Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Five More Deaths, But Is Infection Rate Dropping?

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 02/10/2021. Changes since 02/03/2021.

City of Monrovia: 2,991 cases (up 82), 60 deaths up 5
Unincorporated Monrovia: 349 cases (up 6), 1 deaths (unchanged)

The infection rate for Monrovia seems to be dropping. This week 82 cases; last week 114; the previous week 120; and the week before that 201.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Homicide on Wildrose; Bad Boyfriends; Fake Bank Employee Defrauds Customer; Shoplifting for Pet; Sex Offender and Traffic Blocker

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 4-10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 339 service events, resulting in 71 investigations. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 4 at 9:39 p.m., a caller reported that motorist collided into a parked vehicle in the 300 block of W. Colorado and then drove away. Officers responded and were able to locate the suspect vehicle nearby. The driver of the vehicle displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted, and it was determined the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Vehicle Burglary – Suspects Arrested
February 4 at 11:50 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Genoa called police to report a vehicle burglary in progress. A white vehicle stopped in the street, the passenger exited and then walked over to a neighbor's vehicle. The passenger forced entry into the vehicle, while the driver waited. Officers arrived and located the suspect still inside the vehicle. They detained both the passenger and the driver of the waiting vehicle. After an extensive investigation, both suspects were arrested. One for vehicle burglary and being in possession of burglary tools, and the other for conspiracy to commit a crime. 

Commercial Burglary
February 5 at 1:11 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 1600 block of California. They arrived and found the front door had been pried open. A building search was conducted, but the suspects had already fled the scene. Video footage was obtained and it showed the two suspects arriving at the location. They used bolt cutters to remove the locking mechanism from the front gate. Once inside the gate, the suspects pried open the front door. A short time later, the audible alarm sounded, causing the suspects to flee on foot. It was unknown if anything missing. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
February 5 at 8:18 a.m., a caller reported seeing fresh graffiti on a vacant building in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers documented the vandalism and then reported it to graffiti removal. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
February 5 at 9:01 a.m., a guest at a long-term stay hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported her ex-boyfriend had just battered her, then fled the hotel. She said she had let him inside her hotel room that morning, and after an argument, he hit her in the face, possibly breaking her nose. Paramedics responded and provided medical care. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 1:02 a.m., a female caller reported that her boyfriend assaulted her and then fled their residence in the 300 block of S. Heliotrope. Officers arrived and learned the female had sustained a head injury after she was thrown to the floor. She was treated by paramedics. The male suspect was contacted by phone, and he said he was at a family address in Azusa. Officers responded to the location and arrested the suspect. He will be held pending his court date. 

Grand Theft
February 6 at 11:49 a.m., an employee of a grocery store in the 400 block of W. Huntington made a report of a theft that occurred the previous day. Two unknown male suspects entered the store on two different occasions, stealing vitamins, wine, and other miscellaneous items. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
February 6 at 5:21 p.m., officers responded to a fraud report made by a resident in the 100 block of Melrose. The suspect called claiming to be from the victim’s bank and said there was fraudulent amount charged on his account. The suspect asked the victim to help catch the suspect by buying a large amount of gift cards and sending the gift card information to them. Only after he did this, did he realize he had been scammed by the suspect, who was impersonating a bank employee. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
February 6 at 6:51 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of Genoa reported her bicycle had been stolen from inside her attached garage. The victim forgot she left the garage door open. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. 

Injury Traffic Collision
February 7 at 1:58 p.m., officers responded to a report of an injury traffic collision in the 700 block of W. Duarte. It was determined that the at-fault vehicle was exiting an apartment complex parking lot and failed to see oncoming traffic, causing the collision. 

Shoplifting
February 7 at 4:24 p.m., officers responded to the report of shoplifting at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. A group of three women entered a business and stole miscellaneous pet merchandise. They fled in a black BMW. The reporting party was able to get the vehicle license plate. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 8 at 5:14 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut called police to report two suspicious subjects on his property. The resident heard glass breaking and went outside. He saw two suspicious subjects on his property and he chased them away. They left behind two handbags. Officers arrived and located a vehicle nearby with a broken window. The owner of the vehicle was contacted. The handbags left behind belonged to the vehicle owner. The property was returned to the owner and he found the contents was still inside. He was very grateful. Officers searched the area for additional victims, but did not see any signs of criminal activity. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapons Offence – Suspect Arrested
February 8 at 3:14 p.m., police responded to a business in the 1800 block of California regarding the report of a man with a gun. A male suspect, believed to be an ex-employee, entered the location and displayed a handgun. He fled the location in a black Mazda SUV. Officers located the vehicle at the registered owner's residence in the 1400 block of Alamitas. Officers established a perimeter and were able to contact the suspect inside the residence. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to a facility for a mental health evaluation. There is an ongoing criminal investigation at his time. 

