Dinner at Cafe X20

Dinner at Cafe X20, on the north side of Foothill a bit east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Schawerma Wrap with a side of baba ghanouj (smooshed up egg plant) for $12 and a beer for $3 (half off today because it’s Thursday)  Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunk in Public; High and Hallucinating With an Axe; She Bites Him; Drunk Demands Money From Diners; He Batters Her; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 25 – March 3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 312 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
February 25 at 4:57 p.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Maple reported his company vehicle was just discovered missing from their lot. No one had permission to take the vehicle. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but could not locate it. It was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
February 25 at 5:19 p.m., several callers reported a traffic collision in the 500 block of E. Foothill. A motorist crashed into a parked vehicle and ended up on its side. Officers and paramedics responded to check if the driver was injured. The driver reported no injuries and a traffic collision investigation was conducted.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 9:22 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Evergreen and Myrtle. During the traffic stop, a computer check revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 11:02 p.m., an officer observed a subject having a difficult time walking in the 800 block of W. Huntington. He contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 12:03 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Mayflower and Duarte, where a citizen was trying to detain a possible driver who had collided into two parked vehicles. Officers arrived and detained the driver, who was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Theft From a Vehicle
February 27 at 1:15 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Crescent reported several items had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 12:54 a.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a drunk male subject was attempting to enter after closing hours. Officers arrived and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Theft From a Vehicle / Fraud
February 28 at 2:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of W. Hillcrest regarding a theft of items from a vehicle overnight. The victim also reported that his stolen credit cards had already been used in other cities in the area. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose / Mental Evaluation
February 28 at 10:54 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Wildrose called to report her son was possibly on drugs and was yelling in front of the residence. Officers arrived and saw the subject was armed with an axe. The subject appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was hallucinating. Officers were able to talk him into putting the weapon down. Paramedics responded and the subject was transported to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

Grand Theft Auto
March 1 at 6:42 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Fifth walked outside his home and discovered his vehicle had been stolen sometime during the night. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but did not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 1 at 10:15 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Duarte called to report that two suspects broke into his vehicle and took a duffel bag. The suspects were last seen running north toward the Gold Line. Officers arrived and found an additional victim that had her purse stolen. The officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 10:17 p.m., a robbery was reported outside a restaurant near the intersection of Myrtle and Olive. The two victims were eating at the restaurant when they were approached by the male suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The suspect started threatening the victims by raising his fist and demanded money from them. The victims ran from the suspect and he chased after them. They made it to their vehicle and locked the doors as the suspect was punching the door window. The suspect was last seen by the victims walking north on Myrtle. Officers responded and located the suspect still in the area. The suspect was positively identified by the victims and was found to be heavily intoxicated. He was arrested for robbery and was taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Vandalism
March 2 at 12:48 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. California regarding a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, they spoke to a male subject. He said he was bitten and scratched by his girlfriend. She had left the area before officers arrived. The victim had visible bite marks on his arm and his vehicle had been vandalized. Officers were unable to locate the girlfriend. A domestic violence wanted persons warrant was issued for the girlfriend.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 5:59 a.m., a motorist was driving home when he witnessed a suspect smash a window at a closed restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington, and he called the police. Officers responded and found the suspect in the lobby of the restaurant. The suspect was arrested for burglary and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
March 2 at 10:29 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made aware that someone may have seen the vehicle near Mayflower and Jeffries. They searched the area and located the vehicle in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower in Arcadia. The vehicle was then removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 2 at 2:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 500 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported the catalytic converter was stolen from her Honda CRV while it was parked in front of her residence. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 11:57 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of E. Olive regarding a domestic dispute. The female subject reported she was battered by her boyfriend, who ran out of the house as she was calling the police. Officers arrived and located the boyfriend in the rear alley. The victim told officers her boyfriend started throwing items inside the house and took her phone to prevent her from calling the police. The argument escalated and the boyfriend grabbed her by the face, causing injury. The suspect was arrested for domestic violence and was taken into custody. While searching the suspect in the jail, officers discovered a controlled substance in his shoe, which was added to his charges.

Commercial Burglary
March 3 at 1:31 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers saw the front glass door and interior jewelry cases had been smashed. No suspects were found in the area. Officers reviewed the video and saw that three suspects wearing hoodies used crowbars to gain entry and smash the jewelry display cases. They took an unknown amount of jewelry and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 3 at 8:23 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Huntington and Monterey. A computer check revealed the driver also had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant.

