Battle of the Badges charity basketball game between Monrovia Fire Department and Monrovia Police Department. Tickets are $5 for ages 13+. Pay with cash, or Venmo to Monrovia POA.
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Library Park Fountain in 1919
The covered fountain at the southeast corner of Library Park in 1919. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.
Monrovia Police to Increase Traffic Safety Patrols
"The grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community," Monrovia Police Lt. Chad Harvey said. "Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.'
The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:
- DUI checkpoints and patrols specifically focused on suspected impaired drivers.
- Enforcement operations focused on suspected distracted drivers in violation of California's hand-free cell phone law.
- Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operations focused on driver behaviors that put vulnerable road users at risk.
- Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause accidents: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
- Community educations presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
- Collaborative traffic enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
- Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
The grant program will run through September 2024. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Fellowship Leadership Faces Hundreds of Concerned Congregation Members
Pastor Albert Tate and two board members of Monrovia's Fellowship Church faced several hundred congregation members tonight, many of whom were concerned about how quickly Tate will resume his preaching after his required leave of absence, about how the church has been run, how staff members have been treated, and about the use of church funds.
At the "Town Hall Meeting" at the church's office at Huntington and California, board member Obed Martinez said one of the main causes of problems at the church is that it grew so fast that it outgrew its administrative structure, and Tate said that his inappropriate texting, for which he was put on leave, was to a woman outside the church and that he has never sexually harassed anyone, though he said that in staff meetings some comments which some people thought were funny were considered by others to be inappropriate. He said he has learned, "Albert, shut up."
Regarding layoffs, Tate said the church was staffed for three campuses, but now only has one, and income was inadequate for all those staff members. Also, Martinez said, there has been a post-COVID giving dip. Tate added that the social media discussion of the church's problems has made the problem worse, and board member Christian Washington said the church's finances are "not good."
Regarding resignations, the leaders said that sometimes staff members simply don't like the direction the church is going. The problem, Tate said, is that "we were dysfunctional, not abusive." Tate also said there has been no hush money paid to anyone who has left, though he said the church has tried to be generous in its severance pay.
Christian investigative journalist Julie Roys (her site here) brought up this point during the time for questions from the audience. She said that the church handbook says that no severance money would be paid to staff members who leave voluntarily, then she asked if any of those who left voluntarily had been given a "six-figure severance."
Tate responded that she had been publishing lies (meaning, apparently, that she had published information from sources that he believes were lying) and that he was "not interested in commenting to a journalist," but later - while he didn't exactly answer the "six figure" question - he added that the church has tried to give severance to as many people as possible.
Regarding the use of church funds, the leaders said there has been no misappropriation of funds and that the church has been audited yearly by the firm CapinCrouse, which Tate described as the "Cadillac" of auditing firms, and it has never found any problems.
In addition to the meeting, congregation members have posted a petition, named Justice for Fellowship Monrovia Church, that calls for an “independent investigation into these allegations against Senior Pastor Albert Tate and the Fellowship Church Board.” Details.
Also, another group, called Hope for Fellowship, posted a statement that objects to the church board’s “lack of transparency” and wants to refocus “on the values upon which it was originally founded.” Specifically, it wants to focus on prayer, hope and encouragement, and having a central place to share information, including information on “how we can support our staff, which includes financial support for former staff members who are unemployed and contribute to restorative justice ministries that Fellowship no longer supports…” Details.
- Brad Haugaard
City Council to Discuss Money: Their Own Compensation, Paying $6 Million for Temporary Community Center; Budget Review
At its next regular meeting (agenda here) the council will consider ...
~ Buying the building at 324-328 South Myrtle Avenue (across from the Library) for $6 million as an interim Community Center while the existing Community Center is being remodeled. Details.
~ The budget. Property tax revenue is up, hotel bed tax (transient occupancy tax) up, sales tax down, particularly due to slipping vehicle sales. But in summary, "the City will close the books for Fiscal Year 2022-23 in a better position than planned, and the City remains in a strong financial position heading into the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2023-24." Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Lujan Named Canyon Oaks Principal; Ross Monrovia Community Adult School Assistant Principal
Left, Fil Lujan; right Tedese Ross.
The Monrovia School District reports that Fil Lujan has been named as the new principal of Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School, and Tedese Ross has been named as the new assistant principal at Monrovia Community Adult School.