Homicide Investigation
February 8 at 9:09 p.m., the Monrovia Police and Fire Departments responded on a report of a medical assist in the 1000 block of Wildrose Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female deceased inside a residence from an apparent stabbing. Her death is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. 

Burglary
February 9 at 7:10 a.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Mayflower called police to report her vehicle had been broken into overnight. The vehicle was parked at the location and was secured. The victim returned to the vehicle in the morning and found a window shattered and items missing from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism / Attempt Burglary
February 9 at 8:21 a.m., an unknown suspect attempted to break into several vehicles in the 700 block of Crescent sometime during the night. Video footage shows a male suspect. The suspect was unable to gain entry to the vehicles, and out of frustration, he broke the mirrors. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 10 at 2:34 a.m., officers were on patrol at the intersection of Myrtle and Longden when they saw a subject walking in the street. The subject was stopped, and during their encounter, he consented to a search of his person. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a glass pipe used for smoking controlled substances. He was arrested. 

Sex Offense / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
February 10 at 2:49 p.m., the Monrovia Fire Department called police to report a male subject that was masturbating in public in the 300 block of W. Foothill. They stopped to report the incident, and the subject approached a residence in that area. He continued masturbating while looking through a front window at the female occupant of the home. He then broke the window and fled on foot. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. At 3:55 p.m., the same subject was seen walking in the middle of the street in the 400 block of W. Foothill, attempting to walk in front of vehicles. Traffic was heavy and vehicles nearly struck him. He was detained by officers and transported to a facility, where he was held for a mental evaluation. 

Local Mail Thefts Rising

The number of mail thefts in this area has increased, according to the Arcadia Police Department. It suggests that "this increase may be in response to the recent stimulus checks/debit cards that have been sent out." It suggests these tips to prevent your mail from being stolen:

• Pick up your mail as soon as possible.
• Secure or lock your mail box.
• Don’t let your mail stack up for multiple days.
• If you are gone during the daytime, consider a Post Office Box .
• If you are out of town, have a neighbor or relative collect your mail daily.

- Brad Haugaard

Woman Killed by 'Traumatic Injuries' Monday Night

A woman died of "traumatic injuries" Monday (yesterday) at about 9:09 p.m. in a house in the 1000 block of Wildrose Ave., in Monrovia, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau, which is assisting the Monrovia Police Department with the investigation. Monrovia Police Department and Fire Department responded to a medical assist call (https://is.gd/YHkyL1), but upon arrival, officers found an adult female deceased inside a residence from a stabbing. (Monrovia says "stabbing;" Sheriff's Department says, "traumatic injuries.") The 1000 block of Wildrose is near the east end of Wildrose, just before it turns south next to Bradbury. https://is.gd/FU6hV7

- Brad Haugaard

Maverick - An Adult Dog With Puppy Energy

Two-year-old Maverick is a bundle of energy! This fun guy is the perfect pup for someone who has the time to teach him manners and commands, and give him lots of exercise. He’s a smart, athletic dog and would do really well with enrichment games (like food puzzles) and maybe even dog agility. Maverick would prefer an adult home and would probably do best without other pets. If an adult dog with puppy energy sounds like a dream come true, adopt Maverick!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Game App Discussed on Radio

Monrovia High School teacher Anthony Carlson and senior Charlie Heatherly discuss the student-created gaming app Red Dungeon on California School News Radio. https://is.gd/M7LlpM

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: First Baptist Church Ladies

First Baptist Church Ladies Group. Church is on Encinitas and Palm. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Bring Chinese Students to Monrovia High

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/fPLoCL) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider entering into a three-year arrangement with the high school affiliated with Guangzhou University, in China, for a program that would bring Chinese students to Monrovia High School, and would apparently also have Monrovia teachers teaching in Guangzhou. Details: https://is.gd/sMpCWa

- Brad Haugaard

Trucks to Clear Debris Basin in North Monrovia; Opening on Planning Commission; Monrovia Calendar; Etc.

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

~  The Oakglade Debris Basin above the intersection of Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive in north Monrovia has accumulated nearly 3,000 cubic yards of mud and debris following the recent rains. Beginning Wednesday Feb. 10, LA County Public Works/Flood Control will begin hauling the muck to a disposal location in the Sawpit Wash area. It'll take more than 300 truck trips, at about 50 per day, Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Questions? Contact Hu Yi, LA County Public Works Assistant Area Engineer, at 445-7630 or at hyi@dpw.lacounty.gov

~ There is a vacancy on the Planning Commission due to the resignation of a Commissioner, so if you'd like to be considered for the position, you have until 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 to fill out an application, here: https://is.gd/UuTR1W

~ Want a coloring book calendar with snapshots of Monrovia? Fill out the interest form, here:  https://is.gd/Md9FTu.  For more information contact Public Works at 932-5575 or pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 

~ City Hall phones will be down for maintenance on Friday, Feb. 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. To reach a staff member during this time, visit the staff directory (https://is.gd/ykbPoU) and use email.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 114 More Cases, 2 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 02/03/2021. Changes since 01/27/2021.

