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Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 40 More Cases, No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 09/29/2021. Changes since 09/22/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,936 cases (up 40), 82 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 442 cases (up 4), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Memorial Hospital ICU at Capacity for More than a Year

NBC Los Angeles reports that the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says that 20 hospitals throughout the country have had full Intensive Care Units for more than a year. One of them is Monrovia Memorial Hospital (323 S. Heliotrope), in Monrovia, which has spent 59 weeks at or above its operational capacity. https://is.gd/AsX4uR

Not noted in the story is that Monrovia Memorial Hospital's operational capacity is four ICU beds, according to HHS. https://is.gd/5QByUM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Sleeper Awakes, Sets Off Alarm; Six People Steal Lots of Perfume; Not a Bomb at Train Station; Safes Foil Burglars; Credit Card Stealing Device at ATM; Much More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 423 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 2:56 a.m., an alarm company called police to report an alarm activation at a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located a male suspect inside the store. Investigation revealed the suspect entered the store during business hours to find a place to sleep. He later woke up and activated the alarm while trying to exit the building. The suspect was arrested for trespassing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 9:22 a.m., employees of a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle called police regarding a theft suspect from a previous incident. The suspect had returned to the store. Officers contacted the suspect inside the business and found he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was identified by multiple employees and was wearing the same clothing he wore during the first theft incident. He was arrested for the drug paraphernalia and his identity was forwarded to the handling detective of the previous theft case.

Residential Burglary
September 23 at 1:41 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest reported that sometime between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. that day his residence was burglarized. A suspicious, newer-model Ford Explorer was seen in the area. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
September 23 at 2:04 p.m., a male subject in the 300 block of S. Lincoln called police to report that his ex-girlfriend was suicidal and had taken an unknown amount of pills before driving off in her vehicle. An extensive search was conducted and she was located in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. She was in need of medical attention and made additional suicidal statements. It was determined that she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Grand Theft
September 23 at 5:21 p.m., a loss prevention officer at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a suspect had just stolen a drill from the business and fled on foot through the parking lot. Officers arrived and searched the area, but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 7:31 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Cypress and Shamrock saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle kept driving for several blocks before stopping. Once contacted, the driver displayed symptoms of intoxication and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was ultimately arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
September 23 at 8:31 p.m., employees at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called police to report a grand theft. Approximately half a dozen suspects had come inside the store and stole a large amount of perfume. The total loss has not been calculated yet. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 11:22 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious person in the 900 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and contacted the subject. They recognized him from previous encounters, and an investigation revealed he had several no-bail warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 3:11 p.m., the Monrovia Fire Department requested assistance from officers with an uncooperative female subject in the area of Primrose and Pomona. She was heavily intoxicated and it was determined she was unable to care for herself. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

DUI Checkpoint – Suspects Arrested
September 24 at 7:00 p.m., the Monrovia Police Department set up a DUI checkpoint in the 200 block of E. Huntington. Three suspects were arrested for DUI and one suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant. Seventeen drivers were issued citations for not having a valid license.

Assault Report
September 25 at 4:11 a.m., a clerk at a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte called police to report a fight between a male and female subject in front of the store. Officers arrived and contacted the female subject. The male had already left the location in a vehicle. It was determined that the female was the victim of an assault. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 25 at 12:38 p.m., a caller reported a driver slumped over in a vehicle in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The subject displayed symptoms of intoxication and a DUI investigation was conducted. The suspect was ultimately arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Resisting and Delaying Officers – Suspect Arrested
September 25 at 3:45 p.m., officers responded to a possible domestic violence incident in progress in the 500 block of W. Maple. They arrived and contacted two subjects. The subjects were uncooperative and the male subject refused to exit the home. After a few minutes, he decided to come out, however, he then ran from officers. He was detained and later arrested for resisting and delaying officers.

Outside Assist – Suspicious Package
September 25 at 3:59 p.m., officers responded to assist Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Metro with a complete shutdown of the Metro line and the adjacent streets near the Metro Monrovia Station platform. The shutdown was due to a suspicious package that was placed on the Metro line platform. Monrovia officers assisted in traffic control only. Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department had canines and the bomb squad on scene. At approximately 6:15 p.m., the package was deemed safe and all streets were opened up shortly thereafter.

Vehicle Burglary – Suspect Arrested
September 25 at 11:44 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of E. Lemon called to report a female suspect attempting to break into her neighbor’s vehicle. Prior to officers’ arrival, the caller’s husband confronted the suspect, who then attempted to flee on foot. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. They discovered she used a tool to punch the vehicle’s door lock. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
September 26 at 7:42 a.m., the manager of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported that two neighboring businesses appeared to have been burglarized sometime during the night. Officers arrived and found the front windows had been shattered. The investigation revealed that three male suspects entered the first business at 3:40 a.m., attempted to break open the office safe, but were unsuccessful. The suspects then went next door to another business and attempted the same thing, but were still unsuccessful. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
September 27 at 3:12 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. The victim reported that his work van was broken into over the weekend while parked in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and found the front passenger window was smashed. As of yet, the victim has not found anything missing. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
September 27 at 3:00 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of E. Lemon walked outside his home and discovered the rear window on his car had been shattered for the third time in less than six months. No entry was made into the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Fraud
September 27 at 4:15 p.m., an employee of a bank in the 200 block of S. Myrtle discovered a skimming device inserted into the credit card slot of their outdoor ATM machine. The device was removed. It is unknown if there are any victims to the attempt fraud. This investigation is continuing.

