Church Says ‘Thanks’ to Monrovia Firefighters

In early October members of California Zion Church, joined by Mayor Tom Adams, said “thank you” to firefighters by bringing donations to Monrovia’s Fire Station 101, followed by a parade of about 30 “thank you” message decorated cars.

- Brad Haugaard 

Adoptable Dan, the Lovable Couch Potato

Five-year-old Dan is a big, loveable couch potato. He loves being near his people, and will snuggle up like your best friend before you know it! He also loves to eat, and he’s a smart dog who enjoys food puzzles. His favorite game is tug-o-war, but he also likes chill activities like getting back scratches or napping with his head on your lap. Dan would do best as the only pet in the home, and just wants to give you all his love!

Dan is eligible for a 30-day adoption trial. Take him home for a month, get to know and love him, and we’ll provide all the supplies. At the end of 30 days, you can make your adoption official. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get your adoption trial started!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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

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

- Brad Haugaard

All School Board Candidate Statements

Here is a collection of all the candidate statements for those five individuals running for Monrovia School Board. You can vote for up to three candidates to fill the three open seats.

Jennifer Anderson (challenger)

Traci Gholar (challenger) 

Rob Hammond (incumbent) 

Bryan Wong (incumbent) 

Sashary Zaroyan (challenger) 

- Brad Haugaard

Community Development Department to Consider 'Environmental Justice,' Safety and Housing

Monrovia's Community Development Department is launching a comprehensive update to Monrovia's General Plan, examining its Housing Element, Safety Element, and a new element called the Environmental Justice Element.

The Housing Element provides a blueprint for an adequate supply of safe and affordable housing for all economic segments of the community.

The Safety Element identifies and evaluates natural hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, etc. and outlines goals and programs aimed at reducing losses associated with them.

The new Environmental Justice Element will include strategies to address environmental concerns, such as  air quality, and goals to ensure every resident has access to public facilities, healthy food, safe and sanitary homes, and opportunities for physical activity.

Opportunities for community involvement will be announced.

- Brad Haugaard

Jewish Federation Sponsors Town Hall With Consul General of Israel

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will host the Consul General of Israel, Dr. Hillel Newman, for a virtual town hall meeting.

The evening program will feature an up-to-the-minute report on what is going on in Israel, insight into the Abraham Accords (peace deal between Israel and both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain), how Israel is handling COVID-19 and the medical advances coming out of Israel, and more. Attendees will be able to have their questions answered. The event is open to the public, but people need to pre-register by going to www.jewishsgpv.org.

Dr. Hillel Newman became Consul General of Israel in July 2019, where he serves as the senior representative of the State of Israel to the Pacific Southwest. Prior to his post, Newman spent over twenty years in diplomatic service including serving in several influential and critical positions including Policy Advisor to three Foreign Ministers of Israel and Ambassador of Israel to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Most recently, Consul General Newman served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as both Special Policy Advisor to the Director General and as Director of the World Jewish Affairs Department. He has been intimately involved in the most current and pressing issues confronting global Jewry.

"The opportunity to bring a senior representative of Israel, like Consul General Newman, to our community is a," explains Jason Moss, Jewish Federation's Executive Director. "It is my hope that this event will open the eyes of many in our community as they hear what is going on in Israel and the impact Israel has on the entire world."  The event will begin at 7 p.m.

To learn more about this event, or the Jewish Federation's programs and services, please contact the Jewish Federation's Executive Director, Jason Moss by calling 445-0810 or by sending an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.

Source: Jewish Federation press release

- Brad Haugaard

Announcement of School Board Candidacy of Rob Hammond

Hello Monrovia. COVID-19 has changed just about everything on how we operate as a school district except for one critical component, and that is the people.

The school district exists to serve our students, families, and community. In addition, the Board is here to support our administrators, teachers, and staff.

I believe a Boardmember must be fully engaged like never before. In these times of uncertainty I believe I have been present, accountable, accessible, calm, and above all else, understanding.

Everyday parents entrust our school district with their most precious gift, their children. I will keep working to make sure every student receives the education they deserve. I will keep working to make sure every student is ready for the next step in their lives following graduation. I will keep working to ensure the educational experience in Monrovia is second to none.

Sure, times have changed, but I will always remember I am here in the service of our students and parents.
I would very much appreciate your support, and vote, to continue to serve.

Please follow us on our website https://reelectrobhammond.com/ and like us on Facebook re-elect Rob Hammond.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 779, Up 17

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 10/06/2020. Changes since 9/30/2020.

