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Serve on City Commission or Board

The City is accepting applications until May 1 for for those interested in serving on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board, and Art in Public Places Committee. Informational meeting on April 11, interviews from May 13 to June 13, appointments on June 18, and terms starting on July 1. More information here

- Brad Haugaard 

See the Stars at Monrovia High


For the first time in a decade, Monrovia High’s Astronomy Club is opening its professional observatory to the public.‘See the Stars’ and learn about our skies and space. Free, from 5 - 10 p.m. at Monrovia High on Friday, April 12.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Man in Underwear; Gas Explosion; Bullet Through Car Window; Road Rage; Banging on Police Door; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 21 - 27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 442 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.  

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 11:42 a.m., an officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Primrose regarding a male subject in his underwear. Officers arrived and made contact with the male subject, who displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. An investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 12:41 p.m., an employee at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a female subject concealing items and fleeing without paying. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting
March 21 at 2:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington regarding a male subject who was concealing merchandise. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 2:40 a.m., while patrolling the area of Foothill and Poinsettia officers made contact with a pedestrian who appeared intoxicated. An investigation revealed the subject was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 12:29 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when he located a male adult in the park after hours. The male had been issued multiple citations and arrested for the same violation multiple times. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Fraud
March 23 at 9:56 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Hacienda came into the MPD lobby to report that someone forged her signature on a legal document. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
March 23 at 10:51 a.m., a loss prevention officer from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a subject stole merchandise and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Fire Assist
March 23 at 10:53 a.m., officers and MFD responded to a residential complex in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks regarding reports of an explosion. Officers arrived and saw that a window to an apartment was shattered and could smell gas. Residents were evacuated. One resident suffered burns and was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
March 23 at 2:23 p.m., a caller in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower reported that his vehicle was broken into. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 5:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Mountain and Huntington regarding a driver swerving in and out of lanes, possibly intoxicated. Officers arrived, located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Officers approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver who was displaying sings of being under the influence. 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
March 23 at 6:06 p.m., a caller reported a motorist was stopped in the middle Myrtle and Central and appeared to be sleeping. Officers arrived and contacted the driver, who was heavily intoxicated. 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. 

Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 10:16 p.m., an officer was patrolling a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington when he saw a suspicious male. He made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 1:01 a.m., while patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon an officer located a male adult in the park after hours. The male had been issued multiple citations and arrested for the same violation multiple times. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 1:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 600 block of S. Shamrock when he heard a woman scream. He located an intoxicated woman and determine she was a danger to herself. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 24 at 8:07 a.m., a resident of an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report that her husband's motorcycle was stolen out of a parking structure. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
March 24 at 10:19 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he was flagged down by a person claiming he'd been battered the previous evening. He had visible injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Suspicious Circumstance
March 24 at 10:29 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Evergreen called to report that it appeared one of the windows of her vehicle had been shot. Officers responded and found that a bullet had broken the vehicle's window. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 9:39 p.m., a caller reported a subject at the 600 block of E. Foothill possibly under the influence. Officers arrived and located a subject with a controlled substance next to him. A computer check revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
March 25 at 1:09 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of Duarte and California when they noticed a suspicious subject in the area and made contact with him. The officers determined that the subject was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Battery
March 25 at 6:44 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. El Norte called to report that he and his renter got into an argument and the renter punched him. There were conflicting statements and no injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 7:31 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle called to report a subject acting erratically and possibly armed with a weapon. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Burglary
March 25 at 8:23 a.m., a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck called to report that material were stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 8:46 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Hurstview called to report that an unknown subject was on her property acting erratically. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject, who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Residential Burglary
March 25 at 6:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Terrace View regarding forced entry into the caller son’s home while he is away. Officers arrived and located a broken window. It is unknown exactly what was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 12:46 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon noticed a subject sleeping in a park after hours. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Warrant Arrest / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 3:17 a.m., while patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte and officer noticed a bicycle in violation of a traffic code. A computer search revealed the subject had warrants for his arrest. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 26 at 6:56 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Walnut called to report that his van was stolen some time overnight. Officers responded and checked the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity
March 26 at 10:33 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of W. Chestnut when he was flagged down regarding a suspicious person at a business nearby. The officer contacted the subject, who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was issued a citation on the scene. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 11:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of S. Shamrock regarding multiple subjects loitering on the steps of a business. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was in possession of drug paraphernalia and the other had a warrant for his arrest. One of the subjects was arrested, cited and released at the scene. The other subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest
March 26 at 12:27 p.m., officers were dispatched140 E Palm to a report of a disturbing subject at a church in the 100 block of E. Palm who was trying to steal from the thrift shop. Officers arrived and determined the subject was a known local transient. She had a prior felony warrant, and was arrested, booked, and housed. 

