A Video Tour Showing Why Canyon Park Is Still Closed

If you've been wondering why Monrovia Canyon Park is still closed, this 22-minute video gives a virtual hike up to the waterfall, showing the dangers keeping the park closed and some of the life that is returning. Basically, the city is concerned about loose boulders, dead trees - or large limbs - falling. 

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 8 More Cases, 2 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 03/31/2021. Changes since 03/24/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,122 cases (up 8), 74 deaths (up 2)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 366 cases (unchanged), 74 deaths (up 2)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Homicide; Five Catalytic Converters Stolen; Son Stops Dad With Headlock; Woman Chasing Man Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 25 – March 31, 2021. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 364 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 25 at 10:08 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Royal Oaks and Mountain. Officers and Monrovia Paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One motorist was driving east on Royal Oaks and entered the intersection at Mountain against a green light. Another motorist was traveling south on Mountain and failed to stop at the red light. One of the parties sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance– Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 2:08 p.m., officers were patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose and saw a subject lying down in a planter. The officers checked the well-being of the individual. While speaking with the subject, he displayed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft Attempt
March 26 at 5:09 a.m., a caller in the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista reported two subjects were attempting to remove the catalytic converter from his Toyota Prius. The caller interrupted the thieves and they fled in a vehicle prior to officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 7:49 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of E. Colorado when he witnessed a driver commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed there were drugs inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
March 26 at 10:44 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report his catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 26 at 2:19 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision had just occurred in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived along with paramedics. A motorist had pulled out of a driveway to a business and failed to yield to a motorist traveling south on Mayflower. One of the motorists sustained minor injuries. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Traffic Collision
March 26 at 8:24 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of N. Alta Vista regarding a possible drunk driver who had struck several vehicles. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. It was determined that the driver was not intoxicated, but hit the vehicles after trying to avoid hitting a dog in the street. A report was taken.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 11:24 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a suspicious subject seen roaming a local apartment complex. Officers located the subject who did not live in the area, and had no apparent business there. He was arrested for trespassing and released with a citation.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 11:26 p.m., an officer witnessed a vehicle fail to stop at a red light at the intersection of Myrtle and Cypress. A traffic stop was conducted and an investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of San Marino Police Department. The driver was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking. The suspect was later released to San Marino Police Department.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 7:12 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Greystone called to report his adult son was on his property in violation of a valid restraining order. Officers arrived and detained the son who was still on the property. The restraining order was confirmed, and an investigation revealed that the son was aware of the order. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Vehicle Burglary Attempt
March 28 at 7:30 a.m., a guest of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington walked outside the hotel to the parking lot and discovered someone had attempted to burglarize her vehicle. The door handle and locking mechanism were damaged, however, the suspect was not able to gain entry. Officers arrived and checked the area, but the suspect had already left. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
March 28 at 5:01 p.m., a caller reported she was involved in a hit and run collision the previous day at the intersection of Myrtle and Chestnut. She did not immediately report the incident because there was only minor damage to her vehicle and the other vehicle had fled the scene. The following morning she was feeling back pain from the collision, and decided to report the crime. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
March 28 at 7:24 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of W. Colorado regarding a family disturbance. When officers arrived, a subject was holding his father in a headlock. The father was intoxicated and was arguing with the family. The son intervened when his father pushed his mother. During the argument, the father said he wanted his son to kill him and he wanted to do suicide by cop. An emergency protective order was obtained and entered into the system. Domestic Violence charges are being filed.