Grand Theft
March 3 at 5:35 p.m., a grand theft incident that occurred on March 2 was reported at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Three suspect entered the business and stole a large amount of merchandise from the location. This investigation is continuing.

Upcoming City-Sponsored Spring Activities in Monrovia

Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash

Hippity Hoppity Spring Photo-Op, March 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at Library Park.  Plus, photo opportunities, and arts and crafts throughout Old Town.

Spring Fitness Challenge Family Adventure. A six-week fitness challenge running from March 27 to May 1. Challenges:  Backyard Yoga, Cardio Focus, Push Up Challenge, Sit Ups Challenge, Jumping Jacks Challenge, Family Hike. Registration is required and limited. Free for Monrovia families; $15 for non-Monrovia families.

Spring Stop & Hop Drive Thru EGG-stravaganza April 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drive through Recreation Park and receive a greeting from the Easter Bunny and festive items for an at-home egg hunt. Registration limited and required. Free for Monrovia families; $15 for non-Monrovia families. Registration closes on Friday, April, 2 or when filled.

Arbor Day Celebration. Monrovia will celebrate Arbor Day for an entire week with daily videos highlighting the importance of the trees found in Monrovia. Monrovia residents can register for an Arbor Day activity pack containing tree planting kit, arts and crafts supplies, Arbor Day button, reading materials on Arbor Day, and more. It will be delivered to homes the week of Arbor Day. Registration is required and limited. This program free and is open to Monrovia residents only.

Details and registration:  https://is.gd/U3vX9S

- Brad Haugaard

Max, Retired Bomb-Sniffer Dog, Looking for Happy Home

Eleven-year-old Max has had an interesting life so far – he actually used to be a bomb-sniffing dog! But he’s retired now, and just looking for a happy home to call his own. Max is great with people of all ages, good with other dogs, and potty-trained. All he needs now is a comfy couch and a loving person to curl up with!

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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia High Football Team - 1914

Monrovia High School Football Team 1914. See full details here. From the Rehrman family 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

Windy Tonight and Sunday

Possible northeast winds 15 to 25 mph - with gusts up to 40 mph - from 10 p.m. tonight to noon Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (https://is.gd/QRpGbn). Loose objects may be blown around and driving may be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

- Brad Haugaard

Police to Hold Meeting on Animal Incidents In City; Monrovia Today Digital Only; Police Cadet Wanted

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

~  Monrovia Police Department will host a Zoom meeting with the Pasadena Humane Society on March 3, at 3 p.m. "to discuss animal control issues and incidents within our city." [There was a report of a dog being poisoned on Norumbega and reports of suspicious meat products being left out where animals might find them.] Attend the meeting using this link (https://is.gd/wGBqma) Meeting ID is 948-3893 6177 and Passcode is 069669.

~  The Spring 2021 edition of Monrovia Today will be digital only - no paper copy. See it here: https://is.gd/NUnp3H

~  Monrovia is seeking to hire a police cadet. Details: https://is.gd/yZkIHG

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Email Address Changing

The Monrovia Police Department’s Official email domain has changed to @monroviapd.org. The old email domain, @monrovia.laclen.org, is being phased out.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Infection Rate Continues Down, Death Rate Still High

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 02/24/2021. Changes since 02/17/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,066 cases (up 33), 68 deaths (up 4)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 357 cases (up 5), 1 death (unchanged)

New cases

This week	33
Last week	42
Previous week	82
Previous week	114
Previous week	120
Previous week	201

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner From Hawaiian Barbecue

Got dinner tonight from Hawaiian Barbecue, in the Vons shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. Had the Chicken Katsu for $6.99. No outdoor seating so we ate at home. Wow! Tasty and a very, very lot for not much money. I’ve got plenty left over for another full meal. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Woman Won't Say Who Shot Her; Bloody Trail Leads to Burglary Suspect; Domestic Violence; Throwing Rocks at Cars; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 18-24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 317 service events, resulting in 58 investigations. 

Mail Tampering
February 18 at 7:10 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Grand walked outside her home and discovered her mailbox open, along with the mailboxes belonging to her neighbors. Officers responded and discovered several homeowners had their mail stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Discharging a Firearm
February 18 at 7:37 a.m., residents in the 100 block of E. Los Angeles called to report hearing approximately four gunshots coming from the alley between their street and Fig. Officers responded and discovered shell casings in the alley. No one was found to be shot at or injured. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 1:32 a.m., a burglary was reported in the 300 block of W. Foothill. The victim was home with his family when he heard a window break. He looked out his front door, saw the suspect walking away from his property, and called the police. Officers arrived and found a blood trail leading from the broken window to a subject who was standing in the parking lot of an adjacent business. He was bleeding from his hand and was holding an axe. The suspect was detained and paramedics were requested. 