Missing Person
March 26 at 7:43 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported her adult daughter missing. She was entered as a missing person. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
March 26 at 11:36 p.m., an officer was alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Peck and Wyland. The officer checked the area and located the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 1:36 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation in the area of Huntington and Mountain. When they contacted the driver, they noticed two large containers of drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
March 27 at 11:07 a.m., a pedestrian in the 800 block of W. Foothill called to report that he and another person got into a physical altercation with one another during a road rage incident. Both parties suffered minor injuries and neither wanted prosecution. 

Mental Evaluation
March 27 at 10:50 p.m., a male subject was banging on the MPD lobby doors after hours. Officers made contact with the subject and determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Easter Services in Monrovia


 Here are some Easter services in Monrovia. There are more churches than these, but these are the ones for which I found Easter services specifically noted. If I missed any, let me know. 

Calvary Chapel Monrovia 8, 9:30, 11:30 a.m. (Myrtle and Cherry). Library Park service cancelled due to expected rain.

Fellowship Church 8:30, 10, 11:45 a.m. (Huntington and California) 

First Presbyterian 10:30 a.m. (Foothill and Myrtle)

Hope Unlimited Church 8:30, 10, 11:30 a.m. (1900 Walker Ave)

Immaculate Conception  8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon. in church; 10:15 a.m. (English) and 12:15 p.m. (Spanish) in Parish Hall. (740 S Shamrock)

International Full Gospel Fellowship (IFGF)  10:30 a.m. (Palm and Primrose)

St. Luke's Episcopalian Church 10 a.m. (Foothill and California) 

- Brad Haugaard

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Easter Service in Library Park Moved to Church - Rain

Because of predicted rain, Calvary Chapel Monrovia, which was planning to hold its Sunday Easter service in Library Park, has changed the location to its church building (corner of Myrtle and Cherry) at its regular Sunday times, 8, 9:30, and 11:30 a.m.

The church will also hold a Good Friday service at the church on Friday, March 29 at 5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Old Town Pizza


Dinner at Old Town Pizza, on the east side of Myrtle right across from the library. We got an extra large pepperoni and sausage pizza for $25 and a beer for $5 (happy hour price). Tasty! I ate more than I intended. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Is Again Finalist in All-America City Award

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that Monrovia has been named a finalist for the All-America City Award for the second consecutive year by the National Civic League. This year's application focuses on “Strengthening Democracy through Local Action and Innovation,” and highlights initiatives such as the Monrovia Area Partnership, KGEM-TV, and City Hall School Tours in partnership with the Monrovia Unified School District.

- Brad Haugaard

Saturday Easter Egg Hunt Canceled - Rain Predicted

Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day canceled. Rain expected.

- Brad Haugaard

Set for Life Sponsoring Planetarium Trip, May 2, and Love Life Celebration, May 4



On May 2 and May 4, SET for LIFE - a volunteer  organization to help African Americans and people of color live healthier, happier, and longer lives - will, on May 2, sponsor a trip for seniors 80 and older to Griffith Park Planetarium with a restaurant lunch, and then, on May 4, will sponsor 2nd Love LIFE celebration, a family event with live performances, a DJ, dance floor, miniature golf, rock climbing, arts and crafts, food trucks and dessert.

The bus pick-up for the planetarium trip is 9:30 a.m., May 2, at Second Baptist Church Monrovia (925 S. Shamrock). Details and registration here

The Love LIFE celebration will be held May 4, 2-6 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 S Shamrock. Details and tickets here

For further information email info@setforlifenews.org or call 408-8245.

