Christopher Wiggan, 42, a homeless person, has been charged with murder in the shooting of Nicolas Gandara, a father of six who was trying to stop a dispute near his home on Duarte Road. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
State Captures House-Breaking Bear, But Is It Oreo?
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has captured a bear that recently broke into a house near Alta Vista and Hillcrest, walking out with a bag of Oreos, thus giving the bear the nickname Oreo. Hair from the bear will be tested to make sure it is really Oreo. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
The Crimson, New Entertainment Restaurant, Planned for Myrtle
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Homicide Near Duarte Road; Woman Throwing Rocks Gets Mental Evaluation; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Etc.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 9:01 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw possible drug activity. The officer made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary
May 30 at 10:14 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported that his apartment key and some jewelry was missing from his apartment. This investigation is continuing.
Mail Theft
May 30 at 10:29 a.m., a resident in the 20 block of Hidden Valley reported his mailbox was opened and mail stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Missing Located
May 30 at 11:00 a.m., while patrolling the 600 block of W. Huntington an officer made contact with a male subject. A computer check revealed the subject was reported missing out of Los Angeles. He was removed from the missing person's system.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 12:11 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Peck and Clark saw a vehicle in violation of a traffic code. The officer conducted a traffic stop and saw drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Fraud
May 30 at 12:12 p.m., a caller from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that they were in possession of fraudulent checks used to pay for services. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 12:20 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle officers made contact with three subjects in a park after posted hours. It was determined that the subjects were in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.
Petty Theft
May 31 at 8:14 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a male subject who stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
May 31 at 11:25 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported a theft from his unlocked vehicle. His wallet was stolen and fraudulent activity was reported on his credit cards. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
May 31 at 1:10 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported that a male subject entered the store, stole a watch from a display, and fled. This investigation is continuing.
Battery
May 31 at 3:39 p.m., a caller in the area of Monterey and Huntington stated she was standing on the corner holding up a sign when a subject in a vehicle threw a can at her and it struck leg. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 8:47 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Mountain and Huntington observed a vehicle commit traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. The driver 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.
Grand Theft Auto
May 31 at 9:53 p.m., a victim in a retail shopping center in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported her vehicle was stolen from the parking lot. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 1 at 1:14 a.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of S. Myrtle observed a person in a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 1 at 2:08 a.m., officers were alerted to a trespasser in the 600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
June 2 at 8:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Lime regarding a female subject threatening people and throwing rocks. Officers arrived and located the female and made contact with her. An investigation determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Homicide
June 2, 2024, at 9:22 p.m., the Monrovia Fire and Police Department were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Duarte Road after several callers reported hearing a gunshot. One caller reported a gunshot victim in front of her house and that the suspect fled north along the Santa Anita Wash. Officers arrived and found the adult male victim who had been shot and immediately began life saving measures. Officers located a person of interest running north along the wash. The victim was transported to a hospital for emergency care and was later pronounced deceased. The person of interest was located and detained by the Foothills Special Enforcement Team. This investigation is being handled by the LA County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 11:33 a.m., officers patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle and stopped to make contact with two subjects. The officers noticed drug paraphernalia on the ground next to both subjects. A search of the subjects revealed one of the subjects was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
June 5 at 8:11 a.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Evergreen and Mayflower. A report was taken.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
June 5 at 11:03 a.m., officers responded to the area of Fifth and Olive regarding a traffic collision. A report was taken.
Domestic Battery
June 3 at 7:18 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Olive came walked into the MPD lobby to report that her boyfriend slapped her the previous day. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 11:16 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of S. Mayflower when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject. A search revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Grand Theft
June 4 at 1:47 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Colorado was inside his home when he heard the sound of someone cutting metal outside so he called the police. Officers arrived and discovered a vehicle parked on the street had its catalytic converter stolen and the suspects were gone. The owner of the vehicle was contacted. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
June 4 at 8:19 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Duarte reported his work van had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 5 at 4:37 a.m., Arcadia Police Officers responded to the report of a stolen package from a residence in the 200 block of East Sycamore Avenue in the City of Arcadia. The package was equipped with a global positioning satellite (GPS) device and the officers followed its path into the City of Monrovia. While attempting to locate the tracked package, the Arcadia officers discovered a solo-vehicle traffic collision in the 300 block of West Maple in the City of Monrovia. Monrovia Police Officers responded to the scene and conducted the traffic collision investigation. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported by paramedics to local hospitals for injuries sustained in the collision. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the hospital and the passenger is still being treated for moderate injuries. This investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 5 at 11:07 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported his parked vehicle had collision damage. This investigation is continuing.
Drunk in Public
June 5 at 1:27 p.m., a caller in the area of Encino and Duarte reported a male subject drinking and arguing with the caller. Officers arrived and located the subject who was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Mental Evaluation
June 5 at 4:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a female subject asking for help. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who reported that she had been arguing with her boyfriend and he was breaking things in their home. Officer made contact with the male subject and determined he was a danger to himself and other. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Park Violation – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 12:09 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he located a male subject in a park after hours. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 1:43 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported a male in the street yelling. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Fundraiser Set Up for Family of Would-Be Peacemaker Shot Down Sunday Night
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created here to benefit the family of Nicolas Gandara, 38, who was shot down as he tried to keep things peaceful in a dispute between a homeless person and local residents near Duarte Road and the Santa Anita Wash. Gandara was married and had six children.
The fundraiser is attempting to raise $85,000, and has already raised $56,981 as of this writing.
