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Santa is Making the Rounds

Find out where Santa will be here.

- Brad Haugaard

Candidates for Mayor, City Council

Here are the candidates for the March 5, 2024 election, according to a post on the Facebook group, Monrovia Messenger.

For Mayor:

  • Becky Shevlin (incumbent)
  • Larry Spicer (currently a council member)

For City Council (two positions open):

  • Edward Belden
  • Sergio Jimenez (incumbent)
  • Jesus Rojas
  • Antoinet Mushet

For Treasurer:

  • Janet Wall (incumbent)

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Consider Giving Itself a Pay Raise; Study Feedback on Proposed Auto Repair Regulations

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

~ Consider raising its monthly pay from $400 to $800, $1,000, or $1,275 for each council member. Council members spend an estimated 20-30 hours a week on city duties, with their current pay amounting to $3.33-$5 per hour. Their pay has been $400 since 1997. Any pay rise would take effect after the March 2024 municipal election. The Council will also consider pay adjustments for the city treasurer and city clerk. Details

~ Consider feedback the city has received regarding its proposed rules for auto repair businesses. This will be in a special study session at 6 p.m., before the regular council meeting. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Six-Story Multifamily Building Planned for Colorado/Olive Near Old Town


A six-story multifamily building containing 269 units, an interior courtyard, two parking structures and  surface parking, 96 affordable units and a 5,471 square foot public park is planned for a 2.7 acre property between 150 West Colorado Boulevard through the block to 125 West Olive Avenue. The project, proposed by the company Goldrich Kest, involves replacing two existing buildings, Oak Park Apartments, built in 1977.

The city wants to hear your comments about the project’s possible environmental issues. Details on project proposal here.  Details on giving your thoughts here

- Brad Haugaard

Terrence Williams Dies: Former School Board Member Active in Community

Letter from Interim School Superintendent Flint Fertig:

With a heavy heart, I share the news of the passing of a beloved member of our community, Mr. Terrence Williams. As we come together to mourn his loss, we reflect on his indelible mark on our School District and the broader Monrovia community. 

Terrence dedicated his time and passion to our School Board, serving diligently from 2013 to 2018. His commitment extended beyond the boardroom, as he actively participated in numerous organizations such as the Monrovia Kiwanis Club, Monrovia Arcadia Duarte (MAD) Town Council, Monrovia Community Coordinating Council, and PTSA. 

Mr. Williams also served as the chair of the Measure MM Committee, was the co-chair of Monrovia Unified School District’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, and he was a strong advocate for special education students. His impact reached far and wide, leaving an enduring legacy of service and dedication. 

In addition to his civic contributions, Terrence was a cherished community member. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife, Bobbie Williams, and his four children, who all attended Monrovia Schools. 

Terrence's presence will be deeply missed, but his contributions to our community will always be remembered. As a close-knit school district family, let us support one another during this challenging time.

With heartfelt condolences, 

Flint Fertig 
Interim Superintendent 
Monrovia Unified School District

- Brad Haugaard

Learn About Voting at Library, January 11

Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

$350,000 Scammed from Elderly Woman; Shoplifter Returns, Nabbed; Thief Swipes Necklace in Mid Conversation; Skimming Device Found at Bank; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 356 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 7 at 10:41 a.m., while patrolling the 300 block of Linwood an officer observed a male subject acting suspicious. The officer made contact with the subject and a computer check revealed the subject had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Fire
December 7 at 12:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. Mayflower regarding a vehicle fire. Officers and MFD responded and the fire was extinguished. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 7 at 1:47 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a female was concealing items inside her pants. The female subject left the store without paying. She was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary / Commercial
December 8 at 1:38 a.m., officers were alerted to an activated burglary alarm in a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. A witness called to report seeing two suspects fleeing the business. When officers arrived, the subjects were gone. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 8 at 7:30 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Royal Oaks and Shamrock involving a pedestrian and a vehicle. The pedestrian suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Mental Evaluation
December 8 at 9:43 a.m., a female subject in the 200 block of E. Pomona called to report that she wanted to harm herself. Officers arrived and determined she was a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for treatment and a mental evaluation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
December 8 at 4:17 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Primrose and Montana. A witness reported that a vehicle jumped a curb and hit a stop sign. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 8 at 7:15 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of E. Huntington called to report that while she was shopping the rear window of her parked vehicle was broken and items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Attempted Burglary
December 9 at 1:15 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation in a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and discovered damage to a rear door. An investigation revealed that unknown subject(s) attempted to pry open the door and fled when the alarm activated. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
December 9 at 8:37 a.m., a domestic dispute was reported in the area of Myrtle and Pomona. Officers arrived and determined that the girlfriend battered the boyfriend during an argument. She was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Skimming Device
December 9 at 9:36 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious person near a bank ATM in the 200 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and the subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. A skimming device was located and removed. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
December 9 at 3:34 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Alta Vista reported that a subject was attempting to break into his vehicle. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
December 9 at 11:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of E. Olive regarding a welfare check of a woman crying. Officers arrived and located a female subject who stated she had been a victim of domestic violence. The suspect was located nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody after an investigation.

