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City to consider buying historic Cypress Avenue house for $1.53 million, but not sure what to do with it yet


At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will, among other things, consider ...

~ Purchasing the house at 222 E. Cypress Avenue for $1.53 million. The two-story property, in poor condition, is on a  32,514 square foot lot and was built in 1892. The city is concerned that another buyer might "consider development opportunities inconsistent with goals established by the City." The staff report says, "Future uses of the property have not been determined." Details

~ Appropriating all of its Community Development Block Grant money from the federal government to residential rehabilitation. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Altadena vendors at Street Fair tonight; State of City event Feb. 11; Job fair Feb. 5; etc.

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports: 

~ Tonight's Street Fair will feature six vendors from Altadena alongside regular vendors. There will also be a donation drive for fire victims. Items accepted are gift cards, new bedding, clothing, non-perishable food, bottled water, Gatorade, and Liquid IV (electrolyte drink mix). 

~ The State of the City event will be Tuesday, Feb. 11, at LOOK Cinemas. Topics include the Eaton Fire, community support, a recap of 2024, and plans for 2025.

~ Most city offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

~ There will be lane closures on East Huntington Jan. 21 to Feb. 21 between California and Shamrock. Closures will affect one lane per direction from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the completion of the pedestrian bridge public art project.

~ A Community Job Fair with more than 30 employers will take place at Monrovia Community Adult School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free lunch for applicants of at least three jobs. Register here

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Tacos Ensenada


Dinner at Tacos Ensenada, on the north side of Huntington, just east of Monterey. Got two chicken tacos for $3.24 each and a Tamarindo drink for $2.99. Good taste and good price.

- Brad Haugaard 

Centre Stage collecting gift cards for fire victims


Monrovia's Centre Stage is collecting gift cards to support those who lost so much in the Eaton Fire. Details

- Brad Haugaard

A reader poll: Is the police report too long?

It has been suggested that the police report in MonroviaNow.com is too long.

So ... I would like to know if that is the general feeling.

Instead of publishing the full report I could offer a quick summary of police activities and a link to the full report. Or I could continue to publish the full report.

Click here to see an example of both approaches.

I'm still pondering what to do and your comments would be helpful.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man stabbed at sobriety meeting; Recovered juvenile kicks and spits; Sleeping in car on Huntington Drive; Etc.


Monrovia Police were presumably busy with the Eaton Fire last week and did not submit their standard weekly report. So today the police released two reports. Since that would be a bit lengthy, here are a few lowlights from the Dec. 19-Jan. 8 report, and a link to the full report, followed by the standard weekly report, for Jan. 9-15.

Dec. 19-Jan. 8 (full report

~ A man attending a sobriety meeting on Myrtle was stabbed by someone at the meeting.

~ Traffic accident - bicyclist hit car. Cyclist treated by paramedics.

~ Knifepoint robbery on Huntington.

~ Attempted dog theft. Owner struck by suspects.

~ Sexual battery on store employee.

~ Buildings evacuated because of gas leak.


January 9 – 15

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 9 – 15. - Brad Haugaard]

During this period the Police Department handled 488 service events, resulting in 78 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence / Felony Evading – Suspect Arrested
January 9 at 1:39 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Duarte saw a motorist fail to stop. A traffic stop was attempted and the driver refused to stop. A pursuit ensued and was quickly terminated. As the officer continued to patrol the area, they were flagged down by a witness that saw the driver flee and hide. The driver was located and a DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
January 9 at 10:09 a.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported a vehicle transported to their facility has been previously reported stolen. Officers responded and recovered the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Recovered Stolen / Missing Person Located
January 9 at 8:54 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Huntington and Mountain. Officers were made aware that the vehicle was stolen by a juvenile who had been reported missing. Officers located the missing juvenile and the vehicle. The victim did not desire prosecution. The vehicle and juvenile were removed from the system.

Arson
January 11 at 2:45 a.m., while patrolling the 1100 block of S. Mountain an officer saw smoke rising from the rear of a business. Additional officers and MFD responded, evacuated a neighboring building and extinguished the fire. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 7:37 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 11 at 9:56 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of E. Colorado reported a burglary at their residence. This investigation is continuing.

