Today until 4 p.m. Monrovia firefighters need your help to "Stuff the Engine!" A fire truck is parked in front of the Krikorian Theater and the firefighters are collecting new unwrapped toys and sporting goods for a child who would otherwise go without a gift this holiday season. "Join the Monrovia Fire Department and ABC 7 and enjoy the festivities in Old Town Monrovia while contributing to make a child's Christmas more enjoyable!"
Source: City of Monrovia Facebook posting
- Brad Haugaard
Rain in Monrovia? | Restaurant Line-Up | AeroVironment Flies!
~ Thirty percent chance of rain today. There were already some sprinkles on my car when I woke up this morning. http://goo.gl/S6JvbE
~ Gem City Images has discovered the fourth business to occupy the four business spots that have replaced the old Acapulco Restaurant. It appears to be a place called Menchies Frozen Yogurt. So the line-up is: Panera Bread, Menchies, SmashBurger, and Chipotle. http://goo.gl/fZIfi4
~ Monrovia's AeroVironment, though it lost money in its last report, has had its stock jump up 11 percent because it did a lot better than expected. http://goo.gl/Irh5yu
- Brad Haugaard
~ Gem City Images has discovered the fourth business to occupy the four business spots that have replaced the old Acapulco Restaurant. It appears to be a place called Menchies Frozen Yogurt. So the line-up is: Panera Bread, Menchies, SmashBurger, and Chipotle. http://goo.gl/fZIfi4
~ Monrovia's AeroVironment, though it lost money in its last report, has had its stock jump up 11 percent because it did a lot better than expected. http://goo.gl/Irh5yu
- Brad Haugaard
Happy Thanksgiving! | White Christmas Video | Student Music Video | Black Friday
~ Happy Thanksgiving! Just a 20 percent chance of rain today: http://goo.gl/ZsNtAl
~ Video preview of the professional performance of White Christmas coming up at the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka high school auditorium): http://goo.gl/unu5Vr
~ Video of Monrovia Schools' all school music program with all grades and ages. At Monrovia High. http://goo.gl/RVM2WM
~ Old Town merchants planning their own Black Friday. http://goo.gl/bDB197
- Brad Haugaard
~ Video preview of the professional performance of White Christmas coming up at the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka high school auditorium): http://goo.gl/unu5Vr
~ Video of Monrovia Schools' all school music program with all grades and ages. At Monrovia High. http://goo.gl/RVM2WM
~ Old Town merchants planning their own Black Friday. http://goo.gl/bDB197
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center - Best Charity
Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center reports that readers of Beacon Media News (that's the Monrovia Weekly and others) voted the Unity Center the "Best Charity" in its 2013 Readers' Choice Poll.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council: Impose Labor Contract on Firefighters; Station Square; Honor Servicemen
At its Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/GXl2pL ), the Monrovia City Council will consider imposing its "Last, Best and Final Offer" on the city firefighters. It would require that firefighers "pay an additional 3% of the employee cost (9%) of the Public Employees' Retirement Benefit, which will eliminate the Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) benefit. The MFA will now be paying the full 9% employee cost of their retirement benefit." Without the requirement, the staff report says, "the City's budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year would not be balanced." Details: http://goo.gl/0OC1F5
Before the main meeting, at 7 p.m., the Council will honor Monrovians serving in the military: Christopher Rosedale, Private Second Class, United States Army; Anthony Daniel Exposito, Second Lieutenant, United States Army; Blake Darby, Seaman Apprentice, United States Navy; Nicholas Espinosa, Seaman Apprentice, United States Navy; Calvin Ray Pratt, Jr., Petty Officer First Class, United States Navy.
At 5:30 p.m., also before the main meeting, the council will hold a study session to consider the "Station Square Public Improvements Concept Design."
- Brad Haugaard
Before the main meeting, at 7 p.m., the Council will honor Monrovians serving in the military: Christopher Rosedale, Private Second Class, United States Army; Anthony Daniel Exposito, Second Lieutenant, United States Army; Blake Darby, Seaman Apprentice, United States Navy; Nicholas Espinosa, Seaman Apprentice, United States Navy; Calvin Ray Pratt, Jr., Petty Officer First Class, United States Navy.