Shoplifting / Drugs – Suspect Arrested
December 9 at 11:59 p.m., a shoplifting in progress was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located a male subject hiding near a vehicle in a parking lot nearby, he fled when he saw officers, but returned a short time later. He was positively identified, and the stolen property was located. He was arrested, found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
December 10 at 3:12 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a theft. This investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
December 10 at 5:39 p.m., a victim called to report that he found his stolen bike on sale on an internet platform. Officers agreed to meet with the suspect to purchase the bike. When the suspect arrived, they identified the stolen bike and officers arrested and took the suspect into custody.

Outside Assist – Suspects Arrested
December 11 at 4:22 a.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle out of Alhambra in the 900 block of W. Foothill. Officers located the vehicle with three occupants inside. Officers made contact with the three suspects. The suspects were arrested and turned over to the Alhambra Police Department.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 1:49 p.m., a witness in the 1300 block of S. Magnolia called to report a suspicious person in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 3:18 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject loitering. Officers arrived and located the female subject. A computer search revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
December 12 at 8:07 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of Valle Vista reported fraudulent activity in their bank account and a large amount of money was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 12 at 12:50 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report his bank card had been stolen and money had been withdrawn. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 3:00 p.m., a passerby in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject walking too close to traffic. Officers arrived and located the subject holding a large metal pipe and not complying with the officers’ commands. Officers were able to deescalate the situation and safely detain him. A computer search revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
December 12 at 3:16 p.m., a subject walked into the MPD lobby to report a scam. Sometime during the last month, a fictitious person scammed the elderly lady out of $350,000. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
December 12 at 5:06 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of Linwood reported someone climbed through his window and stole documents and damaged his laptop. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 12 at 5:33 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Monterey and Huntington. The driver at fault was cited.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 11:08 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a domestic violence incident. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved, the victim reported her boyfriend had battered her and suffered minor injuries. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
December 13 at 7:56 a.m., a resident in the 1600 block of California reported graffiti on his property. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
December 13 at 8:57 a.m., a victim was stopped at a red light in the area of California and Duarte when she was rear-ended by a vehicle. The suspect fled without exchanging information. She complained of pain a vehicle rear-ended her, causing a complaint of pain to her back. The suspect fled the scene. Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft
December 13 at 12:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed that two suspects stole money from the unattended cash register. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
December 13 at 2:26 p.m., a victim was approached by a suspect in the 1300 block of S. Primrose, who placed a necklace around the victim's neck while making conversation. In the process, the suspect removed a different necklace the victim was already wearing and stole it. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 13 at 9:22 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed the reporting party advised he met a subject to sell a pair of shoes from an online ad he placed. The subject requested to check the authenticity of the shoes, so he was handed the shoes. The suspect took the shoes and entered a nearby vehicle and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
December 13 at 9:50 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of W. Colorado regarding a vehicle theft. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary – Suspects Arrested
December 13 at 11:50 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of E. Duarte regarding a burglary in progress. A witness saw two subjects breaking the front window of the business. Officers arrived and located two suspects in front of the business near a forced open window. One of the suspects was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Plans to Move Historic Anderson House on Hold

Monrovia's historic Anderson House will stay where it is. The home, which the Historical Society and city were considering moving next door to the Monrovia Historical Museum in Recreation Park, won't be moved any time in the near future, according to Historical Society President Sandy Burud.

She said an analysis revealed that moving it would mean cutting it into two parts so it could fit below the trees on the way to the park, which would cause a lot of damage to the house (dislodging plaster, etc.) and trigger regulations that would require much new work on the structure. And that would  "defeat the purpose of preserving the historically pristine structure."

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Tacos Ensenada

Dinner tonight at Tacos Ensenada, on the north side of Huntington Drive across from the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Got a Burrito de Pescado (fish burrito) for $9.79 and an orange agua fresca for $2.99. Never had a fish burrito before and it was very good! Big, too. I should have taken half of it home for tomorrow … but I ate it all.

