Wild Rose's Alison Meloserdoff Named One of LA County Teachers of the Year

Alison Meloserdoff, a teacher at Monrovia's Wild Rose School of Creative Arts, has been named one of the 2023-24 LA County Teachers of the Year by the LA County Office of Education for her dedication to education and innovative teaching methods. She advances to represent Los Angeles County in the upcoming California Teachers of the Year competition.

- Brad Haugaard

Road, Water, and Sewer Improvements Begin Oct. 2

Work will begin October 2 on the city's Comprehensive Street Improvement Project to fix road, water, and sewer systems. For questions call Public Works at 932-5575. Shown above are the streets - and the two parking lots just south of the library - that will be resurfaced.

- Brad Haugaard

Design a Bookmark in Library Contest

 

- Brad Haugaard

Free Compost and Mulch Oct. 7

 

- Brad Haugaard

Five New Eagle Scouts Honored at Scout Ceremony

On September 11 of this year, five Boy Scouts from Troop 66 were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Look Cinema, and each received from Mayor Becky Shevlin the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for their dedication and community service. The five honorees were Willem Robert Aponno, Guillermo "Memo" Cordoba, Gabriel Nikolas Fierro, Degas Miguel Peters, and James Rangel Vierra. Each of these scouts performed a major community project.

Aponno helped expand the genealogical database of the Billion Graves Project by more than 15,000 genealogical records.

Cordoba completely rebuild benches at St. Anthony Parish Church.

Fierro's  Project Flagbearer focuses on educating the community about flag etiquette and retirement procedures.

Peters' project was building community cat shelters for cats to be placed after trap, neuter, and release.

Vierra rehabilitated the Veteran’s Memorial in Monrovia Canyon Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ex Returns Uninvited, Gets Arrested; Thief Abandons Truck When Law Gets Too Close; Woman Bonked on Head as Men Fight in Bar; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 14 – 20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 346 service events, resulting in 56 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 12:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Olive when she saw a motorist commit several traffic violations. A traffic stop was conducted and when the officer approached the vehicle, the officer suspected that the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance. A field investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
September 14 at 3:37 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Lemon was inside his house when he heard his truck outside starting. He went out and saw someone had just stolen his vehicle. Officers saw the truck traveling at a high rate of speed. They attempted to catch up to the stolen truck, but were unsuccessful. It was last seen passing Clark in the city of El Monte. The El Monte Police Department was notified, and they located the truck unoccupied. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 6:11 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of S. Tenth called to report that his ex-boyfriend was at his property and he wanted the subject to leave. Officers spoke with the subject and the subject left. Several hours later the subject returned, despite the trespass warning. Officers arrived, arrested and took the subject into custody.

Wanted Person / Drug Offenses – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 7:58 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when she saw a subject she recognized from prior contacts. She had knowledge that the subject was wanted for assault with a deadly weapon. The officer detained the subject and a computer search confirmed that he was a wanted person. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
September 15 at 9:17 a.m., a victim in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista called to report that someone went into her unlocked vehicle during the night and stole jewelry, shoes, and bags. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 15 at 9:21 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Sesmas reported that he parked his vehicle on the street and when he came out the next morning his vehicle was gone. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 16 at 11:00 a.m., a victim in a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle called to report that when he walked into the gas station someone went into his vehicle and took money.

Grand Theft Auto
September 15 at 11:01 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Royal Oaks called to report that his work truck had been stolen from the street. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery
September 17 at 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Fano called to report hearing what sounded like a domestic dispute in the adjacent apartment complex. Officers arrived located a female victim who stated that her boyfriend had battered her. He was gone by the time officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication
September 17 at 7:40 p.m., a call was received of a person unconscious in a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle Ave. Officers responded and located a person who was so intoxicated he presented a danger to himself. He was arrested, housed for sobering, and later released on citation.

Grand Theft Auto
September 18 at 2:25 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of E. Olive called to report that a group of unknown suspects had just stolen his motorcycle off the street. Officers arrived, but the suspects were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 7:15 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Montana reported a male adult who appeared to be heavily intoxicated. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication
September 19 at 8:25 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of Encino reported hearing a female outside yelling profanities. Officers arrived and located the female adult. She was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for her own safety. No one was around who could care for her, so she was arrested. After sobering she was released and waited in our lobby for an Uber. She did not know how she ended up in Monrovia, but she thought she may have left her car at BJ's in Arcadia and walked to Monrovia.

Fight
September 19 at 9:32 p.m., employees from a bar in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a male subject fighting with another male and chairs were being thrown. The suspect fled prior to officers arriving and could not be located. Prior to leaving it was discovered he hit a female patron with a chair over her head, but she refused medical attention. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 9:39 p.m., a caller reported seeing a suspicious male adult loitering in front of a building in the 800 block of E. Olive. Officers arrived and located the male who was found to be sleeping in front of the front doors of the building. He was contacted and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
September 20 at 5:31 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of S. Heliotrope reported the catalytic converter from his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 20 at 6:24 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Lime reported that the catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at DVine Mediterranean Express

Dinner at DVine Mediterranean Express, in the Vons parking lot at Myrtle and Foothill. Got the Hummus with Chicken Shawarma, with tabouleh and cucumber yogurt salad as sides, for $17.99 and a soda for $1.99. Lots of food and delicious!

