Spina is accused of "engaging in sexual talk and innuendo, talking about girls, discussing whether he [the plaintiff] had had sex, and sending the plaintiff sexual text messages," and then later showing him pornography, according to a press release by the legal firm representing the plaintiff, a 35-year-old man who is called "John GA Doe" in the court filing. The suit says the alleged activities began when the plaintiff was about 13 years old.
The church is also being sued, because, attorney Morgan Stewart said, "It is clear from the information provided to us by our client that his abuse was known by others in the hierarchy of the Hope Unlimited Church. They did nothing to prevent it and they did nothing to hold his abuser accountable. In fact, they allowed RJ Spina, an admitted child molester to have access to children for at least two more years. I fear there may be many other victims and I encourage them and their families to report any known or suspected instances of child sexual abuse to the authorities."
According to an article in SACMEDIA, a student news publication of Mt. San Antonio College, Spina resigned last year and a notice on the church's website said it was "due to personal choices he has made in recent times that did not align with the high standards of ministry and his position of senior leader." Details.
- Brad Haugaard
A 49-year-old Monrovia man, Julien Ceaser Solorzano, was sentenced to two years in prison for a hit-and-run that killed a motorcyclist in Huntington Beach. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Mayflower Elementary students quietly put together a list of families in need, and then for Thanksgiving made sure they got a bit of everything.
- Brad Haugaard
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 and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
A burglar camped out a Monrovia house, stole the family's Christmas presents, but watered their lawn. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Inside the Asano family grocery store on Myrtle Ave c. 1930s. See full details here.
For the last 13 years, Mountain Park School and Canyon Oaks High School have held a Thanksgiving Feast before going on the holiday break. The tradition started after teachers heard their students wouldn't be getting a Thanksgiving meal. Ever since, school staff and community members put together a huge feast to make sure every student gets a chance to eat with their classmates.
Happy Thanksgiving, Monrovia!
- Brad Haugaard
~ The City of Monrovia has gone into business. It has "officially launched its first-ever online store!" There are t-shirts, sweatshirts, pens, mugs, and Samson teddy bears. Check it out here: https://cityofmonroviastore.org/
~ Shop in Old Town Monrovia this Saturday, November 27, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and bring the receipt to the booth at the corner of Lemon and Myrtle to get a free Shop Small tote bag, other items, and a raffle ticket. https://monroviaoldtown.org/
~ On December 8, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Monrovia Youth@Work Job Fair will connect Monrovia youth with paid internships at Monrovia businesses in a variety of fields including non-profits, education, advance manufacturing, engineering and more. Free food to the first 150 registrants who attend. Youth@Work is a program administered by LA County that provides youth ages 14 to 24 with paid work experience. https://tiktoktimetogettowork.com/
- Brad Haugaard
Had lunch today at Market Grill @ Gem City. This combo establishment (Market Grill is running the kitchen at Gem City Grill) is on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle. Got the Mad Dog for $10 from Market Grill and (separate check) a beer for $6.50 from Gem City. Excellent dog and beer. Glad Market Grill is back. 
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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Deer Park Cabin, Ben Overturff, Owner. The cabin is now rubble. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.
