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Monrovia Hires Kevin McCune as New Public Works Director


The City of Monrovia is excited to announce the appointment of Kevin McCune as the new public works director. Kevin’s first official day with the City of Monrovia is May 23, 2022.

According to City Manager Dylan Feik, “I am excited to welcome Kevin to the City of Monrovia at a time where his knowledge, experience and leadership will benefit Monrovia. Under the City Council’s leadership, we are embarking on a 5-year, $124m Capital Improvement Program to enhance our infrastructure. We are building and renovating parks, buildings, roadways and public areas. With over 25 years of experience, Kevin is arriving at the perfect time and he fully embodies the City’s mission to serve the people of Monrovia to create a community that offers a premiere quality of life.” 

As the public works director, Kevin will oversee the Public Works Department with 32 employees and an annual operating budget of $15 million. He will oversee all areas of the department, including: water and sewer utilities operations; streets, sidewalks and transportation; and parks, facilities and open space maintenance. Most notably, Kevin will help oversee restoration and repair of Monrovia Canyon Park after it was damaged by the Bobcat Fire (September 2020) and the December Rainstorm (December 2021).   

Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, he is a Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. Prior to accepting the position with the City of Monrovia, Kevin served as the public works director and city engineer for the City of Santa Maria and the City of Lompoc. During his tenure at the City of Santa Maria, Kevin was instrumental in the implementation of programs to improve efficiencies and reduce cost in fleet maintenance, the design of a new interchange at Highway 101/135 and the completion of the city owned Gigabit fiber optic ring to enable Smart City technology deployment citywide.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Public Works Director,” said Kevin. “I look forward to engaging with the Monrovia community and being a part of a team that is committed to providing high level service.” In addition to welcoming Kevin and his family to Monrovia, the City would also like to thank the many wonderful employees of the Public Works Department who have gone above and beyond their regular job duties as the public works director position remained vacant.

Kevin is married to his wife, Jennifer, and they have three children, Sydney, Caden and Logan. Together, they enjoy camping and hiking trips in Yosemite and Rincon Beach. Kevin, his family and their dog, Sadie, will be relocating to Monrovia.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Employee Punched in Mouth; Ex-Girlfriend Punches Current Girlfriend; Ex-Boyfriend Assaults Ex-Girlfriend; Robber Demands Backpack; Plants Stolen from Nursery; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 5 – 11. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 365 service events, resulting in 55 investigations. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 7:25 a.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle when he saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was initiated and further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Commercial Burglary
May 5 at 9:00 a.m., a broken window was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. An investigation revealed that two suspects had forced entry into the business during the night. Unknown at this time if anything was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 11:27 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of S. Violet advised that a subject was yelling and causing a disturbance. Officers made contact with the subject and an investigation revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 4:09 p.m., an officer patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose contacted a subject loitering in the area. During the contact the officer discovered the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 4:12 p.m., a disturbance was reported in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers made contact with the subject and an investigation revealed he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 5:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a shoplifting that had just occurred. Upon arrival they detained the suspect and conducted an investigation. The store management placed the suspect under private person’s arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Fraud
May 5 at 10:11 p.m., a victim in the 1000 block of E. Royal Oaks reported that he had been scammed out of money. The victim was contacted via social media by someone he believed was an old friend. The suspect then requested money in exchange for bitcoin. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 10:14 p.m., an employee of a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle flagged down an officer to report a battery. A male suspect had punched an employee in the mouth. The victim had fallen to the ground. Paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was identified. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 12:30 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted and an investigation was conducted and the driver was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail and held for a sobering period. 

Battery
May 6 at 12:51 a.m., a female subject in the 100 block of Olive called and was incoherent over the phone. Officers responded and the subject advised that she and her boyfriend were inside a local business when they saw that the boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend was inside. They left to avoid conflict, but once outside the ex-girlfriend confronted her. An argument ensued and the ex-girlfriend began punching the victim in the face multiple times causing her to fall down. The suspect then fled the scene. Paramedics responded to the location and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
May 6 at 3:24 p.m., a victim in the 1400 block of Pilgrim Way came into the Police Department lobby to report that he was scammed out money from a fraudulent rental home listing. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 6 at 4:22 p.m., a resident in the 1400 block of Alamitas called to report that her vehicle was broken into and her laptop was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 6 at 5:01 p.m., a victim reported that her vehicle was broken into while she was shopping at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 6 at 6:18 p.m., a caller stated that she had been involved in an accident the day prior near the intersection of Myrtle and Walnut and wanted to make a cold collision report. 

Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
May 6 at 11:41 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Peck and Longden when he observed a subject walking with a flashlight inside of the wash area. Two subjects were contacted and an investigation revealed that both were in possession of controlled substances. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 1:07 a.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 1100 block of E. Huntington regarding a noise complaint. They contacted a subject and further investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
May 7 at 1:39 a.m., a caller advised she was involved in a traffic collision near the intersection of Foothill and Stedman. No injuries were reported. Officers responded and took a collision report. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 7 at 6:48 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cherry called to report that his vehicle was taken sometime during the night. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The vehicle was entered into the national stolen vehicle database. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 7 at 4:51 p.m., a vehicle collision was reported in the 100 block of Madeline. A vehicle struck a parked car. Officers and paramedics arrived on scene and checked the well- being of the occupant. The driver sustained an ankle injury and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
May 7 at 7:55 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. A female victim told officers she was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. Further investigation revealed she also had a restraining order against him. He fled on foot prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
May 8 at 3:23 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 200 block of Kruse. An investigation revealed that multiple suspects had used a vehicle to ram an industrial door. They then attempted to take a motorcycle off the property, but were unsuccessful. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
May 8 at 5:22 a.m., an alarm was activated in a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival officers discovered that the front window of the business had been shattered. All suspects had fled prior to officers’ arrival. The cash register drawer was left on the store floor. It is unknown what the loss is at this time. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
May 8 at 8:08 a.m., an employee for a restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington arrived at work and discovered someone had shattered the store's front window sometime during the night, gained entry, and stole cash that was left in the registers. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 8 at 10:20 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Hillcrest walked outside her home and discovered someone had stolen her vehicle that was parked in front of her house sometime during the night. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but could not locate it. The vehicle was entered in the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 9 at 9:25 a.m., a victim at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported that the catalytic converter had been stolen from her vehicle sometime during the night. An investigation revealed that the suspect had left a jack underneath the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
May 9 at 9:46 a.m., an employee for a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck advised that a stolen vehicle was parked at the location. Officers arrived and confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Los Angeles. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud / Forgery
May 9 at 11:54 a.m., an employee from the 100 block of Lemon reported that a check had been fraudulently cashed. An investigation revealed that the check had been intercepted by the suspect who added his name to the payee section. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 10 at 7:18 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of S. Primrose regarding a report of stolen tools. The victim advised that two subjects took multiple tools from him that were worth approximately $20,000. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 2:26 p.m., a caller near the intersection of Shamrock and Huntington reported that a male subject was following her. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Robbery
May 10 at 8:20 p.m., officers responded to a gas station in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a robbery that had just occurred. The victim stated he was walking when a suspect approached him and demanded the backpack he was wearing. He gave the backpack to the suspect who then left the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 11 at 8:24 a.m., a victim called to report their vehicle was stolen from the 100 block of Montana sometime during the night. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Drunk In Public – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 9:26 a.m., while on patrol an officer observed a male subject in the 100 block of S. Myrtle urinating in the bushes. When he stopped to talk to the subject, he could see the subject was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail where he was held for a sobering period. 

Commercial Burglary
May 11 at 10:17 a.m., an employee in the 600 block of S. Mountain noticed the fence was cut on the side of the location. It was discovered that 5 plants had been taken from the nursery area. This investigation is continuing. 

Extortion
May 11 at 1:45 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of S. Fifth reported that she was randomly added to a conversation on a social media app with a male subject. At some point, he convinced her to send him photographs. He then told her she needed to give him money or he would release the photos. This investigation is continuing. 

Forgery
May 11 at 2:37 p.m., a forgery was reported in the 200 block of Stedman. The reporting party stated that he mailed out a check, but it never arrived to the intended party. It was discovered that the check had been intercepted and made out to a different payee in a different amount. It is unknown where the check was cashed. Postal Inspectors are investigating the incident. 

Petty Theft
May 11 at 3:55 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill walked out of a storage room and saw a male subject run out with stolen merchandise. The subject got into a vehicle and left the area. The subject stole e-cigarettes. This investigation is continuing. 

