Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children, August 24

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children at the Library on Saturday, August 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. For children ages 2-15 with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, or ADHD. Includes book check-outs, sensory toys, and art supplies. Register here. Contact Cynthia Eschenfelder at 256-8274 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Barks and Books - Read to a Dog, Tomorrow at Library

 Barks and Books at the Library on Tuesday, August 20 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Children ages 6-11 can read to therapy dogs in the Story Room. Program aims to boost reading confidence in a relaxed environment. Sessions are 10 minutes long. Register here. Contact Allison Simpson at 256-8269 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Nintendo Switch for Adults Friday, August 23

Nintendo Switch Freeplay for Adults program at the Library on Friday, August 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults 18 and older can enjoy social gaming on Nintendo Switch consoles in the Community Room. Contact Angel Loera at 256-8274 or aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Gala Planned to Support Children’s Hospital LA

The Monrovia Guild for Children's Hospital LA will host a "Denim and Diamonds" fundraiser on Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Monrovia Historical Museum. The event, supporting pediatric research in ophthalmology and pulmonary infant healthcare, will feature live music by the R & J Band, entertainment by Theatre Americana, a no-host bar, raffles, and dinner by Jake's Roadhouse. Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase tickets or donate here.  For more information, contact Sandra Macis at sandrammacis@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard 

Crudgington Station to Be Visitor Center

Crudgington Station, the small building just inside the Cloverleaf entry point to the Wilderness Preserve, is being refurbished as a visitor center, according to rangers I have talked to. The porch outside has been given planters with native plants, and a bench has been added. Tipsy the cat (named, I was told, from the white tip of her otherwise black tail, not from over-indulging in alcoholic beverages) has worked on mouse-control at the station for years and has now been adopted by a friend of one of the rangers. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Earthquake Alerts And Workshop

The recent earthquake Monrovia experienced was a reminder to be prepared. Here are a few earthquake prep suggestions.

There will be an earthquake preparedness workshop on Sept. 14. Details here. 

Also, both Android phones and iPhones have free earthquake notification systems that can often let you know a few seconds in advance of a quake, according to City Manager Dylan Feik. Here are the details.

Android

Android phones have a built in quake notification system.

• Open Settings
• Tap Safety & emergency > Earthquake alerts
• Toggle Earthquake alerts on (or off) 

Or, you can install the MyShake app from Google Play. (See instructions for iPhone version.)

iPhone

• Download the free MyShake app from the App Store
• Open the app and set the HomeBase area (Monrovia)

You should be prompted to set your location services to "Always On" so the app can notify you even if the app is inactive.

To hear what the alert sounds like, go to Settings and click "Play the Alert Sound."

By default, neither app will notify you of quakes of a magnitude lower than 4.5, and both will limit their reports to quakes likely to shake your location.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Arrested Twice for Burglarizing Same House, Twice More for Trespassing; Loitering in the Middle of Huntington Drive; Peeing in Public; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 8 – 14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 496 service events, resulting in 86 investigations. 

Residential Burglary – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 7:19 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Pomona regarding a residential burglary in progress. They made contact with a female subject inside the residence. A computer search revealed she had been arrested earlier that week for burglarizing the same residence. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 9:30 a.m., an officer patrolling the 200 block of E. Chestnut observed a male subject on a scooter commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and a search revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 7:40 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Pomona reported a female subject trespassing. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject, who had already been arrested twice for trespassing at the same residence. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 11:56 p.m., officers were patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when they observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
August 9 at 1:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain reported that a customer used another person’s identifying information to purchase a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 6:35 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called to report a female subject trespassing at his neighbor's home. The same subject had been arrested for breaking into the home earlier in the week and for trespassing earlier the same day. Officers arrived, made contact with the female subject, and she was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
August 9 at 10:46 p.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Olive regarding the theft of a purse from a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violations – Suspects Arrested
August 10 at 1:48 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of Walnut Court reported suspicious subjects in the area. Officers arrived and made contact with two juveniles who were in violation of the city's curfew. They were both arrested and released to the care of their parents with citations.

Petty Theft
August 10 at 9:39 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Canyon reported his tricycle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 10 at 2:50 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report fraudulent charges on his account. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 10 at 7:02 p.m., a homeowner reported unknown subjects were entering his vacant property in the 200 block of E. Evergreen. The property had been fraudulently listed for rent by an unknown subject. This investigation is continuing.