Assault – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 12:42 a.m., officers were called to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a battery that had just occurred. Officers arrived at the location and located the suspect walking away from the business. As the officer started to park his vehicle, the suspect threw a vodka bottle at the officer’s windshield. Additional officers arrived and detained the suspect. An investigation revealed the suspect had walked up to a drive-thru window and demanded food. When the victim refused to give him food, the suspect punched him in the face. The victim was able to positively identify the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
September 28 at 9:24 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Magnolia walked outside his home and discovered his car had been stolen sometime during the night. It was not where he had parked it on the street. He did not give anyone permission to take it. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 28 at 9:50 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the intersection of Mountain and Royal Oaks. Officers responded and found one driver was complaining of pain to her neck, so paramedics responded. The party found to be at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 1:29 p.m., employees of a business in the 100 block of W. Palm reported a male subject on their property who has previously been warned to stay off the property or he would be arrested for trespassing. He habitually yells profanity at employees and chases them. Officers responded, located the subject, and arrested him for trespassing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 28 at 2:07 p.m., a caller reported someone had stolen his red pickup truck from the 700 block of W. Duarte, where he was doing work. The truck was taken within an hour of the owner reporting it. The truck contained construction tools in the bed. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 10:08 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding an intoxicated subject yelling at customers. When officers arrived, the suspect was confrontational with them and attempted to walk away. He was arrested and taken into custody. He was checked by fire personnel for level of intoxication. The suspect then told fire personnel that he wanted to go to a hospital for a checkup. He was taken to the hospital and was later released after sobering. He was returned to the Monrovia Police Department, where he retrieved his property.

Mental Evaluation
September 28 at 10:35 p.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a female adult having a nervous breakdown. The officer spoke with the subject's husband, who claimed his wife had been threatening suicide by wanting to jump out of their moving vehicle. The wife also stated to the officer that she wanted to harm herself. She was placed on a 72-hour hold and transported to a local facility for mental health evaluation and treatment.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 29 at 6:37 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of E. Olive. The victim called to report someone entered his unlocked vehicle and took a bag which contained a laptop computer. Investigation continuing.

Suspicious Person
September 29 at 8:18 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Primrose called police to report a male subject in the laundry room facility at the location. He had been at the location all night and the resident wanted him to leave. When Officers arrived, he was walking away from the location. Officers have dealt with this subject many times. He was advised not to come back and a no-trespass authorization was completed.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered – Suspect Arrested
September 29 at 8:31 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle pass him at a high rate of speed. He caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop near Myrtle and Pomona. While he was walking up to the driver's front window to make contact, dispatch advised him it was a stolen vehicle. He detained the male driver and one female passenger until assisting officers arrived. The two were removed from the vehicle without incident. The driver was arrested and the passenger was identified and released. The victim came to the location to pick up his vehicle.

Fraud Report
September 29 at 4:53 p.m., a fraud incident was reported in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle. The victim reported that he received a notification from his computer security system. When he called them back, they requested his bank account information over the phone, which he gave them. He reviewed his banking account and saw there had been deposits made to his account. He was ordered to purchase gift cards and give the numbers to the person on the phone, which he did. He later realized he had been scammed and called police. The investigation is continuing.

Disturbing Subject
September 29 at 4:54 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject was outside at their tables, yelling and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and saw the subject, whom they recognized and have dealt with several times over the past couple days. He was advised to leave the location and not return. A no-trespass authorization was completed.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
September 29 at 9:05 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of Pilgrim Way called police to report a vehicle just collided into several parked cars and the driver was trying to flee on foot. Officers arrived and found an unattended vehicle on the resident’s front lawn. A computer check of the vehicle revealed it was reported stolen out of Las Vegas. Personal identifying items belonging to a local resident were found inside. During the investigation, the officer was able to identify a person of interest. A wanted person entry was put into the law enforcement system.

Dinner at Mayan Bar and Restaurant

Dinner tonight at the Mayan Bar and Restaurant, in the Aztec Hotel at Foothill and Magnolia. Got the Fish Fillet for $10 and a beer at the $4 happy hour price.   Very good and the back patio was pleasant in the early evening. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Simona Bradbury and the Founding of Immaculate Conception Church

Lewis Leonard Bradbury, the founder of nearby Bradbury who built the historic Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles, lived with his wife, Simona, for some time in their country home on land that later became part of Monrovia.

Bradbury married Simona Martinez, who was his housekeeper when he lived in Sinaloa, Mexico. Following his death in 1892 she managed his business ventures in California and Mexico and oversaw the completion of the Bradbury Building.

When she died, their children donated land in her name to build Immaculate Conception Church, the first Catholic Church in Monrovia. https://is.gd/0GE7b8

Photo from Monrovia Historical Society's Legacy Project.

Thanks to David Campbell for the tip.

- Brad Haugaard

Road to Camp Trask Now Open

The road from Canyon Park to Camp Trask - popular with hikers and bicyclists - has now been reopened. The sign at the bridge in the park saying that, "The area leading to the US Forest Service is closed until further notice" has been replaced with a sign saying, “US Forest Bobcat fire closure 1 mile ahead.”

The area beyond Camp Trask is Forest Service land, but the road leading up to Camp Trask belongs to the city of Monrovia.

At Camp Trask there is a sign threatening a fine of up to $5,000 for people crossing into the Forest Service area.

- Brad Haugaard 

Chief Loves People and Is Excited to Learn


Eight-year-old Chief loves people and can’t wait to find his perfect home! Chief enjoys playing with toys, and especially likes mental enrichment such as puzzle feeders and snuffle mats. His ideal adopter is someone who can let Chief go at his own pace with new people and environments, and who can give him lots of mental stimulation and playtime. Chief will do great with positive reinforcement training and is excited to learn lots of new things with you.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Teacher of Year Honored; Lots of Interest in Music; District Hires Public Information Officer; Clifton PTA Raises $17,000


In his September report, Monrovia Schools Superintendent Ryan Smith writes: 

~ Monrovia Teacher of the Year Kristin Ford was recognized at LA County Office of Education's 40th Annual "Teacher of the Year" banquet. She is pictured above with her husband Troy and Assistant Superintendent Darvin Jackson.

~ Earlier this month the district held its annual Superstars of Music registration and orientation evening for parents and interested elementary school students. More than 500 parents and students from all five elementary schools attended, triple the usual number who attend.

~ Gustavo Olguin has been hired as the district's first Public Information Officer. He will "play an important role in increasing communication to our parents and families, community, and local news outlets about all the great things happening in our schools through press releases, social media, enhancements to websites, and other formats like short video stories, podcasts, etc."

