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

Number of Visitors to MonroviaNow Increases

This November MonroviaNow.com had almost 15,000 page views, which I believe is its highest number ever. All those page views could have been from one very neurotic person, but I think not. This number does not include subscribers to the site's email newsletters, its Facebook page or Twitter feed. Comment: So, thanks to all of you who make a point of visiting! I'm pretty pleased.

- Brad Haugaard

Suspicious Package Leads to Evacuation of Some Buildings in Old Town Monrovia

Jennifer Stone reports on Facebook that a suspicious package was left in front of the Wells Fargo bank in Old Town, resulting in the temporary evacuation of several nearby buildings. Facebook folks say all clear now.

- Brad Haugaard

Preview Lunch at Monrovia's New Smashburger


Had a free preview lunch at the new Smashburger in Monrovia, at the old Acapulco restaurant site on Huntington. It opens to the public tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 6. Why "smash?" Because they smash a fresh - not frozen - ball of beef, or piece of chicken, on the grill. We got a sampler menu, which included fried pickle slices. Never had those. Everything tastes better when it's free, but really, everything was very, very tasty!  I think I liked the truffle mushroom burger (shown here) best, but the BBQ bacon burger was mighty good. Even the veggie spicy black bean burger was very good, and I'm not a vegetarian. If you prefer chicken, try the avocado club sandwich. Great shakes, too! Former City Councilman Joe Garcia, who helped bring Smashburger to town, showed up as well. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Ceramics, Crafts and Baked Goods Sales

~ Monrovia Adult School Wheelhouse Ceramics Sale Friday, Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 1831 Santa Fe Place (behind AMMCO & Toy's Donuts) Handcrafted pottery created by local artisans. For information call 471-2771.

~ Girl Scout handmade crafts and baked goods sale Dec. 7 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/DPqxFD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High's Kurt Scoby is MVP

Monrovia High Senior, Kurt Scoby, has been selected by the coaches of the Rio Hondo League as the League's most valuable player: http://goo.gl/QGfCU8

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Bridge Getting Another Award

Habib Balian, spokesman for the Gold Line Construction Authority, writes that:

"The Construction Authority, Skanska and AECOM will be receiving the "Best Project in Southern California, Highways/Bridges" from Engineering News-Record for the Gold Line Bridge tomorrow. This is the fifth award received for the bridge since it was completed on time and on budget in December 2012. Awards have been in both the engineering and construction sectors, and remind us that this unique structure was not only a challenge to design, but also to build."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Representatives Promoted

~ Monrovia's Assembly member, Chris Holden, reports that Assembly Speaker Perez has appointed him to the Select Committee on Local Emergency Preparedness.

~ Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the north edge of Monrovia, announced on Facebook today that she has been selected by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, to join the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

- Brad Haugaard

Small Art Show | Marvelous Monrovia! | Commercial Drones | Interfaith Council | City Council Meeting

"Ginger Jar and Lemons" by Dee Kirkham

~ Selig Fine Art (110 W. Lime) will hold its 11th Annual Holiday Small Works Show this Saturday, Dec 7, 4-7 p.m. with more than 80 artists and over 150 works of art, jewelry, wine, food and live music by John Volk.

~ "Marvelous Monrovia!" is how KTTV reporter Hal Eisner describes the city's revived bond rating. http://goo.gl/P9gi1X

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment plans to build drones for commercial use. http://goo.gl/AoWVUJ

~ Pasadena Humane Society will have a vehicle in the Monrovia Christmas parade. The Pasadena Humane Society is taking over animal control for the city. http://goo.gl/IDc2wr

~ Report on the Interfaith Council of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/diuyUx

~ Video of the Dec. 3 Monrovia City Council meeting is now online: http://goo.gl/ktgW0V

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Chipotle Opens Dec. 12


It appears Chipotle restaurant is opening on Dec. 12. On Huntington next to Chili's. 

- Brad Haugaard

Watch Out for the Utility Bill Scam!

Southern California Edison is warning customers against scammers who demand immediate payment on past due utility bills.

"SCE will never call a customer to collect or demand money for past due bills," according to SCE's Consumer Affairs Manager Marlyn Denter.

Tips:

- Ask for the person's name and call back number, a supervisor's name, how much money they are requesting, and the method of payment.

- Check the area code of the number you are getting a call from. If it is not an 800 number, the call is fraudulent.

- Call SCE directly at 1-800-655-4555 to ask about your bill.

