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Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 812 New Cases, One New Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/19/2022. Changes since 01/12/2021.

City of Monrovia: 6,909 cases (up 812), 89 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 730 cases (up 76), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Transients Block Cleaning Crew from Building; Fake Delivery Person Wants a Kiss; Man Tries to Light Tree on Fire; Motorcycle on Fire; Church Sound Equipment Stolen; and Lots More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 13 – January 19. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 329 service events, resulting in 65 investigations.

Park Hours Violation
January 13 at 2:47 a.m., a cleaning crew arrived to the 300 block of S. Myrtle, but could not get in the front doors because of two transients that were sleeping blocking the entry way. Officers arrived and had the cleaning crew enter the building through the side door. The transients refused to leave. A verified complaint was completed against the subjects for being in the park after hours.

Theft / Fraud
January 13 at 9:30 a.m., a caller reported he had his wallet stolen from the 700 block of W. Huntington during the night. The suspect then started using the victim’s credit cards in the early morning hours. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
January 13 at 12:16 p.m., the owner of a restaurant in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called to report that it was broken into during the night. The owner had video of the suspects prying the door open. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
January 13 at 4:30 p.m., a victim reported that her vehicle’s windows had been smashed and the tires slashed while parked in the 200 block of E. Chestnut. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
January 13 at 6:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Evergreen called to report she had ordered food online and the delivery person arrived and dropped the food at her front door. After the delivery another subject picked up the food and tried to pretend he was the delivery person. While speaking with the victim he tried to hug and kiss the victim. The victim managed to push the suspect away and he fled from the location. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
January 13 at 10:03 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a subject who appeared to be trying to burn a tree with a lighter. Upon arrival officers saw the subject trying to light a leaf on fire. It was determined the subject needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Death Report
January 14 at 2:13 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject not breathing. Paramedics also responded and pronounced the subject deceased. The subject had been suffering from numerous medical issues. The LA County Coroner’s Office was notified and authorized the deceased to be released to a mortuary.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 8:39 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a male subject was at the location who had been previously advised to not come back onto the property because he was disrupting the business. Officers arrived and located the individual on the property. He was arrested.

Grand Theft
January 14 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the area of El Dorado and Fifth called to report that sometime during the night his vehicle's catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 3:23 p.m., officers were patrolling the 300 block of E. Duarte when they saw a subject they recognized as being wanted for domestic violence and robbery. The subject was detained and his identity confirmed. He was arrested and transported to Monrovia Police Department jail.

Fire Assist
January 14 at 4:55 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Colorado called to report that a motorcycle was on fire, which caused a portion of a residential complex to catch fire. Officers and the Fire Department arrived and the fire was quickly extinguished. The fire was caused by a tenant who was working on his motorcycle. The fire is being investigated by an arson investigator.

Commercial Robbery
January 14 at 9:42 p.m., officers responded to a convenience store in the 900 block of W. Duarte regarding a robbery that had just occurred. An investigation revealed that three male suspects wearing masks had entered the location after a customer left. One of the suspects was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun and ordered the clerk to open the register. Another suspect then reached into the open register and removed cash. All three suspects then fled the location on foot. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
January 15 at 11:56 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Cypress called to report that his neighbors had a domestic dispute. Officers arrived and spoke with the female subject. She alleged her husband had pushed her out of their home and locked her out. The husband would not answer the front door or phone calls. This investigation is continuing.

Death Report
January 15 at 1:06 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Granite called to report her husband was unconscious and not breathing. Officers and Paramedics responded and began life saving measures. The subject was pronounced deceased by Paramedics. Mortuary arrangements were made. The deceased was identified as a retired Monrovia Police Department detective.

Trespass / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 3:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report that a male subject was at the location disturbing customers. He was asked to leave and he refused. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The officer asked the subject to leave on behalf of the manager's request, but he refused. His response was, "You'll have to arrest me." Further investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail.

Fighting in Public
January 15 at 9:20 p.m., a fight was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Upon arrival officers learned that the subjects had left the location. One of the subjects was later located through his license plate. He explained that after leaving a restaurant in the area, an intoxicated male subject called his wife a derogatory term. He then confronted that subject and they began pushing each other and at one point they fell to the ground. They then separated and left the location. No prosecution was desired and the other involved subject was not located.

