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Bulky Item Drop-Off Throughout Monrovia, Tomorrow, Oct. 22

- Brad Haugaard

Toxic Waste Drive-Through in Monrovia, Oct. 29

Free household hazardous waste and electronic waste drive-through Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to the Monrovia Public Works Yard at 600 Mountain Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Workshop on Low Water Gardening Oct. 29

Learn about native drought tolerant landscape, plants, design, water rebates, and proper irrigation techniques for your yard at "No Drought About It," on Saturday, October 29th, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Monrovia Community Garden at the corner of Colorado and Magnolia. Sponsored by Food ED.

- Brad Haugaard

Musical Matilda Oct. 27-Nov. 5 at IFGF Church

Centre Stage Inc. and IFGF Church (147 W Palm) will host the live musical, Matilda, between Thursday, October 27, and Saturday, November 5. For information and tickets: t.ly/6oga

- Brad Haugaard

Register Now for Nov. 18 Community Prayer Breakfast

 

Register here (t.ly/wMqe) for the 56th annual Community Prayer Breakfast, with Pastor Eric Eichinger of Our Savior Lutheran Church. For more information, please contact Britney Lopez at 358-1159 or at bl@monroviacc.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Make a Difference Day Tomorrow, Oct. 22


Register here (t.ly/Fwd-) or in person at 7 a.m. tomorrow in Library Park. 

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 24 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 10/19/2022. Changes since 10/12/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,674 cases (up 24), 109 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,139 cases (up 2), 5 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

California Native Plant Sale Nov. 12

The San Gabriel Mountains Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will hold a native plant sale at the Monrovia Historical Museum (742 E. Lemon) on November 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. California native plants and wildflower seeds appropriate for gardens in the Los Angeles basin will be available, including plants for attracting birds and butterflies to your home garden. Knowledgeable chapter members will be on hand to answer questions. t.ly/1Q-9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fatal Rollover Accident at Magnolia and Olive; Drunks in Abundance; Rock Thrown Through Church Window; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 355 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Domestic Violence
October 13 at 1:07 a.m., a call was received from an unknown location regarding a female subject in their medical facility who was reporting she was a victim of domestic violence. An officer arrived, but the victim refused to cooperate. This investigation is continuing. 

Active Shooter Call (swatting)
October 13 at 12:00 p.m., a caller in an unknown location reported an active shooter in a school in the 800 block of W. Colorado. The caller stated approximately 10 students were injured. All MPD units responded and quickly realized this had the appearance of a swatting call, but there were reports of a student who possibly had a gun. The school was placed on lockdown and each building was searched and cleared. No student on the campus had a gun. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 12:37 a.m., a caller in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported a male subject near the door of their apartment complex who appeared to be trying to get into the lobby. Officers arrived and found the subject nearby. During a pat down search, officers located drugs. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Fatal Traffic Collision
October 14 at 7:54 p.m., units responded to Magnolia and Olive regarding a rollover traffic collision involving two vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and discovered a female occupant had been ejected from one of the vehicles and was unresponsive. Officers administered AED and CPR until MFD arrived. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 10:45 p.m., officers in the area of Magnolia and Olive were at the fatal collision when a vehicle drove through the crime scene tape. Officers confronted the driver, who displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 10:27 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding an intoxicated subject. Officers located the subject and determined he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Runaway Juvenile
October 14 at 10:18 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of N. Myrtle regarding a runaway juvenile report. The female juvenile got into a fight with her mother and left the house. Officers checked locations she frequents and were unable to locate her. She was entered into the system as a missing person. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 10:42 a.m., officers were in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject that he recognized as being wanted for a felony vandalism. A computer check confirmed he was wanted. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Trespass / Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 6:55 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Lime reported someone in her yard. Officers arrived, found the subject on the property, and contacted him. He was found to be in possession of drugs. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 7:30 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject stealing alcohol. Officers arrived and detained the subject outside the store with the stolen property. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 8:19 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Duarte reported a couple yelling in the streets. Officer arrived and detained the male subject as the female ran away. The male subject was in possession of drugs. He was arrested and issued a citation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 15 at 8:41 p.m., the victim in the area of Duarte and Myrtle reported someone just hit his vehicle and fled the scene. The victim was able to get a license plate of the suspect's vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 12:02 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a subject screaming in the alley. Officers arrived and detained a subject who was in possession of narcotics. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 12:51 a.m., an officer was flagged down in the 400 block of S. Myrtle about an intoxicated male subject. An investigation revealed that the subject had committed a battery, but the victim refused to prosecute. The subject was arrested for drunk in public and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
October 16 at 9:37 a.m., employees in the 300 block of W. Huntington called and reported an unknown suspect broke numerous planters. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 16 at 3:05 p.m., a witness in the 100 block of California called from inside a church to report that a male suspect threw a rock through a window and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 2:17 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of E. Olive reported her live-in boyfriend used force to keep her from calling the police. Officers arrived and determined a domestic battery occurred. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
October 17 at 6:19 a.m., a victim in the 1800 block of S. Peck called to report her vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 17 at 8:01 a.m., a business in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported someone broke a window and stole a lottery box. Officers arrived and reviewed the surveillance footage. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 18 at 1:48 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the area of Huntington and Mayflower. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. A computer search revealed the driver had three prior DUI convictions. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
October 18 at 11:02 a.m., a caller reported her storage unit in the 100 block of E. Lime, was broken into and items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 18 at 11:02 a.m., a caller reported her storage unit in the 100 block of E. Lime, was broken into and items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 18 at 3:17 p.m., a witness in the area of Duarte and California reported a motorist collided into the railroad crossing arms and left the scene. Officers responded and secured the scene. Metro and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were notified and they responded. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision
October 18 at 7:14 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Lemon and Shamrock after a citizen heard the collision. Officers arrived and discovered two vehicle collided and one of the parties were complaining of injuries. Officers detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the injured party and she was transported to a local hospital where blood was drawn. The investigation is continuing.

