News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Monrovia Police: Woman Scammed Out of $6,000 by Fake Tech Support; Robbery Suspect Arrested; Employee Attacks Manager When Fired; Drunks; Etc

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 25 – 31. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 346 service events, resulting in 67 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 25 at 11:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to a shopping center in the 100 block of W. Huntington regarding an intoxicated male subject. Officers arrived and locate the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
January 25 at 12:20 p.m. fraud was reported in the 600 block of W. Palm. The victim reported that she responded to she received check from an online platform as a form of payment. The checks were fraudulent and overdrew the victim’s account. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
January 25 at 2:46 p.m., a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft that had occurred the day before. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 25 at 11:56 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Duarte and Myrtle. The suspect vehicle and driver were located in the 200 block of W. Colorado. Officers made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
January 26 at 12:02 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Maple reported that she was scammed out of $6,000 in gift cards. She was having computer issues and called a number she found using Google for tech support and the person on the phone told her to purchase those gift card. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
January 26 at 2:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of May called to report that five to six Amazon packages were stolen from her front door. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 26 at 2:37 p.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Duarte regarding a hit and run traffic collision. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 10:11 p.m., while patrolling the area of Peck and Clark and officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence with the driver’s child inside the vehicle. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 1:11 a.m., officers were patrolling the 600 block of S. Shamrock when the officer located multiple subjects throughout the park after hours, in violation of the city's municipal code. The subjects were arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 1:32 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to advise a male subject stole had stolen merchandise. Officers arrived and located the subject who admitted to stealing. The items were recovered. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 4:18 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject was confronted for shoplifting, the suspect brandished a knife, and left the business. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival, but was located later in the day and positively identified by the loss prevention officers. He was found to be in possession of knives and a BB gun resembling a real firearm. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 12:04 a.m., residents in the 900 block of W. Colorado called to report a solo traffic collision into the wall of a home. A child inside the home suffered non-life threatening injuries. The child as transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 1:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Huntington when they saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection with its hazard lights on. The officer stopped and found the driver was working for Uber, and the passenger had vomited inside the car. The passenger was found to be so heavily intoxicated that he was unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 6:13 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject outside the location was possibly smoking narcotics and drinking in public. He was asked to leave but he refused. Officers arrived and located the subject who was in possession of an open container of alcohol. An investigation revealed he was intoxicated in public. He was arrested and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Missing Located
January 29 at 3:54 a.m., officers were alerted to a missing person in a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She was removed from the missing person system.

Battery
January 29 at 7:55 a.m., a manager of a business in the 1600 block of California called to report that one of his employees had just assaulted him after being notified that he was fired. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
January 29 at 12:13 p.m., a representative of a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington called to report that one of their storage rooms had been burglarized and a large amount items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 29 at 7:41 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Magnolia and Evergreen. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
January 29 at 8:47 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Chestnut. The owner reported that items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
January 29 at 10:10 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of S. Primrose reported a battery. The victim stated that she was involved in a verbal argument with a male subject who physically hit her in the head several times. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
January 30 at 7:11 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported that a male subject walked in and took the money tray from the dispenser and left. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 9:41 pm, several callers in the area of Central and Mountain reported a traffic collision. One of the callers described a female subject who was attempting to flee on foot. Officers arrived and located the female subject who displayed symptoms of being under the influence a short distance away. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Structure Fire
January 31 at 7:41 a.m., a structure fire was reported in a school in the 900 block of E. Lemon Ave. Police and Fire personnel were dispatched. All students and staff were safely evacuated and the fire was extinguished. Fire investigators will work on determining the cause of the fire.

Vehicle Burglary
January 31 at 6:37 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Huntington called to report that her motorhome was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 7:29 p.m., a loss prevention officer from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a subject who had stolen items. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. The subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, identifications belonging to another person, and stolen property. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Current Local Job Opportunities - February

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

There is also a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.

- Brad Haugaard


Dinner at TK Cafe Hawaiian Barbecue


Dinner at TK Cafe, the Hawaiian barbecue place in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. Got the Spicy Chicken with Onion for $11.78 and a milk tea for $4.35. There actually are veggies here, they’re just buried under all that chicken. So, very tasty, very good price and I think I actually got about three meals out of it. 

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Erupts at Bradoaks School

A fire broke out at Bradoaks Elementary School this morning at about 7:45 a.m. Firefighters responded and knocked down the blaze by about 8:15 and classes were canceled. More.  Billows of black smoke were visible from about a mile away (I was in the hills and could easily see it).

- Brad Haugaard

Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Dinners Fridays, February 16-March 29

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools' Arts Promoter - Patrick Garcia - Is Retiring


After more than 30 years at the Monrovia School District, Patrick Garcia, Director of Performing Arts and Producing Artistic Director for the Taylor Performing Arts Center, is retiring.

- Brad Haugaard

Good Girl Jasmine - Loves People and Dogs


Jasmine is a beautiful bull terrier mix. She’s two years old, and full of fun! This beautiful girl is loving, cuddly and can’t wait to meet you!