Grand Theft
March 29 at 5:34 a.m., an employee at a business in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle called to report three catalytic converters were stolen from their work trucks. The vehicles were parked to the rear of the business off Santa Fe Place. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 29 at 11:02 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Encinitas called to report a theft. The resident reported that sometime during the night, the catalytic converter to her Prius was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
March 29 at 11:49 a.m., a resident reported their vehicle was parked in the 1800 block of Eighth, when someone collided into it. The suspect vehicle was then seen leaving the area. Officers responded to the location, but the suspect vehicle had already left. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
March 29 at 1:33 p.m., an employee at a business in the 3000 block of S. Peck called to report a stolen vehicle. The business purchased a vehicle from a known customer who provided a title for the vehicle. The business was later notified by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the vehicle was reported stolen the previous month by Long Beach Police Department. The vehicle was removed from the stolen vehicle system and stored. This investigation is continuing.

Homicide
March 29 2021, at 5:24 p.m., the Monrovia Police and Fire Departments responded to the 100 block of E. Los Angeles after several residents reported hearing gun shots. When officers arrived, they discovered one adult male subject had been shot. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle. The subject was pronounced deceased by Monrovia Paramedics. This investigation is being handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.

Vandalism
March 30 at 12:09 a.m., officers responded to a call regarding a vandalism to a vehicle in the 200 block of Railroad. It appeared the driver’s side and rear window of the vehicle was possibly shot out with a bb gun. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 30 at 4:04 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle burglary in a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. An employee of the business discovered his vehicle’s window had been shattered. Some items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
March 30 at 7:38 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Fifth and Huntington regarding a welfare check on two subjects. A female was reported to be chasing after a male. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects matching the description. An investigation revealed that the male had an active domestic violence restraining order against the female. The female was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud Report
March 30 at 9:20 a.m., an employee at a business in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle received an email from a vendor requesting an outstanding balance to be paid via bank wire. The business had an actual outstanding balance, therefore the employee believed the email was legitimate and sent the money. The business later discovered the actual vendor never received the money and an unknown suspect had fraudulently sent the email. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 30 at 12:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a welfare check on a subject acting erratically inside a vehicle. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen out of Los Angeles. The suspect was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was detained without incident. The suspect desired medical treatment and was taken to a local hospital. Charges will be filed.

Vehicle Burglary
March 30 at 1:04 p.m., a victim called to report a vehicle burglary in the parking lot near the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim stated he found his locked vehicle had been broken into. Officers arrived and discovered that $2,000 worth of power tools and equipment had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Tampering
March 30 4:26 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of California reported that several mailboxes within her community had been broken into. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 31 at 1:13 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a code violation in the 900 block of W. Duarte. An investigation revealed the driver was on parole and in possession of a pipe used for smoking a controlled substance. He was arrested and released on a citation.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 31 at 2:25 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington. He conducted a traffic stop and an investigation revealed the driver had a suspended driver's license, was on probation for vehicle theft, and had three "No Bail" warrants for her arrest. The driver was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.

Grand Theft Auto
March 31 at 1:45 p.m., the owner of a vehicle returned to her boyfriend’s house in the 400 block of Hurstview and discovered her vehicle was missing. The victim left her vehicle parked on the street overnight. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but could not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the Department of Motor Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
March 31 at 1:50 p.m., a caller reported a theft in the 100 block of N. Sunset. Tree service workers were in the backyard of a home performing work for Edison. When they returned to their work vehicle parked on the street, they discovered someone had stolen some of their tools. This investigation is continuing.

Make Friendship Bracelets With Healing Connections

All materials supplied. All are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

School District Wants Your Thoughts for Its Search for New Superintendent

The Monrovia school district wants your help in selecting the district's next superintendent, so it is providing an anonymous online survey to receive input from students, staff, parents, and the MUSD community about the personal and professional qualities you would like to see in the next Superintendent. These surveys will remain open until April 2 at 4 p.m.

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6QRC9SS

Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/6W8KNSX

Mandarin: https://zh.surveymonkey.com/r/CCYBCHG

More information about the search for the next superintendent on the district website: https://is.gd/RhqH2e

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Gueros

Lunch today at Los Gueros, on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. Got the chorizo and egg burrito for $10.95 and a beer for $5.25. I’d definitely get that again. Very good. 