~ Clifton Middle School PTA raised more than $17,000 through its Step It Up event. Funds will go to purchase library books, and to after-school enrichment - including arts programs, incentives to support the school's Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program, and more.

Source: Superintendent's Update: https://is.gd/OIGIYz

- Brad Haugaard

New Student Representatives to Monrovia School Board - Alexia Holt and Brianna Campbell

Brianna Campbell

Alexia Holt

Monrovia High School senior Alexia Holt and Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park Independent Study School junior Brianna Campbell will serve as Monrovia Unified’s 2021-22 Board of Education student representatives.

Holt and Campbell were administered the oath of office by Board President Maritza Travanti during Board of Education meetings on Sept. 10 and Sep. 22, respectively.

“Alexia and Brianna are exceptional additions to Monrovia’s Board of Education,” Travanti said“Their interest in Board activities, as well as their academic success, make them the perfect representatives of Monrovia Unified students. On behalf of the Board, we welcome Alexia and Brianna to their new roles. We look forward to working with them to ensure the continued success of our students.”

In addition to serving as Associated Student Body President, Holt is a four-year varsity softball player and captain of the team. Her academic and athletic performances have earned her recognition as a Scholar Athlete, an honor awarded to athletes who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 and above.

After graduation, Holt hopes to attend UCLA, where she plans to apply skills learned as Board representative toward a degree in economics or business administration. She looks forward to expanding on her learning and ultimately building a career in management or a similar field.

“I’m really glad I was chosen to represent the students of Monrovia Unified,” Holt said. “A lot of students come up to me now to ask me questions and I get to address their concerns at Board meetings. I’m excited to learn about how the school board passes resolutions, and I think being the student representative is going to help me with public speaking and with my confidence in professional settings.”

Campbell is a successful participant in Monrovia Unified’s Early College Program and is a former member of Monrovia High School’s choir.

“I’m excited to be a student representative this school year,” Campbell said. “I think it’s going to be fun learning about the Board and its members, making my report and sharing what’s going on at school. This opportunity will help me develop my communication and professional skills.”

After high school, Campbell plans to pursue a business degree at UCLA or Cal State Fullerton and ultimately become a polygraph examiner for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Campbell is also experienced in dance and Taekwondo.

“At Monrovia Unified School District, we are dedicated to providing our students with the tools and resources they need to be ready for college, career and beyond,” Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith said. “The success of these students characterizes them as World-Class Students, whose remarkable work ethic has helped them achieve great things in their academic and athletic pursuits.”

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1912 - Myrtle Bedecked With Flags for Monrovia Bargain Day

Monrovia Bargain Day, 1910, looking north on Myrtle from Olive. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

Bomb Threat at Train Station

Monrovia Police tweet 5:11 p.m. today (Saturday):

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is handling a bomb threat on the Monrovia Gold Line train platform. Please refer any questions to the LASD Temple City Station at (626) 285-7171.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Football Wins Over San Dimas

Monrovia over San Dimas, 36-17 Friday night. Non-conference game. https://is.gd/58PPLQ

- Brad Haugaard

Job Openings with the City of Monrovia

Open positions:

  • Part time police communications operator (Dispatch), $25.56 - $34.26 an hour.
  • Full time entry level police officer, $62,969.80 - $102,966.42 annually.

Details: https://is.gd/ELXrA1

- Brad Haugaard

Old Gas Station on Shamrock Being Restored; West Nile Mosquitoes In Monrovia


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

~ If you've noticed construction at the former Flying A Gasoline Station at 721 S. Shamrock, the concrete foundations are being replaced and soon the refurbished gasoline pumps will be back in place. The building is being modified into an "artisan workshop with incidental retail and a live/work space."

~  The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District has detected one mosquito carrying West Nile virus in Monrovia. Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle - from egg to adult - in a week, so eliminate stagnant water weekly around your home and keep your pool clean. Use Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), Picaridin, DEET or IR3535. About West Nile: https://is.gd/U6Xt9l

- Brad Haugaard

Landscaping for Fire Preparedness

To register, email Nichol Delgado at nichol@usgvmwd.org.

- Brad Haugaardd

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 57 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 09/22/2021. Changes since 09/15/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,896 cases (up 57), 82 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 438 cases (up 4), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Arrested for Stealing Ring Doorbells; Red-Light Runner Causes Four-Vehicle Accident; Man Hits Wife and Officer; Man Injures Himself While Intentionally Running Into Another Car

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 404 service events, resulting in 54 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
September 16 at 8:58 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of S. Sunset called to report his Ford truck was stolen sometime during the night. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 1:05 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a subject causing a disturbance in the area. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who they recognized from previous encounters. An investigation revealed he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and found to be in possession of an ID card, credit card, and checks belonging to other persons.

Fraud – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 6:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain regarding a male subject attempting to purchase a new vehicle using false identification. The officers detained the suspect, and the investigation revealed he was already on probation for fraud charges. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 12:21 a.m., an officer on patrol near the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington saw a traffic collision in the area that just occurred. An investigation revealed that one of the drivers was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Attempt Residential Burglary
September 17 at 12:52 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of S. Heliotrope regarding a male suspect attempting to enter a residence through a window. The suspect removed a widow screen and started to pry the window open, before fleeing the area. The suspect was described as a male subject wearing a hooded sweatshirt. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
September 17 at 1:05 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Sunset called police to report that someone tried to steal his vehicle. Upon entering his vehicle, he discovered that someone had tampered with the ignition. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 17 at 2:12 p.m., the owner of a business in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle reported that his business had been burglarized. The front glass door had been smashed and car parts, wheels, and other items had been stolen. The owner was last at his business a week ago. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing / Missing Person Located / Mental Evaluation
September 17 at 2:54 p.m., employees at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that a female subject was trespassing and causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and contacted the female, who was found to be a missing person out of San Bernardino County. While speaking with the female, it was determined she was a danger to herself and in need of an evaluation by a mental health professional. She was transported to a facility for treatment.