- Brad Haugaard
49 People Complete Leadership Program
- Brad Haugaard
Kylie Chen Designs American Flag Made of Painted Plastic Soldiers
- Brad Haugaard
Draw on the Sidewalk and Win $50
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Chief Sanchez Completes Executive Fire Officer Program
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Bank Hands Out Counterfeit Bills; Broken Windows; Drugs and Drunks; Man Talking to Himself Arrested for Murder; Loose Dog Returned Home
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 9 – 15. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 315 service events, resulting in 48 investigations.Commercial Burglary
November 9 at 5:17 a.m., officers responded to a restaurant in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a burglary alarm. Upon arrival officers saw the front door glass had been shattered. No suspects were located inside and it was unknown if any property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Counterfeit
November 9 at 4:08 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that the money she was given by a bank was counterfeit. She realized when she attempted to make a payment at a store. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication / Drug Offense
November 9 at 9:09 p.m., a female subject in the 100 block of W. Lime reported that a male subject checking door handles in the area inappropriately touched her, but she refused to prosecute and left the area prior to officers being dispatched. Officers arrived and located the male subject who ran when he saw the officers. The subject was located a short distance away and it was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Vandalism
November 10 at 6:22 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of S. Violet called to report that his vehicle’s rear windows were shattered. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
November 10 at 11:54 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of May reported that her husband was out of control. Dispatch could hear him yelling and throwing things. Officers arrived and it determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 6:40 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Lime called to report that a suspect threw a rock through their window. The suspect was located, arrested, and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence / Mental Evaluation
November 10 at 7:19 p.m., while patrolling the area of Lime and Myrtle, an officer observed a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. Once in jail he made several statements claiming that he would hurt himself and he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Attempted Burglary
November 11 at 3:27 a.m., officers were dispatched to a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding a burglary alarm. Officers arrived and saw evidence of someone attempted to pry open a door to the business. This investigation is continuing.
Burglary
November 11 at 3:33 a.m., officers were alerted to a burglary alarm in a restaurant in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and discovered damage to the door that was used to enter the restaurant. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 11 at 10:00 p.m., a victim in the 1300 block of Primrose reported his vehicle stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 10:04 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and El Norte when he saw a pedestrian walking in the roadway. The officer contacted and a computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence
November 11 at 11:59 p.m., while patrolling the area of Foothill and Primrose an officer saw a vehicle blocking traffic. Upon making contact with the subject the officer observed sings of intoxicating. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 1:46 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Duarte and Walker saw a driver commit a traffic violation. Officers made contact with the driver and the driver displayed signs of intoxicating. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 5:59 a.m., a domestic dispute was reported in the 500 block of Almond. An investigation revealed that the wife battered the husband during an argument. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
November 12 at 6:50 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the MPD lobby to speak with a person reporting their car stolen from the area of Olive and Magnolia. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
November 12 at 7:16 p.m., a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a subject they recognized from prior thefts had walked into the store with an empty backpack and was putting things in a shopping cart. When the subject was confronted by a store manager, he quickly grabbed items and fled. He was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Medical Assist
November 13 at 7:58 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Lemon reported that a female adult was unresponsive in an alley and was holding drug paraphernalia. An officer arrived and immediately administered two doses of narcan and performed CPR. The female regained a pulse and started to breathe again. MFD arrived and transported her to a hospital.
Grand Theft Auto
November 13 at 8:35 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of Fano reported that his motorcycle was stolen overnight. This investigation is continuing.
Missing Person Located
November 13 at 8:43 a.m., an officer in the 800 block of E. Olive contacted a male adult subject who was reported missing. The subject was advised to contact his father who reported him missing from another city.
Warrant Arrest
November 13 at 12:55 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of Raymond reported a male subject wandering around talking to himself. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a no bail warrant for homicide. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Theft Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 9:01 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Acacia regarding a bicycle theft. The reporting party advised a male subject entered her property and stole her bicycle. The reporting party confronted the subject as he rode away from her residence and was able to retake the bicycle. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was arrested, cited, and released in the field.