Municipal Violation
October 19 at 12:25 a.m., officers were patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon and noticed a subject in the park after hours. The subject was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Drug Activity
October 19 at 2:49 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he noticed a subject in the park after hours. The subject was detained and found to be in possession of drugs. The subject was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Fraud
October 19 at 10:01 a.m., a caller in the 1800 block of S. Peck called to report her vehicle had been stolen Monday and now her credit cards, which were left inside the vehicle, are being used in other cities. A report was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 19 at 10:02 a.m., an employee in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report a vandalism. The caller stated that when he arrived to work he noticed plants that were in large decorative vases had been tipped over and broken. Surveillance footage revealed it was a subject walking west on the sidewalk that tipped them over. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 19, 2022 at 12:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Duarte regarding a traffic accident involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. The bicyclist apparently failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck by the vehicle. The bicyclist had slurred speech and showed signs of being intoxicated. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. The investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person
October 19, 2022 at 8:52 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of S. Fifth regarding two subjects trying to break into a vacant unit in the building. Officers arrived and detained the two subjects. One of the subjects stated he knew the owner and had permission to be there and force the door open since he did not have the key. Computer checks revealed one of the subjects had a federal warrant, he was taken into custody.

The Monrovia State of the Schools Address

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Domenico’s


Dinner at Domenico’s, on the south side of Huntington just east of Magnolia. The long-time Monrovia restaurant has been lightly remodeled. Got the ravioli with a side salad (not shown ‘cause I ate it) for half off the regular price of $25.95 and a beer for $7.95.  Very nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

County Increases Reward Ten Times For Information About Murder of Terry Alford in Monrovia

Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger that extends a $10,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Terry Alford. On Jan. 29, 2021, Alford was shot multiple times in front of a residence in Monrovia while visiting his family.

“There needs to be accountability for this tragic loss of life,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “The shooting took place almost two years ago and law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to find the individuals responsible for Terry’s murder. I hope extending this $10,000 reward will encourage someone to come forward so that justice is served. Terry’s wife and children deserve closure.” 

According to law enforcement officials involved in the investigation, Alford was on the front porch when four male suspects approached the residence. At least two of the suspects shot him multiple times. Law enforcement investigators believe the shooting was gang related and intentional, but presume Alford was not the intended target. 

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323)-890-5617 or the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: Supervisor Barger press release

- Brad Haugaard


Founder of Unity Center Honored


 The plaque, just outside the Foothill Unity Center, says:

JOSEPHINE ANDERSON
FOUNDER OF THE FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER

The Foothill Unity Center was founded in 1980 by Josephine Anderson in a borrowed church closet in Monrovia. She was in charge of Immaculate Conception CatholicChurch's food program in the late 1970's when she realized that those needing food were going from church to church seeking help. Feeling that this was both ineffect; and wasteful, she rallied the leaders from local churches to solve this problem.

Mrs. Anderson was a strong and able leader who created and built what has become one of the best-known and effective organizations in Monrovia and the San Gabriel Valley. Over the years, the Foothill Unity Center has become a major source of food, health services and crisis assistance for thousands of low-income families. It is a multi-service agency serving as the region's primary provider of integrated services that help individuals and families move out of poverty and reach economic stability. In addition to her work at the Foothill Unity Center, Mrs. Anderson worked with the Monrovia Centennial Committee in the 1980's to develop a Child Care Consortium.

Mrs. Anderson was a humble and courageous leader who never failed to assist anyone regardless of their needs. She followed her intuition and did not regret breaking societal rules to help others. She changed the status quo and paved the way to help numerous individuals.

Dedicated October 15, 2022
Donna Hargett, Artist

- Brad Haugaard 

Trunk or Treat at First Presbyterian Church Oct. 29

Trunk or Treat Oct. 29 at First Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Fester - Just a Bit Bald, And Loves Play Time


Just like his Addams Family's namesake, Fester is missing a small amount of hair. Unlike the famous follicularly challenged Uncle, this Fester is likely to have a luxurious coat when his fur grows in. 

Fester is a two year-old shepherd mix, and an active one! He loves exploring the play yard and chasing toys. His fetch game needs improvement though, as the chasing is much more fun! His favorite one so far is the ball, but then he finds a rope toy, no, wait, it's the stuffed toy!