City of Monrovia: 2,909 cases (up 114), 55 deaths up 2
Unincorporated Monrovia: 343 cases (up 15), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Homicides; Vehicle Burglaries; Stolen Vehicles; Drugs and Alcohol; Vandalizing Church; Assault by Girlfriend

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 28 - February 3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 334 service events, resulting in 68 investigations. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 28 at 6:57 a.m., a customer of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain walked outside the store after shopping and discovered his work truck had been stolen. Officers arrived and searched the area for the vehicle, but were unable to locate it. The truck was entered into the law enforcement Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 28 at 7:14 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Highland reported a vehicle burglary. The victim walked outside his home to go to work and discovered someone had shattered his car window. Personal items had been taken from inside the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Homicide – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 9:30 a.m., detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested the accomplice to the Al's Liquor homicide case that occurred in December. The suspect was booked at the Monrovia Police Department jail and was transported to the Los Angeles County jail. 

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 3:47 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of W. Huntington when she saw a motorist commit a driving violation and stopped the vehicle. The driver was found to have a warrant for his arrest from Probation and Pasadena Police Department. An investigation revealed he was also in possession of a controlled substance and was driving with a suspended license. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 29 at 12:24 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of E. Foothill when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. The motorist was stopped and appeared heavily intoxicated. A DUI investigation was started and field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was ultimately arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 29 at 2:54 p.m., a caller reported a male and female yelling at one another inside a hotel room in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subjects. An investigation revealed one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant. 

Homicide
January 29 at 5:02 p.m., several callers reported hearing multiple gunshots in the 100 block of E. Los Angeles. One caller reported a male adult subject had been shot. Officers and paramedics responded. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. This investigation is continuing by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 30 at 1:21 p.m., a guest of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington walked outside the hotel and discovered someone had forced entry into his vehicle and took personal property. This investigation is continuing 

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 2:50 p.m., an officer was near the area of Santa Anita and the 210 Freeway when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver had a warrant for his arrest. Further investigation revealed he was also in possession of a controlled substance. The driver was arrested. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 6:48 p.m., a motorist was reported stopped in the 500 block of W. Huntington with his vehicle facing the wrong direction. Officers responded and checked on the well-being of the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted, and it was determined he was under the influence. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft
January 31 at 6:56 p.m., the owner of a business in the 1100 block of S. Mountain called police to report a theft that occurred the previous day. He saw a male suspect on surveillance video throwing boxes of lighting over the fence to another suspect, who was waiting in a vehicle. The suspect then jumped the fence and both suspects drove away in the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
February 1 at 8:50 a.m., the owner of a vehicle that was parked in the 400 block of S. Magnolia called police to report his vehicle had a bullet hole in the window. Officers responded and determined the hole was not caused by a gunshot, but an unknown tool. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 1 at 11:38 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower. The victim reported his tools had been stolen from the back of his van. Officers responded and were told the van had been left unlocked in the driveway and numerous tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 2:09 p.m., a worker at the Santa Anita Dam called police to report a subject sitting in a vehicle near the dam for an extended period of time. He provided a plate number for the vehicle, which returned as a reported stolen vehicle. Officers responded and were able to locate the vehicle. The driver was arrested without incident and taken into custody. 

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 7:19 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of E. Palm was flagged down and notified that someone had just vandalized the back of a church with spray paint. Officers conducted an area check and located the suspect. He was arrested and issued a citation. 

Grand Theft Auto
February 2 at 8:12 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of S. Mayflower. The vehicle had been left unlocked and was parked in the victim’s driveway. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 2 at 8:19 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1700 block of S. Peck called police to report the catalytic converters had been stolen from four of their vehicles. Officers arrived and determined the crime had been committed sometime the previous night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
February 2 at 8:18 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1300 block of S. Primrose. The victim reported that her rented vehicle had been stolen from outside her residence. Officers arrived and retrieved video surveillance of the theft. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
February 3 at 3:35 p.m., an employee at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington discovered that two rooms had been rented with fraudulent credit cards. Officers arrived and discovered the suspects had fled and left behind evidence of check fraud. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 3 at 8:01 p.m., a Loss Prevention Officer at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington saw two subjects he recognized from previous shoplifting attempts. He then saw them take numerous items from the store and leave the location without paying. Officers arrived, but the suspects had already left in a vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Restraining Order Violation
February 3 at 11:47 p.m., a male subject in the 100 block of W. Olive called police to report his girlfriend had just assaulted him. Officers arrived, but the girlfriend had already left the location. She was found a few blocks away from the location and claimed she was not feeling well. An investigation revealed there was already an active restraining order on file protecting the male subject from his girlfriend. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and the case is being submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. 

