News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Monrovia Police: Pepper Spray Shoplifter Escapes; Phone Snatched at Liquor Store; Wallet Stolen from Gym Locker; Lots of Drunks; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 14 – 20. - Brad Haugaard

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 473 service events, resulting in 99 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
November 14 at 3:58 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Madison reported that the windows of her vehicle were smashed, and the doors were open. No items were reported missing. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 14 at 6:26 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of El Norte reported her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 8:11 p.m., a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a vehicle loitering in the parking lot, and the occupants were littering. Officers arrived and made contact with the occupants. A computer search revealed two of the occupants had warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 9:16 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of S. Shamrock reported a subject loitering on the property. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Reckless Driving / Weapon Offense – Suspects Arrested
November 14 at 10:54 p.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of Los Angeles saw a vehicle driving recklessly, and a pedestrian was recording the act. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver and pedestrian. An investigation revealed a loaded gun in the vehicle. The driver and passenger were arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 12:26 a.m., several callers in the 700 block of California reported a traffic collision. Officers arrived and found a single vehicle had collided with a parked vehicle. Officers made contact with the driver, who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. An investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
November 15 at 7:28 a.m., a resident in the 1700 block of S. Fifth reported damage to her vehicle window and steering column. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft
November 15 at 9:18 a.m., a victim in the 600 block of Linwood reported that personal items and money were stolen from his unlocked vehicle three days prior. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 9:41 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Huntington for a welfare check at the rear of a business. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. A computer search revealed one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 11:06 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Magnolia, an officer was alerted to a felony vehicle in the area. Officers responded, located the vehicle, and made contact with the owner. An investigation revealed the owner had just purchased the vehicle. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 15 at 3:01 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of May and Foothill. Officers arrived and discovered it was a three-vehicle collision. An investigation revealed the collision was caused by a vehicle that fled the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 4:12 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Lemon reported a neighbor dispute. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects involved. A computer search revealed one of the subjects was wanted for a parole violation. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 8:11 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect nearby, still in possession of the stolen property. A computer search revealed the suspect had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Residential Burglary
November 15 at 9:06 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Ivy reported that his residence was burglarized. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 12:02 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle saw a theft take place and attempted to make contact with the suspect. When the officer attempted to detain the suspect, he resisted. The suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of someone else's driver's license and credit card. The suspect was taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 2:07 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a vehicle loitering in the area and playing loud music. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the vehicle. As officers approached, the vehicle drove away, committing several vehicle code violations. Officers initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who displayed symptoms of intoxication. An investigation determined the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Theft / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 9:25 a.m., an employee from a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting. Officers arrived and located a suspect nearby in possession of the stolen property. A computer search revealed she had warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 11:03 a.m., a passerby in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a suspicious person in the roadway. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. A computer check revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 1:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Magnolia regarding a welfare check for a male subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was not in need of assistance. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
November 16 at 2:10 p.m., an employee from a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported two subjects were in the store possibly shoplifting. The subjects left the store as officers were arriving. Officers made contact with the subjects, who were found to be in possession of the stolen property. A computer search revealed one of them had a warrant. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting
November 16 at 2:11 p.m., a shoplifting incident from days prior was reported by a store employee in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
November 16 at 4:23 p.m., employees from a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a suspect entered the store and fled with merchandise without paying. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 2:17 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1100 block of E. Huntington saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. Her passenger was too intoxicated to care for himself, and he was also arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 10:21 a.m., several callers in the area of Foothill and Mayflower reported a female subject exposing herself. Officers arrived and located her. A computer search revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Robbery
November 17 at 9:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. Duarte regarding a robbery. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim. An investigation revealed the victim pulled into a liquor store parking lot, and as he was exiting his vehicle, a male adult suspect grabbed his phone and forcibly ripped it from the victim's hands. The victim was uncooperative and did not want prosecution. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 5:05 a.m., a caller in the area of Huntington and Mayflower reported a vehicle with sparks coming from under it. Officers arrived and located the vehicle driving on its front rim. The driver stated he was unaware the tire was missing from the rim. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Vandalism
November 18 at 9:54 a.m., employees from a business in the 400 block of Genoa reported the business was vandalized. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 18 at 10:35 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Evergreen and California. No injuries were reported. The driver who caused the collision was cited at the scene. 

Battery
November 18 at 12:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a battery. Officers arrived and made contact with one of the subjects involved. An investigation determined the subjects are known to each other. The subject who remained at the scene was pepper sprayed, while the other subject fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 3:26 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious subject in the area. Officers arrived and determined the subject had stolen merchandise from the location. An employee requested a citizen’s arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Theft / Fraud
November 18 at 4:30 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report his wallet had been stolen from a locker room at a gym. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
November 19 at 7:17 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of S. Peck regarding the theft of a vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
November 19 at 8:57 a.m., a victim in the 1800 block of S. Mountain reported fraudulent checks had been mailed to the victim’s business. This investigation is continuing. 