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 12:56 a.m., while patrolling the 600 block of S. Myrtle, officers observed a subject loitering near the entrance of a closed restaurant. Officers made contact with the subject, who was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Robbery – Suspects Arrested
August 11 at 3:27 a.m., officers responded to the area of Prospect and Grand regarding unknown trouble. They made contact with a victim of a robbery. A perimeter was established, and four suspects were located nearby. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Critical Missing Adult
August 11 at 3:58 p.m., a staff member at a senior living facility in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject left and had not returned. Surrounding agencies and the bus system were notified. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 12 at 4:16 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report fraud. The victim reported receiving a random text message from the suspect earlier in the year, and they developed a friendship over the phone. After several months, the victim was convinced by the suspect to make cryptocurrency investments online. The victim eventually discovered she had been scammed when she did not have access to the cryptocurrency she purchased. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
August 12 at 10:17 p.m., an employee from a gas station in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male adult standing in the middle of Huntington Drive. Officers arrived and located the subject, who would have been struck by a vehicle if officers had not arrived and intervened. Officers determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 11:02 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Pomona saw a male subject commit a bicycle violation. He conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
August 13 at 7:33 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject fled the store with merchandise without paying. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
August 13 at 8:20 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Urinating in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 10:34 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Madison reported a male subject urinating in public at a coffee shop. Officers arrived and located the suspect. The caller identified him and placed him under private person’s arrest. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Burglary
August 14 at 6:39 a.m., a caller iEtc.n the 400 block of W. Foothill reported that several businesses in the area had their front windows shattered. Officers arrived and found three businesses had been burglarized overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Lin’s Club

Dinner at Lin’s Club, a little Chinese restaurant on the east side of the shopping center at Duarte Road and Sixth Avenue. Skipped over the Hot and Spicy Live Bullfrog and ordered the Hot and Spicy Beef for $15.99 and a Diet Pepsi for $2. And due to communication difficulties I also got the Hot and Spicy Fish Fillet.  Both very tasty and I barely dented either of them. Plenty to take home.

- Brad Haugaard 

Pedro Pascal - Friend to All, Fan of Birds on TV

Pedro Pascal is six years old and mostly responds to just “Pascal”, because he’s one of those cool cats who goes by their last name.

He likes following his favorite people around to supervise their activities, lounging on the floor, leaving his pawtograph on cardboard cat scratchers, and watching TV (usually any programs with birds).

Just like the real Pedro Pascal, this Pedro is a friend to all – he’s great with adults and children and doesn’t even mind being picked up!

Pedro is FIV-positive, but that doesn’t preclude him from living with other cats. Cats contract FIV through deep bite wounds or from the milk of their FIV-positive mother, so when kitties are living in harmony and everyone is spayed and neutered, the risk of transmission is very low.

In addition, although FIV-positive cats have a lowered immune system that make them more susceptible to infections, they can live long, happy lives when kept healthy through regular veterinary visits. So don’t let that stop you from meeting this sweet guy!

Come to Pasadena Humane on Saturday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Clear the Shelters! Adoption fees are waived for all available dogs, cats and critters.

The 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Planing Mill

The Monrovia Planing Mill many years ago at 114 E. Lemon, where the Historic Lighting building is now. A planing mill smooths rough-cut lumber. 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

4.4 Earthquake Felt Today in Monrovia

The earthquake felt in Monrovia at 12:20 p.m. today (Monday) was a 4.4 quake centered 3.4 miles west of Alhambra, according to the US Geological Survey. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Laser Tag at Library Friday, Aug. 16

Laser Tag at the Library. Friday, August 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Community Room. For grades 6-12. Registration required, here. Contact Amanda, Teen Services Librarian, at acarey@monroviaca.gov or 256-8274 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

School District May Have to Cut Budget If Finances Don't Improve; Elementary Schools Identify Areas to Improve

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

 ~ A resolution saying that if the district's finances don't improve, that the school board will cut $3.82 million from its budget for fiscal year 2025-26, and $6.2 million for 2026-27.  Details. 

~ Approving changes to the district's School Plan for Student Achievement for  elementary schools - Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, and Plymouth - which have identified areas in which they need improvement:

Bradoaks: Chronic absenteeism, suspensions, and English language learners performing lower in English and math.

Mayflower: High suspension rate; lower performance in English by English language learners, Hispanic students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities; lower math performance for socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

Monroe: High absenteeism, low performance in math and English.

Plymouth: Chronic absenteeism, low math and English performance, low student engagement and connectedness to the school.

Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Paragon Sells for $87.25 Million

The Paragon apartment complex at the corner of Myrtle and Olive just sold for $87.25 million, or more than $500,000 per unit. The buyer is SCS Development Company, Inc. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Hazardous Waste and Electronic Collections in August

Household hazardous and electronic waste collection events in August:

• Rear parking lot for Morgan Park (4100 Baldwin Park Blvd.) in Baldwin Park on August 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Santa Anita Race Track, Gate 6, in Arcadia on August 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Earthquake Preparedness Workshop Sept. 14

Earthquake preparedness workshop on September 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Library Community Room. Free event hosted by Monrovia Historic Preservation Group and Fire Department. Limited to 60 attendees. Guest speaker: Margaret Vinci from Caltech. Light refreshments provided. RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Needs Residents to Oversee City's Use of Measure K Tax Money

The city is seeking residents to serve on the five-member Measure K Citizen Advisory Committee, which monitors revenues and expenditures from the city's 0.75% sales tax. Four-year volunteer term. Meets annually to review reports, comment on spending plans. Contact a City Council member here for information or to express interest.