At 5:30 p.m., also before the main meeting, the council will hold a study session to consider the "Station Square Public Improvements Concept Design."
- Brad Haugaard
Christmas Music in the Monrovia Library
Classical Holiday Sounds in the Monrovia Library Lobby, featuring the Sterling Flute Choir Saturday, Dec. 7, 3-4 p.m. Free, just walk in.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line to Azusa About Half Done
The Gold Line between Pasadena and Azusa is almost half done. The Construction Authority reports that: "Most bridge structures and at-grade crossings have been completed or are nearing completion, and light rail track will soon be laid along the corridor. Work is underway at four of the six stations, and ... the [Monrovia] Operations Campus is also moving along on schedule. Light rail track is being installed, and nearly all of the OCS (overhead catenary system) pole foundations for the future system to power the trains are now ready."
Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release
- Brad Haugaard
Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release
- Brad Haugaard
Mayflower Avenue Opens this Evening
Doing the finishing touches on Mayflower/Duarte intersection.
This evening, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m., Mayflower Avenue will fully reopen to through-traffic at the railroad crossing located between Evergreen Avenue and Duarte Road. The sidewalks will also reopen, and the pedestrian shuttle service will no longer be available.
Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment: Profits Down, Stock Up
Monrovia's AeroVironment second-quarter profits dropped 81% (Ouch!) but in after-hours trading the stock is up. Why? Because it beat expectations. http://goo.gl/HaCvmK
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Watch Out! Monrovia Police Watching for Drunk Drivers During Thanksgiving Holiday
Officers from the Monrovia Police Department's DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department's ongoing traffic safety campaign. DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy during the Thanksgiving Holiday in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.
"This is a zero tolerance crackdown so 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'," said Sergeant Daniel Verna.
In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths in 2011 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. DUI can impact the economy in addition to the pain and suffering of those immediately affected. Conservatively, a fatality has a $1.4 million impact, an injury has a $70,000 impact, and a crash that only damages property averages nearly $9000.
"California's roadways are much safer today than they were just a few years ago. The Monrovia Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and prevent injuries," said Sergeant Verna.
Funding for this program comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers, Call 911!
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
"This is a zero tolerance crackdown so 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'," said Sergeant Daniel Verna.
In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths in 2011 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. DUI can impact the economy in addition to the pain and suffering of those immediately affected. Conservatively, a fatality has a $1.4 million impact, an injury has a $70,000 impact, and a crash that only damages property averages nearly $9000.
"California's roadways are much safer today than they were just a few years ago. The Monrovia Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and prevent injuries," said Sergeant Verna.
Funding for this program comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers, Call 911!
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Myrtle Avenue Christmas Decorations Up
Myrtle Avenue is now all decked out for Christmas. And it's not even Thanksgiving yet.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Restaurants Close to Opening
I stopped by the old Acapulco restaurant site on Huntington, where three new restaurants are set to open. A worker said the SmashBurger is set to open on Dec. 6. Panera Bread looks finished and has an "opening soon" sign out. Chipotle looks like it's getting close but there is still a little bit of work to do.
- Brad Haugaard
Catch the Bus to Watch Monrovia vs. Paraclete | Work at Old Blockbuster?
~ If you'd like to go watch Monrovia High take on Paraclete this Friday, but don't want to drive to Lancaster, Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco suggests the "Wildcat Rooter Bus." For $8, she writes, "you can hop on the Wildcat Rooter Bus and have MHS do the driving. Email Mr. McGinnis (kmcginnis@monroviaschools.net) by Weds., 11/27 at 4pm. Kids must be accompanied by adult -- see you in the high desert!"
~ A correspondent writes that there is remodeling going on at the old Blockbuster building at the corner of Foothill and Stedman. I'll see if I can find out what's happening there.