Assault / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 11:42 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding a family disturbance. A son was upset with his mother for requesting a welfare check on him. An investigation revealed he had broken his mother’s door and battered her and his sisters. The mother suffered minor injuries as a result of the attack. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. It was determined he was a danger to others and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. After being released from custody, he was transported to a mental health facility for treatment.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 6:48 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Lime reported her adult son was at her home in violation of her restraining order. Officers were familiar with the subject due to prior violations. They arrived and contacted him on the front porch. The subject did not care about the order and stated he would come back after he was released from custody. He was arrested and taken into custody. Based on his history of past violations, he was held in custody for a likelihood of re-occurrence.

Making a False Police Report
September 18 at 7:21 a.m., police dispatch received a call from someone claiming they were 8 years old, bleeding, and were in the 400 block of W. Palm. They also claimed to be the victim of sexual abuse. The dispatcher asked multiple questions and the caller gave very vague details. Officers checked the location and found no one living there had made the call. The call was determined to have originated from a Portland Oregon area code number associated with a texting application. Dispatch contacted Portland Police Department, who had received a similar call from the same number six hours prior. It was determined that this was a false report of an incident. Neighboring agencies were notified of the circumstances. The investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
September 18 at 9:06 a.m., a caller reported there was a shirtless subject behind a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill who was yelling and banging on a wall. Officers arrived and identified the subject. The subject then picked up a piece of lumber and walked toward one of the officers. The officers were able to subdue the subject and he was taken into custody. Based on the circumstances and the subject's mental status, he was determined to be a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a facility to be evaluated by a mental health professional.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 12:37 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of S. Magnolia. Officers arrived and found the driver to be heavily intoxicated, but not injured. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
September 19 at 8:36 a.m., a passerby called police and reported a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington had a shattered front window. Officers arrived and determined a burglary had indeed occurred. The owners of the business were notified and evidence was collected at the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 1:52 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject who was concealing merchandise in a backpack. Officers arrived, detained the suspect, and found merchandise concealed in the backpack. The suspect was arrested for trespassing and taken into custody.

Vandalism
September 20 at 2:29 a.m., officers were extra patrolling the 100 block of E. Lime, when they noticed someone had vandalized the fence in front of a local building. No suspects were seen. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 3:37 a.m., a caller reported a driver asleep in his vehicle in the 400 block of W. Foothill. The vehicle engine was running and the gear was in drive. Officers responded and located the subject outside the vehicle, searching through it for his car keys. Officers spoke with the reporting party, who indicated she saw the car running, so she reached in, turned the car off, and removed the keys to protect the intoxicated driver, who appeared to be a minor. A DUI investigation was conducted and the subject was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 4:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a suspect who had just taken a Ring doorbell. Officers searched the area and found the suspect hiding. During the investigation, officers discovered the subject had six Ring doorbells and two Nest cameras in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
September 20 at 8:50 a.m., employees of a utility company in the 1600 block of S. Mountain arrived to work and discovered someone had forced entry into one of their work trucks and had stolen tools. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 20 at 10:54 a.m., a gardener reported he was doing backyard work at a home in the 200 block of Highland, and while he was distracted, someone stole several tools from the back of his truck. Officers searched the area for possible suspects, but were unable to locate anyone. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 20 at 6:15 p.m., a caller reported an accident involving four vehicles near the intersection of California and Huntington. Officers responded and determined a vehicle ran a red signal light and caused a chain reaction collision into three other vehicles. A single driver complained of pain and was treated at the scene by paramedics

Fraud / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 8:15 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a fraud in progress. A male suspect had entered the business and attempted to return items he had just selected. The suspect used a fake identification card during the transaction. The suspect was arrested for fraud and three outstanding warrants.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 5:50 p.m., a caller reported witnessing a male subject write graffiti on stop signs at the intersection of Primrose and Palm. Officers responded and located the subject. After he was positively identified by the witness, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Assault on a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 8:52 p.m., a female subject in the 1300 block of S. Primrose called police to report her husband just assaulted her in front of their small children. Officers arrived and quickly located the husband a short distance away. It was determined that the husband punched his wife while she was holding their small child. During the process of arresting the husband, he kicked one of the officers in the leg. The officer was not injured, but the violation of assault against a police officer was added to his charges, along with domestic violence and child endangerment. The suspect was taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
September 22 at 12:20 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte regarding a male subject wielding a knife in front of their customers. Officers arrived and found a distraught subject outside the store, pacing back and forth, holding a large knife. Officers were able to convince the subject to drop the knife, and he was safely detained. The subject was placed on a mental evaluation hold and was transported to a local medical facility to be evaluated.

Residential Burglary
September 22 at 9:39 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a burglary at his home. An unknown suspect entered the residence and stole his iPad and his wallet. He had gone to bed in the evening and discovered it missing in the morning. The only noise heard during the night was a roommate who had come home between midnight and 1:00 a.m. The roommate didn't notice anything out of the ordinary at that time. There was no forced entry to any of the doors. The victim believes the suspect may have come through a patio door. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 22 at 11:17 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. The victim reported that he left his garage door open and someone came in and took coins, his registration, clothing, and a diamond from his unlocked vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 5:43 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a hit and run traffic collision in the area of Duarte and Encino. A witness reported that one of the subjects had exited his vehicle and took off running into a residence. Officers arrived and located the subject, who was injured. The injured party was the suspect, who intentionally ran his vehicle into the other vehicle with the driver still inside. The independent witness corroborated the victim's statement and it appears this was a road rage incident. The suspect was arrested, treated for his injuries, and brought back to the station for booking.

Lunch at Las Marias

Lunch at Las Marias, in the mini-mall on Foothill and Alta Vista. Got the Soft Taco and Chile Relleno combination for $9.49 and an iced tea for $2.10. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Arcadia Police Looking for Missing Person - Kristen Chang

Update: Found safe. 

