Santa's Route Through Monrovia Dec. 11-15

Here's Santa's schedule:

• Monday, Dec. 11 - South of Huntington, west of Myrtle, including Valley Circle.
• Tuesday, Dec. 12 - East of Myrtle, north of Foothill.
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 - West of Myrtle, south of Foothill, and
• north of Huntington.
• Thursday, Dec. 14 - East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road.
• Friday, Dec. 15 - West of Myrtle Avenue, North of Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Grand Theft Alcohol; Almost-Victim identifies Credit Card Skimming Device; Person Beaten on Foothill, Another on Duarte; Credit Card Machines Stolen; Woman Batters Mom; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 30 – December 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 339 service events, resulting in 68 investigations. 

Residential Burglary
November 30 at 7:58 p.m., residents in the 200 block of Bradoaks called to report that a neighbor’s vacant home had multiple suspicious subjects inside with masks and gloves on. When officers arrived the subjects began to flee the location. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 2:59 a.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report a suspicious vehicle in their parking lot. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. Officers determined that the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 1 at 2:41 pm, a resident in the 700 block of Ocean View called to report a window at a residence was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism / Resist Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 3:37 pm, a caller in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle called to report a subject writing on the walls. Officers arrived and located the subject on his bike, they attempted to make contact with the subject, but he failed to stop. The subject was located nearby. He was arrested, cited, and released to a medical facility due to a medical condition.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 8:11 p.m., a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject was in the store and in the process of stealing a large amount of alcohol. Officers arrived and located the subject leaving the store. When officers attempted to the contact her, she attempted to flee. The stolen items were recovered and it was discovered that her vehicle was filled with stolen items from other locations. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery / Attempted Murder – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 8:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a battery at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. The juvenile victim walked to the MPD lobby and reported several suspects battered him. An investigation revealed that the victim had been stabbed during the incident by a juvenile male suspect. The suspect was identified, arrested, and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
December 1 at 9:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Shamrock and Central. Investigation showed the driver of the at-fault vehicle was under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed and the driver arrested. The driver was later booked, housed for sobering, and released on citation.

Vandalism
December 2 at 8:17 a.m., the victim called to report her front passenger window was shattered in the 500 block of Linwood. This investigation is continuing.

Skimming Device
December 2 at 11:33 a.m., the reporting party walked into the MPD lobby holding a skimming device. He stated that he was using an ATM machine when he realized it was a skimming device. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 3 at 1:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. He conducted a traffic stop and noticed that the driver was displaying signs of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
December 4 at 9:34 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of S. Myrtle discovered unauthorized charges on her bank account. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
December 4 at 11:39 a.m., a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck discovered a vehicle sold to them was a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 4 at 11:52 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of California purchased large trucking equipment and later realized the seller was not a legitimate company and that it was a scam. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 4 at 2:07 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of Parkrose discovered her information was used to open a credit card. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
December 4 at 4:13 p.m., a victim claimed he was battered in the 100 block of E. Foothill. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
December 4 at 7:22 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject was battered by three to four male subjects. All suspects were gone prior to officers arriving. MFD responded and transported the male subject to a hospital for medical treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Prowling
December 5 at 9:37 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Norumbega reported seeing a female adult loitering around in the backyard. The female appeared to be wandering aimlessly. Officers arrived and searched the area but could not locate her. This investigation is continuing.

Embezzlement
December 5 at 2:33 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Evergreen reported that a former employee stole money from the company, during her time of employment. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
December 6 at 6:17 a.m., a passerby in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that all windows to a business were shattered. Officers arrived and determined unknown suspect(s) smashed all the windows, entered the business, and stole a credit card machine. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
December 6 at 8:55 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported their business was broken into during the night. The suspect(s) smashed the front door, made entry, stole a credit card machine, and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Battery / Mental Evaluation
December 6 at 12:19 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Central reported her adult sister battered their mom. Officers arrived and determined the adult female subject was suffering from a mental illness. The mother was not injured and only wanted mental health help for her daughter. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. Follow the Monrovia Police Department on our social media!