Jasmine has been hanging out in a foster home, and her foster family says she’s doing well. They report that she's an excellent dog. She gets along with everyone in the family and is good with every dog she's met so far.

Jasmine appears to be crate-trained and responds to other training as well. She likes her toys but will happily give them to you if you want. What a good girl!

She’s only 35 pounds, so she’s the perfect size for snuggling on the couch next to you.

Jasmine and all other animals over 6 months old can be adopted for only $14 from February 8 – 18, during Pasadena Humane’s Make Your Heart Happy-Adopt A Pet promotion!

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. Daily adoption appointments

can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in appointments are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00 beginning Monday, 2/6. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Rotary To Package 35,000 Meals for Ukraine


Monrovia Rotary Club invites the public to help at its Feeding Friends service project on February 10, 8 a.m. at Monrovia High School’s Old Gym. The goal is to package 35,000 meals for people in need in Ukraine. No registration needed. Email service@monroviarotary.com for more information.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia High Debating Team in 1903-4

1903-1904 Monrovia High School debate team. L to R Back row: Beulah Dingman (Married Henry Gierlich), Love Seymour, Florence Jackson. Front row: Homer Barka, Clyde R. Burr. 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

Lunar New Year Celebration at Library Saturday


There will be a Lunar New Year Celebration at the Library this Saturday, Feb. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. This is the Year of the Dragon, so there will be a lion and dragon dance by Field Elementary School. Following the performance there will be crafts in the Youth Services area. No registration required. For more information call 256-8269 or email asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Hiring Corsca Group to Find New Superintendent


The Monrovia School Board will hold a special meeting Tuesday (agenda here) to consider hiring The Cosca Group of Costa Mesa for up to $21,500 to find a new school superintendent. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Supports Adding City Historian's Homes to National Register of Historic Places


The city has submitted a letter of support for the homes of late City Historian and Treasurer, Steve Baker, to be included on the National Register of Historic Places, according to City Manager Dylan Feik. The homes, at 508 and 512 S. Ivy, are under construction to become an historic inn. Feik said there are several volunteer groups working to preserve the city's history: The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, Monrovia Historical Society and Monrovia Historic Museum Foundation.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Department Seeks Volunteers For Citizen Patrol


Monrovia Police Department is looking for volunteers for its Citizen Patrol. Volunteers assist with graffiti patrols, subpoena service, school crossings, traffic control, neighborhood watch, and crime prevention. Candidates must attend a Citizens Academy, fill out lots of forms, undergo a background check and an interview. To volunteer or for more information call the Monrovia Police Department Community Activist Policing Bureau at 256-8020.

- Brad Haugaard

City Proposes Higher Monthly Sewer and Water Bill - Estimated $7.71 More For Single Family Residences


Monrovia is proposing to increase sewer and water rates an estimated $7.71 more per month. Sewer and water rates haven't been adjusted since 2020 and 2022, respectively, according to City Manager Dylan Feik, and since the last updates, costs for operating both utilities have increased. Above is an estimated monthly increase for a single-family residential customer based on 10 units of water usage. Discount programs will still be offered to seniors, veterans, low-income, and Lifeline customers. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Art, Magic, Music and Refreshments This Sunday at Community Center


Art, magic, music and refreshments will be at the Artist Alley Gallery Reception, from 2 to 5 p.m.this Sunday at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave. There will be new art on display and for sale by four Monrovia Association of Fine Arts artists, Karl Washington will perform his magic show, art from the Clifton and Santa Fe middle schools art competition will be on display, and there will be live music and refreshments donated by Rivanis Baking Company and the Wine of the Month Club. Free admission and all are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Health Fair With Health Screenings Feb. 10

There will be a free Fit Fair and Clinic with health screenings at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm) Saturday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., sponsored by the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association. Details here

- Brad Haugaard

'Wizard of Bras' Shop Closing

The store, Creative Woman, also known as The Wizard of Bras, is closing in March. The store has been in business on Myrtle just south of the freeway since 1975. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Arrested Making Off With Gardening Truck; Man Punches Elderly Employee, Steals a Drink; Catalytic Converters Being Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 18 – 24. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 332 service events, resulting in 81 investigations. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 18 at 8:05 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington involving three parked vehicles. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 18 at 1:18 p.m., an injury traffic collision between a bicyclist and a vehicle was reported in the area of Mayflower and Huntington. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries and complained of pain. He was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Reckless Driving
January 18 at 10:51 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1100 block of E. Huntington when he heard the sound of a vehicle driving recklessly. The vehicle was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 19 at 8:08 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Lemon reported that someone broke into his garage and stole his bike. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 19 at 8:32 a.m., a grand theft auto was reported in the 400 block of W. Palm. This investigation is counting.

Theft / Fraud
January 19 at 8:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Linwood reported that her purse was stolen from inside her vehicle. This investigation is counting.