The Arcadia Police Department is seeking your help in locating a missing person: Kristen Chang, a 16-year-old female Asian, 5'6", approximately 145 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. Miss Chang was last seen wearing a green shirt and bomber jacket, black sweatpants, black shoes, a black hat, and black face mask. Miss Chang was last seen on 9/21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Arcadia High School. If you have information that can assist in locating Miss Chang, please contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5123 or call 9-1-1.

- Brad Haugaard

Temperatures May Hit 105 Degrees Tuesday

National Weather Service has announced a heat advisory for Tuesday. Temperatures could reach 105 degrees in the San Gabriel Valley.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside." https://is.gd/16Gvrz

- Brad Haugaard

How Far South In Monrovia Have Bears Gone?

Monrovian Peter Fertig reports this hefty bear was in their front yard, cooling off in their fountain. "One of the reasons," he writes, "we all love Monrovia."

It's common to get bears in north Monrovia, and the Fertigs live on Oakcliff Road in the Norumbega area right next to the wash that comes down from Canyon Park, so this is perhaps not unusual, though this one looks pretty substantial. But anyway, it got me wondering:

How far south have bears gone? I think I've seen reports of them as far south as Foothill, but much further?

I'm curious. Has anyone seen bears further south than Foothill Boulevard?

Brad Haugaard


Undefeated Monrovia Football - Here's the Schedule

Monrovia High Football is undefeated in four games so far this season, against West Covina, Arcadia, Los Altos and South Hills. Here's what's coming up. All games are on Fridays at 7 p.m.

9/24 At San Dimas (non-league)

10/1 At La Canada

10/8 At home vs. Polytechnic

10/15 At San Marino

10/22 At Temple City

10/28 At home vs South Pasadena

https://is.gd/fdy41S

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Settles With Justice Department: Will Provide Equal GoMonrovia Access to Disabled

The City of Monrovia has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to its transportation services program, the Department of Justice announced today.

In February 2018, Monrovia launched the GoMonrovia program to restructure its dial-a-ride service, which previously provided rides only to seniors and to individuals with disabilities. GoMonrovia provides reduced-fare Lyft rides available to people traveling within the program’s service area. Individuals with disabilities who needed wheelchair-accessible vehicles could not use Lyft as part of the GoMonrovia program because the ride-sharing company did not provide such vehicles, according to the settlement agreement. Instead, they were required to use transportation services provided by a separate company, Empire Transportation Services, Inc., court documents state.

The Justice Department’s compliance review pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) found that individuals using reduced-fare Lyft rides could travel 24 hours a day and seven days a week, but individuals with disabilities using Empire Transportation could not travel on nights and certain holidays such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Accessible vehicles could not be reserved through a website or by telephone. Individuals needing this service were required to complete paper applications while those who used the Lyft service were not.

The settlement agreement requires Monrovia to take several steps to ensure that its program complies with the ADA. Individuals with disabilities will have equivalent access to the GoMonrovia program, including the abilities to travel at the same time as others. As part of the agreement, Monrovia did not admit that any qualified individual with a disability was excluded from participation in or was denied the benefits of the GoMonrovia program on the basis of a disability.

Source: US Justice Department press release https://is.gd/0B0yOX

- Brad Haugaard

Lulu - You Can Have a Full Conversation With Her


Six-year-old Lulu enjoys burrowing under blankets, getting wild on catnip, and being petted. She also enjoys drinking water out of the sink, and will even chase her treats if you throw them across the floor! Lulu has the sweetest purring meows and is the kind of cat you could have a full conversation with. She loves climbing into her foster parent’s lap while she’s working, so she would make a great work-from-home companion. No matter what you’re doing, Lulu just wants to be around you!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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: Awaiting Monrovia Days Parade in 1937

Monrovia Day Parade in 1937 in front of Slick Bros. and other stores at 622-26 S. Myrtle. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

School District to Consider Creating New Position - Deputy Superintendent

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Creating and hiring for a new position of deputy superintendent. The deputy superintendent "will assist in meeting the demands of successfully operating the District and instituting appropriate transformation of functions. In partnership with the Superintendent, the Deputy Superintendent is responsible for leadership and management of the internal operations of the District." https://is.gd/5nTxnC

~ Hiring Leadership Associates of Glendora for $15,000 to find the deputy superintendent. The company will be paid $7,500 30 days after the contract is  approved and $7,500 upon selection of a finalist. https://is.gd/ZFbyPK

~ An agreement to provide meals to Immaculate Conception STEM Academy. https://is.gd/76TL08

~ Recognizing Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. https://is.gd/LFPT1G

- Brad Haugaard

City Suspends MAX Aquatics After Arrest of Coach; Commercial Non-Eviction Moratorium Ended; Jobs With City

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

~ The city and school district have suspended all MAX Aquatics programming in Monrovia until further notice in light of the arrest of one of the company's coaches on suspicion of sex crimes with a child.

Monrovia has contracted with MAX Aquatics to operate aquatics programs at the Monrovia High School pool since 2016.

Arcadia Police is concerned that there may be additional victims.  If you have any information, or know someone who may have been a victim, please contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5160, case number 2103509.

~  On September 7, 2021, the Monrovia City Council ended the emergency moratorium on the eviction of commercial tenants for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19 financial hardships and "no-fault" commercial evictions.

~ The city is looking for two management analysts in its Public Works and Administrative Services Departments. Full-Time, $69,557.84 to $93,214.16 Annually. Details: https://is.gd/fFeRbp

- Brad Haugaard

Arcadia Police Arrest Suspect in Sex Acts With Child, But Fear There May Be More Victims



Arcadia Police have arrested a former swim coach with Max Aquatics, a private swim club that uses pools in Monrovia, Arcadia and El Monte, on suspicion of committing Unlawful Sexual Acts with a Child. Police, however, are concerned that there may be additional victims.

Arcadia Police report: 

"On September 7, 2021, a representative of Max Aquatics contacted the Arcadia Police Department to report an inappropriate relationship between an adult Max Aquatics swim coach and a juvenile athlete. Max Aquatics is a private swim club that uses the pools in the cities of Arcadia, El Monte, and Monrovia. Max Aquatics immediately suspended the coach, and his employment was subsequently terminated. 