Auto Theft
May 11 at 9:21 p.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Montana. An investigation revealed the vehicle was involved in hit and run traffic collision the night prior in the City of Pasadena. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
May 11 at 10:44 pm, the reporting party witnessed a subject spraying graffiti at a business in the 1000 block of S. Mountain. This investigation is continuing. 

Dinner at Oto-Oto

Dinner recently at Oto-Oto Japanese restaurant in the shopping center at Fifth and Huntington. Got the Pork Kakuni (pork belly) bento box for $12.95 and a beer for $5. Excellent!

Menu: https://shrtm.nu/hF7Y

- Brad Haugaard 

Honey Bee, Active and Great With Kids

Two-year-old Honey Bee is an active dog who loves playtime and walks, but she also enjoys lazing around the house with her favorite people. Honey Bee is super sweet and is great with kids. She loves snuggling and giving lots of kisses, and has such a gentle spirit!

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 

Statement of City Council Candidate Genia Mills


Hello Monrovians,

My name is Genia Mills, and I am running for City Council. I am proud to call Monrovia my home for 19 years. It is where my husband and I raised our family.

Professionally, I worked in the entertainment industry for two decades after receiving my B.A. from the University of Southern California (USC).

Civically, I have held many positions within the community, including:

Community Services Commissioner for the last 11 years, including chair and vice-chair.
-Subcommittee member for Julian Fisher Park renovations.
-Subcommittee member for Lucinda Garcia Park renovations.

Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Neighborhood Leader for 13 years.
I advocated for the city’s shopping cart ordinance; conducted neighbor mediations; led workshops; and organized neighbors to voice their concerns about the impact of nearby housing developments.

I am also a Neighborhood Watch Captain and served on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

My vision for Monrovia includes:

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility
We need to ensure that we keep solid reserves and do our best to offset costs by qualifying for grants, while using conservative estimates for revenue growth and generous estimates for cost growth.

Supporting Public Safety Enhancements
To ensure that people are safe, we need a dual track system that institutes programs that seek to provide people with the skills and mental health resources they need to avoid becoming criminalized while also holding people accountable for their actions.

I will enhance our Community Policing Program by encouraging more touch points between police and our community, and advocate for our police department to continue receiving the kind of de-escalation training that it has already effectively deployed.

Promoting Housing Availability and Affordability
I will encourage further participation with the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) to obtain additional moderate-income housing as exemplified at the Moda complex at Station Square. I will also seek to streamline the approval process for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs.

I will use my experience and collaborative brand of leadership to achieve these goals. I respectfully ask for your vote. For more information about my campaign, please visit votemills4monrovia.com.

Monrovia Police Tips for Drivers, Bicyclists, and Motorcyclists

May is National Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month and Monrovia Police Department has tips for drivers, bike riders and motorcyclists: https://tny.im/FyecX

- Brad Haugaard

US News & World Report Honors Plymouth School as '2022 Best Elementary School'

Plymouth Elementary principal, Dr. Greg Gero, reports that "U.S. News & World Report has selected Plymouth as a recipient of the '2022 Best Elementary School' award! Rankings are based on performance on state-required tests and how well students are prepared for high school." 

He added, "Over the past several years, Plymouth has reinvigorated the education that we provide our students, with an increased focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and literacy. Essential to our success has been our partnerships with families. Teachers and parents work closely together, conducting virtual visits, parent workshops, and volunteering in the classroom. Our PTA continues to support our students through literacy programs, arts instruction, and our amazing makerspace! At least as important has been our schoolwide focus on fostering a growth mindset in our students."


- Brad Haugaard

After Two Years Refurbishing, Pipe Organ at St. Luke's to Play Again

After a two-year refurbishing, Lucille, the three-manual, 42-rank pipe organ at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, will be played at the final Evensong of the choir season on Sunday, May 15 at 4 p.m. The church is at California and Foothill and admission is free.

"During the painstaking restoration, the instrument's thousands of pipes were removed and individually cleaned," says Music Director Kent Bennett Jones. "With the pipes out of the way, the entire interior of the church was replastered and repainted. Now everything is back in place, and Lucille is sounding more amazing than ever amid the church's spectacular acoustics."