City of Monrovia: 779 cases (up 17), 41 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 83 cases (up 2), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Ballot Box in Library Park

If you don’t want to mail in your ballot, you can drop it off at a variety of places. One of the closest ones is probably at Monrovia Library Park. Here’s the ballot dropbox on Palm Avenue on the north side of the library.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Arrest in Attempted Murder; Firefighter's Command Post Trailer Burglarized; Officers Buy Food for Hungry Panhandler; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 1-7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 327 service events, resulting in 70 investigations. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 8:10 p.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a verbal argument between a father and a son. Investigation revealed the argument turned physical, and the father’s wife was also injured during the fight. The father was arrested for domestic violence. 

Grand Theft Auto
October 1 at 9:43 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a dealership in the 700 block of E. Central. On September 30 at approximately 3:00 p.m., two suspects went to view a used vehicle at the dealership. An employee started the truck, and one of the suspects distracted the employee, while the second suspect entered the truck and fled in the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Tampering / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 11:18 p.m., a suspicious person was reported in the 200 block of E. Lime. The caller stated she heard sounds in the alley and looked out and saw a female suspect open a car door and go inside. A second caller advised he had video of the suspect damaging his patio lights. Officers checked the area and located the subject. She was positively identified and arrested for vehicle tampering and vandalism. 

Theft
October 2 at 8:28 a.m., a gardener working at a home in the 400 block of N. Magnolia reported that two suspects driving a white van just took his gardening equipment from the back of his pickup truck. Officers searched the area for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
October 2 at 9:27 a.m., an employee of a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported that someone had shattered one of her car windows. The suspect did not enter the vehicle or take anything. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 2 at 11:04 p.m., a female subject came into the police department lobby to report she had been battered by her ex-boyfriend earlier in the evening while at a residence in the 500 block of E. Olive. Officers conducted an investigation and located the suspect. He was arrested for domestic violence and the violation of a restraining order. 

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
October 2 at 11:58 p.m., officers patrolling the 500 block of W. Colorado were waved down by a resident. She complained about suspicious people coming and going from a nearby garage. Officers located two subjects matching her description. An investigation revealed that one of them had a warrant for his arrest and was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 2:29 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Duarte regarding a report of a vehicle that had just been stolen. The officers obtained the license plate number and description, and began checking the area. A short time later, officers saw the vehicle exit the freeway at Huntington and enter a nearby parking lot. Officers stopped the vehicle and detained a suspect. He was positively identified by the victim as the person who stole his vehicle. The suspect was arrested. 

Battery
October 3 at 6:21 a.m., an employee of a fast food restaurant in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a battery incident. Two employees were just battered by a male suspect who attempted to follow them inside the restaurant, which is not open for business yet. When told he could not enter the building, he hit both employees in the face and fled. Officers searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 3 at 2:08 p.m., a motorist reported another vehicle just collided into his vehicle at the intersection of Monterey and Huntington, then fled the scene. Officers arrived and took statements from the reporting party. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 2:26 p.m., security for a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a customer just left the store with merchandise and did not pay. Officers located the subject and returned the stolen property to the store. The subject was arrested for shoplifting. 

Disturbing the Peace
October 3 at 3:08 p.m., a customer at a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject who was disturbing the peace by walking through the shopping center panhandling for money or food. She said she felt he was being too aggressive by approaching people. Officers located the subject, who apologized and said he was just really hungry because he hadn't eaten in two days. The officers purchased food out of pocket and fed the man. He was extremely grateful and thanked the officers for their kindness and compassion. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 1:00 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Violet called police to report an unknown subject was banging on her front door. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 2:23 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Mayflower called police to report an unknown subject was pounding on her front door. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for and a sobering period. 

Shots Fired
October 4 at 2:24 a.m., several residents in the 300 block of E. Palm called police to report hearing a single gunshot and then a vehicle speeding away. Officers arrived on scene and checked the area. One bullet hole was located in the front door of an apartment. The occupants of the apartment were contacted and they were okay. The bullet went through the front door and into a wall, which leads to another apartment. That apartment was also checked, and it was confirmed that the bullet did not exit the wall. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
October 4 at 2:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called to report a subject vandalizing a wall with spray paint. Officers arrived and saw the graffiti, but the subject was already gone and could not be located. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Murder – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 2:53 a.m., several calls were received in dispatch reporting shots fired in the 100 block of McKinley. One caller reported a male subject was down in the alley. Officers arrived and located a subject in the alley. He had sustained one gunshot wound to his leg, which was non-life-threatening. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A crime scene was established and evidence was collected. The suspect was eventually identified and a wanted person warrant was issued for his arrest. On October 6 at 6:56 p.m., deputies from the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department located and detained the suspect at Duarte and Wardell. Monrovia officers responded to their location and arrested the suspect. 