Robbery
November 19 at 12:42 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject concealing items and cutting tags. When confronted, she pulled out pepper spray and brandished a knife before fleeing the location. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
November 19 at 2:31 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of Royal Oaks reported that the father of her child had hit her and caused injuries before fleeing. This investigation is continuing. 

Robbery
November 19 at 4:22 p.m., a robbery was reported in the 200 block of Montana. Officers arrived and discovered that the victim had met the suspect at the location to sell an item. The suspect pulled a handgun on the victim and discharged it. The suspect was gone prior to the officers' arrival. No injuries were reported. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 4:47 p.m., employees from a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male subject concealing items inside the store. Officers arrived and located him in a nearby store, still in possession of the stolen merchandise. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 20 at 2:26 a.m., officers responded to the area of Foothill and Mayflower regarding a hit and run traffic collision. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 9:35 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a subject walked into the store and fled with merchandise without paying. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
November 20 at 12:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Magnolia regarding a subject throwing rocks and yelling that he wanted to hit someone. Officers arrived and detained the subject, who was determined to be a danger to others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Mental Evaluation
November 20 at 3:08 p.m., a fight in progress was reported in the 100 block of Los Angeles. Officers arrived and determined a female subject had been talking to herself and acting erratically. It was determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 5:02 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Central reported that her husband had hit her. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed they had been arguing, and the husband pushed the wife after she charged at him. It was determined she was intoxicated and the aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 11:28 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding an intoxicated female subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and contacted the subject outside the business. It was determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Monrovia Lights Its Christmas Tree


Monrovia lit its city Christmas tree in library Park tonight.

- Brad Haugaard 

Boys and Girls Club Holding Annual Festival of Trees Fundraiser


Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will host its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena. The event features decorated Christmas trees, festive wreaths, holiday decor, and exclusive experiences available for raffle or auction. Tickets available here. Includes valet parking, cocktail reception, dinner, live music, and dancing. The club serves youth and families with academic enrichment, social-emotional programs, and skilled mentors.

- Brad Haugaard

Apple Pie - A Truly Professional Family Dog


Apple Pie is a 7-year-old lab mix who’s the epitome of a “professional family dog.” Apple Pie is a sweet, polite boy who’s thriving in a foster home. The foster family reports that he’s completely house-trained, walks beautifully on a leash, and has impeccable manners! He loves accompanying kids on their walk to school, then settling down for naps on rugs in their rooms to keep them company. 

In the backyard, Apple Pie has a blast burying toys, sunbathing, and playing with a senior chihuahua buddy. His favorite treats include hot dogs, and after putting on some much-needed weight, he’s looking extra handsome with his shiny coat after a recent bath.

Apple Pie is the perfect companion and is ready to bring love, loyalty, and laughter to a new forever family. Come meet him this handsome boy-you’ll instantly fall in love!

Apple Pie and all other pets over five years old have their adoption fees waived throughout November in celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month!

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: President of the Womans Club from 1915-1916

Mrs. C.T. Renaker, President of the Monrovia Womans Club from 1915-1916. The Woman’s Club was "not only a study club, but it early became a potent force in the advancement of civic improvements behind which they always threw their enthusiastic influence in co-operation with the men. The Club was admitted to the State Federation in 1900 and to the General Federation in 1902. So influential did this organization become that its support was always sought in all public matters. It participated in the reorganization of the Chamber of Commerce and had four of its members placed upon the directorate of that body. Its members initiated the movement, which resulted in securing the Public Library and in fact were forceful elements in the furthering of all public affairs. The Woman's Club is and always has been one of the important forums of information and advancement of thought in the city. They bring before them noted public speakers upon all living subjects and thus become the intellectual center of the city. The Club threw the full force of its influence behind the enactment of the community property law, which the California legislature passed a few years ago by the aid of the women's Organizations." From the Monrovia Woman's Club 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

A Bit of Monrovia (and Personal) History


I couldn’t resist posting this, as it is both a bit of personal and Monrovia history. In going through boxes and boxes of my mother’s articles, stories, books, journals, photos, and so forth, I came upon this letter from Almera Romney, who was honored in 2022 by the city (details) for her efforts at desegregating Monrovia schools. Romney invited my mother and other authors to an open house at Mayflower School. I would guess she was invited because of her book, Myeko’s Gift, which was a fairly popular children’s book about a young Japanese girl who immigrated to the United States and had difficulties - but finally success- in adjusting to her American school. From other letters, she also spoke at the Monrovia Library, but I think posting one letter is enough.