The performance will include music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Charles Villiers Stanford. It will feature William Boyce's anthem, "I Have Surely Built Thee an House," with soloists Marina Harris, Alex Miller and Victor Mazzone.  St. Luke’s Music Director, Kent Bennett Jones, will lead the ensemble.

An offering will be taken. Guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception in Guild Hall following the performance.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Anderson House Ceremony, 1979

Anderson House Ceremony 1979. L to R: H. Elroy Lindberg, Executive Secretary, California Community Foundation; Robert E. Cole, Manager, Monrovia Branch, Security Pacific Bank; Mrs. M.L. (Sandy) McIntosh, President, Friends of Monrovia Public Library. The Foundation had made a grant to the Friends Library so it could purchase the house. July 10, 1975. The property now belongs to the Monrovia Historical Society. 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

Uber-ish Service for Monrovia Students; 'Femineer' Engineering; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/xBtUc) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Contracting with HopSkipDrive (https://tny.im/LVulQ) to provide ride-sharing for school-aged children. It looks sort of like Uber for students: https://tny.im/Ep1dm

~ A Memo of Understanding (https://tny.im/taZIm) with Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego State University to provide Monrovia schools with their "Femineer" program, which appears  designed to encourage students - primarily girls - to be involved in engineering: https://tny.im/MNgaL)

~ Accepting for public review prior to adoption, the textbook, "Human Geography A Spatial Perspective, AP Edition," (https://tny.im/xBtUc) for the high school history social science program. ($182.99 on Amazon: https://tny.im/DO4Iv).

~ Hiring Capturing Kids' Hearts for $55,000 (plus travel fee of $3,000) to conduct two staff training sessions, each two days long for up to 50 participants per session. According to its website (https://tny.im/1VMAq), the company "equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness." https://tny.im/POuLQ

~  Giving raises and other compensation and benefits to district employees. Total compensation increase is  3.04 to 3.56 percent. https://tny.im/8T5g6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports $23.6 Million Net Income for Q1


Monrovia-based Xencor, which develops pharmaceuticals to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported a net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 of $23.6 million, or $.39 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.5 million, or $(.04) per share for the same period in 2021. https://tny.im/SKQSV

- Brad Haugaard

City Develops Draft Tree Planting Plan; Historic Tour; Energy Assessment


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

~ The city has developed a draft Tree Planting Plan, (here) for only southern portion of Monrovia that has far fewer trees. Plan basically says …

  • Plant native trees first, then trees that thrive in Southern California climate.
  • Increase shade canopy where possible, and plant large trees where possible without creating maintenance or hazardous conditions.
  • Avoid tree planting in areas where parkway, utility or rights-of-way conflicts exist.
  • Avoid planting fruit, palm trees or non-native tree species.

~ There will be an Historic Walking Tour in Downtown Monrovia tomorrow, Saturday, May 7, sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.  Learn about the early history of Monrovia Tour begins at 10 a.m. at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm, across from Library Park. Cost is $5 per person, the tour lasts about two hours, and RSVPs are not necessary.

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments is offering a free home energy usage with an energy action plan and information about incentive and rebate programs. Schedule an assessment: https://www.sgvcog.org/esgv

- Brad Haugaard 

Some Monrovia Citrus Infected With Citrus-Killing Disease

Some citrus trees in Monrovia are infected with the incurable and deadly-to-citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), according to City Manager Dylan Feik. Expect California Department of Food and Agriculture staff to be around looking for HLB and treating any host plants within a 250-meter area around any new infections. The disease is spread by a bug, so when harvesting fruit that will leave your property …

  • Remove leaves, stems and branches. 
  • Wash fruit. 
  • Shake out citrus bags before they leave the property. 
  • Inspect clothes, personal items, and vehicles for plant materials and brush them off before leaving the property. 

- Brad Haugaard

Spanish Mediterranean Restaurant Proposed for Myrtle

Site of proposed restaurant.

A new Spanish Mediterranean restaurant is being proposed for 134 South Myrtle, on the east side of the street between Foothill and Palm. The restaurant, called The Lantern Coffee and Tea, needs Planning Commission approval to sell beer and wine. At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/70HzN) the Monrovia Planning Commission will consider the proposal: https://tny.im/AHcVB

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 58 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 05/04/2022. Changes since 04/27/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,401 cases (up 58), 104 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 881 cases (up 4), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: More Catalytic Converter Thefts; Cameras to Steal PIN Numbers; Stolen Vehicles; Drunk Driving; Man Arrested for Arson; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 28 – May 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 66 investigations. 