Runaway / Mental Evaluation
January 11 at 9:27 p.m., a juvenile was reported missing from the 100 block of N. Ivy. Officer’s arrived and located the juvenile, when officers attempted to contact the juvenile she ran from the officers. Officers were able to detain her after she kicked and spat on them. Officers determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a medical facility for an evaluation.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 12 at 1:36 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and California saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. 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.

Welfare Check / Mental Evaluation
January 12 at 4:10 p.m., a resident on S. Fifth reported that her adult son made comments about harming her. Officers arrived and made contact with the son. It was determined that he was a danger to his mother. An emergency protective order was granted against the son. The son was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
January 12 at 7:31 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Foothill and Madison. The vehicle was located, but the driver fled, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was terminated shortly after. The vehicle was later located by Pasadena PD and another pursuit ensued. The driver fled on foot and a foot pursuit ensued, the suspect was apprehended a short distance away. An investigation revealed he was also in possession of a firearm. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
January 12 at 8:26 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported a male adult standing near a small trashcan containing lit debris. An officer arrived and observed a man walking in the middle of the street, nearly being struck by traffic. The individual was detained, and the trashcan was found smoldering. MFD responded and fully extinguished the smoldering debris. The subject was exhibiting severe mental health issues, and it was determined that he posed a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 13 at 3:35 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and 210 freeway an officer saw a vehicle stranded on the center median. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noticed the driver, a female adult, passed out behind the wheel. The officer made contact with the driver, who immediately exhibited signs of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Theft from Vehicle

January 13 at 10:12 a.m., a victim parked his vehicle near a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain and walked back to his vehicle he realized the cover to the bed of his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen License Plate
January 13 at 3:29 p.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of W. Colorado noticed a vehicle with stolen license plates. The stolen plate was recovered and booked. The stolen plate was reported stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting Report
January 13 at 6:31 p.m., a caller in a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported an adult male suspect stole merchandise and fled on foot. Officers responded but were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Arson Report
January 13 at 11:58 p.m., a tree fire was reported in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and discovered a fallen palm tree that had been set on fire. Two officers attempted to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers; however, the fire intensified. The fire was ultimately extinguished by the MFD. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 4:41 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject concealing merchandise. As he was leaving, an employee attempted to stop him and he pulled a knife and threatened the employee. Officers arrived and located the subject in a nearby business. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 14 at 5:08 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Magnolia and Huntington regarding an injury traffic collision. Officers arrived and discovered a vehicle had failed to yield and struck another vehicle. Both parties were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 10:01 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Greystone regarding a subject that has been sleeping in his vehicle and causing disturbances in the area. Officers arrived and made contact with him. Officers discovered he was under the influence of a narcotic. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 15 at 1:03 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Mayflower. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed one of the driver failed to yield and collided with another vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Theft
January 15 at 2:50 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject walked into the business and walked out with merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 15 at 3:37 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a subject took merchandise and left without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Foothill Unity Center plans distribution of supplies for Altadenans in need


In response to the recent Eaton Canyon fire, Foothill Unity Center will host a wildfire relief distribution Friday, Jan. 17, 9-11:30 a.m., at its Pasadena location, 191 N. Oak Ave., to support those in need. Items to be distributed: Food, water, clothing, diapers, blankets, pet food, and more. To donate money, click here

- Brad Haugaard

Helps for those displaced by recent fires

Here are some helps for those who have been displaced by the Eaton Fire.

~ MODA at Monrovia Station, at 228 W. Pomona Ave., is offering temporary rentals for those displaced by recent fires at reduced rates (from low of $2,438 for a 1-bedroom to $3,076 for 2-bedroom. Reduced rates are in place for two weeks starting Jan. 15. Lease terms can be as short as three months. Three- to six-month leases include one week free; six months or more include two weeks free. Discounted rental furniture is available through Cort Furniture.  

~ Alexan Marmont, at 1625 S. Magnolia Ave., is expediting application approval and move-in for fire-displaced residents. Furniture packages are available from a partnering vendor. For details, call 626-275-8560.  

~  Arcadia Association of Realtors is offering a free real estate and housing help center for displaced residents is at 601 S. First Ave. in Arvadia. Walk-in hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Visitors receive rental listings, lease applications and can ask volunteers questions. No appointments needed. Call 626-446-2115 for more information.  

~ Renters and homeowners who applied for disaster assistance may qualify for hotel or motel stays paid by FEMA while arranging interim housing. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov (Spanish at /es), call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app.  