Suspicious Subject
January 15 at 10:21 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 800 block of E. Central when a caller reported that the security officer there was acting aggressive towards him. The caller stated he was driving by and saw a vehicle he liked. He parked and was looking at the vehicle. The security officer then told him to leave and began taking pictures of the caller’s vehicle. Officers conducted an investigation and determined no crime had occurred.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 10:21 p.m., officers from Arcadia Police Department located a subject wanted by the Monrovia Police Department. They were able to transport him to the Monrovia Police Department jail where he was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 10:22 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle stopped in the area of Myrtle and Olive with a driver slumped at the wheel and the engine revving. Officers arrived and detained the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI and transported to a local hospital for a blood sample. He then refused to provide the sample and was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a breath sample.

Theft
January 16 at 3:27 a.m., officers responded to the 2100 block of S. Myrtle after a resident called to report a suspicious subject walked onto his neighbor’s porch and took a package. The subject was seen taking the package to the side of the residence, opening it, and discarding it. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The owner of the package was located, but did not desire any prosecution. The subject was positively identified before his release.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 16 at 8:07 a.m., a caller reported five motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Peck and Live Oak. Officers and Paramedics responded. The driver found to be at fault was issued a citation. Two of the drivers complained of pain and one was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 3:04 p.m., officers were patrolling the 800 block of E. Olive when they saw a male adult subject loitering in the middle of the roadway. He was contacted and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery / Hit and Run – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 5:18 p.m., a caller reported that one of his neighbors was running after a male suspect in the 900 block of Norumbega. The suspect got into a red vehicle and fled the area south. The suspect then crashed the vehicle in the 600 block of Wildrose and ran from the vehicle. An investigation revealed the vehicle was reported stolen in the city of San Bernardino the same day, after the victim left her keys in the ignition with newly purchased groceries. A search for the suspect was conducted with neighboring agencies. The suspect was eventually located hiding in the backyard of a home on Wildrose. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail. The owner of the stolen vehicle was notified.

Assault Report
January 16 at 7:15 p.m., an off-duty Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy detained a suspect at a local bar in the 600 block of S. Myrtle after he hit someone with a chair. Officers arrived and found that the possible victim had already left the location. An investigation revealed that the suspect and victim are co-workers, and that the assault occurred after the victim called the suspect a racial slur. During the fight the suspect picked up a chair and hit the victim in the back with it. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person
January 16 at 7:42 p.m., a male subject in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported his girlfriend missing. She was last seen at a business in the area when she walked away at 4:00 p.m. She suffers from multiple mental disorders. She was entered into the national missing person’s database.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 17 at 4:37 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Cherry regarding a suspect in the area with a possible warrant for his arrest. The subject was located and positively identified. A computer check revealed he had a $250,000 warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
January 17 at 7:42 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Teresita reported that a subject was trespassing on her property. Officers arrived and detained the subject down the street. It was learned that this same subject already had a pending trespassing case from the same location. The resident desired prosecution and has no idea who the subject is and why he keeps returning to her property. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Battery
January 17 at 9:27 p.m., officers responded to a restaurant in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding to subjects fighting inside the location. Upon arrival officers discovered that the suspect had already left the location. The victim told officers he was punched in the face in an unprovoked attack. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 18 at 8:01 a.m., an employee of a church in the 400 block of E. Huntington arrived at the location and discovered someone had forced entry into a trailer parked in their back parking lot. The suspect stole all the church sound equipment from inside the trailer. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 18 at 11:03 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Madison walked outside and discovered someone had stolen her vehicle sometime during the night. Officers searched for the vehicle, but could not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
January 19 at 8:00 a.m., a resident at an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona received an email from the management company for all residents to check their parking garage storage units for possible break-ins. The resident checked his and discovered someone had forced entry into the unit sometime during the night, and personal property had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Attempt
January 19 at 8:29 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Grand walked outside his home and discovered someone had attempted to take his vehicle. The steering column and steering wheel were damaged, however, the suspect was unsuccessful in the theft. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
January 19 at 8:46 a.m., the Sierra Madre Police Department discovered a stolen vehicle parked and unoccupied in the 1600 block of Rosewood, two blocks from the victim's home. The vehicle had been reported stolen by its owner the day before to the Monrovia Police Department. Monrovia officers responded and recovered the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to its owner. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
January 19 at 2:56 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Valley Circle discovered someone had gained entry into his garage and stole his bicycle. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
January 19 at 4:57 p.m., several callers reported an adult male subject was yelling at Junior High School children and walked in front of cars moving at high speeds in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined that he needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Grand Theft
January 19 at 8:40 p.m., a victim called and reported that someone had stolen the catalytic converter off of her Honda Accord. Sierra Madre Police Department recently arrested three catalytic converter theft suspects and this incident is believed to be related. Sierra Madre PD was notified and they will be contacting the victim. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
January 19 at 9:18 p.m., a victim was driving east on Evergreen approaching a green light at California. Upon entering the intersection, the other party ran a red light, traveling south on California, and collided with the victim in the intersection. The other party fled the scene. This investigation is continuing.

