Hearing Set for Suspect in Killing of Monrovia Father Who Tried to Calm Argument

This story courtesy of PasadenaNow.com

A court appearance on Monday, September 9, will determine when Christopher Wiggan, accused of killing a Monrovia father of six, will face a preliminary hearing on murder charges.

Wiggan, 42, is scheduled to appear in Department H of the Pasadena Courthouse at 8:30 a.m. set a date for his preliminary hearing. He is charged with one count of murder in case 24PDCF00313 for the June 2 shooting death of Nicolas Gandara outside the victim's Monrovia home.

Prosecutors allege Wiggan shot Gandara, 38, in the neck after the victim attempted to calm an argument between Wiggan and a neighbor. The incident occurred around 9:22 p.m. on the 700 block of West Duarte Road.

Wiggan, described by investigators as a local transient, fled the scene but was located and arrested the following afternoon (June 3, 2024) when he returned to the area. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, which includes a special allegation of using a firearm. Wiggan is currently being held without bail.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case. If convicted, Wiggan faces a possible life sentence without parole.

Gandara, who worked two jobs as a social media manager and truck driver to support his family, leaves behind a wife of 14 years and six children, including a two-month-old daughter. He was the sole provider for his family.

The case has raised community concerns about safety and homelessness in the area. Gandara's wife expressed her desire for the "homeless problem" to be addressed, stating that "People should be able to feel safe." Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Sheriff's Department.

School Board To Consider Update to 'Last Hired, First Layed Off' Policy; Naming September as Attendance, Suicide Prevention, and Hispanic Heritage Month;

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

~  Adopting a board policy recommended by the California School Boards Association, basically saying that if staff reductions are necessary, they'll let go the more recently employed people first. It was already kinda that way, this just makes adjustments to the policy. Details. 

~ Naming September as Attendance Awareness Month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wins Equity Award for Park Planning

Monrovia has won an International City/County Management Association Program Excellence Award for Community Equity and Inclusion. The award recognizes Lucinda Garcia and Satoru Tsuneishi parks for celebrating diversity and culture in park planning.

- Brad Haugaard

Rotary Park Gets Playground Upgrade

Renovation of Rotary Park (corner of Lime and California) is underway. New equipment, surface replacement, new park monument sign, drinking fountain, picnic tables, benches, and mural. Reopening planned for November. For information, call 256-8224

- Brad Haugaard

SoCalGas Will be Checking for Gas Problems Throughout Monrovia Sewers

SoCalGas will soon begin an 18-24 month program of sewer inspections. The company will inspect gas lines between mains and meters at nearly 4,000 properties in Monrovia using cameras to inspect sewer lines and detect gas line problems. No cost to customers.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Walking Tour of Monrovia Tomorrow, Sept. 7

Historic two-hour walking tour of old Monrovia tomorrow, September 7. Meet at 10 a.m. at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm. Sponsored by Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. Cost: $5 per person. No RSVP, just show up. Curious about this mule car? Show up and find out.

- Brad Haugaard

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