"Arcadia Police Detectives conducted an investigation, obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect, and a search warrant for the suspect who is 25-year-old Marco Antonio Flores from Arcadia, pictured [here]. On September 16, 2021, Detectives served the search and arrest warrants at Flores’ residence. Flores was arrested for violations of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, lewd and lascivious acts involving children, and other sex crimes. Flores is being held in the Arcadia Police Department’s jail with a bail of $25,000.

"Marco Flores was a swim coach at Max Aquatics since 2017, and detectives are concerned there may be additional victims. The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or may have been a victim, are encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 574-5160, case number 2103509. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org."

Source: Arcadia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Mayor Withdraws Application for Historic Landmark Status for His House

Mayor Adams' house.

Mayor Tom Adams has withdrawn an application set to come before the City Council (https://is.gd/HkqM2u) for an historic landmark designation for his home on Norumbega Drive.

Earlier, the Historic Preservation Commission declined to take any action on Adam's request though the commission's staff concluded the request was reasonable, but not on the architectural grounds under which it was submitted.

The commission report (https://is.gd/rgp3YQ) says: "The applicant had submitted the application for designation focused on architecture; however, staff believes that designation based on association [with a notable person] is more compelling and has greater merit as described below." The report then lists Adams contributions to the city.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: Two New Deaths - One in Monrovia, One in Unincorporated Monrovia

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 09/15/2021. Changes since 09/09/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,839 cases (up 70), 81 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 434 cases (up 1), 1 death (up 1)

- Brad Haugaard

Renters Now Majority in Monrovia

This is admittedly somewhat old, but I haven't heard it mentioned before. Monrovia, along with many other suburban cities across the country, has switched from a majority of homeowners to a majority of renters.

The study in RentCafe Blog has a table showing that between 2010 and 2019 the percentage of renters in Monrovia rose from 49.5% to 54.3%. Details: https://is.gd/Y1eOxp

Thanks to David Campbell for the tip. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Runs Over Man Sleeping in Alley; Valuables Stolen from Unlocked Vehicle; Car Breaks Open Fire Hydrant; Pedestrian Hit by Car; Pedestrian Punched in Face; And More ...

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 362 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Theft
September 9 at 10:46 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. The victim reported that his backpack had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. His vehicle was parked in a parking structure. The backpack contained sunglasses, a computer, a tablet, and credit cards. The victim's credit cards had already been used in Pasadena and Hollywood. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 10:20 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Myrtle and Lemon. The officer contacted the driver and found he was driving with a suspended license and the vehicle registration has been expired for over 18 months. The driver was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
September 10 at 8:15 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Hillcrest called police to report her vehicle had been stolen sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
September 10 at 1:10 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a subject left the store without paying for a bottle of fragrance. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already left. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 11 at 8:40 a.m., a caller reported that a three car traffic collision had just occurred at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. Two occupants reported minor injuries. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft
September 11 at 11:53 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Hillcrest called police to report the theft of a catalytic converter. The resident went to her vehicle in the morning, turned it on, and noticed an unusually loud noise. She discovered the catalytic converter had been removed. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 11 at 2:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called police to report that sometime during the night someone entered the property and took a small fountain and several pots. This investigation is continuing.

Shots Fired
September 11 at 3:46 p.m., police dispatch received two calls reporting shots heard near the area of Primrose and Pomona. Officers arrived and located six casings in the street. No victims were located. Witnesses were interviewed and video footage was reviewed. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspects Arrested
September 11 at 9:06 p.m., a caller reported a possible intoxicated driver near the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was in the area and found the vehicle. They directed officers to the vehicle and they conducted a traffic stop. Officers approached the driver and, during their investigation, determined the driver had been driving while under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI and the passenger was arrested for public intoxication. Both driver and passenger were taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 12:05 a.m., a caller reported two intoxicated females driving away in a vehicle near the intersection of Myrtle and Colorado. Officers responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description with a similar partial plate. The driver was traveling significantly slower than the posted speed limit, so a traffic stop was initiated. While speaking with the driver, the officer found she displayed symptoms of being under the influence and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 2:18 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Olive regarding a female subject sleeping to the rear of a closed business. When the officers arrived, they found the female and determined she was intoxicated and unable to care for herself. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 12 at 2:51 a.m., a female driver called police to report she had just run over a person in an alley. She stated she was driving through an alley in the 100 block of W. Olive when she made a turn and felt a bump. When she exited her vehicle she found a male subject under her vehicle screaming. Officers and paramedics responded and discovered a subject was trapped under the vehicle, but alive. Fire personnel worked to extract the subject, who was then transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital. The subject stated he was sleeping in the alley when he was run over by a vehicle. The subject sustained non-life-threatening injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 12 at 1:51 p.m., the owner of a business in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle arrived at work and discovered the business work van had been stolen sometime during the night. No one had permission to take the van. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 13 at 4:29 a.m., a caller reported a fire hydrant was spilling water into the street in the 3300 block of S. Peck. Officers arrived and saw a large amount of water coming from the fire hydrant, but were unable to see the cause. Fire personnel were called to the scene and were eventually able to turn off the water. Officers then discovered the hydrant had been hit by a vehicle and the driver had fled the scene before their arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 13 at 8:15 a.m., the manager of a business in the 1800 block of S. Shamrock arrived to work and discovered someone had forced entry into the business over the weekend and stolen scrap metals and pressure washers. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft
September 13 at 8:45 a.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Foothill looked outside and saw a male subject underneath the employee's vehicle, attempting to steal the catalytic converter in broad daylight. The suspect fled in a grey Toyota sedan when he saw he was being watched. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 13 at 10:40 a.m., a caller reported four motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Huntington and Shamrock. One of the vehicles struck a fire hydrant, causing water to spray into the air. Officers arrived and found one of the passengers was complaining of pain, so she was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. The driver found to be at fault for the collision was issued a citation.