 

- Brad Haugaard 

City Manager on Homicide on Los Angeles Ave. - More Patrols, Cameras

A notice from City Manager Dylan Feik about the new shooting on Los Angeles Avenue. 

Hello Monrovians,

On March 29, the Monrovia Police Department responded to a shooting in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue (116 Los Angeles). Upon arrival, officers located one adult male, and a dog, who had been shot. The individual was pronounced deceased by Monrovia Fire & Rescue while residents transported the dog to receive treatment. The suspects had already fled the area in a vehicle. While this incident remains under investigation, it is also the second homicide at this address since January 29, 2021.  As with any homicide investigation in the City, investigations are conducted by the LA County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and will remain active and ongoing for some time. I anticipate few, if any, details from the ongoing investigation will be released by the Sheriff’s Department until they are prepared to release that information.

 

Obviously, criminals committed another tragic and senseless act of violence in our community. A family is grieving the loss of a son, brother, father, and cousin. Neighbors are scared by another night of gunshot sounds while the City of Monrovia is diligently doing everything we can to serve and protect our community. Our Community Policing Bureau is working with neighbors and regularly asking for your help to solve these crimes. Our patrol units are running extra patrol and, as with Monday night, they were immediately on scene once the call came. From the time Police Dispatch received the first call from a resident at 5:24 p.m., patrol units were on scene by 5:27 p.m. Air Support, LA County Sheriff, and police departments from Sierra Madre and Arcadia also arrived to support. More than 35 law enforcement officers were on scene while the City utilized a different team of officers for all other ongoing activities across the City.

 

The City is increasing patrols in the area of Los Angeles Avenue and neighboring side streets. Investigators have available camera footage from the crime scene and we will be installing additional cameras in the area over public spaces. Many detectives are working tirelessly across the region to address these recent homicides. During the same time period in 2020,  LA County Sheriff’s investigated 25 homicides in LASD jurisdictions and 5 homicides for third party agencies like Monrovia. In 2021, they have 75 homicides (300% increase, or 3x more) in their jurisdiction and 10 homicides for third party agencies, including three in Monrovia. The entire region is definitely on an uptick.

I am confident in LASD and MPD efforts because I see how hard they work and how much they care to bring justice to the victims and those impacted. The men and women of your Monrovia Police Department will always remain committed to serving you.

 

Should you have any questions, or like to speak w/ myself or Chief Alan Sanvictores, we are always available and here to serve.

Sincerely, 

Dylan 

dfeik@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Office: (626) 932-5585 | Cell (801) 821-1734

Alan Sanvictores, Chief of Police 

asanvictores@monroviapd.org 

626-256-8056

Introduction Video for Virtual Old Homes Tour

The 2021 MOHPG Virtual Home Tour is from May 1-9 If you would like to watch the tour (Seven homes will be visited plus there is an introductory video; the videos can be watched anytime from May 1-9, 2021), you must register for the tour. An optional $20 donation is requested when you register. To register go to: https://2021mohpghometour.eventbrite.com

- Brad Haugaard

Second Homicide on Los Angeles Avenue in Two Months

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau detectives responded to the 100 block of Los Angeles Ave., in the city of Monrovia on Monday to assist Monrovia Police Department personnel investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of an adult male.

At approximately 5:25 PM, Monrovia Police responded to the 100 blk. Los Angeles Ave., Monrovia, regarding a shots heard call. When they arrived, they found a male Black adult suffering from several gunshot wounds to the upper and lower torso.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no known motive or suspect information at this time. The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Source: LA County Sheriff's Department: http://nixle.us/CMKAG

Note: There was another homicide on Los Angeles Avenue in February. https://is.gd/3IXNQG

Update: The victim has been identified as Darione Tyrone Jones, 25, of Arcadia. https://is.gd/3Enr9U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Superintendent Thorossian Honored for Women's History Month

The Ball/Frost Group has honored Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian, and other local women superintendents, as part of its tribute to women leaders in public education during Women's History Month. The Ball/Frost company (https://is.gd/mSbwl8) is a governmental lobbying group for public schools.