The suspect was found to have two pieces of stolen property from the residence on his person. There was no confrontation between the suspect and the family. The suspect was determined to have mental issues. He was arrested, and then transported to a local hospital for his injuries and a mental evaluation. 

Domestic Violence
February 19 at 7:34 a.m., officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The female victim reported that her boyfriend had just strangled her, leaving red marks, and then fled the home. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. Paramedics provided care to the victim. A wanted person’s warrant and an emergency restraining order were issued for the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
February 19 at 9:21 a.m., the owner of a business in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported his business had been burglarized. Officers arrived and found forced entry into the business and possible property belonging to the suspect left behind. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery on a Peace Officer / Mental Evaluation – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 8:27 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of E. Hillcrest regarding a heavily intoxicated female subject who was getting violent with people at the residence. The subject was a friend of the resident. She was arguing with the resident and started throwing items at her. As officers spoke with the subject in an attempt to calm her down and find a resolution, she kicked two officers and spat at another. She told the officers to kill her and that she wanted to die. The subject was arrested, and after the booking process, was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. 

Attempt Commercial Burglary
February 19 at 10:19 p.m., an attempted burglary in progress was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Evergreen. There was a vehicle at the location and the male suspects were trying to gain access to the inside. The suspect vehicle left prior to officers arriving, but the officers located it near the intersection of Pomona and Primrose. A traffic stop was conducted and three suspects were detained. The owner was able to positively identify the vehicle and two of the suspects. 

Further investigation revealed the suspects used their vehicle to ram the roll-up door to the business in an attempt to gain entry. They were not successful in getting it open. Several burglary tools were also located inside the vehicle. All three suspects were arrested for attempted burglary. 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
February 20 at 12:22 a.m., Arcadia Police Department advised that they arrested a suspect for burglary who was in possession of mail belonging to a business in the 800 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded to the location and confirmed a burglary had occurred. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Murder
February 20 at 12:44 a.m., a female subject in the 700 block of W. Huntington called police to report she had been shot multiple times. No other calls were received. Officers arrived at the location and located a female with two gun shots wounds. The female subject was uncooperative and would not provide any information to officers regarding where the shooting took place and who was involved. Paramedics responded to the scene and the female was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Officers canvassed the parking lot, adjacent streets, and conducted door knocks in attempt to locate evidence or witnesses. It was later discovered that the victim was shot in another city and dropped off in Monrovia. Monrovia Police Department is assisting detectives from the other jurisdiction. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
February 21 at 3:42 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lemon called police to report her boyfriend had punched her in the face during an argument. She walked to a neighbor's house to call police. Officers arrived and spoke with the victim, who was found to have minor injuries. Officers attempted to locate the boyfriend, but were unsuccessful. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 7:43 a.m., security for a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, occupied by a male subject who was sleeping. Officers responded and found the vehicle's ignition had been pulled out and it had been hotwired. The occupant was not the registered owner, and he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The registered owner's son was contacted and he advised that his father had recently passed away. He had taken the car to a mechanic in Whittier, where the vehicle was stolen. The suspect was arrested, and the vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner. 

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 10:39 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of E. Huntington and saw a motorist make an illegal turn. The officer conducted a traffic stop and explained to the driver why he was stopped. An investigation revealed the driver had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence
February 22 at 5:23 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia called police to report her husband had strangled her during an argument. He left prior to the police being called. Officers and paramedics arrived on scene and the victim was treated for her injuries. The whereabouts of the suspect are unknown. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 24 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim reported that someone had broken into several storage lockers on his pickup truck and had stolen numerous tools. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 24 at 1:56 p.m., a male subject was seen throwing rocks at vehicles in the 100 block of E. Lime. The suspect was detained, and the investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody. 

Old Homes Tour and Decorated Christmas Trees

Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash

What does this year's Historic Homes Tour (virtual this year) have to do with Christmas trees?