This Fester cannot generate electricity, but it shouldn't shock you that he is a really friendly and fun dog and will be a great addition to any family!

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

Boys and Girls Club Sponsoring Lights on Afterschool Open House Oct. 20


On October 20 Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will host "Lights On Afterschool" at its facility (600 S. Shamrock, in Recreation Park). This event is one of the thousands taking place across the nation to emphasize the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school.

Lights On Afterschool will spotlight the range of programming available at BGCF, including homework help and tutoring, STEM activities, arts and crafts, structured sports and recreation, mentoring, and character-building programs. Tours of the facility will be given by club members. Sign up here: www.tinyurl.com/BGCF-LOA2022 There are time slots available between 3:15-5:30 p.m.

"Lights On Afterschool is a powerful reminder of the resources and support that after school programs offer our children and families," said John Wilson, Executive Director. "At BGCF, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure great futures for kids in need. Unfortunately, we have a waiting list for our program, which is why efforts like Lights On Afterschool are so important, to bring attention to the high demand for services and the need to fund programs like ours nationwide."

- Brad Haugaard

Giant Deer Warning on Norumbega ;-)

Someone on Norumbega has a sense of humor. 

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: El Patio Motel on Huntington

El Patio Motel, at 135 W. Huntington.  From the Kim Anderson 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

City Council: Repeal Tenant Eviction Moratorium; Study Membership in Clean Power Alliance; Etc.

At its next meeting (t.ly/oK5S) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider repealing a COVID-era emergency moratorium on residential tenant evictions. t.ly/Zi2z

~  Hold a 5:45 p.m. study session (t.ly/VZaL) on joining the Clean Power Alliance. Details here: t.ly/WBM0

~ Consider proclaiming October 20 as "The Great California ShakeOut" and honor Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates. t.ly/rxjx

~ Consider proclaiming October 22 as Make a Difference Day. t.ly/a8R6

~ Consider proclaiming October 24 as "World Polio Day." t.ly/Bs55

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Smith Reports on Thursday Lockdown

Yesterday was an extremely difficult day for all of us.  I am so thankful that the report about an active shooter at our high school was false; however, my heart is heavy knowing the impact that this has had on everyone's psyche.  Our schools are safe places for students and staff.  They always have been, and we will do all we can to ensure they always will be.  An event like we all experienced yesterday understandably has some feeling uneasy about that.  I will see to it that our plans moving forward ameliorate the impact of any trauma that was caused yesterday. 

Classes resumed this morning as normal at Monrovia High School, Monroe Elementary School, and the rest of our school campuses.  I have checked in with each of our principals and district staff, and I am pleased to share that things have gone quite smoothly.  In this update, I would like to provide some additional information to you all as well as a sense of things my staff is working on.

First, I would like to clarify what sparked yesterday's events.  As communicated by both the Monrovia Police Department and the City of Monrovia, a single phone call was made to 911  indicating that there was an active shooter at MHS and there were casualties.  According to police, the phone call was made from a phone registered out of state by a person with what was described as some kind of a foreign-sounding accent.  We were not the only school district in our area that received such a false threat.  Earlier this week, a number of schools in the San Francisco Bay Area received similar false threats as well.  

MPD responded quickly, arrived on campus, and took command of the scene.  Lockdown procedures were initiated, ushering students into classrooms and other safe spaces as quickly as possible.  Considering the school serves over 1,500 students and has about 300 staff members who were all enjoying lunch at the time, staff and MPD did a commendable job with this in the most difficult of conditions.

Second, it has come to my attention that there are rumors circulating that a student brandished a gun on campus toward the beginning of the lunch period, and that is the true origin of yesterday's events.  This is false.  MPD has investigated this claim and found no evidence that any student was in possession of a gun or brandished one.

We continue to be in frequent communication with both MPD and the City of Monrovia.  My team will debrief with both of theirs next week to identify ways all of our organizations can better respond to these kinds of situations.  I am grateful to be a part of a community where this kind of collaboration is part of the culture.

This morning, I made sure that our counseling team from across the district was present at both Monrovia High School and Monroe Elementary School to assist any students or staff members who may be experiencing trauma following yesterday's lockdowns.  Should anyone else at any site in our district need support, we will provide it.  I am proud of the Board of Education for supporting the hiring of additional counselors to support each of our elementary schools; a situation like this is a reminder that this was a wise investment.  Also, out of an abundance of caution, I have asked MPD to be visible in our community throughout the remainder of today and early next week.

In September, the Board of Education approved a partnership with Navigate 360, an organization that provides resources to districts in the area of school safety. Navigate 360 will provide us with tools and training for enhancing emergency management plans, training for responding to active shooter threats, tools for conducting threat assessments, and support for identifying and helping students who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.  The Board also approved the hiring of two district social workers to support our students as well.  The addition of these mental health professionals to our team will complement the critical work that our counselors engage in and further bolster our continuum of mental health resources.

Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you.  During my time as your superintendent, I have come to greatly appreciate your tremendous support of our efforts on behalf of our students, your willingness to help wherever we may need you, and your honest feedback.  If any new information becomes available, I will provide it to you by the end of the day.

Sincerely,

Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent