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Halloween Spooktacular Oct. 31 in Library Park and Old Town

 

The 2023 Halloween Spooktacular & Trick-or-Treat Bash is set for Tuesday, October 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. in Old Town Monrovia and Library Park. Activities include trick-or-treating in Old Town, costume contests for various categories, library activities, activity booths, and a photo booth. Registration for the costume contest, taking place in Library Park, begins at 3 p.m. and is free of charge.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Fall Festival Oct. 14

- Brad Haugaard

Council Will Consider Bigger Christmas Tree In Library Park; More Money for Canyon Park; Etc.

Proposed new Christmas tree. View looking south.

Lighting on Myrtle. Right showing concept for new lighting.

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Selecting a bigger tree in Library Park as the city's Christmas tree, and improve the tree lighting along Myrtle in Old Town. "Staff is recommending an alternative tree in Library Park to be lit and identified as the official Holiday Tree. The existing Deodar Cedar tree stretches 80-feet in the air and would be lit with well over 10,000 lights. In addition, a 4-foot tall starburst would top the tree and could be seen from blocks away. This new Holiday Tree would create a destination spot for visitors throughout the region to come to Old Town Monrovia for a holiday get together while taking in the holiday charm throughout Old Town and stopping to enjoy the festive Holiday Tree in Library Park." However, the existing tree will continue to be lit. The Council will consider hiring Innovative Light Designs to make it happen. Details.

~ Committing an additional $709,293 (and a contingency amount of $70,000) for restoration of Monrovia Canyon Park. The money would pay Pokrajac Corporation for construction and Merrell-Johnson Engineering for management. The work would be to repair a messed up trail section on the Bill Cull Trail, for the removal of debris, boulders, brush and dead trees at Check Dams 2 and 3, and to fortify sloped areas around Check Dams 1, 2 and 3. Details

~ Consolidating its municipal election to be on the same day as the statewide primary election, March 5, 2024. Details.

~  Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Craft Market by Local Artisans Sept. 30

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Assault With Coffee; Daughter Dies From Overdose; License Plates and Catalytic Converters Stolen; Woman Lights Fire, Punches Cop; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 21 – 27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 325 service events, resulting in 60 investigations. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 2:25 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block S. Myrtle, when she located a male subject who appeared to need assistance walking. When she contacted the subject, she discovered he was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Petty Theft
September 21 at 09:35 a.m., a mother came into the police station to report her sons backpack was stolen the day before between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. He had placed his backpack in the locker room while he went to football practice. When he returned, the backpack was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 21 at 12:09 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of Linwood reported that the catalytic converters from two of vehicles were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Accident
September 21 at 1:11 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Evergreen. The parties were treated at the scene by MFD.

Overdose
September 21 at 3:12 p.m., caller reported a male subject in the 900 block of W. Duarte was sleeping on the ground and he was not waking up. Officers arrived and determined the subject was overdosing on narcotics. Officers administered narcan and the male subject was revived. Paramedics arrived and he was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Runaway Juvenile
September 21 at 3:15 p.m., a female juvenile was reported as a runaway from the 100 block of N. Ivy. This investigation is continuing.

Assault / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 6:45 a.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject threw coffee at her. Officers arrived and located the female subject. The victim positively identified the female subject, but did not desire prosecution. A computer check revealed the female subject was in violation of parole. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Theft
September 22 at 8:15 a.m., a vehicle theft was reported in a parking lot in the 300 block of E. Foothill. The victim parked her vehicle and when she returned she realized her vehicle had been broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 22 at 10:42 a.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that the catalytic converter from their vehicle was stolen while parked in the 500 block of Bradbury. This investigation is continuing.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 2:53 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that a male subject walked into a business, took an item, and left without paying. Officers arrived and located the male subject and recovered the stolen item. The caller positively identified the suspect. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Fraud
September 22 at 3:53 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that he had been scammed. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 22 at 4:46 p.m., a victim reported that he parked his vehicle in the 100 block of W. Huntington. When he returned to his vehicle, his window was shattered and property was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 7:35 p.m., an officer working on a DUI patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Myrtle and Longden. A computer check revealed that the driver was a wanted fugitive. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
September 22 at 9:52 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Primrose called to report suspicious subjects who looked like they were breaking into vehicles. Offices arrived and confirmed that a crime had occurred. The suspects were gone prior to officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 11:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Foothill regarding a possible drunk driver who exited his vehicle stumbling. Officers arrived and located the driver. 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.

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
September 22 at 10:55 p.m., a caller in the area of Monterey and Chestnut called to report a group of juveniles attempting to steal a vehicle. The suspects were gone prior to officers’ arrival.

Attempted Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 12:07 a.m., a new reporting party called to report the same juveniles from the previous call, had returned to the same vehicle and were once again attempting to steal it. Officers arrived and officers gave pursuit, eventually detaining four juvenile suspects. The juvenile suspects were positively identified by the caller. Three juvenile suspects were released to parents with citations. A records check of the fourth juvenile suspect revealed he was on probation for vehicle theft and was taken into custody.

Attempt Petty Theft
September 24 at 8:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male and female subject were attempting to conceal store items in their clothing. Officers arrived and spoke with store management, who requested officers contact the subjects and ask them to leave. Officers contacted the two inside the store. The items were returned to the store and were issued a no trespassing notice. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 25 at 2:50 a.m., officers responded to a business burglary alarm in the 300 block of Huntington. The officer arrived and saw the front glass doors were forced open. While searching the inside, officers saw the steel office door had been forced open. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose / Death Report
September 25 at 6:39 a.m., a parent in the 300 block of E. Palm reported that their daughter overdosed and was unresponsive. MPD and MFD responded and deployed lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, the subject had been deceased for a few hours. The coroner's office was notified.

Stolen License Plate
September 25 at 10:19 a.m., a caller in the 1400 block of Alamitas reported her license plate was stolen from her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 25 at 12:11 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported his credit cards were stolen from his mailbox and were being fraudulently used. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen License Plate
September 25 at 1:52 p.m., a caller in the 1400 block of Monterey reported their license plate was stolen from their vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft / Vandalism
September 25 at 2:41 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported their community mailbox was pried open and mail was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 25 at 4:20 p.m., a three vehicle traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks. One party complained of pain and was treated at the scene by MFD.

Battery on Officer Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 25 at 9:37 p.m., a passerby witnessed an adult female subject setting debris on fire in the area of Myrtle and California. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was next to burnt trash. When an officer attempted to search the female, she abruptly punched him on the face, causing him an injury. The suspect was positively identified by the witness. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
September 26 at 2:59 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Fano reported someone had broken her vehicle's fuel door. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
September 26 at 3:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported male and female subjects stole merchandise. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 7:07 p.m., a caller from a business 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a female adult left the store with merchandise she did not pay for. Officers responded and located the female. The stolen property was recovered and returned to the store. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
September 27 at 7:34 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported sometime overnight, his vehicle (left unlocked) was ransacked and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 27 at 4:20 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported that a suspect used a fraudulent credit card to rent a room. Officers arrived but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity
September 27 at 5:09 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Palm reported subjects possibly using drugs in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined one of the subjects was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Grand Theft
September 27 at 5:54 p.m., a business owner in the 900 block of S. Myrtle reported his money bag was stolen from his office. This investigation is continuing.

Rotary Club Casino Night Oct. 14

- Brad Haugaard 

State of the Schools Address Oct. 18

- Brad Haugaard 

Art By Monrovia Atudents Oct. 8

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Chipotle


Dinner at Chipotle, on the south side of Huntington Drive in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Got a “bowl” with carnitas for $10:30, plus $2.85 for guacamole, and a soft drink for $2.92. It was delicious!

- Brad Haugaard 

Shadow Likes Eveybody - Handsome Too!


Shadow is not only super handsome, he's also such a good boy! He is an energetic and outgoing lab mix who is about 3 years old.  

Shadow has become quite a favorite of the volunteers at Pasadena Humane. He’s gone on some field trips and even had an overnight stay with a foster family. He has spent time with other dogs and kids- he seems to like everyone he meets! 

He also appears to be housetrained, and he knows some tricks. He’ll happily sit or give you a paw for a treat. He loves treats, so additional training will be a breeze! 

Shadow definitely wants to be someone’s shadow. He follows you around with a happy grin on his face until you acknowledge his presence and remind him that he’s a good boy.  

Shadow is ready for his forever home- maybe with you? 

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. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Bulky Item Drop-Off Station Square Oct. 28

 

Bulky item drop-off at Station Square on Oct. 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Water heater, furnace, bed springs, bed frame, mattress, dresser, couch, washer, dryer, stove, microwave, table, chairs, refrigerator
- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Kirkenschlager's Tonsorial Parlor, Around 1896

620 S Myrtle, which became the Gem City Barber shop, Henry Kirkenschlager, proprietor. "Nearly five years ago Henry Kirkenschlager came to Monrovia from Kansas, to join the large colony here from that state. Shortly after arrival he opened a first-class tonsorial parlor and bath-rooms, and ever since has been enjoying a most liberal patronage. Kirk's tonsorial parlor is at the corner of Lemon and Myrtle avenues. He also has bath rooms in connection with his shop, and in addition conducts the agency of the Anchor Laundry of Los Angeles." Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897. 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

Teen Drop-In Do-It-Yourself Event at Library on Wednesday

The Monrovia Public Library is hosting a Teen Drop-in Do-It-Yourself event this Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for teens in grades 6-12. No registration is required, and the event is free. For more information contact Amanda Carey, Teen Librarian, at acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Fine Arts Group Posts Preview of Artists Displaying Their Work at 'Art in the Park' on Oct. 7

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts has released a preview page (here) showing the work of 40 artists who will be displaying their work at the 2023 Art in the Park on Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Library Park. At the same time there will be a chalkfest, featuring chalk pictures drawn on the sidewalks throughout the day, plus live music, food trucks, and activities for children.

- Brad Haugaard

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.