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Monrovia High Soccer Star Helps Win National Championship

Amara Mercado, a top player for Monrovia High School's girls soccer team, played this summer for the 17-years-old-and-younger girls (U17) Legends Football Club of the Elite Clubs National League team, based in Eastvale, California. The team won the national championship, and didn't just squeak by their opponents, but outscored them 12-1 over three games. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Youth Baseball League Ranks High - 9th Out of 68 at Cooperstown


Monrovia Youth Baseball League congratulated at July 16 Council Meeting for outstanding season performance. The league placed ninth out of 68 teams at Cooperstown. League anticipates future successful seasons. Visit league website for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Museum Now Open Thursdays and Sundays


The Monrovia Historical Museum at Recreation Park (742 E. Lemon Avenue) is now open Thursdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Exhibits showcase local culture and history since 1886. Free admission.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Begin Recognizing Monrovia Babies

The City Council will begin recognizing new Monrovia babies at its regular meetings. Contact City Clerk's Office at 932-5599 or cityclerk@monroviaca.gov. Provide baby's full name, birth date, parents' names, address, and phone number. Special memento mailed to families.

- Brad Haugaard

Cooling Center Open for Weekend at Community Center

Hot? Monrovia's Cooling Center opens at Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.) tomorrow, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. All ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by guardians. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Themed Merchandise Available at City Hall


If you want a Monrovia-themed gift item, there is a city store in City Hall that offers a variety of Monrovia-themed merchandise, including shirts and Christmas ornaments. Also available online here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shoplifters Walk Out With Refrigerator; Peeing in Public; Robber Threatens Employee With Taser; Thieves Take Copper Wire; Cops Break In to Help Sick Man; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 11 – 17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 466 service events, resulting in 80 investigations.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 10:47 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of S. Mountain regarding a male subject taking items from a recycling bin. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who admitted to taking an item. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 11:11 a.m., a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject walked into a fitting room and left behind items and stole property. Officers arrived and located the male subject. He was found in possession of the stolen property. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
July 11 at 4:25 p.m., a caller in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks advised she was scammed by someone pretending to be a representative from a bank. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
July 11 at 3:30 p.m., a victim working in the 500 block of Alta Vista reported tools stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 2:30 a.m., officers were dispatched the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a fight in progress. A male subject involved was gone prior to officers’ arrival. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away displaying symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined he was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period and citation.

