Dinner From Hawaiian Barbecue

Got dinner tonight from Hawaiian Barbecue, in the Vons shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. Had the Chicken Katsu for $6.99. No outdoor seating so we ate at home. Wow! Tasty and a very, very lot for not much money. I’ve got plenty left over for another full meal. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Woman Won't Say Who Shot Her; Bloody Trail Leads to Burglary Suspect; Domestic Violence; Throwing Rocks at Cars; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 18-24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 317 service events, resulting in 58 investigations. 

Mail Tampering
February 18 at 7:10 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Grand walked outside her home and discovered her mailbox open, along with the mailboxes belonging to her neighbors. Officers responded and discovered several homeowners had their mail stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Discharging a Firearm
February 18 at 7:37 a.m., residents in the 100 block of E. Los Angeles called to report hearing approximately four gunshots coming from the alley between their street and Fig. Officers responded and discovered shell casings in the alley. No one was found to be shot at or injured. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 1:32 a.m., a burglary was reported in the 300 block of W. Foothill. The victim was home with his family when he heard a window break. He looked out his front door, saw the suspect walking away from his property, and called the police. Officers arrived and found a blood trail leading from the broken window to a subject who was standing in the parking lot of an adjacent business. He was bleeding from his hand and was holding an axe. The suspect was detained and paramedics were requested. 

The suspect was found to have two pieces of stolen property from the residence on his person. There was no confrontation between the suspect and the family. The suspect was determined to have mental issues. He was arrested, and then transported to a local hospital for his injuries and a mental evaluation. 

Domestic Violence
February 19 at 7:34 a.m., officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The female victim reported that her boyfriend had just strangled her, leaving red marks, and then fled the home. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. Paramedics provided care to the victim. A wanted person’s warrant and an emergency restraining order were issued for the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
February 19 at 9:21 a.m., the owner of a business in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported his business had been burglarized. Officers arrived and found forced entry into the business and possible property belonging to the suspect left behind. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery on a Peace Officer / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 8:27 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of E. Hillcrest regarding a heavily intoxicated female subject who was getting violent with people at the residence. The subject was a friend of the resident. She was arguing with the resident and started throwing items at her. As officers spoke with the subject in an attempt to calm her down and find a resolution, she kicked two officers and spat at another. She told the officers to kill her and that she wanted to die. The subject was arrested, and after the booking process, was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. 

Attempt Commercial Burglary
February 19 at 10:19 p.m., an attempted burglary in progress was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Evergreen. There was a vehicle at the location and the male suspects were trying to gain access to the inside. The suspect vehicle left prior to officers arriving, but the officers located it near the intersection of Pomona and Primrose. A traffic stop was conducted and three suspects were detained. The owner was able to positively identify the vehicle and two of the suspects. 

Further investigation revealed the suspects used their vehicle to ram the roll-up door to the business in an attempt to gain entry. They were not successful in getting it open. Several burglary tools were also located inside the vehicle. All three suspects were arrested for attempted burglary. 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
February 20 at 12:22 a.m., Arcadia Police Department advised that they arrested a suspect for burglary who was in possession of mail belonging to a business in the 800 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded to the location and confirmed a burglary had occurred. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Murder
February 20 at 12:44 a.m., a female subject in the 700 block of W. Huntington called police to report she had been shot multiple times. No other calls were received. Officers arrived at the location and located a female with two gun shots wounds. The female subject was uncooperative and would not provide any information to officers regarding where the shooting took place and who was involved. Paramedics responded to the scene and the female was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Officers canvassed the parking lot, adjacent streets, and conducted door knocks in attempt to locate evidence or witnesses. It was later discovered that the victim was shot in another city and dropped off in Monrovia. Monrovia Police Department is assisting detectives from the other jurisdiction. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
February 21 at 3:42 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lemon called police to report her boyfriend had punched her in the face during an argument. She walked to a neighbor's house to call police. Officers arrived and spoke with the victim, who was found to have minor injuries. Officers attempted to locate the boyfriend, but were unsuccessful. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 7:43 a.m., security for a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, occupied by a male subject who was sleeping. Officers responded and found the vehicle's ignition had been pulled out and it had been hotwired. The occupant was not the registered owner, and he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The registered owner's son was contacted and he advised that his father had recently passed away. He had taken the car to a mechanic in Whittier, where the vehicle was stolen. The suspect was arrested, and the vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner. 