- Brad Haugaard
Father of Six Was Victim of Shooting on Duarte Road
The man shot and killed near Duarte Road while trying to be a peacemaker between a homeless man and residents was Nicolas Gandara, 38, husband and father of six children. A homeless man has been arrested in connection with the killing. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Lord Empanada
Dinner at Lord Empanada, on the east side of Myrtle just south of the freeway. Got two empanadas (chicken and spinach/cheese) at $3.95 each and a bottle of water for $2. (Price per empanada goes down to $3.50 each if you order a dozen.) Very tasty.
- Brad Haugaard
June 4 City Council Meeting Summary: Bullying and Budget
Video of Council Meeting here.
Summary of Monrovia City Council Meeting - June 4th, 2024
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance:
- Invocation by Jason M., Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley.
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Larry Spicer.
Presentations and Proclamations:
- Proclaimed June 8, 2024, as Race Unity Day, recognizing the city's diverse fabric and commitment to social justice and equality.
- Proclaimed June 2024 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and the importance of equality and freedom.
Public Comments:
- Concerns about bullying at Wildrose Elementary School were raised by students and parents.
- Issues regarding harassment and false accusations at Mayflower Elementary School were brought up by a parent.
- Council members and the community showed support and directed the concerned individuals to speak with law enforcement present at the meeting.
City Manager’s Report:
- Update on incidents at Library Park, including vandalism of US flags and a shooting incident on Duarte Road.
- Assurance of ongoing investigations and cooperation with law enforcement.
Summer Teen Programming Overview:
- Presentation on the “Monrovia Spot” summer program for teens, including weekly themed events, competitions, and partnerships with local businesses.
Council Member Reports:
- Attendance and participation in various community events such as the California Joint Powers Insurance Agency summit, neighborhood conferences, and local farmers' markets.
- Encouragement of community participation in upcoming events and celebrations like Juneteenth and the summer reading kickoff at the library.
Administrative Report - Budget Update:
- Presented by Buffy Bullis, the fiscal year 2023-24 budget update highlighted a conservative financial approach with adjustments in revenues and expenditures.
- Discussion on the city’s financial philosophy, emphasizing conservative yet proactive financial management.
- Approval of budget adjustments and the fee schedule update.
Meeting Adjournment:
- The meeting adjourned in memory of Bob Dollins, a longtime resident, Canyon Park volunteer, and Navy veteran, expressing condolences to his family.
The next scheduled City Council meeting is on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 7:30 PM.
Suspected Package Thief Dies in Car Crash
A man suspected of stealing a package in Arcadia early Wednesday morning got into a solo accident in the 300 block of West Maple in Monrovia and died. A passenger in the car was injured. Police, who were tracking the GPS-equipped package, recovered the package and stolen mail. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Supervisors Request State Help in Dealing With Bears
The County Board of Supervisors has voted to request that the state Department of Fish and Wildlife provide more help dealing with bears for foothills communities, specifically Monrovia and Sierra Madre. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Summer Solstice Potluck June 20
- Brad Haugaard
Homeless Man Arrested In Connection With Duarte Road Murder
Christopher Wiggan, 42, a homeless man, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a Monrovia resident who was trying to prevent a fight on the 700 block of West Duarte Road, near Santa Anita Wash, Sunday night, the Star-News reports.
- Brad Haugaard
Mellow Odin Looking to Brighten Someone's Home
Eight-year-old Odin is a mellow dude who is ready to make someone’s home brighter!
Odin is a bit shy - he prefers to meet people at his own pace. The Pasadena Humane volunteers have been working with him to get him more comfortable, and it’s definitely working. He loves treats and that has been the best way to break the ice (and get him “talking”).
Odin has some vision impairment in one eye, but the veterinarians at the shelter have given an otherwise clean bill of health.
A quiet and patient home would be perfect for this sweet boy. He’ll surely shower his home with love and affection!
Odin and all other cats over 6 months old can be adopted at no charge throughout June (Adopt-A-Cat Month)!
The normal adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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
School District Anticipates Lawsuit Regarding California Voting Rights Act
- Brad Haugaard
Sunday Shooting Victim Was Trying to Be a Peacekeeper
The man who was shot in the neck Sunday evening and killed near the 700 block of W. Duarte Road, next to the Santa Anita Wash, was apparently a nearby resident who tried to be a peacekeeper in a dispute between a homeless man who appeared to be living next to the wash and local residents. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Feature Film Company
Newspaper photo of Monrovia Feature Film Co. "View of Motion Picture Plant Proposed by Monrovia Feature Film company, to be built at the head of Myrtle Ave [on Gold Hills], at a cost of approximately $200,000. Around 1916.
Hmmm. That's the recorded information about the photo, but a) it looks like it is more than "proposed," and b) it doesn't look like it's on Gold Hills. Maybe this was the existing studio set and a new set was planned for Gold Hills. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.
Electronics Repair Workshop at Library June 6
Electronics Repair Workshop, Thursday, June 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Library, for teens and adults. Participants will learn to use the library's new iFixit Pro Tech Toolkits to repair electronics, such as cracked phone screens or broken game consoles. An experienced repair person will demonstrate these tools. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Make Kites From Paper Bags - Craft at Library
Craft-tastic, Thursday, June 6, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Youth Services Area at the Library. Children 0-11 and their families can make kites and pinatas out of paper bags. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Craft-tabulous - Paint a Miniature Canvas at Library
Summer Craft-tabulous, Tuesday, June 4, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Library. Teens and adults (16 and up) can paint miniature canvases. Library will provide 3-inch canvases with magnet backs, acrylic paints, and other supplies, though participants are welcome to bring their own. Registration closes on June 4, at 3 p.m. Details. https://monrovialibrary.librarymarket.com/event/summer-craft-tabulous-8258
- Brad Haugaard
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