Attempt Grand Theft
April 28 at 4:25 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Highland reported that he just interrupted four suspects attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his Prius. The suspects fled in two vehicles after being confronted. Officers responded to the area and located the two vehicles on Foothill. Both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed and officers discontinued any further pursuit for safety reasons. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
April 28 at 6:54 a.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report that the business was broken into sometime during the night. Officers arrived and saw the glass front door was shattered. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 10:11 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest called to report that sometime during the night his vehicle's catalytic converter was taken. This investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 11:52 a.m., a catalytic converter was reported stolen in the 2600 block of Doray Circle. This investigation continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 12:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 800 block of W. Huntington called to report that someone had broken into a vacant building and was possibly still inside. Officers arrived and located a suspect inside the building. Further investigation revealed that he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence
April 28 at 3:08 p.m., Monrovia Dispatch received an emergency call regarding a domestic dispute that occurred somewhere on the 15 freeway. The involved parties were in the 700 block of S. Primrose. Officers arrived and contacted the couple. Further investigation revealed that a crime did occur. The California Highway Patrol was notified and the investigation was relinquished to them. 

ATM Tampering
April 28 at 7:10 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject attempting to tamper with an ATM. The subject had already left the area, but officers located two false panels hiding cameras positioned to capture customers pin numbers. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
April 28 at 7:31 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of S. Fifth. The victim advised that she had left her purse in the vehicle while the trunk was unlocked. Upon returning she found that her purse and other personal items had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 7:53 p.m., officers responded to a robbery alarm at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival they saw that multiple suspects had entered the location and smashed display cases with hammers. Items from the display cases were stolen. The suspects had left the area when officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 9:19 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington advised that three female suspects had stolen merchandise from the location. Officers checked the area, but the suspects had already left. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
April 28 at 9:46 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of Bonita advised that her son’s scooter had been stolen from the front of their home. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence / Threatening – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 11:45 p.m., officers responded to a drive-thru restaurant in the 100 block of W. Huntington regarding a female subject causing a disturbance. The female was found to be intoxicated and driving a vehicle. She attempted to back her vehicle into another vehicle while in the drive-thru and further investigation revealed that she had threatened several employees. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vandalism
April 29 at 6:50 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported that the front window of his business had been smashed sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 29 at 9:02 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Genoa reported that his vehicle had been stolen from the front of his house sometime during the night. Officers entered the vehicle into the National Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 29 at 11:07 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of N. Grand reported that three juveniles in the park had just spray painted a rock. Officers arrived and located the juvenile offenders. A spray can and fresh graffiti were also located. The juveniles were issued citations and released to their guardians. 

Assault
April 29 at 6:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of S. Myrtle after a parent called to report that a male juvenile had slapped a female juvenile in the face. Officers checked the area and located the suspect on a nearby street. He was issued a citation and released to a guardian. 

Assault
April 29 at 9:00 p.m., an assault was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrlte. A juvenile caller reported that he was just assaulted by three other juvenile suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 11:28 p.m., a caller reported a suspect brandishing a firearm in the area of Genoe and Mayflower. An investigation revealed that a male and female were involved in an argument inside their vehicle when an unknown suspect approached them. The suspect told the male to leave and then pulled out a firearm from his waistband. The suspect then walked away into a nearby residence. Officers located the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 2:00 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Evergreen and Mayflower saw a vehicle swerving in the roadway. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was ultimately arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department j for a sobering period. 

Vandalism
April 30 at 10:38 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported that her rental vehicle had been keyed. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft / Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 11:36 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred. The suspect was located and positively identified after providing officers with false information regarding his identity. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 30 at 11:49 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Duarte reported that his vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. 

