Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 486 - Up 5

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/25 . Changes since 07/24 .

City of Monrovia: 486 cases (up 5), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 59 cases (up 3), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 481

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/24 . Changes since 07/23 .

City of Monrovia: 481 cases (up 7), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 56 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 474 - Up 8

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/23 . Changes since 07/22 .

City of Monrovia: 474 cases (up 8), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 56 cases (up 3), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

ChalkDemic! Sidewalk or Driveway Chalk Art Show

Monrovia ChalkDemic! will be held from Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 2. It's free and the canvas can be your home's sidewalk, driveway or driveway apron.

Prizes are $50 gift certificates to Old Town Monrovia merchants. One each to the top three Monrovia resident entries and top three professional artist entries.

For further information contact Christine Gelz at christine@monroviafinearts.org, or Frank Zgonc at frazgo@msn.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Jake’s Road House

Dinner from Jake’s Road House tonight. It’s on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the Barbecue Chicken Salad for $13.95.  It was tasty, and filling, and there’s plenty left over for tomorrow.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 466, Up 5. 33 Deaths, Up 1

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 21:

Monrovia: 466 (up 5 since 8 p.m. July 20), 33 deaths (up 1).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 53 (unchanged), no deaths.
Glen Park (assisted living, 110 N Mountain), 3 cases, no deaths.
Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Meet Weekly Until School Starts

In light of all the changes that have to be made because of the plague, the Monrovia School Board has decided to meet every week until the first day of school in order  to better inform the public on its progress. That according to School Board Vice President Bryan Wong.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Trespassing to Skate; Stealing Vehicles, and From Vehicles; Drugs and Stuff

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 356 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
July 16 at 10:19 a.m., a guest at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington called police to report his vehicle had been burglarized sometime during the night in the hotel parking lot. Officers arrived and discovered several personal items were stolen and the interior of the vehicle was ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 16 at 10:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called police to report that his ex-wife was inside his house. He advised that he had a court order restraining her from being near him due to a past incident of domestic violence. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation, as the female subject was still at the location. The court order was confirmed and she was arrested for violating the domestic violence restraining order.

Grand Theft Auto
July 17 at 7:48 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. The vehicle is a work van and it was taken sometime during the night. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 8:39 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he observed a subject asleep in his vehicle. The officer contacted the subject to check on his welfare. As the subject stepped out of his vehicle, the officer observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of multiple controlled substances. The subject was arrested.

Vandalism
July 17 at 8:39 p.m., an officer drove by the skate park in the 800 block of E. Olive and saw numerous subjects skating. The lock had been cut off. The officer replaced the lock and reviewed surveillance video. The footage showed an adult male cutting the lock off the gate. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 18 at 6:59 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Huntington and Mayflower. Officers arrived and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain, but did not have any visible injuries. Paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department responded. After investigating the collision, the driver found to be at fault was issued a citation.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
July 18 at 10:05 a.m., a resident called police to report three male subjects fighting at a home in the 400 block of Monrovista. Officers responded and located the subjects, who had stopped fighting. After investigation, two of the subjects placed the third subject under private person’s arrest. The officers arrested and took custody of the aggressor.

Trespassing
July 18 at 5:07 p.m., an officer was patrolling the Monrovia Skate Park in the 800 block of E. Olive when he saw ten juveniles skating against the City's order, closing skating activity in the park. The juveniles were advised of the order and they left the park.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Weapons Violation – Suspects Arrested
July 18 at 5:33 p.m., officers were patrolling the area of Alta Vista and Walnut when they saw a motorist commit a driving violation. They stopped the vehicle and found the driver had a warrant for her arrest. The driver was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and an illegal throwing star. The passenger was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Both subjects were arrested.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 2:24 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 600 block of S. Myrtle saw a subject walk behind a closed business. He made contact with the subject, which ultimately led to the subject admitting he had a controlled substance on his person. The subject was searched, and it was confirmed that he was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 19 at 12:01p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of El Norte. An officer responded, and the investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of El Monte. The vehicle was recovered.