- - Brad Haugaard

Event for Neurodivergent Children


There will be a sensory-friendly early morning event for neurodivergent children ages 2 and older, such as children with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and/or ADHD, to enjoy the library in a less stimulating environment. Book check-outs, sensory toys, and art supplies to practice independent creative skills. Registration suggested, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Read to a Friendly Dog - for New Readers


New readers through fifth grade can read one-on-one to a friendly dog at the library tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 19. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Kids Can Make Stuff at Library Today


Children 5-12 can create, play, tinker, and learn using different materials and tools at the Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Grow Monrovia Asks for Change of Tree Plan at New In-N-Out

Grow Monrovia is asking In-N-Out Burger to reconsider plans to remove 17 mature trees at its planned new location on Huntington Drive. They argue the trees are integral to the area’s character and ecology and propose either preserving the trees or replacing them with native, shade-providing species. The organization asks people to contact In-N-Out with their concerns at @innout on Instagram.

- Brad Haugaard

Lyft Price for Riders May Increase; Council to Consider How to Use Measure K Sales Tax Money

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

~ Changing the GoMonrovia transportation program to give Lyft riders a $3 discount on qualifying rides. So, if a ride costs $10, the city will pay $3 and the rider will pay $7. Currently if a ride costs $10 the rider pays $3 and the city pays the rest. Blame rising costs.

Also, both the Lyft program and the ride program for seniors (Monrovia Transit) would change their service hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 1 a.m. on weekends.

In 2023-24, GoMonrovia completed 162,310 trips, a 30 percent increase from 2022-2023 and Monrovia Transit increased its annual trips rising from 8,716 to 14,601. In the first quarter of this fiscal year, the city spent about $633,249 on its transportation programs: $314,536 on Lyft and $318,713 on Monrovia Transit. Details.

~ What should the city do with the Measure K sales tax money Monrovians approved? The council will consider spending it on:

  • Construction on Satoru Tsuneishi Park (behind Chick-fil-A)
  • Buying land for affordable housing
  • Senior programs
  • Design and engineering of Community Center
  • Library enhancements
  • Resurfacing Peck and Myrtle roads
  • Resurfacing and putting signals on Mountain Avenue

The city has $22 million in the Measure K sales tax kitty and these seven projects would cost about $16 million. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Meetings Set to Explain School District Plan to Deal With Financial Difficulties

Monrovia School District "is facing really difficult decisions which are absolutely going to impact our community. Schools, teachers and most importantly, our children, will all be impacted by changes that are coming our way." That quote from City Manager Dylan Feik's weekly newsletter.

Because of these financial challenges the district will hold meetings on its Fiscal Stabilization Plan, with Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart-Rodas discussing how funding gaps will affect schools. Meetings are Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the district offices at 325 E. Huntington Drive, and Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. virtually. Details on the virtual meeting to come.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Samson the Bear Christmas Ornament on Sale


A new Monrovia Christmas tree ornament, featuring Samson the Bear, is now available for $17. The ceramic piece supports local art. Available in person at City Hall or online here, while supplies last. Call 359-9261 for more info.

- Brad Haugaard

Thanksgiving and Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 20 at Library Park


Monrovia's Thanksgiving and Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Library Park. The free event will feature live performances, activities, arts and crafts, hay rides, and tree lighting at 6 p.m. For details contact the Community Center at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Applications Open for Monrovia Board and Commission

There are openings for two city offices, on the Library Board (term ends June 2025; apply by Nov. 18) and the Community Services Commission (term ends June 2027; apply by Nov. 25).  Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Food ED to Host 'Brew Hum Bug' Event Dec. 6


Monrovia's Food ED will hold a Brew Hum Bug holiday gathering on Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Lowe Brewery, 150 E. St. Joseph St., Arcadia. Free pollinator kits available. Get free tickets using code COME4FREE. Enjoy drinks and complimentary refreshments. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

New Playground Unveiling at Rotary Park Tomorrow


Rotary Park's new playground will be unveiled tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. at 401 California Ave. The playground features a rubberized surface, new signs, native landscaping, and new benches and picnic tables. Attendees will receive swag.

- Brad Haugaard

Grow Monrovia Wants Volunteers to Plant Trees Along Myrtle

Grow Monrovia and the Foothill Tree Committee will plant 42 trees on South Myrtle, enhancing aesthetics and improving air quality. Volunteers are needed for the event on Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon. Register here or contact info@growmonrovia.org for more details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Fillet Sushi


Dinner at the new Fillet Sushi restaurant on the east side of Myrtle about a half block north of Olive. Got the Rainbow Crunch Roll for $15. The restaurant’s alcohol license is coming soon. Tasty. Very good quality.

- Brad Haugaard

In-N-Out To Break Ground on New Monrovia Restaurant


City Manager Dylan Feik reports that In-N-Out is set to break ground next week on a new restaurant at 560 W. Huntington Drive, the former Black Angus site. The project team recently received a demolition permit, allowing work to begin the week of Nov. 18. The single-story, 3,879-square-foot restaurant will feature indoor seating for 84, patio seating for 40, and a drive-thru accommodating up to 26 cars.

- Brad Haugaard