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 10:39 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of E. Huntington and saw a motorist make an illegal turn. The officer conducted a traffic stop and explained to the driver why he was stopped. An investigation revealed the driver had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence
February 22 at 5:23 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia called police to report her husband had strangled her during an argument. He left prior to the police being called. Officers and paramedics arrived on scene and the victim was treated for her injuries. The whereabouts of the suspect are unknown. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 24 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim reported that someone had broken into several storage lockers on his pickup truck and had stolen numerous tools. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 24 at 1:56 p.m., a male subject was seen throwing rocks at vehicles in the 100 block of E. Lime. The suspect was detained, and the investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody. 

Old Homes Tour and Decorated Christmas Trees

Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash

What does this year's Historic Homes Tour (virtual this year) have to do with Christmas trees?

Well, an English Storybook cottage on Magnolia, which is part of this year's tour, was originally owned by a Virginia Hunt, according to City Historian Steve Baker. He said Hunt's maiden name was Minnigerode, and she was the great granddaughter of Dr. Charles Minnigerode, who was rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, from 1856 to 1889. Baker said Minnigerode, a German by birth, "is credited with introducing the decorated Christmas tree to the United States." (Baker said he confirmed this through an email to a parishioner he knows at St. Paul's.)

Minnigerode, he said, was also "a friend and confidant to Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, who worshiped at St. Paul's during the Civil War when Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy." https://is.gd/r5fkLc

The Historic Homes Tour will be on video from 9 a.m. on May 1 until 9 p.m. on May 9. Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, which puts on the tour, is asking for a $20 donation to view the videos but because of the financial burden COVID has been, payment is up to each individual. https://is.gd/9ilAJD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports Losses for 2020

Monrovia-based Xencor, which develops treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported loses for the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2020.

Net loss for the fourth quarter was $13.7 million, or $.24 per share, compared to a net loss of $26.9 million, or $.47 per share for the same period in 2019.

For the full year the net loss was $69.3 million, or $1.21 per share, compared  to the 2019 net income of $26.9 million, or $0.46 per share basis. https://is.gd/Wqmdhe

- Brad Haugaard

Zoom Memorial for Betty Sandford Planned for March 24

There will be a Zoom memorial meeting to remember the life of long-time active Monrovian, Betty Sandford.

- Brad Haugaard

Another Report of Possible Animal Poisoning On Norumbega

A heartbroken Boni Forte reported on Facebook that she believes her dog Carson was poisoned yesterday. She said he went into convulsions and they rushed him to the vet but it was too late. She said the veterinarian's office said it appeared the dog had eaten something very toxic. On examining his vomit she found what looked like a long piece of bacon.

In addition, she said neighbors on Norumbega (she lives in the 900 block) have reported finding doggie cookies along the side of the road and several dead foxes.

This is not the first time there have been suspicions of poisoning of animals around Norumbega. In May of 2019 resident Sandi Warren reported neighbors found a suspicious bag of meat along the side of the road. https://is.gd/bn3OMT

Update: City Council Member Becky Shevlin commented on Facebook that her understanding is that the Monrovia Police Department "is working on a type of Neighborhood Watch program that will hopefully help address this situation," though details are not available yet.

- Brad Haugaard

We Will Teach You In A House; We Will Teach You With a Mouse

Gem City Images caught a great, imaginative take-off of Dr. Seuss on a sign at Monroe Elementary School. I'm not going to steal Gem City's image, but I assure you, it's worth clicking through to see: https://is.gd/oM1qQj

- Brad Haugaard 

Taffy Is Learning How Nice It Is To Be Petted

Six-year-old former stray cat Taffy is ready to live a comfortable life in a home! Taffy is a gorgeous tabby cat who has been learning all about humans and how nice petting is. Although she’s needed a little time to get used to her new environment at the shelter, she’s started purring and seeking attention from our staff. If you approach her kennel, she’ll probably take a second to size you up, but with a little time to get to know you, she can be a wonderful work-from-home coworker or Saturday night movie buddy.