Suspicious Vehicle
November 13 at 11:53 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle parked in a no parking zone in the 200 block of W. Pomona. A records check of the license plate returned to a different vehicle. The vehicle was a rental car which had not been returned. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a large amount of mail from multiple people. The vehicle and mail were stored and booked as evidence. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
November 14 at 1:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a stolen phone cell phone. The victim stated he left his cellphone in the shopping cart and an unknown suspect stole it. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
November 14 at 9:10 a.m., a subject walked into the MPD lobby to report that he was a victim of fraud. An unknown suspect fraudulently withdrew money from his checking account. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 15 at 5:08 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Monterey and Huntington regarding an injury traffic collision. Officers arrived and determined a vehicle collided into a pedestrian crossing outside of the crosswalk. MFD arrived and evaluated the pedestrian who complained of pain, but refused to be transported to a medical facility.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 1:29 p.m., an adult male subject walked into the MPD lobby to turn himself in for an outstanding warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Animal Rescue
November 15 at 3:13 p.m., while patrolling the area of California and Lime an officer saw a dog nearly getting hit by vehicles. The officer was able to rescue the dog and contact the owner. The dog was then reunited with the owner.
Theft
November 15 at 1:00 p.m., a victim was sitting in a restaurant in the 600 block of W. Huntington when she realized her wallet was stolen from her purse. This investigation is continuing.
Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 7:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft. The caller reported that a female subject retrieved property from inside the business and completed a merchandise return with a fraudulent receipt. Officers arrived and located the female subject. A computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrant. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 10:52 p.m., officers responded to a vacant business building in the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a male subject kicking the glass entrance doors. Officers arrived and located the subject sitting in front of the business. Upon making contact officers saw drug paraphernalia next to the subject. The subject was arrested, cited, and released in the field.
Lunch at La Sexy Michelada
Lunch today at La Sexy Michelada, on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. The restaurant seems to specialize in seafood so I got the Mixed Ceviche for $22 and a soft drink for $3.99. Never had ceviche with mayo (in those blue packets) but it was very good - and a lot of it.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's SiLC Tech Raises $25 Million More for Robotic Vision System
Monrovia's SiLC Technologies has raised $25 million, bringing its total funding to $56 million. New investors include Hokuyo Automatic, Hankook & Company, and ROHM Semiconductor. The funds will support product development and production expansion of SiLC's LiDAR-based vision system for robotics and autonomous vehicles. Lidar (light detection and ranging) is a method of measuring distances by illuminating targets with laser light and analyzing the reflected light. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Tree Care Workshop Nov. 30 - Best Trees for Monrovia And How to Care For Them
Workshop on "Poplars, Redbuds, and Oaks Oh My: A Monrovia Tree Workshop," Thursday, Nov. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. at 303 W. Colorado. Giangelo Leos, arborist educator, will discuss the right trees for Monrovia and how to care for them.
- Brad Haugaard
City Council to Discuss Goals, Evaluate City Manager and City Attorney
The Monrovia City Council will hold a special session Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Doubletree to set goals, then it will go into closed session to evaluate how the city manager and city attorney are doing. Details.
Comment: May I suggest the city discuss goals for wildlife management. I'm sure we're all happy to live near bears but I don't think we want them inside our houses or ripping up things under our houses. I'm sure we're okay with coyotes, but we don't want them eating our pets. Both are moving further and further into the center of town. This is a foothills problem that should probably be addressed by a consortium of foothills cities. Perhaps Monrovia should take the lead in this.
- Brad Haugaard
Mactron 3000 - Not a Robot, But a Dog - An Adorable Dog
Mactron 3000 might sound like a robot or an amusement park ride, but he is very much an adorable dog who is ready for any adventure that comes his way!
Mac is about 1 & ½ years old, and he loves nothing more than running around in the yard and playing non-stop. He leaps from toy to toy and only stops to hop into the puppy pool to cool off.
He’s also a bit of a foodie in that he loves any food that comes his way. Staff and volunteers at Pasadena Humane have been able to harness that enthusiasm to teach Mactron a trick or two.
With Mactron 3000, every day is an adventure waiting to happen, filled with laughter, love and a touch of delightful mischief!
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: Fire Engines at Lemon Ave. Fire Station
Learn Fantasy Game Dungeons and Dragons
- Brad Haugaard
Teen Game Night Nov. 17 at Library
- Brad Haugaard
Battery-Pack Maker Moving Out of Monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
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