Grand Theft Auto
October 4 at 12:19 p.m., an employee at a restaurant in the 500 block of W. Huntington parked his vehicle in the parking lot and went into work. After work, he returned to his vehicle and saw it had been stolen from the parking lot. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 10:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a disturbance. They arrived and discovered a female adult had battered a male adult, her boyfriend, causing injury. Officers conducted a domestic violence investigation and determined the female was the primary aggressor. She was arrested for domestic violence. 

Burglary
October 5 at 5:48 a.m., an employee at a gym in the 200 block of W. Duarte arrived and saw it had been burglarized. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed that an unknown suspect gained entry through a window. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
October 6 at 9:32 a.m., an officer was driving through a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he was stopped by security, who told him a subject was seen pulling a trashcan with wheels through the store. They believed he had hidden merchandise in the trashcan and tried to stop him as he left the store, but were not successful. Officers checked the area for the subject, but were unable to locate him. Store security checked the surveillance cameras, which captured the subject selecting merchandise and placing it inside the trashcan. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
October 6 at 2:25 p.m., a box trailer used by California Fire as a command post was parked in a parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington over the weekend. When staff returned to the trailer, they discovered someone had broken into the two side compartments. The loss was a propane tank, a five gallon gas tank, and the automatic leveling computer. Officers did an area check and found the propane and gas tanks discarded nearby. This investigation is continuing. 

Prowler
October 6 at 8:05 p.m., a female resident in the 100 block of N. Primrose reported seeing a male suspect peeping into her restroom window. She had reported the same suspect peeping in her home the night prior. There was also a peeping report filed by another victim the week prior that lives on Stedman. The suspect is described as a male white, 20-30 years old, with thick eyebrows. A short time later, a resident in the 200 block of Primrose reported seeing a male subject in his backyard with a flashlight. Officers checked the surrounding area, but were not able to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 7 at 6:59 p.m., a caller was inside his residence in the 100 block of N. Mountain when he heard a loud crashing noise. He went outside and found his garage door had been caved in and damaged. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. It appears a vehicle pulled into his driveway, possibly to turn around, and it collided into the garage door. The vehicle fled to scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
October 7 at 11:29 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The caller said he had witnessed a male subject breaking into a parked vehicle at the location. The suspect fled in a tan vehicle prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at Thai Divine

Lunch at Thai Divine, on the east side of Myrtle half a block south of Colorado. Got the Kang Ka Ree (yellow curry) for $10.95, rice for $3, and a large beer for $8. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Burned Mountain Lion Responding to Treatment

A cougar with paws burned in the Bobcat Fire was rescued in a Monrovia backyard and is responding to treatment: https://is.gd/hwJaJM

- Brad Haugaard

Meil Coming Out of Her Shell, Showing Her Fun Personality

14-week-old Miel has come such a long way since she arrived at the shelter! At first, she was fearful of people and of her new environment. But our cat behavior staff has worked hard to gain her trust, and now she allows people to pet her. She has such a fun personality and loves to play – if you throw her a treat, she’ll bat it around and chase after it. She’s such a cutie! She’s done a great job at coming out of her shell, and just needs a patient adopter who can give her the time she needs to adjust to new people and a new home. This sweetie is worth it!

Miel is eligible for a 30-day adoption trial. Take her home for a month, get to know and love her, and we’ll provide all the supplies. At the end of 30 days, you can make your adoption official. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get your adoption trial started!

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.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Home Decorating and Pumpkin Carving Contest

Home Decoration registration deadline Friday, Oct. 16. Judging on the week of Oct. 19. After winners are announced, a map will be published.

Those interested in the Jack-o-Lantern Carving Contest must submit carvings by Oct. 19. Judging the week of Oct. 19. Winners will be selected and notified on Oct. 30. The city will share a video, on YouTube, of all pumpkin carving submissions on Oct. 31.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: Report on Local Water Supply; Breast Cancer Awareness; 'Clean Air Day'

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/bdJumE) the Monrovia City Council will hear a report on our water supply by Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District General Manager Tom Love and Director Dr. Tony Fellow. It will also consider making October Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 7 as Clean Air Day. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Get Grant to Improve Traffic Safety

The safety of everyone traveling is the focus of a grant awarded to the Monrovia Police Department. The $62,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will assist the City of Monrovia’s efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on its roads.

“These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety,” Monrovia Police Department Lt. Daniel Verna said. “This funding allows us to educate and enhance the safety of all residents.” The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. 