- Brad Haugaard

Registration Open for MAP Neighborhood Conference

The 11th Annual MAP (Monrovia Area Partnership) Neighborhood Conference will be completely virtual this year. Join us live on Saturday, April 17th at 9 a.m. for a Zoom Opening Ceremony. 

COVID information, Report by City Manager Dylan Feik and Assistant City Manager Lauren Vasquez, hidden art at Station Square, etc.

Click to register: https://is.gd/Srl09F

- Brad Haugaard

Tribute to Betty Sandford

On Wednesday March 24, 2021 friends, colleagues and family of one of Monrovia’s finest citizens, Betty Sandford, gathered via Zoom, Facebook and YouTube to celebrate her life.  Betty was born June 18, 1927 and passed away January 13, 2021, having lived nearly all her life in Monrovia.

Betty’s parents, Jack and Marian Zelkowitz first came to Monrovia in 1926. They opened a haberdashery at the southeast corner of Lemon and Myrtle, which they soon converted into a shoe store – Jack’s Quality Shoes -- and operated for twenty years.  (It remains a shoe store today, operated by a new owner) Jack later opened a real estate business and owned many downtown properties. Betty and her sister Charlotte were fixtures in Monrovia as children – napping in Library Park, riding on floats in Monrovia Days, and performing on their accordions around town.  

Betty married Jules Sandford and they became a team.  Jules became a law partner at Patten, Faith and Sandford, a pre-eminent law firm in Monrovia, doing much pro-bono work.  

Betty was instrumental in founding, shaping and/or supporting most of Monrovia’s community organizations over a 60-year span.  Representatives from some of these spoke at the March 24th event, including from the MUSD School Board, City Council, Centennial Committee, Monrovia Reads, Santa Anita Family Service, Quota, P.E.O., Santa Anita Family YMCA, Foothill Unity Center, Boys and Girls Club, Monrovia Theatre Arts, and Monrovia Fine Arts. Mayor Tom Adams spoke as did Darrell Carr, brother of former Mayor Bob Bartlett, and Marty Faith, whose husband Eric served on the City council.  Bob Bartlett, Eric Faith and Pat Ostrye were the slate that Betty and Jules helped get elected to change the City Council, which caused Monrovia’s renaissance.

In addition to the speakers, videos of her life were shown. The best video was of Betty practicing the jazz drum in her late 80s. She took lessons until last year (!) from professional musician Roy McCurdy, who also spoke.  Ulises Gutierrez, Ishika Muchhal, Marvin “Oka” Inoye and Councilmember Larry Spicer, people Betty mentored as teenagers, movingly told of her influence on them; one, Ishika performed a stunning live dance to Tony Bennett’s “There Will Never Be Another You”.  

The event was hosted by the Monrovia ChangeMakers, an organization Betty created when she was nearly 90.  She worked to combat bigotry and foster social justice all her life; it was a cause she felt strongly about.  Betty formed Monrovia ChangeMakers to honor people who had fought against bigotry and segregation in our community and continue to work to combat prejudice. The group published a book, stories of past changemakers, recognizing Betty and others. It can be downloaded or read online on the Monrovia ChangeMakers website.

The event was assisted by iTeens-tech.org, a group of Monrovia High students, who volunteered their time to make the complicated aspects of technology run smoothly.

One of the advantages of a virtual event is that members of the Sandford family – children, grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren were able to participate from a distance.  With someone whose life has touched so many, even those most close to her heard few stories of her powerful guidance that were new to them.

A video of the entire event will be available for everyone to watch on Monrovia ChangeMakers YouTube channel.

To contact Monrovia Changemakers: Lois Gaston, President 827-6732, website:  https://www.monroviachangemakers.com, email:  monroviachangemakers@gmail.com, Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChangeMakers2/

Source: Monrovia ChangeMakers press release

- Brad Haugaard

Video Tribute to Monrovia Canyon Park Volunteers

 A video tribute to the Monrovia Canyon Park volunteers.