~ Raising prices more than 10 percent during or after a declared disaster is illegal price gouging. A state of emergency has been declared for LA County.  

~ Beware of fake job solicitations on social media, impersonators posing as government workers, unsolicited calls or texts requesting donations or personal data, in-person scams offering "free help," and anyone demanding payment via gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Confirm identities, use official contacts and verify charities through reputable platforms before donating.

- Brad Haugaard

Altadena merchants at Street Fair; Monrovia water is safe; Picking up extra green waste may take a bit longer - there's lots

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that...

~ The Friday Night Street Fair returns this Friday with six Altadena merchants who need space and support. A donation drive will be held at the fair.

~ Yes, Monrovia water is safe to drink and "there are no issues, concerns or problems in Monrovia's water system." Also, reservoirs are full, and as a routine matter during power outages, generators are placed at water production facilities and pump stations to maintain service. 

~ City crews are following Athens trash trucks to pick up remaining wind waste, but  crews are busy and they may follow one to three days behind trash pick-up, so be patient. Bag leaves and keep waste out of the street and sidewalks.

- Brad Haugaard

Hillside Wilderness Preserve closed until further notice


The Hillside Wilderness Preserve is closed until further notice. 

Although the preserve was basically untouched by the Eaton Fire, it was very much touched by the bulldozers firefighters used to widen the fire break.

From the Ridgeside trailhead, the fire road is mostly untouched until just before Sunset Bench, at which point the road has been widened to maybe 70 or 80 feet and the surface is  churned up like soft sand.

From Sunset Bench down the west side it is graded by bulldozers. The switchbacks below the bench are essentially gone. All that is left is a steep, deep-powder slope with a few of the far corners of the switchbacks still intact.

The westward road from the bottom of the switchbacks (not the southern road) is also churned up into deep sand all the way to the intersection where you can turn off to Arcadia Wilderness Park, or what was once Arcadia Wilderness Park.

From that point to the Cloverleaf entry point everything is pretty clear except for a few fallen branches.

- Brad Haugaard 

Arsonist starts palm tree fire on S. Myrtle

Video of arsonist. Time stamp is an hour off. It happened at about 12:56 a.m.

The owner of a business on S. Myrtle, just below Duarte Road, reports that, "We had a palm tree knocked down on Tuesday night, and last night, someone lit it on fire. Thankfully the fire department put it out quickly and it didn’t damage our building." If anyone has information about the fire, please contact Monrovia Police at 256-8000.

- Brad Haugaard

Arcadia Masonic Lodge Collecting Drinks for First Responders


Arcadia Masonic Lodge #278 (50 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia) is collecting water, electrolyte drinks, and canned coffee and energy drinks for first responders working on the Eaton Fire. Members of the Lodge asked the first responders directly what their greatest need was, and hands down it was hydration to help them during their 12-hour shifts. Arcadia Masonic Lodge #278 serves Arcadia, Monrovia, and Temple City, as well as the greater SGV.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Pacific Electric Car at Olive and Myrtle about 1905

Looking north on Myrtle from Olive around 1905 with a group of men standing by Pacific Electric Car 258. Black hat and long black coat: E.J. (Lucky) Baldwin 4th from right in group next to car. In group to the right: Bare-headed: Thomas Neville whose drugstore is on the right of the picture. Man on the left is Ben Overturff. Second from right is the motorman. An arc light hangs over the intersection, which was replaced by the first light standards in 1909. 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

Electricity restored but may be switched off tomorrow if winds require it; leaf blowers banned, etc.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that ...

  • The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres and is 33% contained.
  • All electricity has been restored throughout the community, and cleanup is underway.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 14, may have winds from the northeast from 15 to 30 mph, resulting in increased fire danger. City crews are ready to respond.
  • Southern California Edison may switch off power due to winds. Be prepared.
  • LA Department of Public Health  is prohibiting the use of power air blowers, including leaf blowers, until further notice. They push ash into the air, worsening air quality.
  • The city is no longer accepting food and other donations.

- Brad Haugaard

Parrot talk at Garden Club, Jan. 28.

Local urban parrots will be the topic of the Monrovia Garden Club meeting Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, downstairs. Brenda Ramirez, who works with Moore Lab's Free-flying Los Angeles Parrot Project (FLAPP), will discuss Red-crowned and Lilac-crowned Parrots, their adaptation to urban habitats, and mixed-species flock formation.

- Brad Haugaard