Grand Theft
January 19 at 9:19 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of N. Fifth advised that sometime during the night, the catalytic converter to his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Pursuit / Felony Evading / Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 10:49 a.m., a victim in the area of Grand and Foothill reported that his truck full of gardening equipment had just been stolen. Officers located the vehicle nearby as it was getting into the 210 freeway. When the vehicle exited the freeway, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled and came to rest after it collided. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot and officers located him a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery / Elder Abuse
January 19 at 11:34 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported a robbery where he was injured. An investigation revealed that when the suspect entered the business with a backpack, the employee, who is elderly, put his hands on the backpack and told the suspect he could not enter with it. The suspect punched the employee in the face, entered the business, grabbed a drink and as he was about to exit, the victim got in front of the suspect to prevent him from leaving but the suspect pushed him out of the way and fled the scene. MFD responded and treated the employee at the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 19 at 11:48 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Hillcrest reported that the catalytic converter to his vehicle was stolen while parked in his driveway. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
January 19 at 4:04 p.m., the caller in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported mail stolen from her mailbox. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
January 19 at 4:17 p.m., a caller from a business in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported tools were stolen from inside of a work vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 10:30 p.m., officers were patrolling the 600 block of S. Shamrock and found two adults loitering in the park after hours. Both subjects were arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Shoplifting
January 19 at 11:10 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male and female subject, entered the store, took merchandise and left without paying. The subjects were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 20 at 10:30 a.m., a caller in the 3100 block of S. Peck reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 20 at 10:57 a.m., officers responded to the area of Duarte and Mayflower regarding a vehicle injury traffic collision. One of the parties sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Mental Evaluation
January 20 at 12:07 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 100 block of W. Central. The caller stated that his roommate was damaging property inside of the apartment. An investigation revealed the subject had damaged property inside of the residence with a hammer, and made suicidal statement to the officers about wanting to kill himself and hurt other people. It was determined he was a danger to himself and to others. He was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 6:13 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Sesmas reported his girlfriend had become upset with him and began hitting him. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed the girlfriend was the aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Criminal Threats / Vandalism
January 20 at 8:37 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Ivy reported a male subject had just shattered the front window to his home and yelled that he was going to kill him. The resident said the subject was staying in the house, but the resident did not want him back in the house. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 1:36 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Olive when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. 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.

Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested
January 21 at 6:13 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Pomona regarding a burglary in progress. As officers were arriving a suspicious vehicle with several subjects inside was fleeing. The officer approached the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop with five subjects inside and property stolen from the business. The suspect were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
January 21 at 10:34 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Maple reported that the catalytic converter to his vehicle was stolen sometime between January 18 and January 20. This investigating is continuing.

Vandalism
January 21 at 12:50 p.m., graffiti was reported on a wall in the 600 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 21 at 2:37 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of Melrose reported a theft from his vehicle in the 300 block of Melrose. The victim forgot to lock his vehicle and sometime between January 18 and January 21, someone entered his vehicle and property. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 22 at 5:15 a.m., a victim in the 600 block of Monterey reported two male subjects were stealing the catalytic converter to her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 3:29 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Central called to report a male subject breaking things. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Grand Theft Auto
January 22 at 6:03 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report his vehicle stolen. This investigation is counting.

Theft
January 22 at 9:03 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of Montana. The victim reported the tailgate to his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Unlawful Fire
January 23 at 1:48 a.m., an officer observed smoke coming from the 700 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and determined it was created by several subjects. The fire was extinguished by MFD and the subjects were cited for the violation.

Embezzlement
January 23 at 8:07 a.m., a business owner in the 900 block of W. Foothill called to report that a former employee had stolen business checks, forged signatures, and cashed them to his personal account. Officers contacted the subject, who admitted the theft and forgery. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run
January 23 at 7:36 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Greystone called to report a vehicle struck his parked vehicle and the driver ran away. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
January 24 at 3:00 a.m., a female subject in the 600 block of E. Colorado called to report that her husband was arguing with her and abused her. Officers arrived and observed that both the male and female subject had been drinking. An investigation determined the couple had been arguing and the female subject hit the male subject numerous times. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
January 24 at 4:34 a.m., officers were alerted to a burglary in progress in the 1100 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and the subjects were gone prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
January 24 at 8:03 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of Violet called to report a theft. Items totaling more than $550 were stolen from his vehicle overnight. The victim reviewed surveillance camera footage, which captured the crime in progress. This investigation is continuing.

Loitering
January 24 at 11:40 p.m., officers responded to a call to the Boys and Girls Club regarding subjects sleeping at the front doors. The officers located 2 subjects sleeping by the front doors. They were identified and cited for loitering in a park after hours. This is the second time for one of them being cited for this same reason. They were both cited and released in the field. The subjects cleared the area without incident.

February Free Garden Seminars


The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is sponsoring two garden seminars next month. Both free but registration required.

Tuesday, Feb, 13, from 6-8 p.m. there will be a virtual workshop on California-friendly native plants. Details and register here

Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9-10:45 a.m. there will be an in-person Hands-on Garden Design workshop at 248 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia. Details and register here

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at 38 Degrees


Dinner at 38 Degrees, on the south side of Colorado half a block east of Myrtle. Got the taco plate with fish, pork and brisket tacos for $13.50, and a beer for $7.  Delicious.

- Brad Haugaard