100+ Degree Heat Continuing Through Monday

Blazing hot weather is expected to continue. It got up to 110 Fahrenheit today and is expected to remain above 100 through this coming Monday.

The cooling center at Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.) is open through this Sunday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

Former Mayor Tom Adams has announced that the real estate office of Century 21 Adams and Barnes (433 W Foothill ), will also be open if you want to cool off.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Mimi’s

Dinner at Mimi’s, at Huntington and Magnolia. Got a Turkey Pesto Chibata sandwich for $16.99 and a beer $7.49. Quite nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Man Arrested in Suspected Murder Attempt; Child Left in Hot Car, Dad Arrested; Nail Scammer Swipes Wallet; Tire Slasher Escapes; Shoplifter Arrested; Much Intoxication; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 29 – September 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 487 service events, resulting in 105 investigations.

Attempt Commercial Burglary
August 29 at 5:08 a.m., a passerby in the 200 block of Foothill called to report a broken window to a business. Officers arrived and a window was damaged. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 10:06 p.m. an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte when he saw a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed the driver had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
August 29 at 11:52 p.m. a resident in the 300 block of Linwood reported that she saw a man hiding under a car in the street and she believed he was holding a knife. Officers arrived and discovered two vehicles had their tires flattened. The suspect was gone when officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 1:09 a.m. a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported male subject urinating on a tree. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed the subject had outstanding warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 7:51 p.m., an officer was flagged down by a security guard in a parking lot in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The security guard reported a male subject walking by shoplifted from a business. The officer made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was still in possession of the stolen items. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 2:15 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Evergreen saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop. The officer made contact with the driver who 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 Recovery – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 8:44 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Pomona officers saw a suspicious vehicle parked in a parking lot. A computer check revealed the vehicle was reported stolen in Northern California. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
August 31 at 1:05 p.m., an employee from a retail store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject stole merchandise and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Intoxication / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 6:04 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a subject outside appeared to be intoxicated. Officers arrived, made contact with the subject and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail.

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 6:44 p.m., a passerby reported an intoxicated person near a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with 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.

Attempt Murder – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 1:30 a.m., an altercation involving a stabbing was reported behind a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located the victim who was suffering from a laceration. The suspect was located and arrested and taken into custody. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 2:07 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cherry called and reported a child unattended inside a vehicle in very hot weather. Officers and MFD responded and the child was removed from the vehicle. The father was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 9:20 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject throwing items at passing vehicles. Officers responded and detained the subject. A computer search revealed the subject was on probation. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 3:07 p.m., a subject wanted for assault with a deadly weapon came into the station to turn himself in. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 3 at 6:43 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a hit and run traffic collision. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
September 3 at 7:39 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report her wallet stolen. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who reported a male subject told her that there were nails behind her vehicle. When she stepped out of her car to pick up the nails, her wallet was stolen. Her cards were used in various location. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
September 3 at 10:47 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Colorado called to advise that someone threw a rock at his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 4 at 12:54 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision between two vehicles was reported in the area of California and Colorado.

Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 4 at 2:21 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Duarte. Officers arrived and determined a vehicle traveling west on Duarte failed to stop for flashing lights and slightly hit a vehicle which caused that vehicle to collide into four other vehicles. The vehicle that failed to stop fled the area. Two of the involved parties were taken to the hospital for injuries.

Vandalism
September 4 at 7:00 p.m., an officer responded to a parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington regarding a vandalism report. The reporting party stated someone scratched his vehicle while parked in the parking lot. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
September 4 at 9:21 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a domestic violence investigation. A male and female subject, who are in a dating relationship, were involved in a verbal altercation, when the male subject threw a heavy water container at his girlfriend, striking her on the head, causing injuries. The male subject fled the scene prior to officers' arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision
September 4 at 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of Bonita regarding a collision where the driver was possibly intoxicated. Officers located the driver, who displayed objective signs and symptoms of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

House Crushed by Tree For Sale for Half a Million Dollars

Before tree fell (Google Image)

When tree fell.

Now, half-house for sale.

The house on Mountain Avenue that was half crushed by a falling tree is now on the market for half a million dollars. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Jimothy Will Keep You Safe from Squirrels

Jimothy is a lively and playful 3-year-old male Husky mix with a zest for adventure and a love of the outdoors.  

Jim is a handsome guy, and he knows it! He seems to enjoy having his luxurious coat brushed, and when he’s out on a walk, he prances with pride.  