Missing Person, Roselyn Cortez, 18; Last Seen on Myrtle

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Oto Oto Japanese Restaurant

Dinner at Oto Oto Izakaya Japonaise restaurant in the shopping center at the northeast corner of Huntington and Fifth. Off the happy hour menu got the Tonkatsu Ramen for $11.95 and a beer for $3. 

- Brad Haugaard 

With Treats It Shouldn't Take Tina Too Long too Long to Get Over Her Shyness

Tina is a sweet girl with a big heart! This two-year-old black lab mix can be a little shy with new people at first but give her some delicious treats and she’ll be coming up to you to say hello (and get some more snacks). She even enjoyed cuddling in bed with her foster parent!

Tina’s love of food means she really enjoys learning new things in exchange for treats. She has a hunger for knowledge (and hot dogs) that could make her top of the class in any training session!

Tina is an active girl who enjoys playing fetch and chasing after toys. She’s often seen having the zoomies in the Pasadena Humane play yard and rolling around on her back. However, she always takes a break for snuggles with her favorite people.

This gentle pup is seeking a patient adopter who can give her a little time to come out of her shell. Tina would prefer to be the only pet in the home so she can get all your affection (and as much room as possible on the bed).

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: Students on the Linwood Avenue School Float About 1914

Students from Linwood Avenue School [I never knew there was a Linwood Avenue School!] on their school float at what is likely the 1914 Monrovia Days Parade. 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

Winter Crafternoon at Library Tomorrow, Dec. 5

 

Winter Crafternoon in the Library 6 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 5 in the library Storyroom. Featuring winter-themed crafts. Program open to individuals 16 and older. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

New Starbucks Planned for Corner of Foothill and Myrtle

Starbucks, which closed its shop on the north side of the Vons shopping center earlier this year, is planning to open a new shop across the street, at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle, at the location of the former Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The company is proposing a non-illuminated building wall sign to be considered by the city's Development Review Committee. City staff is recommending approval. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Film Festival On Dec. 9

Monrovia Film Festival 2023, on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at LOOK Dine-In Cinema, will offer a variety of contemporary films including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and animations, along with opportunities for mingling and discussions. Tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

Robbery and Attempted Murder in Library Park

Monrovia Police Department Case: 23-016665

Monrovia Police Department responded to a battery at Library Park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle on Friday, December 1, at 8:49 p.m. A male juvenile was attacked by several other males at the park. The victim was able to run away and get to safety. During the altercation, he had his skateboard and backpack stolen by the suspects. The skateboard was recovered during the investigation. The victim was transported to a local hospital where it was discovered he had 2 puncture wounds as a result of the altercation. Officers were able to locate and identify one of the suspects who was involved and he was arrested. He was also a juvenile and he was transported to juvenile hall. The other suspects are still outstanding.

No additional information is available for release at this time due to the active investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 256-8041.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police DUI Checkpoint Dec. 15

On Friday, December 15, the Monrovia Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within Monrovia city limits.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Lt. Chad Harvey said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.

The Monrovia Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol.

Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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

Monrovia High Student Praises Teachers in Speech at Google Symposium

Monrovia High student Summer Yang spoke about teachers who deeply affected her life at the Google for Education Champions Sunnyvale Symposium 2023.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayor Reports Gloria Crudgington Will Not Seek Reelection to City Council

Mayor Becky Shevlin reports that City Council member Gloria Crudgington will not be running for reelection in the upcoming March 5, 2024 election, which means that the deadline to file to run for her seat will be extended to Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Otherwise, the deadline to file is Dec. 8. For questions contact City Clerk Alice Atkins at 932-5505.

- Brad Haugaard

Dec. 9 Neighborhood Treasure Epperson to be Unveiled

For questions, contact Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Steve Baker Bear Getting Paint Retouched

The Steve Baker Bear at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle has been removed to repair some flaking paint. He'll be back in a few weeks.