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: 1906-7 School Annual Report

Monrovia Annual School Report for 1906-7 with a glimpse inside the school. 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 Board to Consider Modified Discipline Policy

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/eonsvr) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider modifications to its discipline policy that would provide to its staff "sensitivity training" regarding:

• Race
• Color
• Gender
• Sex
• National origin
• Implicit bias
• Cultural responsiveness 

It would also add "mentoring programs" as one of its disciplinary strategies.

- Brad Haugaard

Chick-fil-A Plans Restaurant In Monrovia

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

~  Chick-fil-A is planning a restaurant in Monrovia. Chick-fil-A - and Starbucks - want to open drive-through restaurants at the corner of Encino Avenue and Huntington Drive (the former Claim Jumper restaurant site). The proposed project needs approval by the city's Planning Commission and City Council. City staff anticipates the public hearing and review process to begin this spring. Video explaining what is planned: https://is.gd/Vai8ec

~  Frontier Communications will be working throughout the City to make extensive improvements to their communications network during the next few months. The company is required to notify property owners and residents 72 hours prior to any work that might directly affect their properties.

~  The Community Services Department is accepting city facility rental requests for consideration. Applications must include a plan stating how the applicant will ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. For more information contact the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246. 

Correction: Claim Jumper is currently still open. My apologies for suggesting it has already been closed.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Noodle Street

Dinner tonight at Noodle Street, in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. Got the Shrimp and Pork Dumplings with Chives for $9.80 and a hot tea for $2.80. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Infection Rate Dropping, But 4 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 02/17/2021. Changes since 02/10/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,033 cases (up 42), 64 deaths up 4
Unincorporated Monrovia: 352 cases (up 3), 1 death (unchanged)

Despite the sad number of deaths, the infection rate for Monrovia definitely seems to be dropping. This week 42 new cases, one week ago 82, two weeks ago 114, three weeks ago 120, and four weeks ago 201.

- Brad Haugaard

Gem City Grill Planning to Switch From Dive Bar to Neighborhood Bar

Gem City Grill, on Olive just east of Myrtle, will be reopening, according to a report in Monrovia Weekly, which says the bar has been sold to bartender Tricia Hobbs and her sister Tayler Nestlerode, who are cleaning, painting and polishing it, and hope to transform it "from dive bar to neighborhood bar." It will serve bar food, such as hamburgers, sandwiches, and wings. https://is.gd/52NaYN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Baby Delivered in Parking Lot; Lights Stolen from Restaurant; Stolen Auto Recovered; 40 Stolen Cell Phones Located; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 11-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 334 service events, resulting in 65 investigations. 

Grand Theft
February 11 at 7:12 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Cherry called police to report the catalytic converter had been stolen from his 2003 Honda Accord. The theft had occurred sometime the previous night. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
February 12 at 7:58 a.m., the owner of a tobacco store in the 100 block of W. Foothill arrived to his business and discovered a window had been shattered sometime during the night. Officers arrived and discovered various merchandise had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 12 at 10:55 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth walked outside her home and discovered someone had shattered her car window sometime during the night. Officers arrived and discovered the suspects had stolen personal property from inside the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
February 12 at 12:06 p.m., a caller reported a motorist had collided with a pedestrian at the intersection of Huntington and Ivy. Officers responded and found the pedestrian was complaining of pain. Paramedics responded to treat the subject. The driver of the vehicle was found to be at fault and was issued a citation. 

Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
February 12 at 9:29 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Foothill called police to report a male and female were arguing loudly in the area. Officers arrived and located the subjects. After investigation, it was learned that the male subject was restrained by a court order from being around the female. He was arrested for being in violation of a domestic violence restraining order. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 12 at 10:11 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of S. Mayflower called to report a subject was trespassing on her property. Officers arrived and contacted the individual, who had obvious signs of intoxication. It was determined that the subject was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. 

Theft
February 13 at 8:15 a.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported that the exterior lights had been stolen off the building sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 13 at 10:09 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a vehicle burglary investigation. The suspects gained entry into the victim's locked vehicle by punching the door lock. A bag was stolen from the front seat and insurance documents from the center console. Surveillance footage was obtained from a nearby business. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 14 at 12:47 a.m., officers contacted a subject near the intersection of Highway Esplanade and W. Huntington that was seen pushing a motorcycle along the sidewalk. The motorcycle did not have a rear license plate attached. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of controlled substance and he was arrested. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 14 at 4:05 p.m., police responded to a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 200 block of W. Palm. The female resident’s boyfriend had fallen asleep after they had argued, and he had taken some medication. He woke up later and started arguing with the victim again, and then punched her on the back of the neck. The victim's daughter heard screams from inside the bedroom and called police. Police arrived and arrested the boyfriend. An Emergency Protective Order was granted. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 14 at 11:24 p.m., officers were patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when they saw a subject they knew from previous encounters. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant and was on probation with search conditions. A search of the subject revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested. 

