View The Moon Tonight With Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers

Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be letting people peek through their telescopes at about 8 p.m. today in Library Park, at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. The group reports that, "We will mainly have the Moon tonight. Venus sets shortly after sunset, and Saturn rises about 9 p.m. (although it will take some time to clear the buildings)."

- Brad Haugaard

More Study on Starbucks/Chick-fil-A Project; Dog Park And Other Issues

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/WTT8t9) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Likely put off until later the main item on the agenda, granting a conditional use permit to construct a Starbucks and Chick-fil-A at the current Claim Jumper site. City staff is recommending waiting until the August 3 meeting "to allow the applicant and staff to submit additional information for City Council review" and because "the applicant is also exploring options to address concerns raised at the public hearing." That main concern seems to be the fate of an old sycamore (I think it was) tree on the site. An independent arborist will report on this. https://is.gd/zdDvU6

~ Review directives (https://is.gd/wTzrW3) the council has given staff:

• Do outreach and planning related to a dog park.
• Request a meeting with District Attorney Gascon to discuss his Special Directives. 
• Place rotating mayor issue on June 2022 ballot.
• Have staff "discourage" the use of non-native palm trees on development projects.
• Find out what happens if the main San Gabriel Valley aquifer drops further.
• Council to resume in-person meetings on September 7.
• Consider a plaque in council chambers to honor Pam Fitzpatrick. 

- Brad Haugaard

Artist Alley Gallery Reopens With July 25 Artist Reception at Community Center

The public is invited to a free Artist Reception on Sunday, July 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. featuring works by four MAFA artists installed on the walls of the Monrovia Community Center:

Jarrett Camp - Pointilism and stipple art

Roy Chang - Photography

Sharon Romero - Mosaic

Keith Slover - Watercolor and ink illustration

Students from Clifton Middle School's Arts Academy have also been invited to display their art.

Rivanis Baking Company will provide a delicious spread of treats and hors d'oeuvres and Wine of the Month Club has donated the adult beverages.

Reception guests will enjoy the sounds of live music from Lobo Reese, a Monrovia-based musical ensemble playing rock, surf, jazz and bossa nova gems.

From July 25 until Oct. 23, the artwork will be on display and for sale on the walls during the Center's opening hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 119 W. Palm Ave.

Coming this fall: Join us for the next Artist Reception on Oct. 24 featuring these MAFA artists' work, displayed until Jan. 30, 2022:

Melissa Ahaus - Oil and acrylic painting

Jeni Bate - Mixed media painting

Traci Loving - Mixed media art

John Parker - Graphite and ink art

Source: Press release from Monrovia Association of Fine Arts

- Brad Haugaard

Where Did Orphan Bear Cub Go?

On the Nextdoor social media website, Monrovian Kim Collins reports that an apparently orphaned bear cub is wandering around the Lincoln/Madison/5th Avenue area. 

She adds that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that there is room for the cub at its rehab center, but where has the critter gotten to?

Collins says that if you see the cub send a text regarding its exact location and time to Rebecca Barboza, Biologist at Fish & Game: (562) 754-9741, letting her know it's an update regarding orphaned cub in North Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia To Help Pay For Bikes, Bike Parts; Also, Weekly Bike Rider Raffles

Using the bicycle route tracking map.

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

The city has launched a new GoMonrovia website, here: https://gomonrovia.com/

... and a new program - as part of GoMonrovia - to encourage bicycle use. It is called Biking for Bucks and provides reimbursements to those who live or work in Monrovia "for purchases related to bicycle transportation and accessories." There will also be weekly raffles to encourage people to ride their bikes and share their activity on a bicycling map, shown above.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Scene Program Is Back

- Brad Haugaard

Have Coffee With a Cop

(That's the Starbucks at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia.)