His friendly and curious nature makes him a favorite among the volunteers at Pasadena Humane. They love taking him out for walks and hikes, and he takes great pride in defending them from the squirrels by chasing them up the trees.  Whether he's exploring the outdoors or curling up for a nap, Jimothy brings joy wherever he goes.

He is also very clever and loves showing off his skills for a treat or two.  Jimothy is ready for his next adventure with you!

The normal 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 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia School Children in 1891

Here's a class picture from Monrovia Public School in 1891. 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

Create a Custom Sculpted Pen Tuesday, Sept. 2

The Library will host "Craft-Tabulous" on Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. The program, for adults and teens aged 16 and up, will feature a workshop on sculpting custom pens using Worbla, a thermoplastic material. Due to the use of hot plastic, this event is not suitable for children. Two seats remain available. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Current Local Job Opportunities - September

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

Earthquake Workshop Gets Seismic Response - Will Also Be Online

The number of people wanting to attend the earthquake workshop on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. has far exceeded expectations, so KGEM will work with the Historic Preservation Group and Fire Department to stream the workshop both live and for later viewing on YouTube, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Sponsor Blood Drive Sept. 12 at Community Center

Monrovia Police Department will host a blood drive Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Community Center (119 W. Palm), 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free t-shirt for donors. Register here. Use sponsorship code "bob23" in the search field.

- Brad Haugaard

Pizza for Parks Foundation

The Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation has arranged with Blaze Pizza to donate 20% of its proceeds on Thursday, Sept. 12, 5 to 8 p.m. to MPWRF programs and scholarships.

- Brad Haugaard

Drop-In Pickle Tuesdays an Saturdays

Indoor Pickleball Open Play at Mary Wilcox Youth Center (843 E. Olive Avenue). Tuesdays 7 to 9 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon. $2 fee per person (cash only). Waiver required. Ages 16 and under need adult supervision. Bring own equipment; limited supplies available. For information contact Community Center: 256-8228.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Today Magazine Now Online

The Fall Monrovia Today magazine is now online, with activities including Old Town Festival, Grateful and Thankful Event, and classes. Paper version coming soon. View online edition.

- Brad Haugaard

Get a Block Party in a Trailer

Monrovia Area Partnership is offering a Block Party trailer to Monrovians, containing various items to facilitate community events. The trailer includes cocktail tables, 6-foot tables, folding chairs, and picnic tables, as well as umbrellas, ice chests, and trash cans for convenience. Safety items such as a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are provided. For entertainment, the trailer comes with lawn games, sports equipment, and other amenities. The trailer is designed as a convenient way to host neighborhood gatherings. No personal use, business use, fundraisers, religious events, sporting events, political stuff, etc. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Discuss Budget, Inclusionary Housing

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month  and  September 8-14 as  National Suicide Prevention Week.

~ The Council will also hold a study session to get an update on its 2024-25 budget, and to discuss "inclusionary housing," a type of program designed to provide housing for lower income families, often by requiring developers to set aside a percentage of a development's housing units for lower-income residents. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Man Sentenced to 60 Years in 2020 Killing

 A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for the killing of 27-year-old Antonio Zaza at Al’s Liquor store on Duarte Road in late 2020. (The linked-to article incorrectly says 2023.) Deon Armstrong shot Zaza, a stranger, on December 20. Trayvon Dixon, 24, acted as Armstrong’s lookout and was sentenced to 22 years. Tribune article and MonroviaNow article.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Three Car Collision; Drunk With Loaded Rifle; Stolen License Plates; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 22 – 28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 422 service events, resulting in 87 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
August 22 at 8:42 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of Montana reported his vehicle stolen. An investigation revealed the caller left his vehicle running while he went inside his house, when he returned his vehicle was gone. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
August 22 at 10:13 a.m., an officer responded to a complex in the 800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a vehicle burglary. An investigation revealed the suspect took property from the victim’s vehicle and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 12:58 p.m., a caller in a parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported two subjects fighting. Officers arrived and located the two subjects’ involved. The victim sustained minor injuries to his face. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 22 at 6:41 p.m., officers responded to the area of Magnolia and Huntington regarding a traffic collision. When officers arrived they contacted the involved parties and one party was transported to a hospital for treatment. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 7:59 p.m. a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill reported that her ex- husband was outside her residence and was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 11:55 p.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he saw a vehicle, occupied by two subjects, loitering in the parking lot of businesses which were closed for business. The officer discovered one of the subjects was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Monrovia PD jail for booking. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 23 at 7:20 a.m., officers responded to the area of Primrose and Foothill regarding an injury traffic collision involving three vehicles. One of the parties involved complained of pain and were transported to a hospital for treatment. 