Grand Theft
September 13 at 1:26 p.m., a gardener called police to report someone had just stolen several tools from the back of his work truck while he was doing work at a home in the 200 block of N. Canyon. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 11:40 p.m., a caller reported a possible DUI driver at a local drive-thru in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and waited for the driver to leave the drive-thru. An officer observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver was not intoxicated, but had a no-bail arrest warrant. The driver was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
September 14 at 7:03 a.m., the manager of a business in the 1800 block of Enterprise Way arrived to work and discovered someone had forced entry into the business overnight and had stolen merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 11:59 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of Genoa when he saw a male and female subject he recognized from previous contacts. An investigation revealed the female subject had a no-bail warrant for her arrest for assaulting police officers in Pasadena. She was taken into custody and Pasadena officer responded and transported her to their jail for booking.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 14 at 2:44 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the intersection of Huntington and California. Officers responded and found no one was injured. Both vehicles had to be towed from the collision scene.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 7:20 p.m., officers were called out to a residence in the 200 block of S. California regarding a family disturbance. When they arrived, they were confronted by an intoxicated female at the front door. She refused to let officers check on the welfare of a child and other subjects inside the location. Officers made entry into the house and located the sister and elderly mother of the suspect.

Upon entry, the officers learned the suspect had assaulted both the sister and mother during an argument. The suspect tried to stop the sister from being interviewed by physically confronting her. The suspect was arrested for battery against the sister, elder abuse for battery against her elderly mother, and for resisting and delaying a police officer. The Department of Children and Family Services was notified, as well as Adult Protective Services. Both entities generated cases against the suspect with immediate follow-up.

Injury Traffic Collison
September 15 at 8:15 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of California and Walnut. Officers responded and found one of the drivers complained of pain. Monrovia Fire Department responded and had the driver transported her to a nearby hospital. The driver found at fault was issued a citation.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 15 at 12:15 p.m., several callers reported a motorist had collided into an adult female pedestrian crossing a crosswalk at the intersection of Foothill and Ivy. The driver stopped, exited her vehicle, then got back into her vehicle and fled the scene. Officers and paramedics arrived and found the pedestrian had a leg injury. The suspect was located hiding on a nearby street and, after being positively identified, was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 15 at 9:20 p.m., a vehicle traveling eastbound on Foothill in the 200 block of W. Foothill in the number two lane suddenly made a u-turn, causing another vehicle to collide into them. Investigation continuing.

Assault
September 15 at 10:42 p.m., a caller reported their adult son was just punched in the face while walking near Station Square in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and contacted the male adult, who was bleeding from his nose. The victim did not know who the suspect was and stated the attack was unprovoked. The suspect had fled before officers arrived. Investigation continuing.

Santa Fe School First in Country to Integrate Coding into All Four Teaching Areas

Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School Principal Dr. Geoff Zamarripa reports that Santa Fe is the first school in the country to incorporate Codesters, an online computer coding platform for students, into all four core content areas: math, science, social studies and English.

See report for Santa Fe and other schools here:  https://is.gd/0DjAfK

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Sushi Kuni

Dinner at Sushi Kuni on the east side of Myrtle a bit north of Olive. Got the spicy pork bento box for $19.99 and a beer for $6.  Very good! and the chef even came out and greeted us. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Drunk Driver Checkpoint Friday, September 24

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI / CDL checkpoint on Friday evening, September 24, 2021.  Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped.  Drivers will then be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having a valid driver’s license.  

Over the course of the past three years, there have been 290 DUI investigations with 27 of those resulting in collisions with injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia. 

In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.  

Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:

• Always use a designated driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation

• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive?  Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home. 

• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

• Hosting a party?  Offer nonalcoholic drinks.  Monitor who’s drinking and how they are getting home. 

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not!  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a first time DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500.  This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time. 

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

With Love and Patience Dolly Blossoms


Dolly is such a sweetheart! This seven-year-old dog is a little shy and reserved in the shelter environment, but one of our volunteers spent some quality time with Dolly and observed that she just wants pets and attention. In fact, she even paws gently at you if you stop petting her. Dolly needs a little time to get to know you, but with some love and patience, this sweetie will blossom!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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: Library Park in 1908

Monrovia's Library Park postcard 1908.. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

Market Grill Back in Monrovia - For a Day

 For those who miss The Market Grill, it will be taking over the kitchen of the newly revamped Gem City Bar and Grill (north side of Olive just east of Myrtle) on Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon to 4 p.m.

"Serving those crazy amazing hand ground burgers served on those great homemade buns, Impossible burgers for the vegetarians, plenty of regular fries & chili cheese fries, with sides of spicy ketchup and homemade ranch. We're including packs of Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies, too!"

21 and older, RSVP, masks required.  https://www.facebook.com/themarketgrillmonrovia 

- Brad Haugaard

Local Council of Governments Asks Governor to Veto Bill Allowing Four Houses on Single-Family Zoned Lots

Monrovia City Council member Becky Shevlin, who also serves as president of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, said "Senate Bill 9 will drive real estate speculators to purchase homes in order to split parcels, build duplexes on each lot." 27 San Gabriel Valley  cities have signed a letter urging Governor Newsom to veto the bill. https://is.gd/wRGokG

- Brad Haugaard

Soap Box Racing and Classic Cars

Soap box racing and classic cars in Old Town Monrovia today. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Weekly Coronavirus Count: 61 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 09/09/2021. Changes since 09/01/2021. (Actually 8 days of data here; the health department was late posting its update.)

City of Monrovia: 3,769 cases (up 61), 80 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 433 cases (up 7), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Authors to Speak at Library on California Desert Curiosities

Alan and Claudia Heller of Duarte will speak about their book, Curiosities of the California Desert at a free presentation in the Monrovia Library Community Room on Friday, September 17, at 6 p.m., sponsored by Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. No RSVP. Just show up. Refreshments provided.

The couple has spent time over 50 years exploring and photographing California – Salvation Mountain, Cerro Canyon, the Integratron and Giant Rock, Willie Boys Grave, Devils Hole, and more.