- Brad Haugaard

Coffee Is a Quick Learner, Goofball - And Adorable, Too!


Happy-go-lucky Coffee is an adorable six-month-old pit bull mix puppy sure to make every day start with a smile!

This smart guy is ready to move to the head of a training class - he is an expert on numerous training cues, and he learns new things very quickly. He is eager to please and loves a treat- great motivators for additional training!

Coffee has spent some time in a foster home and got along well with the other dog in the home. He is very sociable with people of all ages, too. In fact, he seems to thrive on attention!

He recently got to have an adventure with the Pasadena Humane mobile outreach team at an adoption event. He loves going on walks, splashing in puddles and being a lovable goofball.

We’re buzzing about Coffee- we're sure you will be, too!

Coffee and all other dogs over 6 months old can be adopted for only $25 during Pasadena Humane’s Love is Blooming promotion from April 4 – 14!

The normal adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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 released every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Daughter of Monrovia's Pottenger Sanatorium Dies at Age 94

Margaret Pottenger, 94, the daughter of  the founder of the Monrovia's historic Pottenger Sanatorium, died March 12 of this year in Tustin, California. Margaret Pottenger was the daughter of Francis M. Pottenger, whose sanatorium, now gone, treated tuberculosis patients in north Monrovia. Details.



A Moment in Monrovia History: At the Monrovia Airport in 1938

Monrovia Airport January 24, 1938. North end of field. Fairchild KR21, Kinner K-5 100 H.P.NC-209V, Ralph Wiggins. Al Blackburn in plane, Lillian Irwin and Cookie Ed Cook. From the Gary Boen 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

Free Play Video Gaming at Library Thursday, March 28


Video Game Free Play Thursday, March 28, at the library. Video gaming on a big screen from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., featuring a Nintendo Switch with various multiplayer games for children aged 6-11. Adults must accompany their children. No sign-up necessary. For information contact: jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

LEGO Free Play at Library Saturday, March 30


LEGO Free Play, Saturday March 30, 1 to 3 p.m. at Library. For children 2-12 can build and play with LEGO materials. Adults must stay and engage with their children throughout event. No registration required. For more information contact: jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Makerspace Wednesday, March 27, at Library


Teen Makerspace, Wednesday, March 27, in the Teen Area of the Library. For students grades 6-12, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Resources include supplies for creating zines, friendship bracelets, pins, buttons, and more, along with tech exploration like coding with Sphero Mini Bots and 3D design and printing. Drop-in attendance is allowed, registration not necessary. For information contact: acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Guild Tea to Benefit Children's Hospital

Tea for Children's Hospital, sponsored by the Monrovia Guild of Children's Hospital. Tickets available here.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Watercolor Painting Class March 27

- Brad Haugaard

Kingdom of Caid Tournament in Recreation Park

 



The Kingdom of Caid, of the Society for Creative Anachronism, is holding its "Martial Consort’s Champion for Her Majesty Mercedes Eirnyardóttir," today (Saturday), at Recreation Park. The Barony of Angels, which includes Monrovia, is hosting the event.

Participants told me the society was founded in Berkeley, California, as an outgrowth of a themed birthday party. The party-goers had so much fun they just kept it going, and now it's a worldwide organization. The focus is on recreating the Middle Ages, but, as one participant told me, the Middle Ages "as we would like them to be." In other words, with flush toilets.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Students Going to Washington D.C. for Computer Coding Challenge

At its next meeting (agenda here )the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider approving an April 9 field trip to Washington D.C. for three Monrovia High School students for the Congressional App Challenge, "House of Code," Invitational in Washington, D.C., from April 9 to 12 to demonstrate their app, showcase their computer coding skills and network with government officials and tech industry leaders. Details

~ Receive these schools' open house schedule:

  • Canyon Early Learning Center - Thursday, March 28; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy - Tuesday, April 23; 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Wild Rose School of Creative Arts - Tuesday, April 16; 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Canyon Oaks HS/Mt. Park School - Thursday, April 11; 6 to 7 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Adoption Event at Monrovia Petsmart

Dog adoption event with Pasadena Humane Society at Petsmart Monrovia (745 W Huntington)11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23. 

- Brad Haugaard