UPDATE: Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez responds: "An interior demo permit was recently issued, so that’s what was probably observed. I believe that the owner is preparing the space to help facilitate future leasing. City staff has fielded a considerable number of inquiries about the space from various businesses, but to date, I don’t know that a lease has been signed. What I do know is that the City has not received any applications for business license yet. Stay tuned."
- Brad Haugaard
~ A correspondent writes that there is remodeling going on at the old Blockbuster building at the corner of Foothill and Stedman. I'll see if I can find out what's happening there.
UPDATE: Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez responds: "An interior demo permit was recently issued, so that’s what was probably observed. I believe that the owner is preparing the space to help facilitate future leasing. City staff has fielded a considerable number of inquiries about the space from various businesses, but to date, I don’t know that a lease has been signed. What I do know is that the City has not received any applications for business license yet. Stay tuned."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia City Hall Closed | Health Care Help
~ Monrovia City Hall will be closed for Thanksgiving and Friday.
~ Covered California seminar at the Monrovia Library, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, including application process review, and, in segment two, sign-ups (limited to 20). To register, call or stop by the Library Adult Reference desk by Dec. 6. Phone is 256-8274.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Covered California seminar at the Monrovia Library, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, including application process review, and, in segment two, sign-ups (limited to 20). To register, call or stop by the Library Adult Reference desk by Dec. 6. Phone is 256-8274.
- Brad Haugaard
How to Dedicate a Monrovia Park Bench
Want to dedicate a Monrovia park bench or table to a loved one? Here's how: http://goo.gl/hWyghq
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Car Accident in Monrovia
Picture of a car accident yesterday in front of the McDonalds at Huntington and Mayflower. http://goo.gl/hcnQDk
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Christmas Performances in Monrovia
~ A professional performance of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., Dec. 7 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka Monrovia High Auditorium). Details: http://goo.gl/02HIg4
~ "Winter Portrait" will be performed by San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church at Myrtle and Foothill. "A festive, musical collection of seasonal favorites and choral gems including music by Sweelinck, Rutter, Balser, and Baker. With a holiday sing-along and special guest brass quintet, The Oakwood Brass Conspiracy, it's a musical portrait to stir up your holiday cheer." Advance tickets ($15 for gneral admission, $10 for seniors 65+ and for students, $5 for children under 12) at sgvccsingers.org or by calling 253-7248. At the door: $20 for gneral admission, $12 for seniors 65+ and for students, $5 for children under 12.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Football - No Worries About Lancaster Cold | Food Distribution
~ The Monrovia High football team is not worried about playing in the cold against Paraclete, this Friday at 7 p.m. in Lancaster. http://goo.gl/EluyfF
~ Some 1,500 low-income families got a Thanksgiving food box with a meat and the makings for a traditional dinner from Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center. The food was distributed at the Arboretum today.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Some 1,500 low-income families got a Thanksgiving food box with a meat and the makings for a traditional dinner from Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center. The food was distributed at the Arboretum today.
- Brad Haugaard
Is Duarte a Devil's Island for Jesuits?
Okay, this isn't about Monrovia, but it's right next door. I stumbled upon an article about the decline of the Jesuit order within the Catholic church, and came upon a curious comment about how conservative Jesuits are being exiled to "an obscure Catholic hospital" in Duarte. (I assume this refers to Santa Teresita Hospital.) Here's the quote: "Duarte, California, is becoming the Devil's Island for Jesuits who don't conform to the order's liberal regime." http://goo.gl/HkaoKk
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Handel's Messiah at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church
Handel's Messiah - and other Christmas choral pieces - will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Monrovia Presbyterian Church (Myrtle and Foothill) by more than 60 voices coached by Dr. Peter J. Green - Chair of the Visual & Performing Arts Division and Professor of Music at Glendale Community College - The choir will be accompanied by harpsichord, organ, small orchestra and soloists. There will be child care and a reception with food afterward in the church basement and a free-will offering to support future Christmas and Easter concerts.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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