Monrovia Offers Mental Health Assistance

Monrovians can now access Care Solace for free assistance in finding local mental health and substance treatment services, without using 911. This 24/7 service, funded by the city, offers a concierge to help navigate care options, handle insurance, and book appointments. Support for more than 200 languages.

Here's how it works:

• Call (888) 515-7881 or visit the Care Solace website
• Complete a brief screening
• Get matched and book an appointment

- Brad Haugaard 

Brush Clearance Inspections Start July 14

Monrovia's Fire and Rescue team will begin conducting brush clearance inspections on July 15. The city has partnered with Athens Services to provide roll-off bins to make clearing out brush easier. You can start making arrangements for brush disposal as early as May 1. Click here for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Traffic Violation Leads to Arrest for Domestic Violence; Car Repo Person Battered; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 25 – May 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 510 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Vandalism
April 25 at 1:19 a.m., employees from a business in the 300 block of W. Foothill reported that an unknown subject threw a rock through the window. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:58 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Pomona saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed the driver was unlicensed and the passenger was wanted by the Arcadia Police Department. The passenger arrested and taken into custody. 

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 10:37 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a subject who was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and the subject left. Officers were called back and the subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 7:31 p.m., while patrolling the area of Primrose and Linwood an officer saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. The bicyclist was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 7:54 p.m., in the area of Huntington and Magnolia, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding felony warrant out of Monrovia for Domestic Violence. The subject was arrested and booked before bonding out. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 1:12 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Ivy and Chestnut saw a motorist commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. The officer made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation confirmed that the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Residential Burglary
April 28 at 1:25 p.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Fifth reported a burglary that had occurred two weeks prior. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 28 at 6:54 p.m., a caller in the area of Mountain and Central reported a non-injury traffic collision between two vehicles. Officers arrived and cited the party who was found to be at fault. 

Petty Theft / Credit Card Fraud
April 28 at 7:06 p.m., a customer of a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington discovered someone stole her wallet while she was inside the store and the suspect had made several fraudulent transactions. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 29 at 2:10 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Greystone reported his vehicle stolen. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but could not locate it. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 8:57 a.m., officers were patrolling the 200 block of E. Evergreen and located two subjects inside an abandoned residence. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released in at the scene. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 11:31 a.m., while patrolling the area of Duarte and Shamrock an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The driver was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 29 at 3:43 p.m., a resident in the 1300 block of Orange called to report that his vehicle had been ransacked overnight and tools were taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 29 at 8:42 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Duarte and Magnolia saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation and cause a traffic collision. One of the parties complained of pain, but refused medical treatment. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 30, at 2:03 p.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Pomona an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation. The driver admitted to being in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 30 at 3:03 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower walked into the MPD lobby to report his wallet and credit cards stolen out of his vehicle. The credit cards were used at several locations before they were canceled. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
May 1 at 10:12 a.m., a battery was reported in the 900 block of Norumbega. Officers arrived and determined that the victim was attempting to repossess the suspect’s vehicle and the suspect battered the victim. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
May 1 at 10:38 a.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report that one of their windows had been broken overnight. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 3:06 p.m., a restaurant in the 800 block of W. Huntington called to report a subject was trespassing. Officers, made contact with the subject, and confirmed that he was in violation of a trespass authorization form. A computer search revealed the subject had two warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Fire
May 1 at 8:50 p.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the 900 block of E. Huntington. Officers and MFD arrived to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported. This investigation is continuing. 

Got Ice Cream at Moo Moo Mia

Stopped by Moo Moo Mia, an ice cream shop on the west side of Myrtle just across from the theater. Got a Peanut Butter Oreo scoop for $5.25 in a waffle bowl for an extra $1.15. Yummy!

- Brad Haugaard

Children's Star Wars-Themed Art At Library Saturday, May 4

Craft-tastic Star Wars-themed art event at the Library on May 4, from noon to 2 p.m. For children aged 6-11. No registration required. Children can make and take home a craft celebrating "May the Fourth." For more information email atolmasoff@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - May

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

Prayer at Fellowship Church on National Day of Prayer

Monrovia’s Fellowship Church will be open for corporate prayer from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Thursday, May 2, for the National Day of Prayer. The church, at 401 E. Huntington, will be praying for the world, our country, community, and the church. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Goofy Rhino Just Wants to Be Your Friend

Gentle and affectionate Rhino just wants to be your best friend! This handsome and goofy boy is just over a year old and very entertaining. He seems to have a wide-eyed wonderment of the world- every day brings something new and exciting!

Rhino is surprisingly mellow for a dog his age- he walks well on leash and just leans into you for as many pets as you can give him. He also responds very well to training and understands when it’s time to calm down.  

