure fire at a residence in the 700 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and found the location on fire, and the fire had spread to an adjacent home. Multiple agencies responded to assist Monrovia Fire and Rescue with firefighting efforts, including Pasadena and Arcadia Fire Departments. Arcadia and Sierra Madre Police Departments also assisted with evacuations and traffic control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Theft of Mail
March 6 at 3:56 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting two subjects stealing mail from a location in the 200 Block E. Foothill. They fled west on Foothill in a blue vehicle. Officers arrived and confirmed a theft had occurred. An area search was conducted, but officers were not able to locate the suspects. Investigation to continue.
Theft of Wallet From Shopping Cart
March 6 at 10:45 a.m., a female customer of a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported someone had taken her wallet and credit cards from her shopping cart while she was shopping inside the store. She discovered her wallet had been stolen when she went to checkout at the registers and pay. This investigation is continuing.
Theft of Purse From Shopping Cart
March 6 at 11:33 a.m., a theft of a purse at a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington was reported to police. The female victim reported that someone had stolen her purse and credit cards from her shopping cart while she was shopping the day before on March 5. This investigation is continuing.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 11:42 a.m., the owner of an unoccupied rental home in the 400 block of E. Maple called police to report a subject that had gained entry into the home somehow and was using it as their temporary residence. Officers arrived and found no-trespassing signs posted around the home. The subject inside was detained, and after an investigation, was arrested for trespassing.
Traffic Collision – Citation Issued
March 6 at 1:30 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found no one was injured. After an investigation was conducted, the party at fault was issued a citation.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 7:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Alta Vista regarding a male subject that appeared extremely intoxicated. They arrived and found the subject, who displayed obvious signs of intoxication. The subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.
Arson
March 7 at 12:03 a.m., dispatch received numerous calls reporting a structure fire at a residence in the 800 block of W. Walnut. The residence was occupied by one male adult, who escaped injury. The Monrovia Fire Department arrived and put out the fire. The Police and Fire Departments are investigating the cause of the fire. Monrovia Police Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
Monrovia Schools Seeks Comment on Local Control Plan
- Brad Haugaard
Afro-Latin Ensemble Under Direction of Monrovia Resident Releases Second Album
Under the guidance of Monrovia resident and band director Professor Paul De Castro, the Cal State LA Afro Latin Ensemble has released its second album, Setenta, a compilation of classics and new compositions.
A Cal State LA press release describes it as "a passionate, sophisticated work that revels in its cultural tradition. Breezy flutes and bright trumpets, nimble and intricate percussion work and a sultry modern take on Leonard Bernstein's 'Maria' are just a few of the delights this joyful album packs."
"The goals were very high. I didn't accept second-rate anything," De Castro said of the album. "We had the best arrangements, great guest stars, and I put the pressure on the students."
The group began in 1999 as a Latin jazz ensemble, founded by students who sought the advice of De Castro, a Cal State LA alumnus and faculty member in the College of Arts and Letters.
As a scholar of Afro Latin music and a professional pianist, De Castro was an ideal faculty advisor for the fledgling Latin jazz ensemble. He incorporated traditional Caribbean rhythms, particularly those from Cuba, and invited vocalists to join the group.
Wearing signature guayabera shirts featuring the Cal State LA logo, the ensemble has played at venues such as the Autry Museum and Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. In 2000, the 22-person ensemble performed in Cuba, and 10 years later, they played before an audience of 2,000 in China.
"Our main goal," De Castro says, "is to make people feel happy, to make people want to move and dance."
Here's a taste of the music: https://vimeo.com/318-59163
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Health Fair at Unity Center
Health and Resource Fair at Foothill Unity Center (790 W. Chestnut) on March 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Medical screenings, food, raffle, health insurance enrollment, food bank, more.
- Brad Haugaard
Arsonist? Second House Fire in Two Days
Another house fire, last night. This time on Walnut west of Monterey. The street is blocked off at Monterey. Arson?
Jewish Food Festival April 7 at Library Park
On Sunday, April 7, the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will present the Jewish Food Festival at Library Park in Monrovia, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event will celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of Jewish communities throughout the world and throughout history.
The festival will feature favorites such as Matzah Ball Soup, Brisket Sandwiches, Falafel, Black and White cookies, Noodle Kugel and others. Food demonstrations will include pickle making, challah braiding and soft matzah. There will be a special Kids Zone area with bounce houses, craft projects, face painting, balloon artist, a chance to explore a fire truck and police car, and a couple places for kids to read to dogs. Other opportunities include a Beer and Wine Garden, and a Visual Arts Exhibition showcasing local Jewish artisans.
Musical performances will take place throughout the day and will be headlined by Mostly Kosher, the acclaimed klezmer gypsy-rock band that spent the past two years as part of Disney's Festival of Holidays, and children's recording artist Jason Mesches.
The event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the festival or online at www.jewishsgpv.org/jewish-food-festival or by calling 445-0810. For more information about the Jewish Food Festival, please call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
The festival will feature favorites such as Matzah Ball Soup, Brisket Sandwiches, Falafel, Black and White cookies, Noodle Kugel and others. Food demonstrations will include pickle making, challah braiding and soft matzah. There will be a special Kids Zone area with bounce houses, craft projects, face painting, balloon artist, a chance to explore a fire truck and police car, and a couple places for kids to read to dogs. Other opportunities include a Beer and Wine Garden, and a Visual Arts Exhibition showcasing local Jewish artisans.
Musical performances will take place throughout the day and will be headlined by Mostly Kosher, the acclaimed klezmer gypsy-rock band that spent the past two years as part of Disney's Festival of Holidays, and children's recording artist Jason Mesches.
The event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the festival or online at www.jewishsgpv.org/jewish-food-festival or by calling 445-0810. For more information about the Jewish Food Festival, please call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Destroys Monrovia Home Under Construction
Last night a fire destroyed a large Monrovia house under construction on West Colorado, just east of Monterey. https://goo.gl/Mft6Rh
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Elementary Co-Ed Flag Football and Cheer
Co-ed 4th and 5th grade flag football and cheer. Registration now open. Details: https://goo.gl/oGh6H5
- Brad Haugaard
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