Well, an English Storybook cottage on Magnolia, which is part of this year's tour, was originally owned by a Virginia Hunt, according to City Historian Steve Baker. He said Hunt's maiden name was Minnigerode, and she was the great granddaughter of Dr. Charles Minnigerode, who was rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, from 1856 to 1889. Baker said Minnigerode, a German by birth, "is credited with introducing the decorated Christmas tree to the United States." (Baker said he confirmed this through an email to a parishioner he knows at St. Paul's.)

Minnigerode, he said, was also "a friend and confidant to Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, who worshiped at St. Paul's during the Civil War when Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy." https://is.gd/r5fkLc

The Historic Homes Tour will be on video from 9 a.m. on May 1 until 9 p.m. on May 9. Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, which puts on the tour, is asking for a $20 donation to view the videos but because of the financial burden COVID has been, payment is up to each individual. https://is.gd/9ilAJD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports Losses for 2020

Monrovia-based Xencor, which develops treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported loses for the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2020.

Net loss for the fourth quarter was $13.7 million, or $.24 per share, compared to a net loss of $26.9 million, or $.47 per share for the same period in 2019.

For the full year the net loss was $69.3 million, or $1.21 per share, compared  to the 2019 net income of $26.9 million, or $0.46 per share basis. https://is.gd/Wqmdhe

- Brad Haugaard

Zoom Memorial for Betty Sandford Planned for March 24

There will be a Zoom memorial meeting to remember the life of long-time active Monrovian, Betty Sandford.

- Brad Haugaard

Another Report of Possible Animal Poisoning On Norumbega

A heartbroken Boni Forte reported on Facebook that she believes her dog Carson was poisoned yesterday. She said he went into convulsions and they rushed him to the vet but it was too late. She said the veterinarian's office said it appeared the dog had eaten something very toxic. On examining his vomit she found what looked like a long piece of bacon.

In addition, she said neighbors on Norumbega (she lives in the 900 block) have reported finding doggie cookies along the side of the road and several dead foxes.

This is not the first time there have been suspicions of poisoning of animals around Norumbega. In May of 2019 resident Sandi Warren reported neighbors found a suspicious bag of meat along the side of the road. https://is.gd/bn3OMT

Update: City Council Member Becky Shevlin commented on Facebook that her understanding is that the Monrovia Police Department "is working on a type of Neighborhood Watch program that will hopefully help address this situation," though details are not available yet.

- Brad Haugaard

We Will Teach You In A House; We Will Teach You With a Mouse

Gem City Images caught a great, imaginative take-off of Dr. Seuss on a sign at Monroe Elementary School. I'm not going to steal Gem City's image, but I assure you, it's worth clicking through to see: https://is.gd/oM1qQj

- Brad Haugaard 

Taffy Is Learning How Nice It Is To Be Petted

Six-year-old former stray cat Taffy is ready to live a comfortable life in a home! Taffy is a gorgeous tabby cat who has been learning all about humans and how nice petting is. Although she’s needed a little time to get used to her new environment at the shelter, she’s started purring and seeking attention from our staff. If you approach her kennel, she’ll probably take a second to size you up, but with a little time to get to know you, she can be a wonderful work-from-home coworker or Saturday night movie buddy.

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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

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: 1906-7 School Annual Report

Monrovia Annual School Report for 1906-7 with a glimpse inside the school. See full details here. From the Rehrman family 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 Board to Consider Modified Discipline Policy

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/eonsvr) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider modifications to its discipline policy that would provide to its staff "sensitivity training" regarding:

• Race
• Color
• Gender
• Sex
• National origin
• Implicit bias
• Cultural responsiveness 

It would also add "mentoring programs" as one of its disciplinary strategies.

- Brad Haugaard

Chick-fil-A Plans Restaurant In Monrovia

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

~  Chick-fil-A is planning a restaurant in Monrovia. Chick-fil-A - and Starbucks - want to open drive-through restaurants at the corner of Encino Avenue and Huntington Drive (the former Claim Jumper restaurant site). The proposed project needs approval by the city's Planning Commission and City Council. City staff anticipates the public hearing and review process to begin this spring. Video explaining what is planned: https://is.gd/Vai8ec

~  Frontier Communications will be working throughout the City to make extensive improvements to their communications network during the next few months. The company is required to notify property owners and residents 72 hours prior to any work that might directly affect their properties.

~  The Community Services Department is accepting city facility rental requests for consideration. Applications must include a plan stating how the applicant will ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. For more information contact the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246. 

Correction: Claim Jumper is currently still open. My apologies for suggesting it has already been closed.

- Brad Haugaard