Vandalism
July 12 at 4:16 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of E. Lemon called to report someone smashed a window to the driver's door of his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 6:10 p.m., an employee from a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a known shoplifter was in the process of stealing items. Officers arrived and located the subject outside of the store. The subject was found to be in possession of the stolen property. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 6:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a suspicious person wandering the parking lot, possibly attempting to enter into vehicles. Officers located the subject short distance away and made contact with him. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 6:52 p.m., residents in the 100 block of N. Alta Vista called to report a suspicious male subject in the area. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 7:23 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Huntington and Mayflower saw a vehicle commit a violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the occupants were contacted. A computer search revealed one of the occupants was wanted on a probation violation. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 8:18 p.m., a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a female subject stole merchandise. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
July 12 at 8:50 p.m., a retail store in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report two subjects stole merchandise and fled. Officers responded to the area but were not able to locate the suspect vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 4:12 a.m., a caller reported a subject loitering in a car lot in the 1400 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and located the subject. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 7:39 p.m., an officer patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer check revealed the driver revealed had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 9:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Colorado and Madison regarding a female subject possibly stealing mail. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She displaying signs and symptoms of being under the influence. An investigation revealed she was unable to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
July 13 at 11:32 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Lemon reported that someone broke into his work vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Urinating in Public – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 4:35 p.m., a witness in the area of Foothill and Myrtle reported a male subject urinating in the area. Officers arrived and located the male subject. The caller desired prosecution. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
July 13 at 6:28 p.m., a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that two unknown subjects entered the store with a dolly, loaded a refrigerator on the dolly, and walked out of the store with it. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
July 13 at 9:27 p.m., an employee from a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject stole merchandise and left the location. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Tampering
July 13 at 9:42 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Shamrock called to report his truck had been tampered with. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
July 14 at 7:30 a.m., a caller in the 1800 block of Encino reported a male subject drove by, broke her windshield and rear window and drove away. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 8:24 a.m., a resident from a complex in the 400 block of W. Duarte reported a suspicious subject. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 9:55 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported a suspicious male outside her complex, he had followed her home. She was afraid he was waiting for her to come out. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic. An investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
July 14 at 9:58 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of Diamond reported someone used his personal information to fraudulently open a phone line. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
July 14 at 11:44 a.m., two victims walked into the MPD lobby to report that they were assaulted the night before. Both victims suffered injuries and MFD responded and provided care at the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 6:45 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male subject had just stolen items and when confronted by employees, he threatened them with a taser. Officers arrived, searched the area and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
July 15 at 4:50 a.m., an alarm company reported two suspicious male subjects in a yard in the 1400 block of California, stealing copper wire. The subjects were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
July 15 at 6:46 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Walnut called to report someone crashed into his vehicle while it was parked overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
July 15 at 10:35 a.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported their bank information had been stolen and a fraudulent check was made. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose
July 15 at 5:07 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of N. Ivy reported a possible overdose. Officers responded and located the subject. Officers administered a dose of Narcan and revived the subject who was transported to a hospital by MFD.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 16 at 2:13 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1800 block of S. Mountain saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the bicyclist. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 16 at 8:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 1200 block of N. Myrtle regarding a suspicious person. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery
July 16 at 9:32 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Los Angeles reported her neighbors fighting. Officers arrived and found the fight was over. One of the subjects had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. The other subject involved was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 2:13 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Valle Vista reported her roommate fought with him causing minor injuries. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 10:52 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a subject possibly squatting in an empty unit. Officers arrived and made entry into the unit. A male subject was located inside. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Welfare Check
July 17 at 11:20 a.m., a caller requested a welfare check on a male subject who was not answering phone calls in the 600 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and had force entry into the home. The male subject was located and was in need of medical care. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Found Property
July 17 at 3:05 p.m., a hiker in the 1200 block of N. Canyon reported finding shell casings on a path. Officers responded and took the shell casings for found property. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
July 17 at 3:55 p.m., while patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery
July 17 at 7:45 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Ave reported a couple was inside their store stealing merchandise. The couple left the store without paying for the items and when confronted, the male half threatened to assault the victim. The couple was located nearby at the train station and was identified by the victim. Only merchandise from the male was recovered at the scene. The male half was arrested and transported to the MPD jail.

Curfew
July 17 at 10:30 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Genoa reported someone was breaking into her house. Officers arrived and detained two juvenile subjects matching the description. An investigation revealed the juveniles kicked the resident’s door and ran. The juveniles were arrested, cited and released to their parents.

Grand Theft Auto / Runaway
July 17 at 11:43 p.m., a resident 200 block of W. Pomona reported their juvenile daughter stole a vehicle and cell phones. The runaway juvenile and vehicle were entered into the system.

Foothill Myrtle Starbucks Now Open


This new Starbucks at the southeast corner of Myrtle and  Foothill opened this evening.

- Brad Haugaard 

Lunch at LeRoy‘s


Lunch yesterday at LeRoy‘s, on the north side of Huntington just west of Mayflower. Got the Reuben sandwich for $15.95 and an iced tea for $4.25. (Forgot to say that food was very tasty!)

- Brad Haugaard 

KGEM to Hold Fundraiser in Library Park August 11

Monrovia's local cable station, KGEM-TV, will hold a six-hour fundraising drive to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Sunday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. near the fountain in Library Park. The event will feature local musicians, organizations and businesses.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia BurgerIM Restaurant to Close July 31


The BurgerIM restaurant on Fifth just south of Huntington has announced that its last day of operation will be July 31. In a post the restaurant wrote: “We tried hard to keep going but in this economy it feels nearly impossible for a small restaurant to survive.”

- Brad Haugaard

Committee Planned to Protect Local Trees

Local residents are invited to an organizational meeting for a tree committee on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at One Earth Garden, 777 E Greystone, Monrovia. The committee aims to address tree removals in Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte, and Bradbury, particularly those caused by development following SB9 and SB10. Goals include documenting tree removals, educating the public on tree importance and care, and advocating for tree protection and planting. 

