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$50,000 Reward Extended for Information on Killing of 4-Year-Old Monrovian in 2016

The LA County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to extend the $50,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the murder of four-year-old Monrovian Salvador Esparza III in Pasadena in 2016. t.ly/Ngmo

- Brad Haugaard

O2Breathe Walk - Fundraiser To Find Cure for Pulmonary Hypertension

Monrovia's 9th Annual 02 Breathe PHun Run Walk  is a fundraiser to help find the cure for pulmonary hypertension, and is in memory of community leader Joannie Gholar Yullie. She established Monrovia's participation in this this event. Registration and donations can be made at: www.phaevents.org/monrovia2022.

- Brad Haugaard

Water Saving Devices for Disadvantaged Communities

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has adapted its Water Smart Home Program to reach residents living in disadvantaged communities. The district provides a free kit of indoor and outdoor devices to conserve up to 20 percent of water that can be  installed without a contractor.  The program is accepting applications. Call (866) 308-8391 to discuss eligibility and be placed on the distribution list. t.ly/G6bd

- Brad Haugaard

Water District Moving Headquarters to Foothill and Canyon

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will move its headquarters to the two-story office building at 248 E. Foothill in Monrovia. That's at the corner of Canyon. A small dedication ceremony will be held on November 28 with plans for a public open house in the First Quarter of 2023. The headquarters will include a demonstration garden to highlight drought tolerant options for landscaping.

- Brad Haugaard

Rock Star Luna Loves Toys, People, and Scratches


If you’ve seen our Wiggle Waggle Wagon around town lately, it’s likely that you’ve also seen rockstar Luna. She has a cult-like following amongst our staff and volunteers who have all fallen in love with this sweetheart. 

Here is just a sampling of their praise: “Luna is really great with people!” “She shows off her sit, shake, down & does auto sit for treats. She settles for long stretches, laying calmly & observing her surroundings.” “Super mellow and calm all day!” “She was surrounded by a middle school girl scout troop, and she loved the attention.” “What more wonderful things can I say about Luna?”

This seven-year-old pup is at the perfect age to be playful and adventurous, then chill out for a nice long nap. She LOVES toys, people and butt scratches. She’s also free for any adopter over 60 thanks to our seniors for seniors program!

Luna has been patiently waiting for her forever home- could that be yours?

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


A Moment in Monrovia History: The Flood of 1938

February 1938 Flood. Looking southwest from where the Vons building stands now toward the buildings behind 131 W Palm, 135 W Palm and 138 W Palm and the First Christian Church, built at Primrose and Palm on the Rehrman's property. From the Rehrman 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

Monrovia Library Yourh Crafts Nov. 5

Youth crafts at the Monrovia Library. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Register For Free Turkey Beginning October 31

Register (beginning on October 31) with the YMCA to get a free turkey, while supplies last. Register here (t.ly/gEby) or call the Y at 359-9244.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Joining 'Clean Power Alliance'; New General Plan

At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/M4K8) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Joining the Clean Power Alliance, a group of cities that provides electricity from renewable energy sources. The city will choose one of three levels of participation, from minimal renewable energy (Lean Power), to mid-level (Clean Power), to 100% renewable (Green Power). However, residents will have the option to change their own level of participation, or opt out entirely and stay with SCE power. Staff estimates that compared to SCE rates, the average bill will be one percent less for Lean Power, equal for Clean Power, and three percent more for Green Power. t.ly/upV4

~ Adopting an updated general plan (t.ly/EgPt), which includes:

  • A new Environmental Justice Element, as required by the state. It "seeks to correct the disproportionate burden of pollution and associated health risks often experienced by low income communities and communities of color. Environmental justice is achieved when everyone has the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, as well as equal access to governmental decision-making processes."
  • A Housing Element that provides goals, policies, and actions that help Monrovia plan for current and future housing needs of all segments of its population and expresses the community's goals about housing.
  • A Safety Element that "looks at the environmental safety issues facing the community, such as seismic, fire and flood hazards."

- Brad Haugaard

Oak Crest Institute Open to Public Today

From 4-7 p.m. today Oak Crest Institute of Science in Monrovia, a chemistry and biology research and education center, will open its doors to the public for Halloween festivities. The institute is at 132 W. Chestnut.

- Brad Haugaard

Toxic Waste Collection Saturday at Public Works Yard

- Brad Haugaard

Hart House Restaurant to Open November 9


Kevin Hart's plant-based restaurant, Hart House, will hold its grand opening in Monrovia on November 9 with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. At 11:45 a.m. the restaurant will open to the public and will be open until 9 p.m. 10% of opening day proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills.

The new restaurant is at 602 W. Huntington and features the design of black female entrepreneur Kai Williamson & Nicollette Santos in its 2,160 square foot interior and 372 exterior square foot exterior. There will be approximately 30 seats inside and 10 outside.