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board Confirms Flint Fertig is New Interim Superintendent

- Brad Haugaard

Flint Fertig Reportedly Interim Monrovia Schools Superintendent

On her Monrovia Messenger Facebook page, Gayle Montgomery says that "two knowledgeable sources" have told her that Flint Fertig has been named as interim Superintendent of Monrovia School District, replacing Ryan D. Smith. The district website, however, still lists Smith as superintendent. 

Fertig is in charge of Alternative Education, including Canyon Oaks High School, Mountain Park School, and Monrovia Community Adult School.

I did an article about Fertig years ago and was highly impressed by him. You can see it here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Mike the Beaming Boxer - Like a Kid in a Candy Store

Who can resist Mike's smile?! Not us! This four-year-old boxer beams from ear to ear whenever he gets visitors, and his tail wags non-stop when he gets pets.

Mike was so shy when he first arrived at the shelter that he would even hide in the back of his kennel. Now we're getting to see his true personality, and he is FUN. He loves going to the training yard and exploring. He adores toys and games and bounces from one toy to another like a kid in a candy store. All traces of shyness seem to be behind him, and his bubbly personality is on full display.

He also is quite cuddly when he settles down. He curls up close for pets and will put his big head in your lap for more. Mike is also very clever- he loves to show off all his tricks whenever he sees a treat.

Mike is just so excited to meet everyone he can't help but smile!

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: First Photo of a Monrovia Land Sale

The Ocean View subdivision sale pictured here included the area bounded by what is now known as Hillcrest, Greystone, Myrtle and Canyon. This is the earliest picture of a land sale in Monrovia; the first actual land sale was May 17, 1886. 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

Children's Innovation Lab at Library Wednesday

Monrovia Public Library will host Innovation Lab on Sept 20, this Wednesday, from 4-5 p.m. in the Story Room, for children from 6 to 11 years old. It will feature a STEAM-related activity. Registration is required, here. For children and accompanying adults; drop-offs are not permitted. Contact the library at jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8274 for more information.

-Brad Haugaard

School Board May Appoint Interim Superintendent

The Monrovia School Board will meet in special closed session Wednesday Monday with just two items on its agenda: 

1. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release 
2. Appointment - Interim Superintendent

Although the individual referred to in item 1 is not specified, Superintendent Ryan Smith has been criticized on social media lately and his performance was recently evaluated by the school board. Also, the need to appoint an interim superintendent suggests that the current superintendent may not be in charge for much longer.

There will be an opportunity for public comment before the closed session, and a report on any action taken during the closed session when the board reconvenes in public. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

High School Student Fixes Up Ranger Station; Meeting About New Park; Cornhole Competition; Plant Native Plants; Book Drive for Prisoners; Beer, Wine, Music; Golden Plate Awards

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

~ High school student and eagle scout, Stefin Bank, and Boy Scout Troop 66 of Monrovia, raised funds to renovate the Ranger Station at Monrovia Canyon Park. The project was completed on September 3, 2013. The video above tells the story.

~ The Monrovia Community Services Department will hold a meeting on Saturday, October 7 at 10 a.m. at the new park location (1111 Encino Ave). There will be an overview of the park and information about how to submit a park name or theme. Recommend a name for the park here by Sept. 28.

~ The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia will hold its 3rd Annual Kiwanis Cornhole Competition this Saturday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 8:00 p.m. at 212 W. Foothill Blvd. Details. 

~ Help plant native plants and fix school gardens at local school and community gardens this Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Food ED. All ages and abilities welcome. Register here. 

~ The Monrovia Historical Museum is participating in a book drive to benefit the LA County Jail Library. Bring used paperback books to the Museum (742 E Lemon Ave.) this Sunday, Sept. 17, or Thursday, Sept. 21.

~ The Chamber of Commerce will hold its 8th Annual Beer, Wine, and Music Festival Saturday, Sept. 23 from 4 - 8 p.m. at Library Park. Live music and food trucks. Tickets are $40 presale and $50 at the door. For those 21 and older. Details 

~ Foothill Unity Center will hold its 2023 Golden Plate Awards Gala on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, from 6 - 8:30 p.m., at The Noor (300 E. Colorado Blvd. #200, Pasadena). For more information contact the Foothill Unity Center at info@foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

 

GoFundMe Page Set Up for Boy Who Died in Fiery Car Crash

A GoFundMe page (here) has been set up for Yariel Reneau, the boy who recently died in the fiery car crash on Duarte Road. The page describes him as a "happy, and energetic young boy who loved riding his bicycle and skateboard. He was going to turn 12 years old this Wednesday, September 13th." At this writing, the goal of $12,000 has been far exceeded, with $16,891 raised.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Naked Prowler on Narcotics; Truck Tailgate Stolen; Man Kicks Door, Then Kicks Woman; Man Refuses to Leave Business Restroom; Elder Assaults Elder; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 7 – 13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 365 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Vandalism
September 7 at 7:19 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of Los Angeles called to report graffiti in an alleyway. Graffiti removal was notified. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 7 at 10:22 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of S. Ivy called to report a check he placed in the mail was stolen and deposited into a different person's account. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 7 at 1:58 p.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle called to report the tailgate from his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 7 at 3:02 p.m., a victim and her husband were walking in the 200 block of W. Scenic when they were approached by two suspects asking for directions. At some point, the suspects switched out a piece of jewelry with the victim and left. The victim did not notice until later. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 3:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a suspect stolen drill. Officers arrived and detained the suspect nearby. The stolen property was recovered. The suspect was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Theft
September 7 at 4:04 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of Ridgeside reported that a headlight from their vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 1:58 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of E. Foothill when he saw a male adult on a bicycle commit a traffic code violation. He stopped the bicyclist and found that the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Fight in Progress
September 8 at 6:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding two female juveniles fighting. When officers arrived the involved females and other juvenile subjects fled the scene. No victims were located during the investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Collision / Fire
September 8 at 7:35 p.m., a vehicle collision where the vehicle was on fire after colliding with parked cars and a tree. The burn victims were transported to the hospital for treatment. The Arcadia PD Major Accident Investigation Team responded to assist with the investigation. One of the occupant passed at the hospital.

Domestic Battery / Robbery
September 8 at 11:16 p.m., a guest of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male adult subject, who she previously dated, just kicked open her hotel door. The male adult subject kicked her, stole her car keys, and left the scene. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 10:43 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Duarte. Upon arrival officers noticed that the driver who caused the collision displayed signs of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and the 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.

Public Intoxication
September 9 at 11:43 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject passed out inside a parked vehicle. Upon the officers’ arrival, a subject inside the parked vehicle was contacted and determined to be intoxicated. The subject was unable to care for himself and was arrested. He was transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 4:08 p.m., a caller from a business in the 700 block of S. Shamrock reported a subject entered the establishment and began yelling and screaming. Officers arrived and contacted the individual. He had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
September 10 at 6:31 p.m., an employee from a coffee shop in the 800 block of W. Huntington reported a male adult was in front of their store behaving strangely. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject and found he was suicidal. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
September 10 at 6:38 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower reported a suspicious vehicle. A computer check determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen. Officers arrived and recovered the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 10:58 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a female adult subject was loitering on their property and was refusing to leave when she was asked to. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. She was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Prowling / Battery on an Officer – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 5:03 a.m., a resident at an apartment building in the 1600 block of S. Primrose reported a male adult, who was not a resident, was prowling on the property and looking into her apartment window. Officers arrived and located the subject, who was completely naked and appeared to be on narcotics. The subject punched an officer in the face, subject was arrested. MFD responded and transported the subject to a hospital for treatment.

Suspicious Person
September 11 at 5:40 a.m., the reporting party reported seeing a male adult in the 400 block of E. Huntington who appeared to be rummaging through a large delivery/pickup box and loading items into a backpack. Officers were not able to locate the subject, however, they were able to determine that the box was not burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Trespass Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 7:30 a.m., a male adult locked himself in the bathroom of a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington and refused to leave. Officers arrived and ordered the subject to leave the business. The subject refused and was detained by officers. The business owners placed the subject under private persons arrest for trespassing. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Theft
September 11 at 10:44 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a theft. Officers arrived and searched the area, but the suspect had already fled. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
September 11 at 11:09 a.m., a caller reported a theft from their business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived, but the suspects had already fled with the merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 12:41 p.m., a caller asked for a welfare check on a male adult who was walking into traffic in the area of Alta Vista and Walnut. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Battery
September 12 at 12:46 a.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that she was a victim of domestic violence. She stated that her live-in boyfriend battered her after a verbal altercation regarding his ex-girlfriend. Officers went to the residents, but the boyfriend was not there. This investigation is continuing.

Reckless Driving – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 7:58 a.m., an officer observed a motorist commit several traffic violations that were a danger to the public and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
September 12 at 8:19 a.m., a caller reported an elderly resident assaulted another elderly resident in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. The subject was deemed a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 11:28 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a theft. Officers arrived and located the suspect nearby. The property was returned to the business. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Structure Fire
September 12 at 11:34 a.m., a caller from the 300 block of California reported seeing flames and smoke coming from a house. Officers arrived and saw flames coming from the windows. MFD arrived and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

Mail Theft
September 13 at 12:12 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of Norumbega reported her mail had been stolen the evening prior. She provided the investigating officer with suspect vehicle information. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 13 at 2:27 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of S. Sunset. An investigation revealed that the driver was experiencing a medical emergency and collided into parked vehicle. The driver was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 4:49 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Lime when the officer observed a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A computer check of the driver revealed she had outstanding warrants. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Crowd Gathers for Unveiling of Steve Baker Bear

A crowd gathered at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Foothill today for the unveiling of the Steve Baker bear, honoring former City Historian Steve Baker, who died last year. Mayor Becky Shevlin said the “irreplaceable” Baker knew more about Monrovia history “than all of us combined,” and was always ready to share his knowledge, often in the form of a humorous story. For more on Steve Baker, see SteveBakersMonrovia.com

- Brad Haugaard

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