- Brad Haugaard

Nominations for the Chamber of Commerce Awards is Open

Nominations for the Chamber of Commerce's annual awards is now open. The Iris Award is for a Monrovian who has made "outstanding and lasting contributions to Monrovia." The Monroe Award honors an outstanding business or businessperson who owns or works at a Monrovia business. The Service to the Chamber Award is given to a chamber member in recognition of outstanding service to the organization. Deadline to submit nominations is noon on December 15. For questions, contact the Monrovia Chamber at 358-1159 or by email at bl@monroviacc.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Five Story Apartment Planned for Corner of Myrtle and Olive

Blake Griggs Properties, LLC, is proposing to build a five-story, 200 unit, apartment complex at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Olive. The structure, called The Monroe, would also have 5,143 square feet of non-residential floor area, and a three-level (two underground) 312-space parking garage.

The city wants to hear your thoughts about the project’s possible environmental issues. See the draft Environmental Impact Report here. You can email your comments to the Planning Department at  planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us. There will also be a virtual meeting on the project on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 at 6 p.m. The link to join the meeting is https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting. The meeting ID is 249 284 246 85 and the password (case sensitive) is sSJMcF. Or, participate by phone by calling +1 323-673-4554, then use code 372938603#

- Brad Haugaard

Details on Monrovia's Dec. 7 Christmas Parade

Monrovia's Christmas Parade begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 and travels north on Myrtle from Walnut to Palm. Myrtle and side streets will be closed to vehicles. Comment: Parking is always tight, so arrive early.

- Brad Haugaard

Some Christmasy Events Coming Up This Month in Monrovia

Sundays: Carriage Rides in Old Town from 3 - 6 p.m. starting at Library Park. $5 per person or free with $25 same-day Old Town business purchase.

Saturdays: Carolers in Old Town from 3 - 6 p.m.

Monrovia Fire & Rescue – Spark of Love, through Dec. 24, collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens. Contact Monrovia Fire & Rescue at 256-8181 for details.

Dec. 2, Saturday: Monrovia Guild of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Annual Toy Drive at Tired Iron Works (135 E Foothill). Admission unwrapped new toy (no stuffed animals) gift card, cash/check donations. Vintage car exposition, taco truck. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Details.

Dec. 2, Saturday: San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Holiday Concert at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 122 S California Ave. 7:30 pm. Details.

Dec. 3, Sunday: Knights of Columbus Toy Drive; Drop off new unwrapped toy (for children 10-17) or gift card to Knights of Columbus Hall, 130 W Pomona Ave, Monrovia, 9 a.m. – 12 Noon. For information call 359-6480.

Dec. 3, Sunday: Centre Stage “Counting Down to Christmas” Musical at IFGF Church (northeast corner of Primrose and Palm Ave) 10:30 a.m.-noon. Details. 

Dec. 7, Thursday: Monrovia Holiday Parade, South Myrtle Old Town Monrovia.

Dec. 9, Saturday: Cookie Exchange, United Methodist Church (downstairs) corner of S Ivy and Palm. Bring 6 dozen cookies and a container to bring home cookies. Raffle prizes, 3 p.m. Contact Janie Duncan for more information at 201-3277.

Dec. 14, Thursday: Kiwanis Club lunch with Citrus Singer Performance, Doubletree Hotel 924 W Huntington Dr. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. $60 per person; RSVP to Traci French tfrench@bowdendevelopment.com or Gina Fanara gina@cibare.com

Dec. 14, Thursday: Monrovia Chamber Mixer, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2215 Huntington Drive, Duarte; 5:30-7 p.m. Join the Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive and & Holiday Networking Mixer; Admission is an unwrapped new toy. For details contact Monrovia Chamber at 358-1159.

Dec. 14, Thursday: Clifton Middle School Annual Winter Concert, Clifton Middle School Auditorium. Early Admission $ at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 pm.

Thanks to Mayor Becky Shevlin for this list!

- Brad Haugaard

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Hospital Toy Drive - Old Cars and Tacos

Details.

- Brad Haugaard