- Brad Haugaard

Auction July 22-28 to Support Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation


Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation will hold an online auction July 22-28. Here's a preview of the items that are up for auction. Items range from a chocolate cake to bar-tending lessons, to a day excursion to the Channel Islands to gift cards to local restaurants.

- Brad Haugaard

Sunset is a Tail-Wagging Machine


Sunset is guaranteed to make your nights and days so much more fun! This sweet, adorable pit bull mix is a tail-wagging machine who makes friends wherever she goes.

Sunset is the perfect size for hiking and playing all day, and then curling up on the couch all night. She weighs just over 50 pounds and can curl herself up into a lap-sized ball whenever a lap presents itself. 

She has been a favorite of the volunteers at Pasadena Humane who have spent time with her - she loves going on walks and playing in the yard. She has the uncanny ability to go from zooming around the yard to flopping over for a belly rub in the blink of an eye. She’s also very smart and has shown great focus in learning new tricks. Sunset is a beam of sunlight who can’t wait to light up your life! 

Sunset and all other dogs over 40 pounds can be adopted at no charge during Pasadena Humane’s Big Dog Summer adoption event, happening 7/11 - 7/25. 

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

Free Movie for Veterans July 20 at Theater


Free Movie Matinee for Veterans at LOOK Cinemas on Saturday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans and service members invited to enjoy a free screening of Twisters (tornado chasing in Oklahoma) with one guest. Registration required by July 19. While ticket supplies last. Register here. For more information contact kgally@monroviaca.gov or call 256-8268.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School District Welcomes Three New Assistant Superintendents

 Monrovia Unified School District welcomed three new assistant superintendents:

Dr. Landesfeind

Dr. Vanessa Landesfeind, the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, previously served as Director of Student Support Services at Centinela Valley Union High School District and has experience as a principal and assistant principal. She holds a doctorate from USC and degrees from CSULB, where she's been an educational administration lecturer since 2009.

Dr. Drake

Dr. James Drake, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, brings more than 20 years of experience in school finance and operations from various states. He joins MUSD from Monterey County, where he served as the associate superintendent of business/HR and chief business official. He holds multiple degrees from Northern Illinois University and Governor State University.

Dr. Zamarripa

Dr. Geoffrey Zamarripa, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, is a long-time Monrovia resident with 29 years in education. His career includes roles as director of special education in Temple City, principal at Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School in Monrovia, and various positions in the El Monte City School District. He holds a Doctorate in Education from USC.

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1900 Monrovia High Class Picture

1900 Monrovia High School class picture. L to R: Front Row: Josie McKeller, Edna Walker, Clara Rooksby, Adelaide Babbit. Man on left with dark moustache is T.H. Kink, the principal, and next to him is Geo. Walter Monrovia the science teacher. On extreme right next to top row is Myron 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

Teen Game Hangout at Library This Friday


Teen Game Hangout at Library. Friday, July 19, 3 to 5 p.m. Nintendo Switch games like Mario Kart & Smash Ultimate, board games. Snacks. Drop-in event for grades 6-12. Contact Teen Librarian Amanda at 256-8274 or acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us for information.

- Brad Haugaard

Magic Show at Library Wednesday


Arty Loon Magic Show at the Library, Wednesday, July 17, 4 to 4:45 p.m. Juggling, illusions, and comedy. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by adult; no drop-offs. For more information contact: mplyouthservices@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Bookstore Cafe and 'Superfood' Restaurant Planned for Monrovia

 A new bookstore cafe and a 'superfood' restaurant are planned for Monrovia.

The Black Cat Bookstore & Cafe plans to locate at 415 S. Myrtle, between Lime and Lemon. The cafe will also have books and a reading area, and will host workshops focused on arts and crafts for adults. Details.

TruBowl Superfood Bar plans to locate on the west side of the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Details. TruBowl is a chain with 12 locations, including one in Azusa, and features a line of health food snacks. Here's the company's signature bowl, Ez-TRŪ, "acai, cold oats, og chia pudding, hemp granola, strawberry, banana, blueberry, almonds, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, coconut, almond butter, pink salt, date honey…" Small for $11.

The Development Review Committee (agenda) will consider sign requests for these buisineses at its next meeting. - Brad Haugaard