- Brad Haugaard

Car Show and Soap Box Derby Tomorrow

Street Rods Forever and the Old Town Soap Box Derby will return tomorrow, Saturday, September 11 at 9 a.m. in Old Town. Derby details: https://is.gd/hZCtQA

- Brad Haugaard

Community Meeting About Possible Dog Park

- Brad Haugaard

Tomorrow: 20th Year Remembrance of September 11

Tomorrow, Sept. 11, is Patriot Day and Monrovia Fire & Rescue invites you to a community remembrance at Fire Stattion 101 (141 E. Lemon) to remember the innocent lives lost and to honor the selfless service and valiant acts of the first responders.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Spins Out on Foothill, Driver Arrested; Drunk Driving; Shoplifting; Antique Pistol Stolen; Man Jumps In Front of Cars on Myrtle; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 2-8. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 337 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 1:56 p.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a subject on the property that was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the individual. One of the officers saw drug paraphernalia in plain view while speaking with the subject. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vehicle Burglary
September 2 at 8:24 p.m., a vehicle with a broken window was reported in the 100 block of E. Lime across from the police station. Officers responded and determined that a vehicle burglary had occurred. A subsequent search of the area revealed two other vehicles had also been broken into and burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 1:54 a.m., an officer on patrol near the intersection of Mountain and Central conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving the wrong way on a one-way street. During the contact with the driver, the officer saw drug paraphernalia in plain view. Further investigation revealed that one of the passengers was on probation for narcotics and the contraband belonged to him. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 3 at 2:34 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Huntington and Ivy. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. An investigation was conducted and it was determined the motorist at fault was traveling at an unsafe speed and rear-ended the other party. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 3 at 6:37 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Lemon and Alta Vista regarding the report of an injury traffic collision. A vehicle was traveling north on Alta Vista, approaching Lemon, when suddenly a second vehicle entered the roadway and a collision occurred. Paramedics responded to the scene and transported one of the drivers to a local hospital for treatment. A citation was issued to the driver who was at fault for the collision.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 12:34 a.m., an officer working a DUI suppression detail observed a vehicle commit several traffic violations near the intersection of Peck and Live Oak. The officer conducted a traffic stop and found the driver was exhibiting symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A DUI investigation determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Drug Activity / Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 12:34 a.m., an officer contacted a subject he recognized from previous encounters near the intersection of Alta Vista and Short. The subject is currently on probation for burglary. During the contact, the officer obtained consent to search the subject's vehicle and personal backpack. The officer discovered drug paraphernalia and ammunition. The officer confirmed the subject was a convicted felon and arrested him for possession of ammunition and possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was taken into custody.

Assault
September 4 at 12:45 a.m., a fight was reported in front of a local bar in the 400 block of S. Myrtle with a subject bleeding from the head. Officers arrived and secured the area for paramedics to respond. Officers found a male subject lying on the ground, bleeding from the head. The subject was so intoxicated he could not remember what had occurred. A witness was located that stated she saw the intoxicated subject in the bar earlier, drinking and making unwanted advances to women. The witness said she later saw the same intoxicated subject standing outside, arguing with an unknown male. The intoxicated subject was punched in the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspect fled before officers arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital for his injuries and intoxication. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / DUI / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 12:10 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle stopped on the curb near the intersection of Myrtle and Pomona. There appeared to be damage to the vehicle. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and the driver. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and held for a sobering period. During the booking process, the subject stated that she wanted to kill herself, and it was determined she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Reckless Driving – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 2:19 a.m., an officer patrolling the 400 block of W. Foothill saw a vehicle driving recklessly and spinning out in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle then sped away in excess of 60 miles per hour. The officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested the driver for reckless driving.

Shoplifting
September 5 at 8:25 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called police to report a large dollar amount of merchandise was taken the previous day. An officer obtained evidence of the crime and took a report. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
September 5 at 9:14 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report that her backpack was taken by a customer while she was working. Officers arrived and obtained evidence of the crime. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 5 at 9:57 a.m., a caller reported that a vehicle struck a parked car in the 1000 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and checked on the occupants of the vehicle. An investigation was conducted and the motorist at fault was issued a citation.

Vandalism
September 5 at 2:30 p.m., a shattered window was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. An officer arrived and determined no one was inside. The business is vacant and the owners could not be reached. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 1:27 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle commit several traffic violations near the intersection of Myrtle and Evergreen. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver showed symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A DUI investigation determined the driver was too impaired to operate a motor vehicle. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 9:42 a.m., the manager of a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that a male suspect just left the store with merchandise without paying for it. Officers stopped and detained the subject. After investigation, he was arrested and taken into custody for shoplifting.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 6:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of Mountain called police to report they had someone detained for shoplifting. Officers arrived and were told the adult male had entered the store and concealed several knives in his backpack. The suspect then exited the store without paying for the items and was stopped by employees. The suspect was arrested.

Shoplifting
September 6 at 9:46 p.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill advised that an adult male had just left the store with merchandise without paying for the items. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 10:50 a.m., an officer was patrolling a park in the 600 block of S. Shamrock when he saw a subject whom he recognized from previous encounters. An investigation revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was detained and found to also be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 4:38 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1300 block of S. Mayflower when he saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the bicyclist, who was then found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 7 at 6:58 p.m., a female subject in the 600 block of W. Huntington called police to report that a driver just hit her vehicle in a parking lot and was refusing to exchange information with her. The subject left the area prior to the officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
September 8 at 1:34 p.m., a male subject in the 700 block of W. Foothill called police to report a theft. The reporting party is a collector of antique pistols. He reported that a perspective buyer looked at one of his collectible pieces, and shortly after the subject left, the caller was unable to find the item. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation – Subject Evaluated
September 8 at 3:50 p.m., police received a report of a male subject at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle who was walking in the middle of the street and jumping in front of vehicles. Officers arrived and recognized the subject from previous encounters. An investigation determined that the subject was a danger to himself and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.