- Brad Haugaard

Bree Is a Strong Dog for a Strong Person

Bree is a happy dog who loves meeting new people and playing with toys. This one-year-old pup is pretty smart, and already knows her “sit”! She’s a strong dog who’s excited about walks, so she needs a strong person who can hold her leash. Bree would do best as the only dog in the home so she doesn’t have to share her bandana collection. Bree has a lot of fun puppy energy, and can’t wait to find her special someone to play and snuggle with!

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 day at 5:00 p.m. for the following day.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Elementary Students Back in School - Physically - Starting Today

Letter from Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian welcoming students back to in-person school.

Today, March 29, marked a milestone we have been anxiously awaiting. For the first time in over a year, Monrovia Unified welcomed elementary students back to school for in-person instruction from their teachers.

While I wish we were able to welcome all students back safely, for now, I am simply happy I was able to experience the excitement during drop off  as we began our first in-person instructional day.

I saw kindergarten students seeing their classmates for the first time in person. I saw parents giving that final hug and letting go; and, I saw teachers warmly greeting their students and leading them - for the first time - into their classrooms.

I also saw how much work went into preparing for this day.  Everyone contributed to the realization of this goal.

The Elementary Task Force did foundational work to establish a viable model. Our Technology Department has been working tirelessly to make sure teachers have the right equipment - and that it is set up correctly. Our Instructional Specialists have been working with teachers to ensure instruction and technology merge seamlessly. Our support staff have filled so many gaps - from home calls to class breaks, whatever was needed to make things work. Our Food Services Department continues to forge ahead through every transition. Principals have been reviewing every detail to ensure a smooth operation. Teachers have taken that leap of faith, hoping their skill and their will, more than meet the challenge of today.

Congratulations on a great first day! I look forward to the day when I once again take for granted that our students are in the classroom, together with their teacher and their peers.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian

Superintendent

A Moment in Monrovia History: Band In Front of Gem City Hotel About 1930

Band in front of the Gem City Hotel at 627-1/2 S. Myrtle c. 1930. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.

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

Hybrid Schedule for Monrovia Secondary Schools

 The Monrovia School Board has approved the hybrid schedule for secondary schools, with a proposed start date of April 19. If you find the schedule doesn't work, your student can return to distance-only instruction at any time.

Students will be divided into Cohorts A, B, and C, following a three 90-minute block schedule. In-person instruction will take place two days a week for Cohorts A and B, with the remainder of the days completed in distance learning.

• Cohort A: In-person instruction Monday and Tuesday
• Cohort B: In-person instruction Thursday and Friday
• Cohort C: 100% Distance Learning

Details: https://is.gd/dfTY4n


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Mountain Bike Team Looking for Girls to Join Team

Pre-Covid picture, by the way.

The Monrovia High School Mountain Bike Team is looking for girls to join the team. This is a co-ed team open to all Monrovia middle school and high school boys and girls who love to ride, be outdoors, and meet other kids. Any skill level is welcome. Those interested should contact Team Director Suzi Dobson at mhsmtbteam@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Report a Bulky Item, Get Entered Into Weekly Raffle

If you report bulky items such as furniture and boxes around town (not on private property) to Public Works, not only will the items be picked up, but you will be entered into a raffle and could win a $50 gift card to a Monrovia business. Call Public Works at 932-5575 or emailbulkyitem@ci.monrovia.ca.us
Include your name and address to be entered into the weekly raffle.

- Brad Haugaard

Art on the Box Application Period Extended

The deadline for the 2021 Art on the Box program has been extended. The theme is "Route 66" and there are five utility boxes available for painting. If you would like to be considered, please submit your application by April 8, 2021. Open to artists of all ages. Here's the application form: https://is.gd/bjya7g

- Brad Haugaard