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Up 14, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/13/2021. Changes since 07/07/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,238 cases (up 14), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 377 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 51 Pounds of Meth; Woman Hits Bartender, Officer, Jailer; Car at Intersection Doesn't Move - Driver Sleeping; Drunks and Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 8-14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
July 8 at 6:04 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Duarte regarding a hit and run traffic collision. Two vehicles were traveling north on California, when the driver of the first vehicle made an unsafe turning movement and collided into the center median, striking one of the railroad crossing arms. As a result, the crossing arm got stuck underneath the second vehicle as it approached. The driver that hit the center median left the scene, but shortly after, his daughter called the Police Department to report the incident. There were no injuries involved and the investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 8 at 8:21 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a suspicious, occupied vehicle that had covered windows. Officers located the vehicle and contacted the occupants. One of the subjects was found to be currently on parole and admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 12:07 a.m., officers located an occupied vehicle parked in a closed business area in the 800 block of Royal Oaks. They contacted the occupants and one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 9:06 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Pomona called police to report a male subject in their stairwell using illegal drugs. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of Heroin. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Grand Theft
July 9 at 11:43 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a customer that had rented equipment and failed to return it. A certified letter was delivered notifying the customer of potential criminal prosecution. The equipment was never returned. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 11:54 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle after it was seen driving without headlights and speeding near the intersection of Olive and Ivy. The officer contacted the driver and noticed the odor of alcohol and began a DUI investigation. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 10 at 3:21 p.m., a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of California and Myrtle. A motorist failed to yield to oncoming traffic on Myrtle and collided into another motorist. One of the drivers complained of neck pain and was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
July 10 at 4:18 p.m., a caller reported a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista. A motorist drove up a curb and struck a traffic sign. The driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Evidence was recovered inside the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

DUI Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
July 10 at 5:25 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Foothill and Myrtle. One of the drivers displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was DUI. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Battery / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 1:18 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a business dispute. While they were investigating that event, a fight broke out inside and another patron was involved in a dispute with the bartender. The suspect struck the bartender, causing their lip to bleed. Four people restrained the suspect and notified the officers. The female suspect was arrested for battery. During the arrest, she kicked one of the officers, and later while she was going through the booking process, she also kicked one of the jailers. The suspect was held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 2:15 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle speeding and committing other traffic violations near the intersection of Myrtle and Camino Real. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. During the contact, he observed symptoms of intoxication and began a DUI Investigation. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 3:48 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling without headlights, heading east on Huntington, near Mountain, and he conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, he observed symptoms of the driver being under the influence. The officer conducted a DUI investigation and the driver was arrested for DUI. The driver also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
July 11 at 12:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. An unknown suspect broke a window on the victim’s vehicle and stole a purse from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 12:13 p.m., officers responded to a report of a subject throwing rocks and causing a disturbance near the intersection of Foothill and Primrose. Officers contacted the subject and determined he was unable to care for himself due to extreme alcohol intoxication. He was arrested and held for sobering.

Vandalism
July 11 at 4:03 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. An unknown suspect shattered a window on the victim’s vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 10:40 a.m., a male subject was reported yelling at customers and causing a disturbance in a business parking lot in the 900 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the subject. They determined the subject was under the influence of methamphetamine. The subject was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 12 at 11:39 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. Officers responded and found one of the drivers complaining of pain. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and treated the driver.

Vehicle Burglary
July 13 at 6:20 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Greystone walked outside her home and discovered someone had gained entry into her locked vehicle and took her cleaning supplies she needed for work. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose
July 13 at 12:17 p.m., a caller reported a guest at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth was found to have overdosed on Fentanyl and Xanax. Officers responded and administered Narcan to the unresponsive subject, who was revived. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital for additional care.

Grand Theft
July 13 at 1:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Walnut walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle, which was parked on the street in front of his house. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 3:58 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect had shoplifted from their store. Officers arrived, located the subject and arrested him. The stolen property was returned to the store.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 4:23 p.m., several callers reported a male driver asleep in his vehicle, which was stopped in the intersection of Huntington and California. Officers arrived and woke the subject, who was too tired to drive and had fallen asleep. The subject also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
July 13 at 8:00 p.m., an employee of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report two female subjects stole clothing items and were fleeing from the location. Officers responded, located the two female subjects nearby and detained them. The clothing items were recovered and returned to the store. The suspects were arrested for shoplifting and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 8:55 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Foothill and Primrose for traffic and equipment violations. Officers searched the vehicle and located 51 pounds of methamphetamine. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 2:43 a.m., a female subject called police to report her husband had just hit her in the face in the 1700 block of Alamitas. Officers arrived and detained both subjects, who were still arguing. The wife had visible injuries to her face, but refused medical attention. The husband was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 8:09 a.m., police dispatch received several calls reporting a male subject who was pacing back and forth and talking to himself in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was uncooperative and argumentative with the officers. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant.