The vehicle was entered into the National Stolen Vehicle database. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 12:57 p.m., officers responded to a transient camp in the wash near the 1100 block of S. Fifth regarding a possible brush fire. The subjects there had made a small fire to cook food. Further investigation revealed that one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 2:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Colorado and Magnolia when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Weapon Offence
April 30 at 6:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of S. Lincoln regarding a suspect who had brandished a handgun from a moving vehicle. An area check was conducted, but the suspect vehicle was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 12:12 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower saw a vehicle fail to stop at a nearby stop sign. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Mental Evaluation
May 1 at 12:21 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding a subject who was attempting suicide. Paramedics also responded and transported the subject to a nearby hospital for treatment. It was determined the subject also needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. 

Want – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 10:23 a.m., while on patrol in the intersection of Primrose and Walnut, an officer saw a subject who he recognized from previous encounters. Further investigation revealed the subject was actively wanted for assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 1:35 p.m., a disturbance was reported in a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Further investigation revealed the subject had a warrant issued for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 1 at 4:33 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Duarte advised that her purse had been stolen from her locked vehicle parked at the location. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 5:20 p.m., officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a female suspect who had just stolen merchandise. The suspect was located and positively identified by the victim. A private person’s arrest was completed and the suspect was taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 1 at 5:47 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported that someone had broken into her locked vehicle and stolen personal property. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
May 1 at 6:24 p.m., a hit and run traffic non-injury collision was reported in the 900 block of S. Mayflower regarding a hit and run traffic collision. The victim reported that his vehicle was struck by an unknown vehicle while it was parked in the street. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 2:22 a.m., an officer was patrolling near the intersection of Live Oak and Longden when he saw a vehicle make several traffic violations. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was displaying symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and he was ultimately arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 7:40 a.m., an officer patrolling near the intersection of Central and Mayflower saw an equipment violation on a vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 12:31 p.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Myrtle and El Norte. He conducted a traffic stop and after getting consent to search, he located a controlled substance on the person. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 2:15 p.m., a caller stated a female was lying on the ground near the intersection of Lemon and Shamrock. Officers arrived and woke up the female. Further investigation revealed she was in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 3:26 p.m., Arcadia Police Department called to report they had a suspect in custody with a felony warrant for burglary out of Monrovia. An officer responded to their department to pick him up. He was brought back to the Monrovia Police Department jail where he was booked and housed until his court appearance. 

Grand Theft
May 2 at 4:18 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of Valley View called to report that jewelry had been stolen from his residence. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence / Threatening – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of E. Lemon regarding a domestic dispute. A female subject advised that her husband had been drinking and was threatening her. An investigation revealed that the husband had held a knife to her throat and threatened to slit it. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. 

Burglary
May 3 at 3:36 a.m., a burglary in progress in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle was reported. A witness reported that two suspects had broken into the location, but then fled the area once confronted. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
May 3 at 10:34 a.m., an employee at a business in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower advised that someone had used a key to enter the business and steal electronics. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
May 3 at 11:32 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Olive reported that a suspect was vandalizing his vehicle with a crowbar. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 4 at 9:44 a.m., a victim staying at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported that someone had stolen the catalytic converter from her rented vehicle the night before. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Arson – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:02 p.m., officers responded to a structure fire at a residence in the 200 block of Jasmine. Flames were seen coming from the garage and were put out by fire personnel. A suspect was identified by the residents and officers checked the area. He was located and then ran from officers near Canyon and Hillcrest. Officers were able to locate him hiding in an alley. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking.

Lunch at Merengue Bakery


 Lunch today at Merengue Bakery and Cafe, on the west side of Myrtle a bit south of Lime. Got the MediaNoche sandwich (pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickle) for $8.75 and a beer for $5. It came with plantain chips. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Colorado Woman Meets Her Mom in Monrovia After 50 Years

A Colorado woman and her birth-mother recently met in Monrovia after more than 50 years. Sarah Kleinhans, the daughter, was put up for adoption in South Korea when she was 14 months old and was adopted by a couple in New Hampshire. She successfully located her mother using a  genetic testing company. https://tny.im/Zq8ow

- Brad Haugaard

National Day of Prayer in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard 

MWD Water Restrictions Don’t Yet Apply to Monrovia

If you are wondering if the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency and it’s accompanying restrictions on watering apply to Monrovia, they do not... for now. Most of Monrovia’s water is pumped from the ground and comes from the mountains just to the north, not from MWD. That from City Manager Dylan Feik.

- Brad Haugaard