New Art Exhibit at Community Center


A new exhibit of works by four Monrovia artists, Arella Tomlinson, Jenny Gano, John Parker, and Arthur Lorraine. . Artist reception Jan. 30, 2-5 p.m. at the Community Center. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at T Burger


Dinner at T Burger, on The south side of Foothill just east of Magnolia. I got a chicken gyro for $7.98 and a drink for $2.79. Very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dakota Loves Squeaky Toys and Games of Fetch


Two-year-old Dakota is a young and energetic dog who loves squeaky toys, going for walks, and long games of fetch. She’s very smart, and has lots of fun with enrichment toys (like egg cartons filled with treats). Dakota would do best in a home without children or other dogs, and hopes she can have lots of playtime with her new person!

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

Two Monrovians Join Foothill Unity Center Board of Directors

Two Monrovians have been named to the Foothill Unity Center's board of directors. They are Keisha Carter-Bowen, who owns Simply Divine Salon Barbershop, and Dr. Ryan Smith, Superintendent of Monrovia Schools. https://tny.im/ea96G  (Photo courtesy of PasadenaNow)

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Train at Depot

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe 1420 at Santa Fe depot in Monrovia.. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

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

After 17 Years, Kirk McGinnis' Last Day at Monrovia High


Monrovia School District tweeted: After 17 years at Monrovia Unified, today is Kirk McGinnis' last day as Principal at Monrovia High School.  His final day was filled with bittersweet goodbyes, reminiscing with students and everyone wishing him good luck at his next job with El Monte Unified.

- Brad Haugaard

City to Consider: Switching Back to Rotating Mayor; Hiring Firm to Fix Canyon Park; Creating 'Inclusionary Housing Ordinance'; Etc.


At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/T7vS7) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider putting on the ballot a measure that would switch Monrovia back from having an elected mayor to simply rotating the office of mayor among the council members each year. https://tny.im/07okv

~ Consider consolidating its regular municipal elections with the statewide primary election (on June 7 this year). The consolidation is required by state law. https://tny.im/tWMVv

~  Consider hiring Merrell Johnson Engineering, Inc. for $679,139 to manage the Canyon Park restoration, and hire it for another $64,626 to manage work on the pumping station that fills the tank that supplies water to the park facilities. Total cost for the restoration work is estimated at a bit over $10 million. https://tny.im/t70iP

~ Consider hiring Sagecrest Planning and Environmental for up to $154,090 to help develop an "Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, a Density Bonus Ordinance, Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Guidelines, and Environmental Analysis." Inclusionary housing requires market-rate residential developments to include affordable housing. State Density Bonus law provides development waivers, concessions, reduced parking standards, and density increases to encourage the development of affordable and senior housing.  https://tny.im/AeHxL

- Brad Haugaard

Fixing and Upgrading Monrovia Parks, Garden Myths Workshop; Transportation Survey; Blood Donations Low

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

~ This year there will be major renovations to Monrovia parks, the park area around the library, and a big upgrade to the Community Center.

Repair of Canyon Park will cost just over $10 million and construction won't begin for a few months, but when it is done the park will have new roads, parking lots, trails, signs, etc. Most of the funds to repair the park will come from federal or state assistance, or from insurance.

Lucinda Garcia Park will be upgraded, Recreation Park will have its ball fields, parking areas, pathways, etc. worked on, and the exterior area around the library will be improved. Also, there will be a new park on land donated to the city by the developer of the Chick-fil-A/Starbucks project at the south end of the old Claimjumper restaurant site.

Also, the Community Center will be reworked. "We will have design and architectural renderings for upgrading the Community Center and in the near months."

~ The Monrovia Community Garden will hold a virtual workshop, "Debunking Garden Myths: Applying organic science-based principles in the garden," on January 29, from 10 to 11 a.m.  Gio Leos will discuss  garden myths and what the science behind them actually demonstrates. Chili flakes in the soil? Companion planting? Hugelkultur? Question/answer time from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Register here -  https://tny.im/HDoZ - or email info@monroviacommunitygarden.org for more information.