The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including:

• Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
• Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Patrols with emphasis on education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
• Patrols with emphasis on education and awareness of motorcycle safety.
• Roadside checkpoints with an emphasis on awareness and education of alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
• Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Through education and behavior changes, we hope to create an environment that is safe and equitable for all road users in our community,” Lt. Verna said. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 19 More, 3 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 9/30/2020. Changes since 9/23/2020.

City of Monrovia: 762 cases (up 19), 41 deaths up 3
Unincorporated Monrovia: 81 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Boyfriend Bites Girlfriend; Suspect Returns to Scene of Crime - Arrested; Drunks and Drugs; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 70 investigations. 

Vehicle Burglary
September 24 at 7:05 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Ninth Avenue. The victim reported that the windows on his vehicle had been smashed while it was parked and his backpack had been taken from inside. The windows and doors had been secured. Officers obtained surveillance footage that showed a suspect smashing the windows at 1:30 a.m. that morning. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 24 at 8:33 a.m., a traffic collision involving two vehicles occurred at the intersection of Magnolia and Olive. Officers arrived and found one of the parties was complaining of pain to his shoulder. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Mail Tampering
September 24 at 9:48 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Greystone found mail on the ground that belonged to nearby residents and called police. Officers arrived and located surveillance footage which showed a subject in a silver Toyota Prius throwing mail out of the vehicle window. The license plate was captured and returned as being stolen out of Los Angeles. The mail was returned to the owners. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 8:47 a.m., a resident from the 400 block of E. Lemon called police to report a male subject in his backyard. Officers arrived and confirmed a no-trespass authorization was in effect against the subject for that location. The subject was detained and advised regarding the no-trespass order. He said he already knew about the order, but he had no place else to go. He refused to take any resources regarding homeless shelters. He was arrested for trespassing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 10:46 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Maple regarding a domestic violence incident. Two subjects are in a dating relationship and had been drinking. They became involved in a verbal argument. The argument escalated and the boyfriend pushed the girlfriend up against a wall, and at some point, bit her on the arm. The boyfriend was deemed the primary aggressor. He was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 11:23 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject that was heavily intoxicated. Officers located the subject, who was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 2:09 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle speeding near the intersection of Foothill and Magnolia and conducted a traffic stop. The investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
September 27 at 11:57 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Peck and Jefferies regarding a vehicle colliding into a parked vehicle. When officers and paramedics arrived, they found the driver inside his vehicle and unresponsive. Paramedics delivered a dose of Narcan to the driver, and he responded. Prescription medication was found inside the vehicle, indicating a possible opiate overdose. The driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver told the officers he took pain killers thirty minutes prior to the accident for a preexisting injury. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Burglary
September 28 at 4:31 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill when he heard an audible alarm. He checked businesses in the area and found there was an attempted burglary at a local business. The responsible party was advised of the attempt. This investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 6:18 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. One of the drivers showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 29 at 9:19 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a wanted person. An employee was a victim of a robbery several weeks ago and the suspect had returned to the location. The victim called to have officers respond. The suspect was located and detained. Officers confirmed the suspect was wanted for the robbery, and he was arrested and taken into custody. 

Lunch at Max’s Mexican Cuisine

Lunch today at Max’s Mexican Cuisine, on the north side of Huntington just across from Target. There’s a nice big tent set up in the back parking lot with a mister. Got the Chile Relleno from the Lunch Specials menu for $10.50 and a small beer for $6.  Yummy all around. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Canyon Park Will Be Closed at Least Six Months; Wilderness Preserve Should Open Soon

City Manager Dylan Feik reports:

"When the Bobcat Fire entered Monrovia Canyon Park, firefighters used a defensive approach to protect buildings and structures, including the Nature Center, Ranger Station, cabins, and restrooms. The fire suppression tactics, which included controlled burns, burned a significant amount of brush in the park but all buildings remain standing with only smoke damage. Some portions of the park remain with plentiful greenery and shrubs, while others are left burned to a crisp. Popular hiking trails are no longer accessible and debris from high above is already rolling down the hills and landing on park trails. In some cases, staff is already noticing trees falling over since the fire. In total, about 278 acres of Monrovia Canyon Park is damaged while much more land area is damaged above the park, but still within the watershed area. With the need for ongoing damage assessments, insurance reviews and repairs, we anticipate the park will be closed for at least six months and possibly longer. During this time, to secure Monrovia Canyon Park, a fence has been installed and a chain lock has been set to secure the gate. Additionally, signs are posted as the area remains very dangerous.

"The community will be relieved to know that the Hillside Wilderness Preserve suffered minimal burns and will be open to the public much sooner. Staff is installing replacement signage and fencing, where appropriate, but please know that popular trails within the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, including Lower Clamshell Trail, will soon be reopened."

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Movie Nights at Recreation Park

- Brad Haugaard