- Brad Haugaard





Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 30 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 10/26/2022. Changes since 10/19/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,704 cases (up 30), 110 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,139 cases (unchanged), 5 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Cops Stop Wrong Guy, Arrest Him Anyway; Transient Tries to Steal Man's Granddaughter; Assault With a Bat; Carjacker Leaves His Driver's License Behind, Is Arrested; and Plenty More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 20 – 26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 343 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 1:27 a.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol and noticed two subjects in a park in the 600 block of S. Shamrock after hours. He detained the subjects and discovered one was in possession of drugs. The subjects were arrested, cited and released on the scene.

Grand Theft
October 20 at 7:54 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of S. Fifth called to report the catalytic converter from his vehicle had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
October 20 at 3:13 p.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called to report someone stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 4:46 p.m., an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. A computer check on the driver revealed two outstanding warrants. He was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence
October 20 at 7:50 p.m., a caller reported a female being assaulted in the 100 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the female, but the male suspect had fled. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 8:09 p.m., officers were patrolling when they saw a subject matching a suspect description in the 100 block of W. Huntington. A records check revealed that the subject was not the suspect, but he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and was taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
October 20 at 10:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Lemon regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. A male suspect became upset during an argument and assaulted the victim with a bat. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 1:27 a.m., a domestic violence was reported in the 200 block of Parkrose. The victim reported her boyfriend assaulted her and fled the location. Officers arrived and searched the area but could not locate the suspect. The suspect was later detained. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
October 21 at 1:44 a.m., a caller reported his vehicle was broken into in the 500 block of W. Huntington and his laptop was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Suspect – Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 7:15 a.m., while in the area of Fifth and Huntington on an unrelated call, officers recognized a male subject from a wanted flyer. The subject was contacted and identified. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Wanted Suspect – Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 10:55 a.m., an officer received information of a wanted suspect in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers responded and contacted the suspect. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
October 21, at 2:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of King. A resident called and reported the catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle sometime overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 1:41 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle had just crashed into a parked vehicle in the 700 block of S. Canyon. Officers arrived and located an intoxicated driver. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 1:24 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. While talking to the rider, the rider admitted to having a meth pipe. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Fire Assist
October 22 at 3:17 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle fire. The fire was a result of mechanical problems with the vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 23 at 12:26 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington when she saw a motorist commit a driving violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver displayed signs of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation determined she was driving under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 23 at 2:23 a.m., officers responded to a possible fight between a male and female in the 300 block of S. Stedman. When officers arrived the male had left and the female was found to be uninjured. Officers located the male sitting in his vehicle. Officers contacted him and found he was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
October 23 at 8:38 a.m., an employee reported that someone burglarized a business in the 200 block of W. Duarte. This investigation is continuing.

Carjacking – Suspect Arrested
October 23 at 11:37 a.m., a carjacking was reported in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock. The suspect used a handgun to take a vehicle from a car dealership employee. The suspect's driver’s license was on file at the dealership and after a computer check, it was learned that this same suspect had been contacted by our officers in the past. Officers located the suspect in a nearby parking lot. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Threatening – Suspect Arrested
October 23 at 3:59 pm, officers responded to the 100 block of W. Cherry regarding the victim being threatened by his adult son. An emergency protection order was issued. The son was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
October 23 at 7:37 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of Encino regarding a possible attempt suicide. Officers arrived and spoke with the female subject and determined she was a threat to herself. Officers arrived and determined she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Death Report
October 23 at 4:42 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Foothill regarding a death report. There were no signs of foul play and the death appeared natural.

Commercial Burglary
October 24 at 4:51 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and saw the front door of the business was forced open. Further investigation revealed items were taken from the business. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 24, at 7:25 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding an open storage shed that is normally secured. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / Fraud
October 24 at 2:25 p.m., a stolen wallet was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim received notification of fraudulent activity on her account. This investigation is continuing.

Arson – Suspect Arrested
October 24 at 5:08 p.m., a fire was reported in the 1100 block of S. Mountain. A witness provided the description of a subject seen running from the location. Officers and MFD responded to the location. The surrounding businesses were evacuated. Fire Department eventually got the fire under control and extinguished. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Mail Theft – Suspects Arrested
October 25 at 1:26 a.m., while on patrol in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle officers notice two subjects parked in a red zone. Officers stopped to investigate and noticed open alcohol containers and loose mail in the vehicle. The mail belonged to different addresses. One subject was arrested for mail theft and the other was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Commercial Burglary
October 25 at 2:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a burglary alarm. When officer arrived they noticed a broken window. No one was located inside the location when inspected. This investigation is continuing

Kidnap / Assault – Suspect Arrested
October 25 at 12:56 p.m., a caller reported there was a possible kidnapping taking place in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. Officers responded and identified the parties involved. They determined a male subject confronted a man and his granddaughter in the park. The transient pushed the male, causing him to fall and strike his head on a large rock causing great bodily injury. The transient picked up the granddaughter and ran approximately 100 to 150 feet before being stopped by an alert witness in the area who also detained the suspect. The suspect was arrested and was taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
October 25 at 4:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of W. Duarte regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim’s vehicle window was smashed and items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Scam
October 25 at 4:36 p.m., the victim came into the lobby to report that he was attempting to rent a residence off of Craigslist. He was asked to wire $2,000 to an unknown subject and complete a detailed credit application. When the victim inquired further about the location, he discovered the residence was not for rent and had been scammed. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Theft – Suspect Arrested
October 26 at 12:39 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle occupied with three adults drive into a parking structure in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. The officer conducted a computer check which revealed the vehicle's registration was expired. The vehicle was stopped and the officer noticed the steering column was exposed. During the investigation, it was determined that the vehicle was stolen. The driver was arrested for auto theft, the front passenger was arrested for a warrant and the rear passenger was cited for drug possession. The driver and the front passenger were taken into custody.

Grand Theft
October 26, at 12:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a theft report. The reporting party called to report suspects came into the store and stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
October 26 at 2:55 p.m., the victim came in to report his employee had embezzled money by changing invoices and creating fraudulent invoices. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
October 26 at 4:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of E. Greystone regarding a mental evaluation. The husband called stating his wife had texted him that she was going to harm herself. Officers arrived and spoke to the wife and determined she was a danger to herself. Officers arrived and determined the she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 26 at 7:32 p.m., officers responded to a domestic violence call in the area of Duarte and Enterprise. Officers arrived and detained a male and female subject that were doing a child visitation exchange. Both parties said they started arguing during the exchange and the female assaulted the male. The female was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
October 26, at 10:12 p.m., an officer responded to 400 E. Huntington regarding a theft of a catalytic converter. The victim parked his vehicle in the parking lot and discovered his catalytic converter missing. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 27 at 4:07 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw the front doors had been forced open. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Jim’s Burgers


Dinner at Jim’s Burgers, in the shopping center near Duarte Road and Sixth. Got the Spicy Chicken (patty) Sandwich for $5.99 and a drink or $2.69. It was good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Local TV Host Ralph Walker Has Died


Monrovia’s public access TV channel, KGEM, has announced the death of Ralph Walker, host of the local television program, Conversations With Ralph Walker. Walker interviewed many leading figures in Monrovia on his program. 

On its Facebook page, KGEM wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and hero, Ralph Walker.  He passed away this evening surrounded by his family, October 25, 2022.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Fire Scene

On Monday, October 24th, 2022, at approximately 5:09 p.m., Monrovia Police Department Dispatch began receiving 911 calls regarding a structure fire in the 1100 block of S. Mountain Ave. Reports were of heavy smoke and visible flames to the rear of a warehouse facility. Multiple callers also reported seeing a suspicious person fleeing the location. A description and direction of travel was provided to responding officers.

Monrovia Police Department officers arrived on scene and confirmed the size and scope of the fire, as well as determining that there were no occupants trapped or otherwise in danger.   Immediate evacuations of nearby buildings took place, and Monrovia Fire and Rescue personnel assumed control of the scene to extinguish the flames.

Based on the possible suspect description obtained from witnesses, officers from both day shift and night shift, as well as those from neighboring agencies, began a wide area search. A person matching the description was seen several blocks away in the City of Duarte. When officers attempted contact, the suspect immediately fled into a large business park. Officers set a perimeter around the business park and a search was conducted. The suspicious person was eventually located and detained. Witnesses positively identified the detained person as the same seen fleeing the location of the fire. The subject was arrested and is currently being held pending a court appearance.

This investigation is ongoing, and being handled in partnership between the Monrovia Police Department's Detective Bureau, the Monrovia Fire and Rescue Arson Team, and members of the Pasadena Fire Department's Arson Investigation Bureau. Anyone with further information is encouraged to call the Monrovia Police Department at (626) 256-8000. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Go Lucky Dozer Has a Big Heart


Dozer is a photogenic dog with friendly eyes and a wide smile. He was a little confused when he first arrived at the shelter, but now that he's made some new friends, his sweet disposition has been revealed. He's blossomed into a happy-go-lucky guy who has a heart that dwarfs that smile!

Three-year-old Dozer has shown us that he'squite playful. He is a big fan of toys, especially tennis balls. He’s ready to play fetch if you’re willing, but also content to amuse himself with a chew toy.

Dozer might like to doze on your couch, or he just might bulldoze his way into your heart!

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 

Commercial Fire at Mountain and Huntington - Person in Custody


There’s a large fire at a commercial building near the northwest corner of Mountain and Huntington. Fire units from several local jurisdictions are there. A person of interest was taken into custody. Photo by Kevin Sullivan. t.ly/NbTN

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: The Brother of Monrovia Founder William Monroe

F.M. Monroe. Brother of W.N. Monroe, who came from Shelbina, Missouri. He built the house at 257 N. Magnolia and went into the livery business with E.F. Armstrong.. 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