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 19 at 2:32 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen near the intersection of Lemon and Primrose. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System, and about an hour later, the vehicle was located and recovered by Irwindale Police Department. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales / Weapons Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 2:17 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. An investigation revealed the driver had a suspended license and was on probation for drug sales. A search of the vehicle resulted in numerous controlled substances packaged for sale being found. Also recovered was cash and a large machete. The suspect was arrested.

Grand Theft Auto
July 21 at 7:15 a.m., a resident reported that his vehicle was stolen out of his driveway in the 300 block of N. Myrtle. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. It appears a spare key to the vehicle was used to take it during the early hours of the morning. This investigation is continuing.

Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 8:15 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a male subject screaming profanities. Officers contacted the subject, and the investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation. The subject was arrested for the warrant.

Theft / Fraud
July 21 at 8:35 a.m., the victim of a theft called police to report that her credit cards were stolen from her unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of E. Cherry. The cards were currently being used at business in Duarte. Officers responded to the business, but the suspects had fled the location and were not located. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Tampering
July 21 at 9:20 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of N. Alta Vista regarding a possible theft from two vehicles. Both vehicles had been left unlocked while parked in the driveway. Sometime during the night, someone entered both vehicles and ransacked them. It appears nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
July 21 at 7:20 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft in progress. Two suspects fled from loss prevention officers after taking merchandise from the business without paying for it. Officers searched the area and were able to locate and detain both suspects. The stolen property was recovered and both suspects were arrested.

About Those Painted Monrovia Rocks

You have no doubt seen some of the nicely painted rocks around Monrovia. I saw this one way up in the mountains above Monrovia Canyon Park - a rock among rocks.

On the back of the rock was this message…



The Facebook page, Monrovia Rocks, says:

"We have been inspired to paint rocks and spread them everywhere we go. We are based off the nationally recognized Kindness Rocks Project. We hope to spread happiness and cheer to our community and beyond. If you find a rock or feel like joining in the fun, please post pictures!! We LOVE having painters whether you're experienced or just beginning.

"Paint a rock and hide it. People who find it can keep or rehide it. On the back, write @monrovia_rocks so you can see who found your rock. Please only take, replace or move rocks that are on sidewalks or near the street. Do not take off porches, flower beds, in residential/community gardens or rocks that appear to belong to the home or business owner. Use your best discretion. If you want to not lose your rock, it's best to keep it inside, in your garden away from the street, or in your backyard. Have fun!!!"

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 461 and 32 Deaths - Up 1

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 21:

Monrovia: 461 (up 15 since 8 p.m. July 20), 32 deaths (up 1).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 53 (up 2).

Glen Park (assisted living, 110 N Mountain), 3 cases, no deaths.

Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Will Stop 'Exoticizing' Other Cultures

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is changing the labeling on some of its products, such as Trader Ming’s, Arabian Joe’s, Trader Jose’s, Trader Giotto’s and Trader Joe San, because such labels have been accused of being racist because they "exoticize" other cultures. https://is.gd/QopPvT

- Brad Haugaard

Madeline: A Sweet and Loving Soulmate Kitty

Two-year-old Madeline is such a sweet and loving cat... and beautiful, too! She loves attention and petting, and has so much affection to give. You may find this cutie kneading (or making biscuits, as some call it) because she’s so happy and friendly, or head butting you to get your attention. Madeline would do best as the only cat in the home, because she wants all your love for herself, and who could say no to that face? If you've been looking for your soul mate kitty, look no further!

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

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

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org and fill out an online adoption application. Adoptions are by appointment only.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 446

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 19:

Monrovia: 446 (up 15 since 8 p.m. July 16), 31 deaths (unchanged).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 51 (unchanged).

Glen Park (assisted living, 110 N Mountain), 3 cases, no deaths.

Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

Book Review: 1887 - A Slice of Life from the Year of Monrovia's Founding

If you're a Monrovia buff, 1887: A History of Early Monrovia, by Monrovia author Richard Singer, is for you!