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and Metro have an online survey on local transportation. Participate here: https://tny.im/35Aos

~ Red Cross has experienced about a 10% decline in people donating blood since the pandemic began. In recent weeks it has less than a one-day supply of blood products - well below the ideal five-day supply. To give, go to RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 892 New Cases, One New Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/12/2021. Changes since 01/05/2021.

City of Monrovia: 6,097 cases (up 892), 88 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 654 cases (up 94), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Catalytic Converters Stolen from Motorhomes; Customer Shoves Restaurant Employee; Men With Hammers Steal Phones; Golf Clubs Stolen from Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 6 – January 12. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 331 service events, resulting in 56 investigations.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 9:14 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of S. Myrtle regarding unknown trouble between a male and female. Officers arrived and discovered the male had left the area, but the female was still at the location. Officers spoke with the female who was intoxicated and uncooperative. She was arrested and taken into custody for being drunk in public.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 11:12 p.m., an officer noticed a vehicle commit several vehicle code violations in the 600 block of S. Primrose. The driver was stopped and while officers spoke with the driver, they noticed he displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department for a sobering period.

Petty Theft
January 7 at 8:00 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Duarte called to report his coin machine was broken into sometime overnight. Video footage showed two suspects prying open the machine. The investigation is continuing.

Trespassing
January 7 at 9:05 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a male subject was inside the business disturbing customers. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject. He was issued a citation for a related offense.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 8 at 3:05 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver struck the curb while pulling over, causing damage to his vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver and noticed he displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to Monrovia Police Department for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
January 8 at 10:12 a.m., a caller reported his motorhome was parked at a storage facility in the 3000 block of S. Peck and today he discovered the catalytic converter was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 8 at 12:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. El Norte called to report that her vehicle was broken into sometime overnight. Video footage of the crime was discovered. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 8 at 12:35 p.m., a caller reported his motorhome was parked at a storage facility in the 3000 block of S. Peck and today he discovered the catalytic converter was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Death Report
January 8 at 8:27 p.m., a reporting party called from the 200 block of Norumbega Drive to report that a male subject who lives in the home was found deceased on his bedroom floor. There was no evidence of foul play.

Fighting in Public
January 8 at 11:48 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of E. Colorado regarding two female subjects who had been drinking and began to fight. The female subjects did not desire prosecution. Officers assisted one of the parties with retrieving personal property from a residence.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 9 at 9:53 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle and bicyclist were involved in a traffic collision in the 500 block of E Colorado. Officers and paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the involved parties. The bicyclist was treated for their visible injuries. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Commercial Burglary
January 9 at 10:10 a.m., a business owner in the 300 block of W. Foothill called to report he was out of town, but he received a call informing him that the back door to his business was kicked in. Officers arrived and cleared the business. The investigation is continuing.

Structure Fire
January 10 at 12:28 a.m., officers were dispatched to a building in the 200 block of E. Chestnut regarding a structure fire. When officers arrived they discovered it was a kitchen fire, but it was extinguished prior to officers arriving. No injuries were reported.

Battery
January 10 at 2:53 p.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a customer became upset at their service, pushed one of the employees, and began yelling at customers and children. The suspect left the restaurant and was located nearby by officers. The suspect was placed under private persons arrest and taken into custody for battery.

Shoplifting
January 10 at 4:29 p.m., the manager of a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that the store was detaining a male adult subject for shoplifting. Officers arrived and after conducting an investigation they arrested the subject and issued him a citation.

Court Order Violation
January 10 at 10:58 pm, a neighbor in the 100 block of W. Olive called to report that a male subject she knew to be the restrained on a domestic violence restraining order, was at the location arguing with the protected female. The caller watched as the female allowed the male to enter her apartment. Officers arrived and heard the male and female talking inside and recognized their voices from prior contacts. The female refused to open the door. Based on previous contacts and witness statements charges will be deemed appropriate and will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.