Rhino was recently out with the mobile outreach team and he had a great day out- meeting tons of new people, soaking up attention from kids and getting belly rubs. He’s also been on a couple field trips with the Pasadena Humane volunteers. He’s an avid hiker and is up for any adventure.

Come meet your new BFF, Rhino, today!

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

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30, and can be scheduled online. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

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.  

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

- Brad Haugaard 

Veterans Thank You Dinner Wednesday, May 1

Registration here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Family Feud Night at the Library Friday, May 3

Family Feud Night at the Library on Friday, May 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Open to teens and adults aged 13 and up. Register here. For more information email cescobedo@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8265.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Harry Fork and His Cows

Harry E. Fork's dairy on California Ave. in about 1896. Fork later had a bakery on Myrtle Ave. "Harry E. Fork is proprietor of the Monrovia Dairy, and we herewith show a few of his cows. His neat cottage home and dairy are situated on California Avenue, and a visit to his stables will convince anyone that the stock receives the very best of care. The cows are all high grade, testing from 100 to 120. He will keep nothing but the very best of stock obtainable, and consequently his customers are sure of getting good milk and cream." Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897. 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

New Artists Display at Community Center Tomorrow, April 28

- Brad Haugaard

Unity Center Fundraiser at The Derby

RSVP here. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Historical Museum Yard Sale

The Monrovia Historical Museum (742 E Lemon) will hold a yard sale on Sunday, May 5. Items may be museum duplicates or things that are not Monrovia-related. Museum hours that day will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

MOHPG Presents $1000 Check to Bradoaks School Following January Fire

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group presented a check for $1,000 to Principal Clavin McKendrick of Bradoaks Elementary School to help with the loss of teaching materials from the January 31 fire.

- Brad Haugaard

40th Annual Historic Home Tour

The 40th Annual Historic Home Tour will be held Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for $25 by May 3 at mohpg.org or $30 on the tour day. The tour features three museums and four craftsman bungalows on Wildrose Ave, along with vendors, vintage cars, music, and free homemade cookies and popcorn.

- Brad Haugaard 

Fundraiser to Support Monrovia Days Festival

Monrovia is hosting a community fundraiser to support the Monrovia Days Community Festival, ensuring a premier and affordable celebration. To donate or for more information, visit the site here or contact the Community Services department at 256-8232.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Coming Up May 16-19

Monrovia will celebrate its 138th anniversary with the Monrovia Days Parade on Myrtle Ave on May 16 at 7 p.m., highlighting Scholars and Champions. Then, on May 17-19, there will be a variety of events at Library Park, including a book sale, carnival rides, live shows, and a pie eating contest.
For a full list of events and times, please visit the Monrovia Day's website. To buy carnival wristbands, visit the event website. If you're interested in participating in the parade, complete an application and submit it to Eugene Suk at esuk@ci.monrovia.ca.us or contact him at 256-8281.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Health Group Must Pay $7 Million for False Medicare Claims

The United States and the State of California have reached a $7,084,000 civil settlement with Monrovia-based ReNew Health Group LLC, ReNew Health Consulting Services LLC, and two corporate executives for knowingly submitting false Medicare Part A claims for nursing home residents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, to conserve hospital beds, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services waived the requirement that a person must have had a hospital stay of at least three days (signaling an acute illness or injury) before reimbursing for skilled care in a nursing home. 

The United States and the State of California alleged that the defendants knowingly misused this waiver by routinely submitting claims for nursing home residents when they did not have COVID-19 or any other acute illness or injury, but merely had been near other people who had COVID-19.  Under the settlement, the defendants will pay $6,841,727 to the United States and $242,273 to the State of California, plus interest.

“False claims are anathema to the Medicare system, especially during a public health crisis,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada of the Central District of California. “This settlement agreement highlights my office’s determination to ensure our nation’s health care programs help those who actually need them.”

“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who sought to defraud such programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those who knowingly misused emergency waivers for personal gain.”

This investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government to redress false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery.  The settlement agreement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Bay Area Whistleblower Partners, to receive $1,204,280, plus interest, as its share of the settlement.  The case is captioned United States and State of California ex rel. Bay Area Whistleblower Partners v. ReNew Health Group LLC et al., No. 2:20-cv-09472 (C.D. Cal.).

Assistant United States Attorney Karen Y. Paik of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section are handling this matter with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

The claims settled by the United States and the State of California are allegations only, and there was no determination of liability.