- Brad Haugaard

Youth and Adult Leadership Academies Begin Sept. 4 and 5

Youth and Adult Leadership academies begin on September 4 and 5. Seven-week programs focus on city government, leadership skills, community connections. Youth sessions are on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. starting September 4. Adult sessions Thursdays 7 to 9 p.m. starting September 5. Open to all residents. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Sponsoring 'Citizens Academy' Starting Sept. 4

An eight-week Monrovia Police Citizens Academy course that provides interactive overview of Police Department starts Sept. 4. Free for residents, workers, or college students in city. Must be 18+, have clean criminal background. Wednesday sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. Contact Officer Holguin at 256-8014 for information and application.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Thieves Take Three Pickup Tailgates; Man and Woman Pretend to Be Undercover Cops; Shoplifting; Alcohol and Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 1 – 7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 422 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

Grand Theft
August 1 at 11:42 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to reported tools stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 1 at 2:33 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported a stolen vehicle. Officers arrived, the vehicle was recovered and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 4:02 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Encino conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a violation. A computer check revealed the bicyclist had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
August 1 at 7:32 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Lime called to report an unknown subject opened a bank account using his information without his permission. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 10:14 p.m., employees from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a male and female subject stole merchandise and left without paying. Officers arrived, located the subjects nearby and made contact with them. The male subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. A computer search revealed the female subject had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
August 2 at 7:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to a parking structure in the 100 block of W. Colorado regarding three subjects in a vehicle possibly using drugs. Officers arrived, located the vehicle, and made contact with the subjects. A computer check revealed all three subjects had warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
August 2 at 9:55 p.m., an employee from a store in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported a male adult subject stole merchandise and fled without paying. Officers arrived but were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 3 at 5:31 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Pomona reported their vehicle stolen. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle. The vehicle was entered into the DMV Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.

Grant Theft
August 3 at 7:06 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of N. 5th Ave regarding a theft report. The victim stated he parked his vehicle on the street the night before. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, he noticed the tailgate was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 3 at 7:11 a.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision in the area of Mayflower and Foothill. One of the parties involved was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Grand Theft
August 3 at 8:26 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of S. Primrose reported their vehicle’s tailgate stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 3 at 10:38 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Alta Vista reported the tailgate of their vehicle stolen. This investigation is counting.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 3 at 10:52 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a female subject put merchandise in her backpack and left the business without paying. Officers arrived and located the female subject outside the business. A computer search revealed she had several warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 3 at 4:37 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported two subjects approached him and began to yell at him. Officers arrived and made contact with the two subjects. It was determined that one of the subject’s was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Trespassing
August 3 at 7:04 p.m., an employee of a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a female subject inside the store causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and located the subject. The store signed a no trespassing authorization against the subject and she left the store.

Trespassing
August 4 at 12:22 a.m., a security company for a complex in the 1400 block of S. California reported two suspicious male subjects walking around the parking lot. After officers arrived and surrounded the complex the security company informed MPD that the subjects had left approximately 10 minutes prior to them calling MPD. No subjects were located. This investigation is counting.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 12:07 p.m., while patrolling the area of Magnolia and Montana an officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. A computer search revealed the bicyclist had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Prowling – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 4:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject looking into closed businesses. An officer arrived and located the subject looking into a car window. The officer made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed the subject is on parole for burglary. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 4:59 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported a disturbing subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 5:13 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a suspicious subject. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 7:49 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona reported a female had just forced entry into an empty home. Officers arrived and located the suspect outside the home walking away with property. Earlier in the day she had vandalized the interior walls of the home. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Impersonating MPD Officers – Suspects Arrested
August 5 at 12:44 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported that he was stopped by a male and female driving a plain car with red and blue police lights on its windshield. The two suspects identified themselves as undercover MPD officers and left after making contact with him. Officers located the suspects in the area. They were found to be in possession of a controlled substance. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
August 5 at 8:09 a.m., a customer at a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that his vehicle was stolen from a parking lot. This investigation is counting.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 5 at 2:42 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Myrtle and Central. Officers arrived and located the vehicle parked a short distance away. This investigation is counting.

Driving Under the Influence / Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 7:45 p.m., callers in the area of Huntington and Primrose reported a two vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and found no one was injured, however, one of the drivers was found to be under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 11:14 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject in the park after hours, in violation of a municipal code. The officer made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Medical Assist
August 6 at 1:42 p.m., Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Palm regarding a medical assist call. A female subject slipped and fallen in her home and hurt herself. She was evaluation by MFD and transported to a hospital for treatment.

Burglary
August 7 at 8:17 a.m., an employee at a restaurant in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that the restaurant looked like it had been burglarized overnight. Officers arrived and determined that unknown suspect(s) broken in through the drive-through window and stole money. This investigation is counting.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 7:41 p.m., an employee of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious person in their store. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 8:27 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Terrado reported his son, who has an active restraining order, took her vehicle. Officers attempted to locate the suspect, but were not successful. The vehicle was entered into the DMV Stolen Vehicle System. A few hours later Arcadia Police stopped the vehicle and suspect in their city. MPD officers responded and arrested the suspect. The vehicle was returned to the owner.