Lunch at Taqueria Diablo

Lunch today at Taqueria Diablo, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got one carne asada taco for $2.50, one chorizo taco for $2, and a cantaloupe agua fresca for $5. Loved both tacos, though the carne asada was my favorite. The agua fresca was great as well. 

- Brad Haugaard 

K-Rail Being Installed on Ridgeside and Oakglade

Concrete K-Rail is being installed below the Bobcat burn area along Ridgeside and Oakglade. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Gives Workers Another $2 Pay Boost Because of COVID

Effective Feb. 1, and apparently for the duration of the pandemic, Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is giving its hourly workers a COVID-bonus, an extra $2 an hour, in addition to the $2 raise the company instituted last year. https://is.gd/qaPKaH

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Katherine Thorossian to Retire At End of This School Year

The letter announcing the retirement of Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian.

Dear Monrovia Friends and Families,

It is with mixed emotions that share my decision to retire at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Eight years ago. you welcomed me into this District. and I have been grateful ever since. Between the celebrations and sorrows I take great pride in the many opportunities we created together for our students.

I have been an educator for almost four decades. In that time, regardless of position, have been blessed to be surrounded by exceptional individuals who work fiercely and creatively to make a positive difference in the lives ot the students they teach. Nowhere is this more true than in Monrovia.

Designing and developing innovative programs, sustaining and improving current initiatives, and dreaming about the possibilities require support. Support serves as the cornerstone of this community. We support one another, despite our differences, in order to provide the very best for our students.

The environment in any organization starts at the top. We are fortunate to have a supportive Board of Education, steadfast in its commitment to our students. This is as true today as it was on my flrst day of work, eight years ago. While the individuals on the dais may have changed, their purpose and passion remain constant.

The administrative team and district office staff with whom spend most of my time, inspire me daily with their dedication, innovation. and warmth. They are not afraid to swing for the fences and, as a result, we have been able to do big things.

On campuses, in and out of classrooms, is where I have found the greatest sources of joy. Whether it's watching a lesson or watching the landscape design of the head custodian come to fruition, I have been moved by your excellence. I Will miss working alongside so many ot you and wish you only the best.

And, of course, our success depends upon the support of parents who not only entrust us, but partner with us, to ensure that their children succeed both academically and personally. It is one of the many miracles in education that we witness together: watching our preschcrolers mature into insightful and responsible leaders in their own right. Indeed, as reminisce upon my experiences, my fondest moments revolve around the students who imprinted upon my heart.

The Board ot Education will shortly embark on the process of selecting a new superintendent. Until then, I look forward to continuing our essential work and ensuring a smooth transition. Thank you for eight years of happy memories and many lasting friendships. My life has been enriched by the privilege to serve as your superintendent.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian

Water District Gardening Webinars

Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is sponsoring webinars on gardening. Here are the classes, through June:

Feb. 4, Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil
Feb. 18, Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil
March 4, Planter Beds: Raised and In-Ground

April 1, Weed and Pest Management

May 6, Lawn Car and Maintenance

June 3, Drip Irrigation Maintenance and Troubleshooting

More details: https://is.gd/Ff8rIS

- Brad Haugaard

Two Arrested In December Shooting Death on Duarte Road

Two men - Deon Armstrong-Williams, 25, of Duarte, and Trayvon Dixon, 21, of Azusa - have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Antonio Zaza at Al's Liquor on Duarte Road on the evening of Dec. 23, 2020, according to reports in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and MyNewsLA.

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet, Gentle Carrot Cake Enjoys Cuddle Time During Movie Nights

Carrot Cake arrived at the shelter with eleven other cats from a hoarding case. Although Carrot Cake had a rough past,  you couldn’t meet a sweeter, gentler cat! This seven-year-old guy is extremely mellow, enjoys long naps, and loves to be brushed and pet. He likes hanging out with his foster parent while they work from home, and has an adorable, tiny meow. Carrot Cake is looking for his perfect person to cuddle up next to for movie nights, bird-watching, and other relaxing activities.

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Tropical Library Park

Library Park when it had tropical landscaping c. 1910. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Attic Fire in North Monrovia

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

Source: Facebook post by Monrovia Fire Department 

- Brad Haugaard