Source: U.S. Justice Department press release 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: All Four Wheels Stolen; Woman With Axe; Plumbing Pipe Stolen; Bicycles Crash; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 445 service events, resulting in 73 investigations. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 18 at 1:00 a.m., officers were patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when an officer noticed a subject loitering in a park after hours. The subject had been cited several times in the past. He was arrested and cited. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 18 at 10:38 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain Ave regarding a vehicle burglary. Officers arrived and learned that the passenger door lock to a vehicle was broken and tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 18 at 8:37 p.m., graffiti was reported on walls in the area of Evergreen and Shamrock. Officers arrived and were unable to locate any suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 19 at 8:28 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock called to report four wheels were stolen off a parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
April 19 at 9:05 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Cherry called to report someone smashed a window to his vehicle. Officers arrived and determined that it was an attempt grand theft auto. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
April 19 at 9:42 a.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that three checks were forged. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
April 19 at 10:02 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a female subject with an ax. Officers arrived and located the female subject who was carrying a small hatchet. Officers determined she was a danger to others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Grand Theft
April 19 at 10:57 a.m., an employee from a business located in the 1800 block of S. Mountain called to report a grand theft. An investigation revealed the unknown suspect stole plumbing pipe from the exterior of the business. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 19 at 6:58 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a male subject he recognized from previous contacts. The officer made contact with the subject and a computer check revealed he had a no bail warrant for his arrest. A search determined he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 19 at 8:35 p.m., a witness in the area of California and Fig called to report that two male juvenile bicyclists crashed into one another. Officers and MFD paramedics responded and provided the bicyclists with medical treatment. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 20 at 8:33 a.m., officers responded to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a subject yelling and cursing. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Evading Police / Possession for sales – Suspects Arrested

April 20 at 9:18 a.m., while patrolling the area of Central and Mountain an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in violation of the vehicle code. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end in Pasadena where the driver fled from the vehicle on foot. A foot pursuit was initiated and the driver was apprehended quickly. Two passengers were located in the vehicle. A computer check revealed that the driver had a warrant for his arrest. A vehicle search revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention to sell. A passenger was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention to sell. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. The passenger was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 21 at 10:46 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of S. Fifth when he saw a parked motorcycle without a license plate. A DMV check revealed the motorcycle had been reported stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Tampering / Possession of Meth – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 7:55 p.m., a witness in the 800 block of W. Walnut called to report a female subject was breaking into a vehicle. Officers responded and located the female subject who was being detained by a witness. A computer check revealed she had warrants for her arrest. A search determined that she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 8:30 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Olive called to report that her child’s father threatened her. Officers arrived and made contact with the caller. The male subject was located in the area and a computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
April 21 at 9:33 p.m., officers were flagged down in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft in progress. The officers made contact with two subjects. One of the subjects was arrested for shoplifting and the other was arrested for being in possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Assault
April 21 at 9:41 p.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 100 block of E. Lime called to report subjects fighting and bleeding from their injuries. Officers arrived and located the victim who had an argument with several subjects that escalated to a physical altercation. The suspects fled prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 10:58 p.m., while patrolling the 100 block of N. Myrtle an officer saw a subject who appeared to be having difficulty walking. The officer made contact with the subject who was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 22 at 7:19 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Los Angeles reported that his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 9:20 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Pomona witnessed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. The officer made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 11:24 a.m., a passerby in the area of Evergreen and Myrtle called to report that a suspect was standing near the roadway and smoking an illegal substance. Officers arrived, located the suspect, and found him to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Bicycle Theft
April 22 at 7:16 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported his bicycle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collison
April 22 at 11:05 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of S. Canyon. The driver collided into two parked vehicles. No injuries were reported. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 12:59 a.m., while patrolling the 300 block of W. Huntington officers saw a suspicious person in the area. They stopped to talk to him. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 2:17 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a female walked in with injuries on her face. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who reported that her boyfriend had battered her and she had fled to the location. The suspect was located by the Pasadena Police Department. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 7:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding two male subjects involved in a verbal dispute. Officers contacted both subjects and discovered that one of the subjects had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 23 at 11:55 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called to report that her vehicle had been burglarized. This investigation is continuing. 

Outside Assist
April 23 at 6:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Maple regarding suspicious circumstances. A business owner advised a subject was pouring gasoline down a drain. Officers arrived and contacted two subjects. MFD, code enforcement and LA County HazMat were all dispatched to the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 7:13 p.m., while patrolling the 200 block of E. Huntington officers made contact with a subject who was on the property after hours. A search of the subject revealed he was in possession of multiple credit cards, driver licenses and social security cards not belonging to him. The suspect was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 24 at 4:31 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks reported her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 24 at 10:12 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Peck and Avora. The driver collided into a parked vehicle and suffered a hand injury. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 24 at 1:55 p.m., a caller in the 200 block N. Mayflower reported an electric scooter crashed into a student in a parking lot. The student sustained a laceration to his leg. 

Theft
April 24 at 4:13 p.m., a victim in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported multiple tools were stolen from his truck. This investigation is continuing.