It's a slice of life during the founding days of the city, mostly, as the title says, from the year of its incorporation, 1887.

You'll get to know the founders, what they were thinking, the times they were living in, the land boom and bust, the social events, the births and deaths,  the calls for a sewer system (it was getting stinky), and many more details, such as ...

- The story of a Monrovian to USC for a telescope and a building to house it. There was a drive to get the telescope installed on Monrovia Peak, but we lost. It ended up on top of another local mountain.

- A painful but instructive tale of why not to ship dynamite caps inside a kerosene stove.

- The volunteer fire department that - twice! - couldn't find its wrench to open the fire hydrant while buildings burned down.

- The Monrovia illustrator whose pictures of Spanish atrocities in Cuba helped lead to the Spanish-American War.

- The adventures of William Monroe after he founded Monrovia. From South America to Alaska to prospecting in the Klondike.

1887 is Singer's second book on Monrovia. He earlier published Renaissance Years: A History of Modern Monrovia. See review: https://is.gd/3YrUVg

1887 is available at the Monrovia Historical Museum (open Thursday and Sunday afternoons), or by calling (626) 675-8323 or emailing monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com. Cost is $30, with the full amount going to support Monrovia history projects.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 431, 31 Deaths - Up 1

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 16:

Monrovia: 431 (up 19 since 8 p.m. July 14), 31 deaths (up 1).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 51 (up 1).

Glen Park (assisted living, 110 N Mountain), 3 cases, no deaths.

Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Church: No More In-Person Church for the Rest of 2020

Monrovia's huge Fellowship Church has decided there will be no in-person church for the rest of 2020.

A letter to church members says: "For the safety of our church and our communities at large, we have decided to suspend our in person weekend worship services for the remainder of 2020."

And ...

"Being led by love, we believe gathering thousands of us together in person, for an hour a week, isn't the most loving to our community, especially when we can not guarantee to keep you, our volunteers, our staff, and all of our kids safe.

"[W]e've reallocated every staff member towards providing help, care, and counseling to anyone in need, and towards creating content for parents/guardians, kids, youth as well as our daily Good News Today show, midweek message, and weekly services."

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Committee to Check for Inequities; Zoom Subscription; Greening Campuses

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/T9hrxp) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Creating a Policy Review Committee to "review district policies and procedures that may be a potential barrier to equity." https://is.gd/HbsMHh

~ Spending $18,000 for a one-year subscription for Zoom video conferencing software for the 2020-21 school year. https://is.gd/nfecsd

~ An agreement with AMIGOS, a California nonprofit, to implement an urban greening project on the campuses, including, "grass clearing, regrading to create concave rain gardens and bioswales, removal of grass, planting native  and drought‐tolerant  species, removing  hardscape, installing  permeable surfaces, installing trashcans, installing  interpretive  elements, and engaging  local youth and  their families in the design, installation, and monitoring. https://is.gd/nYBeYV

- Brad Haugaard

Free Money - If You Qualify; Online Water Safety Information

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

~ If you are "income eligible" and have had your income affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can apply for a one-time payment of up to $500 for rental assistance and for a one-time payment of up to $150 for utility assistance, paid for by the federal government. The city will begin accepting applications this Monday, July 20, through Thursday, July 30. Details: https://is.gd/btm0ys

~  The Red Cross wants to help parents, caregivers and kids to learn about water safety. If your child is not able to take formal swim lessons right now, you can still help them learn to be safer around backyard pools, ponds or other natural bodies of water. Videos and activity sheets for kids and free online courses for adults, here: https://is.gd/w4qnvp

- Brad Haugaard

A Bit About Those Big Old Pipes in Monrovia Canyon

If you've been to Canyon Park you may have seen the original pipes that William Monroe put in place to provide the city with water. Hear a bit of the history and pictures of those pipes in this video.

- Brad Haugaard

Adapting to the Plague

Monrovia businesses adapt to the Coronavirus. Top, Foothill Gym has moved its exercise equipment outdoors. Bottom, Peach Cafe has expanded its outdoor seating into the street. 

- Brad Haugaard