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
February 16 at 9:22 a.m., Glendora Police Department called to advise they had recovered a stolen vehicle last seen in the 200 block of Scenic in Monrovia. Officers conducted an investigation and were able to locate the suspect who had taken the vehicle. He was positively identified and arrested for grand theft auto. 

Medical Assist
February 16 at 5:22 p.m., officers responded on a medical assist of a female subject who was five month pregnant and was having a medical emergency in a parking lot in the 300 block of Heliotrope. Officers arrived, provided immediate care, and the baby was delivered. Paramedics then arrived and transported mother and baby to a local hospital for treatment. 

Grand Theft
February 16 at 6:55 p.m., a caller reported four subjects had entered a cell phone store in the 600 block of W. Huntington and stole cell phones. A similar incident had just taken place in Glendora. The phones were able to be tracked to a residence in San Bernardino. Officers were able to search the residence and located approximately 40 stolen cell phones. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 17 at 12:30 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The female hotel guest had allowed some people she met recently to stay with her at the hotel. She fell asleep, and upon waking, found the subjects were gone. They had taken her vehicle, her cellphone and some cash. This investigation is continuing. 

Medical Assist / Assault
February 17 at 3:42 p.m., officers and paramedics responded to the 200 block of Los Angeles regarding a medical assist. While at the scene, the subject became combative, requiring additional officers to respond. The subject displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was transported to a local hospital. One paramedic and one officer were struck by the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
February 17 at 8:33 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Fifth advised police that it appeared his neighbor’s house had been burglarized. He saw a female subject go through a window and exit with a bag. Officers made contact with the owner of the residence. The owner only had a few items inside due to work being done before he actually moves into the home. There is surveillance footage of the female exiting with a bag of property. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
February 17 at 10:40 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 500 block of W. Huntington observed a male and female who appeared to be arguing. As he drove closer, the male went down behind a pillar and set something down, and then both the male and female walked away. The officer stopped to see what the male subject had set down and found it was a loaded firearm. He immediately called for units to assist and kept an eye on the subjects. The male subject continued north through the parking lot, and then ran east towards Mayflower and was detained without incident by assisting officers. The firearm was recovered, and the male subject was found to be on parole. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Big Puppy Milo - Fun Dog With Boundless Energy

Looking for a big puppy? Meet Milo! Milo is ten months old and full of energy. He likes to jump when he’s excited, just like a puppy, so his ideal adopter would be someone who wants to teach him his puppy manners and give him lots of playtime. Milo already knows basic commands, so we know he’s very smart. If you’re looking for a fun dog with boundless energy (and a super cute face), Milo is ready to spring into your life!

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

Historic Homes Tour Will Be Virtual This Year

Because of the Coronavirus, Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's annual Historic Homes Tour will be virtual this year.

Those who sign up will view a videos of each home. The videos will be available from 9 a.m. on May 1 until 9 p.m. on May 9. Because the pandemic has been a financial burden for so many, MOHPG is asking for a $20 donation to view the videos, but payment is up to each individual. https://is.gd/EmAvjY

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 4th Grade at Orange Avenue School

Orange Avenue School Fourth Grade Class. 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

Valentine's Day Carriage Ride; Job Opening at Police Department

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

~ There will be Valentine's Day Carriage Rides in Old Town starting from Library Park. $40 for a private ride. For reservations or more information, call 256-8234. 

~ The city is looking for a part-time person to serve as Police Communications Operator. Details:  https://is.gd/tfr6sp

- Brad Haugaard

Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash

Victim of Stabbing on Wildrose Identified

The victim who was fatally stabbed in the 1000 block of Wildrose Avenue in Monrovia on Monday has been identified by the LA County coroner’s office as 69-year-old Catherine Gordon of Monrovia.  If you know anything about this homicide, please call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. https://is.gd/jfLy54

- Brad Haugaard