Grand Theft Auto
January 11 at 9:51 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona, MODA Apartments, walked to his apartment building's parking garage and discovered someone had stolen his motorcycle sometime during the night. Building video shows a white SUV towing the motorcycle out of the parking garage. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
January 11 at 2:53 p.m., officers were patrolling the 700 block of E. Cypress when they saw a vehicle driven by a subject who was known to be wanted for domestic violence. The driver was stopped and was taken into custody for the wanted charge.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 3:56 p.m., a female resident in the 500 block of E. Olive reported her boyfriend had just battered her. The couple have a child together, who was also present during the fight. Officers arrived and after investigating the allegations, took the male subject into custody for domestic violence. The female subject sustained non-life threatening visible injuries. An Emergency Protective Order was granted.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 7:30 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Central reported that her computer and purse were stolen from her unlocked vehicle sometime between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The investigation is ongoing.

Commercial Burglary
January 11 at 7:43 p.m., two male subjects in hoodies entered a retail store in the 600 block of W. Huntington with hammers. The male subjects broke multiple display stands and stole phones. The male subjects fled the scene on foot. The investigation is continuing.

Trespassing
January 11 at 8:23 p.m., a caller observed a subject remotely via surveillance footage, on private property in the 200 block of S. Encinitas. This subject was advised previously regarding trespassing on the property. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The caller desired prosecution and the subject was issued a citation. The subject left the property.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 8:41 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of Hill St. reported a set of golf clubs was stolen from his unlocked vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery
January 12 at 9:41 pm, a caller reported that he saw a male and female arguing in the area of Foothill and Norumbega. Officers arrived in the area and located the female nearby. She said her boyfriend had slapped her in the face multiple times while at his home on Valle Vista. She last saw him near Norumbega. Officers went to the subject's home but he was not there and was not located in the area. The female did not desire prosecution. The investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Thai Divine Bistro

Dinner at Thai Divine Bistro, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the Kang Ka Ree curry with chicken for $10.95, rice for $3, and a beer for $6. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Sweet Zoey's Family Couldn't Take Her With Them - She's Looking for a New Home


Zoey was adopted from us five years ago when she was just a kitten. Her family was moving and couldn’t take her with them, so now this five-year-old cat is back with us and looking for her forever home. Zoey has been described as sweet and independent, likes to play, and even gets along with other cats and dogs. She’s ready for her second chance!

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

Clifton's Gina Ayala Named Public Health Teacher of the Year

EcoHealth Vector Education, a program of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, has named Gina Ayala of Clifton Middle School as its 2021 Public Health Teacher of the Year for using first-hand, real-world applications in her science teaching.

Teachers must "demonstrate how science is relevant in their daily life. If a student doesn't understand the 'why,' they won't be as engaged in the learning," said Mrs. Gina Ayala, who has been a teacher for 13 years.

Source: https://tny.im/VSpgR

- Brad Haugaard

Flint Fertig Taking Over as Interim Monrovia High Principal

Flint Fertig, Director of Adult Education and Alternative Programs, will serve as Interim Principal at Monrovia High School beginning on Monday, January 17, according to a report by Superintendent Ryan Smith.

Smith writes that, "Fertig will continue to oversee Canyon Oaks, Mountain Park, and Monrovia Community Adult School, just from afar. Directors Kimberly Cabrera and Catherine Real, both former high school principals, will provide additional support for these schools whenever needed."

The formal search process for a new principal at Monrovia High will begin later this week, he added. "Please know though that this is a difficult time of year for filling a position like this as it is not really 'hiring season', so to speak. I share this with you because I will not settle for anyone who is less than a perfect fit."

Source: https://tny.im/UnUN8

- Brad Haugaard

State of the City Meeting Jan. 24

Attend in person or on line here: cityofmonrovia.org/StateoftheCity

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Lucinda Garcia and Daughter

Clara Bracamonte and Lucinda Garcia. Clara Bracamonte (left) poses with her mother Lucinda Garcia near the house under construction next door to their home on Almond Avenue. From the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society collection. See full details here.

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 COVID Testing For Students And Staff Only -- For Now

The Monrovia School District was providing a COVID Clinic to test people for the disease, but Superintendent Ryan Smith reports that, "Due to the high demand for testing in our community, county, and state, lines have been long, there have been limits to the number of tests available, and results are taking longer to receive. In order to help alleviate this, please note that we will be temporarily limiting access to our testing program to current students and staff only."

He added that the district is working with COVID Clinic to expand testing from three days per week to five. https://tny.im/ZVpOF

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Making Juneteenth a Paid School Holiday

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/BKWJ) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider (among other things) making Juneteenth (June 19) a paid school holiday. https://tny.im/xNC3c On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation establishing it as a federal holiday.  Wikipedia: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Army general Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas, the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. 

- Brad Haugaard