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Battle of Badges Raises $9,500 to Fight Cancer

Monrovia Police reports that it and the Monrovia Fire Department raised $9,500 to fight cancer for the City of Hope with its Battle of the Badges basketball game. (Fire Department won, by the way.)

- Brad Haugaard 

It's Christmastime! Creche and Cactus on Valmont Drive

Creche scene and inset of a lighted cactus.

The Christmas lights are up along Valmont Drive (Go north on Norumbega and left on Valmont) so it must be Christmastime.

Dinner at Domenico’s


Dinner at Domenico’s, on the south side of Huntington just east of Magnolia. Got a half order of of cheese ravioli for $14.95 from the 55+ menu and a beer for $7.95. It came with garlic bread and a dinner salad. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

School District's Business Services Officer Leaves

Jessica Garcia, Monrovia School District's Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, has departed the district. Interim Superintendent Flint Fertig said Garcia was an " invaluable team member," wished her well, and said a search for a replacement is underway. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Charged in Child Sex Abuse Case

A federal grand jury has charged Monrovian David Lisandro Perez Figueroa, 22, with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material depicting himself sexually abusing a toddler, according to the Justice Department. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Affectionate Alesana Has a Non-Stop Tail


This pint-sized pup is adorable Alesana, a one-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix.

Alesana is incredibly affectionate. She loves sitting by your side to get pets and give you gentle kisses. Her tail wags non-stop, especially when she gets some scratches or pets.

She has lived with other dogs and would probably do best with dogs her own size or larger. She’s very playful, but she doesn’t know her own size!

Alesana has working on her training cues and is very good at “sit”. Her fetching game needs a little work- she likes the idea of chasing a ball, but immediately returns to the person trying to play because getting pets is much easier, and more fun!

She is the perfect size to go for a hike with you on a trip to the beach. She won’t take up a lot of room in the car or on the couch for a cuddle when you’re back home!

Alesana and all other dogs can be adopted at no cost during the Roses and Wet Noses promotion going on at Pasadena Humane from 12/15 - 12/31. The promotion is sponsored by Pet Care Foundation, and hopes to highlight some of the amazing large dogs who are in need of adoption. Alesana would love to cuddle up with you on the couch and watch the Rose Parade in a couple weeks!

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

Craft Corner at Library Dec. 27


Craft Corner for 2-5 year-olds at the library, Dec. 27 10-11 a.m. No registration, supplies provided.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Inside a Tailor Shop in 1907

The interior of Louis Umbach's tailor shop on the east side of 600 block of S. Myrtle Ave. around 1907. From the Steve Baker 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

Crafting, Coding, 3D Printing for Teens, at Library Dec. 27

Pop-Up Makerspace on Dec. 27 at the library. Craft a zine, friendship bracelet, or buttons, explore coding with Sphero Mini Bots, or delve into 3D design and print your creation. Drop in anytime between 3:30 and 5 p.m. Open to grades 6-12, no registration required.

- Brad Haugaard

Smash Tournament at Library Dec. 22

Smash Tournament with low-stakes games. Watch the competition on the big screen or try other video games at a second setup. Open to all levels. Friday, Dec 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monrovia Public Library, Community Room

- Brad Haugaard

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