- Brad Haugaard

Carefree Harmony - A 60-Pound Bowling Ball


Two-year-old Harmony is an adorable low-rider who will bowl her way into your heart. Or your legs, if you’re not paying attention!

This 60-pound bowling ball seems to move through life without a care in the world. When she gets “the zoomies” and runs around the yard at Pasadena Humane, she has the appearance of a mini tornado- one that is laughing with a beaming smile the whole time.

When she finally slows down for a minute, Harmony adores getting a nice belly rub as she rolls around in the grass. She kicks her legs in the air like it’s the best thing ever.

Harmony has lived with other dogs, so she might like a friend with similar size and energy level. She’s also quite content to be the only apple of your eye!

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

Track Santa's Sleigh - Live

If you want to see where Santa's sleigh is right now, click here.

And 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 Officer Stings Bike Thwft Suspect


Monrovia Police report that on Dec. 10 Officer Park saw that a stolen bicycle from one of his prior cases from October was being listed on OfferUp. Park set up a meeting to “purchase” the bicycle and arrested the suspect. The stolen bicycle was returned to the victim.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Moving the Historic Blair House

Here is the historic Luther Blair House in the process of being moved to 508 S. Ivy. it was purchased by former City Historian Steve Baker in 1992 and moved from its location on Duarte Road to 512 S. Ivy, next door to his home. The roof was removed for transport. The house, and Baker's home, are currently being renovated into a bed and breakfast. From the Steve Baker collection. See details here and lots more 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

Multiple School District Buildings to be Re-Roofed

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will, among other things, consider ...

~ Hiring two roofing companies for $7.1 million (plus another $1.2 million for roofing materials) to re-roof Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, and Plymouth elementary schools, Santa Fe Middle School, Monrovia High School, Canyon Early Learning Center, the district offices, and the district's maintenance and operations facility.

~ Affirming (as required by law) that it can meet it's financial obligations for the next two years. It says it can. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Helps Churches in Mexico Following Hurricane

Pastor Angel Baez with supplies for churches in and around Acupulco.

Calvary Chapel Monrovia has been helping several sister churches in and around Acapulco, Mexico, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis. The Monrovia church's missions pastor, Angel Baez, has made several trips to provide food, supplies, and assistance, including helping with a soup kitchen that Calvary Chapel Acapulco has set up. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

PBS Program to Use Historical Society Photo to Show McDonald's First Restaurant in Monrovia

An early photo of the McDonald brother's fast-food Airdrome restaurant, from the Monrovia Historical Society's Legacy Project.

The Emmy-winning PBS show, Lost LA, will feature rare images of the first McDonald's stands from Monrovia's Legacy Project in an episode airing Jan. 2. Historical Society President Sandy Burud said, "The producers are still deciding which image will be used. Perhaps this one of the Airdrome, which was chopped in half and transported to San Bernardino where Richard and Maurice McDonald met Ray Kroc.

"Perhaps finally," she added, "the truth that McDonalds actually started in Monrovia will be told!"

The episode, titled "Fast Food and Car Culture," explores Southern California's role in the birth of major fast-food chains like McDonald's and their relationship with car culture. It will air Tues., Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal / Wed., Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. on KCET.

- Brad Haugaard

More Trains, Longer Hours for Metro Monrovia Service

In response to riders requesting more frequent and later rail service, on Dec. 10 Metro will implement the following changes to the A Line (formerly Gold Line, formerly L Line):

Weekday peak hour trains will operate every 8 minutes instead of 10 minutes.

Weekday midday and Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. trains will operate every 10 minutes instead of 12 minutes.

Two additional trains will be added at the end of the nightly schedule in each direction, extending service by an extra 40 minutes each night, weekdays and weekends, with later departures from Long Beach, APU Citrus, and Santa Monica after 11:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Kiwanis Presents Citrus Singers Dec. 14

Kiwanis Club of Monrovia presents the Citrus Singers of Citrus College on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. The program includes lunch, cost is $60 per person and you can RSVP  to tfrench@bowdendevelopment.com or gina@cibare.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Middle School Winter Concert Dec. 14


Clifton Middle School's Winter Concert will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Clifton  auditorium.  General seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. and early admission tickets for 6:00 p.m. seating will be sold for $5 per ticket. Light food and snacks will be available before and immediately after the concert.

- Brad Haugaard

Bookmark Design Contest Winners

Here are the winners of The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library bookmark contest, who were honored at the last City Council meeting. The 10 winners were chosen from among 127 entries for their unique art and design. The bookmarks are on display at the Monrovia Public Library, and you can get a copy for yourself.

- Brad Haugaard