Mental Evaluation
August 23 at 10:25 a.m., officers responded to the area of Foothill and Madison regarding a male subject that fell and was bleeding from the head. Officers arrived and located the male subject, who was heavily intoxicated. Officers have contacted him numerous times in the past for falling down and sustaining injuries due to being heavily intoxicated. He was placed on a mental evaluation for being gravely disabled due to substance abuse and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Lost / Stolen Plate
August 23 at 1:24 p.m., a caller in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle reported his license plate stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
August 23 at 4:41 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a window to her vehicle was smashed and her purse was stolen while she was inside of a store. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 10:28 p.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and Walnut reported a subject slumped over in his vehicle. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject and determined he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. A records search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence / Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 10:29 p.m., an officer in the area of Peck and Live Oak conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle. The officer made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. A computer search revealed the driver was on probation for DUI. An investigation revealed he was intoxicated, in violation of his probation, a loaded rifle was found in his vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 12:20 a.m., while patrolling the 600 block of W. Huntington the officer saw a vehicle driving the wrong way. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject who displayed objective symptoms of intoxication. 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. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 1:05 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called to report a subject trespassing on her property. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 24 at 1:34 p.m., a caller in the area of Huntington and Primrose reported a traffic collision. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One occupant complained of pain. The driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 24 at 3:38 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Fifth and Duarte. Officers and Paramedics arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One driver suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 24 at 5:34 p.m., an officer patrolling the 200 block of Los Angeles located a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and the registered owner was notified. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 7:22 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Foothill regarding subjects consuming alcohol in public. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. A computer search revealed one subject had a warrant for his arrest. An investigation revealed that subject was in possession of a fixed-blade knife. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

False Imprisonment – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 3:12 p.m., a victim in the 1000 block of E. Huntington reported that she was involved in an argument with her boyfriend and he was not letting her leave. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the victim and her boyfriend, however, he refused to contact officers and would not allow the victim to contact the officers. Officers had to force entry into the home. The boyfriend was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
August 25 at 3:43 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill called to report that a subject entered the store and stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
August 26 at 11:02 a.m., a loss prevention officer for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to make a shoplifting report. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 27 at 4:55 p.m., a victim driving in the area of Colorado and Madison reported a male subject cut her off, stopped in front of her, got out of his vehicle, yelled at her, broke her side view mirror, and left the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 27 at 7:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a male subject who stole merchandise and fled the store. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Offense / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
August 28 at 2:47 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Encino saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the three vehicle occupants. A computer search revealed the driver and a female occupants had warrants for their arrest. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Residential Burglary
August 28 at 10:04 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported a residential burglary. Officers arrived and made contact with the resident. An investigation revealed damage to a rear sliding door, the interior was ransacked, and property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Dinner at La Adelita

Dinner at La Adelita, on the south side of Colorado a little bit west of Ivy. Got a bean and cheese burrito for $9.95, plus $2 for avocado, and a beer for $6.50.  Very nice!

- Brad Haugaard 

Garden Design Workshop at Water District Headquarters, Sept. 21

Free 2-hour, in-person, garden design workshop on Sept. 21, 9-11 a.m. at the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District headquarters at 248 E. Foothill Blvd., in Monrovia. Topics: Watershed-wise landscaping, rainwater capture, climate-appropriate plants, hydrozones. Details and registration here. 

- Brad Haugaard

One-Year-Old Trina is a 'Plug-and-Play' Dog - Well Trained and Cuddly

One-year-old Trina has been getting rave reviews from the volunteers at Pasadena Humane. They’ve said that she is such a loving and wonderful girl who loves cuddling on the couch or bed and playing fetch or chewing on her toys. Her favorites were squeaky toys, though she happily chews on any the toys given to her.

Trina recently went on an overnight field trip and was exceptionally well-behaved in the foster family’s apartment. She was clearly house-trained, never had any accidents, and knew how to sit on command (especially if you had treats handy). She rarely barked and showed no signs of anxiousness when left alone for short periods.

This sweet girl was also a wonderful work-from-home companion; During several work Zoom meetings, Trina was left alone in the bedroom with the door closed, and she was perfectly content, either sleeping or playing with her toys. She also enjoyed car rides, happily sitting in the back seat without any issues.

Trina is ready to be your plug-and-play dog! Come see for yourself and meet Trina 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