Grand Theft Auto
July 14 at 8:32 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. The vehicle was rented from the business and was not returned. Several registered letters were sent with no reply, and the company wanted to report it stolen by means of embezzlement. The investigation revealed the information the male subject gave at the time he rented the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was all fraudulent. The vehicle was reported as stolen and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 5:35 p.m., the manager of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject was placing items into his backpack. He feared the subject was going to take the items without paying for them. Officers arrived as the subject walked out without making any attempt to pay for the items in his backpack. He was stopped and detained. The items were recovered from his backpack. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Monrovia Area Partnership 15th Anniversary Block Party

Sign up here: https://is.gd/69aph1

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Kiku Sushi

Dinner from Kiku Sushi, at the west end of  the Huntington Oaks shopping center. I got the Udon and Spicy Tuna Roll for $12.99 and a beer for $5.99. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Mountain Lion Treated for Burned Paws Spotted - Doing Fine

Remember the mountain lion found in Monrovia that was treated for burned paws during the Bobcat Fire? Well, she was spotted on a wildlife-cam and appears to be doing just fine. Here's a video news report: https://is.gd/j0lTuU 

- Brad Haugaard

Clover Would Like a Calm Home With a Purrfect Person

Six-year-old Clover is ready to live the calm and quiet live with her purrfect person! Clover is friendly and sweet, and just needs some time to adjust to a new home, as all newly adopted pets do. This sleek black cat is looking for some stability and love, and an adopter who can be patient while she comes out of her shell at her own pace. Clover has shown curiosity with her surroundings and she would love having spaces where she can explore, climb, and burrow.

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 an 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: Land Sale 1887

Keefer Subdivision Ocean View Tract Sale 1887, the earliest picture of a land sale in Monrovia. The first land sale was May 17, 1886 for lots in the Town of Monrovia.. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

Monrovia Man Arrested in Las Vegas on Suspicion of Killing His Father

The Monrovia man wanted in connection with the killing his father in Rialto was arrested today, July 11, in Las Vegas. Curtiss Booker Jr., 31, was arrested shortly after noon Sunday by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, https://is.gd/DoTc9A

- Brad Haugaard

Have You Been Eating Bugs? Learning From Tongva Tribe; Job Openings in Monrovia

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

~ In the video above, Christopher Diaz, a member of the Chumash Tribe and representing the Tongva Tribe, stopped by Lucinda Garcia Park to harvest the Cochineal scale off of the prickly pear and to demonstrate how the insects are turned into dye, which is used as food coloring, for dying clothes, makeup, and more. If you ever see carminic acid or carmine as an ingredient, you're eating bugs.

~  Monrovia is accepting applications for: Administrative Assistant and Maintenance Worker. https://is.gd/VMBcQW

- Brad Haugaard

Auction to Support Recreation and Community Programs

The Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation (https://monroviapwr.org/) is holding an on-line auction during July 18 to 23. There are 85 items to bid on, from wines and dinners out to jewelry and travel packages, like Las Vegas and Disney World Orlando. Auction page: https://is.gd/C0lDYL

The MPWR supports "recreation and community programs, parks, facilities, and open spaces in Monrovia."

- Brad Haugaard

Photo Essay on New Businesses Planned for Monrovia

Gem City Images has a great photo essay showing current building sites around Monrovia and what is planned for them. https://is.gd/GMr0qB

- Brad Haugaard

Expect Heavy Traffic in Arcadia This Weekend

Arcadia Police report …

“We are expecting an increased volume of traffic around the areas of the Santa Anita Race Track, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and the Westfield Santa Anita Mall this weekend.  There are a number of events taking place and we expect increased traffic during the afternoon and evening hours.“

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 7 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/07/2021. Changes since 06/30/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,224 cases (up 7), 79 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 377 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard