Monrovia Police Ask for Help Investigating Fiery Car Crash

 Monrovia Police Department is asking that anyone who may have witnessed the Sept. 8 accident at the corner of Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue, in which a child died in a burning car, to please contact Monrovia PD Investigation Detective Travis Ortega (626) 256-8049. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

- Brad Haugaard 

New Restaurant to Replace Old Monrovian Restaurant

According to a report in the website, WhatNowLosAngeles, the owner of the now-closed Tang Gong restaurant in Monterey Park will open a new restaurant at the site of the old Monrovian restaurant on Myrtle. No indication of the name of the new restaurant or the cuisine. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Popeyes

Dinner at Popeyes, near the corner of Huntington and Magnolia. Got the three piece chicken combo with coleslaw and a drink for $11.99. Nice fast food with some different dipping sauces. I got Blackened Ranch.

- Brad Haugaard

More Arrestees Will Be Released Without Bail Starting Oct. 1

Beginning October 1, 2023, a greater number of people arrested in Monrovia -- and across LA County -- will be released without bail, due to a new set of bail schedules approved by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for suspects arrested in non-violent felonies and misdemeanor crimes.

The LA County Police Chief's Association released this press release:

On July 18, 2023, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County approved a new set of bail schedules for suspects arrested in non-violent felonies and misdemeanor crimes. The new bail schedule, slated to take effect in LA County on October 1, 2023, will dictate one of three possible actions by law enforcement for an arrestee's release: Cite and Release (CR), Book and Release (BR) or Magistrate Review (MR). Capital offenses such as murder with special circumstances and limited felonies are not eligible for pre-arraignment, zero bail release.

The Sheriff's Department and all Police Departments in the County must comply with this protocol.

The newly approved Release Protocols will replace the traditional bail schedules. Instead of assigning money bail amount to non-violent felonies and misdemeanors, a majority of arrestees will now be released at the location of the arrest (CR) or booked in jail, and then released on their own recognizance with a citation for a future court date (BR). In some cases, suspects arrested for certain crimes which pose an increased risk to the public will be referred to an on-call magistrate, who will have discretion to determine the appropriate release terms and conditions (MR). Some examples of release conditions by a magistrate may include prohibitions against committing crimes, sending text messages to remind the arrestee to appear in court and visits with court staff.

As a result of these new release terms, law enforcement must Cite and Release or Book and Release arrestees in nearly all theft offenses, vehicle code violations, and crimes against property such as petty theft, and vandalism. Offenses involving guns, sexual battery, crimes against children/ elders and contact with minors with intent to commit a sexual offense are examples of offenses subject to Magistrate Review. Magistrates will consider the crime, and a risk assessment report to determine whether the arrestee should be released with no conditions or determine the least restrictive, non-financial conditions intended to address whether the arrestee is likely to return to court. All offenses in the MR category are designated as zero bail offenses.

As an example of this change, a person arrested for False Imprisonment under this new protocol would be eligible for BR. Under the previous bail schedule, their bail amount would be $50,000. Likewise, a person arrested for theft of an automobile is eligible for BR, while under the previous bail schedule, their bail amount would be $35,000.

This represents a significant change in protocols for all law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association (LACPCA) remains committed to the safety and security of our communities. We will continue to work within the processes set forth by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, and as a profession, make recommendations for improvement at every opportunity.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Consider Employee 'Discipline/Dismissal/Release'

The Monrovia School Board will meet in special closed session tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss, "Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release." There will be an opportunity for public comment before the board goes into closed session, and the agenda says there will be a public report following the closed session. Details. This follows a Monday night meeting to evaluate school Superintendent, Ryan Smith. The board will then hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Adopt Frosty the Rabbit for Free on International Rabbit Day

Frosty is so excited that he just can’t hide it- International Rabbit Day is September 23! In honor of that landmark holiday, Frosty and all other critters at Pasadena Humane can be adopted for FREE during the “Hop Into Fall” adoption event- Saturday, 9/23 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. No adoption appointment is necessary.

Frosty is a sweet eight-month-old bunny who is very outgoing and adventurous. He happily greets people who visit by hopping over to get pets.

Frosty has been in a home and appears to be litter box trained. He’s also a big fan of treats, so he’ll likely bond very quickly with whomever is giving him something yummy.

This adorable little guy is very handsome and soft and will give you lots of love!

The normal adoption fee for rabbits is only $5.

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: Judge John Dustin Bicknell, Cofounder of Monrovia

John Dustin Bicknell was a Los Angeles attorney and judge, who owned a considerable property in Monrovia, including on Prospect where he built a small cottage. Unlike the other founders of Monrovia, he never built a large home. He also owned property northeast of Grand Ave. After his death, his widow or his daughter Mary Cates, built a large house at 411 Prospect and his daughter Edna Baggs built a large home northeast of Grand Avenue. Presumably both were built on his original land. 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

Storytime With Park Naturalists This Saturday

Storytime with Park Naturalists, Saturday, September 16, from 10-10:45 a.m. at Lucinda Garcia Park, 502 W. Olive. For children to age 5 and will include stories, music, movement, and fun facts. Contact jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call  256-8274 for more information. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Child Dies in Fiery Crash on Duarte Road

A child died Friday night on Duarte Road near Fifth Avenue when a car crashed and burst into flames, according to The San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Evaluate Superintendent; Consider Paying Company to Get Rid of Furniture; Redesign Santa Fe Middle School; Etc.

At a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Monrovia Board of Education will evaluate Superintendent Ryan Smith in closed session following an open period for public comment. Details. 

At Wednesday's regular meeting (agenda here) the board will...

~  Consider paying $56,135 to Furniture Reuse Solutions to remove obsolete furniture at Monroe  (details)  and and Plymouth (details) elementary schools . Why not sell it the furniture? Because, "District staff, in consultation with legal counsel, has determined that the Furniture is of insufficient value to defray the costs of arranging for a sale of the Furniture because the Furniture is outdated, does not have a wide market of potentially interested parties, and the cost necessary to collect and prepare the Furniture for a sale would likely be higher than any payment the District would receive" (details). 

~ Consider paying Learner-Centered for Collaborative $60,000 to work with the school district to "redesign Santa Fe Middle School, with a focus on attracting and retaining students." Details. 

~  Consider approving a deal with Citrus College allowing Monrovia High students to earn college credit. Details. 

~  Consider naming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (here)  and Hispanic Heritage Month (here)  

- Brad Haugaard

Grand Avenue Park to Get New Sign; Veterans Meet-Up; Blood Drive; Tree Ornament Contest

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

~ Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue will get a new sign, like the design shown here. It will be installed this coming Monday, Sept. 11.

~ Monrovia Public Library's Veterans Resource Center will hold a Veterans Meetup at the Starbucks at Foothill and Magnolia this coming Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free coffee and treats and a representative of Veterans Peer Access Network will answer questions and share resources. For more information, contact the library at 256-8274.

~ The Monrovia Police Department is hosting a blood drive next Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.), from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "BOB23" or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

~ Monrovia's Art in Public Places program is accepting designs for the second annual Art in Public Places Tree Ornament Contest. More here.

- Brad Haugaard

Fall Edition of Monrovia Today Is Out

The fall edition of Monrovia Today is out. Here. Old Town Fall Festival, Halloween and trick-or-treat, Thanksgiving, etc.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Early Learning Center Students Get Free Dental Checkups

Monrovia's Canyon Early Learning Center (CELC) hosted dental students from Western University in Pomona for free dental check-ups for its students. The dental students conducted exams in multiple classrooms and communicated recommendations for additional dental care to families. Western University will continue offering free dental check-ups to CELC students in the coming months.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Show Tonight at D’Vine Restaurant

At D’Vine Mediterranean Express in the Vons shopping center. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Help Monrovia Name New Park Next to Chick-fil-A

Nominations are open from now to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 to help name the 8,600 square foot park that will be created just south of the new Chick-fil-A and Starbucks on Huntington located just west of the 210 Freeway.

More detail here.

Application forms here. 

For questions contact Heather Gibson at 303-6609 or at hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Person Defrauded of $87,000; Victim Locates Bike Thief; Ex-Girlfriend Chases Ex-Boyfriend, Crashes Into His Car; More ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 31 – September 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 341 service events, resulting in 56 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
August 30 at 3:29 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Magnolia reported that his vehicle’s window was smashed and his vehicle ignition ripped out. This investigation is continuing.

Criminal Threats
August 31 at 9:19 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Duarte came into the MPD Lobby to report that a former boyfriend known to carry weapons found out where she is currently living and proceeded to vandalize some of her property while also making threats via text message. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 31 at 3:21 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that her purse with all of its belongings were stolen out of her shopping cart while she was in the store. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 3:57 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Duarte and Alta Vista when they observed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and during the investigation the subject admitted to being in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene.

Vehicle Burglary
September 1 at 12:42 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that his car was burglarized while parked in a shopping center and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 1 at 2:27 p.m., a retail store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft where jewelry was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 12:04 a.m. while patrolling the 100 block of W. Lime an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and observed that the driver displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 2 at 11:47 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Colorado and Primrose, one of the parties sustained injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
September 2 at 11:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. Mountain regarding a mentally ill subject inside the building. Officers located the subject and were able to handcuff him. Once the officers attempted to put him in a patrol vehicle the subject kicked an officer. The subject was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Mental Evaluation
September 2 at 12:37 p.m., a business in the 800 block of W. Foothill requested officers remove a subject from the business. Officers arrived and located the subject who was unable to care for himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 2 at 2:33 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Colorado and Fifth. A motorcyclist was hit, lost control, and crashed into a fence. The motorcyclist was not injured. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
September 2 at 2:49 p.m., a vehicle reported stolen in La Puente was located in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
September 3 at 5:27 p.m., multiple callers in the 400 block of W. Lemon reported a woman acting erratically and battering neighbors. Officers arrived and where unable to locate the female subject. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 5:37 p.m., a victim staying at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington called to report that his wife had become intoxicated and battered him. Officers conducted an investigation and determined that the wife was the primary aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
September 3 at 4:12 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival officers observed the front door of the business forced open and the interior ransacked. The business owner responded to the location and could not immediately determine if any property was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 9:43 a.m., the victim came into the MPD lobby to report that her husband struck her on September 3. The victim had a visible mark on her chin. The suspect was contacted, arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 4 at 11:31 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 4 at 1:30 p.m., a victim in the 1100 block of Norumbega called to report that money was stolen from her and stole her niece’s purse. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 7:14 p.m., CHP called to report that they had conducted a traffic stop in the area of Live Oak and the 605 freeway on a suspect wanted for a warrant. Officer responded, arrested and took the subject into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 10:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 300 block of W. Evergreen regarding suspicious persons seen on security cameras loitering at the closed business. Officers arrived and contacted the suspects, one was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
September 5 at 1:36 a.m., a victim called in the 100 block of W. Duarte called to report that a known male subject had verbally assaulted him and his wife and threw a very large rock at the victim which made contact with the victim. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 3:47 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of E. Foothill called to report that his vehicle's catalytic converter had just been stolen. The suspect vehicle was described as a darker Toyota Camry. Officers conducted an area check and stopped a similar vehicle, but it was determined to be unrelated. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 5 at 6:13 a.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington advised that the glass to one of the doors was shattered. Officers arrived and cleared the interior. Surveillance video shows two male suspects breaking the window, going inside, using a power tool to open the safe and items were stolen from the safe. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 8:30 a.m., the reporting party called from the 100 block of N. Fifth and stated that sometime throughout the night, the catalytic converter to his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 9:09 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Huntington called to report that the catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 10:11 am, a caller in the 200 block of E. Olive stated that sometime over the weekend, someone stole the catalytic converter to his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 5 at 10:19 a.m., a victim came into the MPD lobby to file a fraud report. The victim was defrauded approximately $87,000. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 5 at 1:36 p.m., a victim came into the MPD lobby to report that someone intercepted her check and fraudulently cashed it. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery
September 5 at 2:17 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a robbery. The victim was sitting in his vehicle when a suspect approached him, pushed his head and stole his necklace. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 2:21 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report his electric bike stolen. Officers arrived and were unable to locate a suspect. Later that day, the victim called to report that he had located a suspect in possession of his bike. Officers arrived and located the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 5:03 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of W. Foothill regarding a possible domestic violence. Officers arrived and contacted a female subject who claimed her husband was mentally unstable and she was just trying to calm him down. The husband stated she struck him with a stand and showed officers videos. An investigation revealed the wife was the primary aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 2:14 p.m., officers were in the 800 block of W. Duarte when they witnessed a vehicle chasing another vehicle and colliding into it several times. Officers stopped both vehicles. Further investigation revealed an ex-girlfriend was chasing her ex-boyfriend and collided into his vehicle. The male subject complained of pain and was treated by paramedics. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
September 6 at 1:24 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that they had video surveillance of a subject stealing a $400 in tools. The subject was no longer in the store. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 6 at 2:26 p.m., officers responded to the area of California and Duarte regarding an injury traffic collision. A vehicle failed to stop at a red light and collided into a vehicle with three occupants. All occupants were transported to a hospital for treatment. The vehicle at fault was issued a citation.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 6 at 5:55 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Shamrock and Foothill. A party complained of pain and were treated at the scene.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 6 at 5:57 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian. An investigation revealed the driver did not see the pedestrian walking and struck her. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Vandalism / Assault
September 6 at 9:19 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect entered a business and started throwing and breaking items. The suspect also punched an employee as he walked out of the store. Officers with the assistance of the police helicopter searched the area, but were unable to locate a suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Teacher Arrested For Sex With 16-Year-Old Girl Taught at Canyon Oaks High School

Rancho Cucamonga Police Department reports on Nixle that:

"In April 2023, Chad Miller met the underage female victim on a social media application and corresponded with her over the past five months. Miller also met the victim in person and engaged in several illicit sexual acts with her.

"On September 6, 2023, Miller was arrested for PC 288.3(a) - Contact with a minor with the intent to commit sex offense; PC 289(h) - Sexual penetration with a minor; PC 287(h) - Oral copulation with a minor. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center. Miller's bail was set at $100,000 and his next court appreance is scheduled for September 8, 2023, in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. 

"Miller is a teacher at Canyon Oaks High School in the city of Monrovia. Investigators believe there may be additional victims. If anyone has information pertinent to this investigation, they are urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, Detective Bureau. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com."

(Photo of Chad Robert Miller, 38, from San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of 'Inappropriate Contact With a Minor'

Following is a statement from School Superintendent Ryan D. Smith regarding the arrest of a Monrovia Unified teacher.

Dear Monrovia Unified School District Families:

This morning, law enforcement officials notified the district that Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School teacher Chad Miller was arrested at approximately 7:30 am by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on suspicion of making inappropriate contact with a minor with the intent of committing a sex crime and sexual contact with a minor.

Law enforcement has informed us that the minor allegedly involved is not a Monrovia Unified School District student. However, the District is, and shall continue to, cooperate fully with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's investigation. The teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and is not allowed on a school campus at this time.

We strongly encourage anyone with any information that might be helpful to the detectives to please contact them at 909-477-2893.

Learning that an adult trusted to work with children may have violated an important trust is unsettling. To support our school community, the District's crisis response team is available to support any students, families, or staff that is in need.

Sincerely,

Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Monrovian Heads Up Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival

Monrovian Carole Anne Kaufman, known as the Whistling Diva, is the Event Producer for The Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival, happening in Hollywood from September 22 to 24 at Barnsdall Gallery Theater (tickets and information here).  This event showcases whistlers from around the world. Kaufman owns Monrovia's Studio C Hair Artistry, is involved in producing the Monrovia Music Fest and can be spotted whistling in local parades. 

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Burger Basket

Lunch today at Burger Basket, at the northwest corner of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Got a Chicken Sandwich for $4.95 and a soda for $2.10. Good taste and good retro price.

- Brad Haugaard