- Contact local authorities if you suspect the phone call is fraud.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Club Providing Clothing for Needy Children

The Rotary Club of Monrovia will once again be helping out local children in need for the holiday season. On December 7th, 50 disadvantaged children identified by Santa Anita Family Services will get a special treat this holiday season. Through the assistance of the Rotary Club of Monrovia, Kohl's and Wells Fargo, the 50 students will get the opportunity to shop for new clothing and shoes. Each child will be paired with a Monrovia High School Interact Club member, adult Rotarian, or adult Wells Fargo staff member to assist with their shopping and will be able to purchase $125 worth of school appropriate clothing.

This is the second year that the Rotary Club of Monrovia has offered the Santa Clothes project to less fortunate children in the Monrovia area. Last year the program was able to assist 30 children with $120 each and we are very happy to be able to extend the benefit to 50 children this year at $125 each. Monrovia Rotarian Karen Lujan stated "I was personally able to assist two children last year to pick out clothes and shoes and it was one of the most rewarding things I haven done all year. The parents were so appreciative of the program and the kids faces beamed as they showed us all their purchases (some even wearing them out of the store)."

Tax deductible donations (501(c)3 EID: 51-0656409) are being accepted online for the Santa Clothes project to help fund more children at http://www.monroviarotaryclub.com/donations/. Please help if you are able to. Just click on the button with the Santa hat to help contribute to this great project. The more money we can raise, the more kids we can assist this holiday season.

Source: Rotary press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Prepares for Public Offering

Monrovia's Xencor Corporation (NASDAQ: XNCR) has announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 12,730,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $5.50 per share. http://goo.gl/MNE4Oz

- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Monrovia Schedule

This year, Monrovia will continue our tradition of celebrating the Christmas season by touring Santa Claus around city streets on top of a fire engine.  Escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh, Santa will provide candy canes to the public.  City employees will, again, volunteer their time to help make the program fun and successful.

Last year's event was a great success!  This year's Santa Tour will be another exciting and fun time for members of our community when they see Santa visiting their neighborhoods.  Everyone is encouraged to come out and wave to Santa.

Monday, December 16, 2013 - will tour city streets south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 - will tour city streets east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - will tour city streets west of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Thursday, December 19, 2013 - will tour city streets east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, west of east city boundaries.

Friday, December 20, 2013 - will tour city streets west of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Huntington to Mayflower, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Assembly Time: 5:00 p.m. assembly at the City Hall parking lot, 415 S. Ivy, Monrovia, CA  91016

Tour Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The police car will be driven by volunteer police officers who will lead the procession using their red lights and siren.  Christmas carols will be played over the police car's P.A. system.

The fire engine will be driven by volunteer firefighters, who will follow the police car.  Santa will ride on top of the fire engine with spotlights shining on him as he wishes everyone a merry Christmas.  The fire engine will be decorated with hundreds of Christmas lights.

The public works truck will be driven by volunteer public works employees.  Our reindeer sleigh, bright with over 1500 Christmas lights, will play Christmas carols.  Community members are welcome to ride with city employees and their families on back of the truck and trailer during the tour.  Space is limited and participation is first come first served.  Parents are reminded that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boy Killed in Car Crash

Four-year-old Monrovia boy killed in accident on Interstate 5. http://goo.gl/OHbxHy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Distributes Food for Holidays

Some 1,240 Foothill Unity Center clients received a generous helping of community caring at the agency’s annual Thanksgiving Distribution on Saturday and Monday, November 23 and 25. The event took place in Ayers Hall at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia (Saturday) and at the Center’s Monrovia and Pasadena locations (Monday). Clients came from across the agency’s eleven-city service area — Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Baldwin Park and Irwindale.

Clients took home holiday food boxes sized by number of people in the family, with meat and the makings for a festive holiday dinner. Over 800 volunteers worked on the program, from planning and preparation to final cleanup. Each client cart was personally escorted through the distribution by a personal volunteer. All participants received Thanksgiving cards handmade by local school children. 300 turkeys were donated, trucked in and distributed by California American Water Company, while representatives of PCL Construction were on hand to present a $5,000 check.

Less than a month after this event, families will receive festive food boxes again at the annual Holiday Distribution on Saturday, December 21, and Monday, December 23. At the Arboretum event on Saturday, reserved for families with children, each family will also take home an opaque bag pre-packed with new toys and clothing for each child.  The presents are donated through the Center’s Angels program, which invites individuals and groups to adopt paper angels hand-decorated by community volunteers of all ages. Written on each angel is one child’s gift wishes.

“We don’t give the presents to the children,” says Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. “Gifts for each family’s youngsters are gathered in an opaque bag that’s given to the parents so they can wrap and give them as part of their own holiday traditions.” At the event, children will also enjoy fun activities and a chance to share their wishes with Santa.

77% of the Center’s clients are at or below the National Poverty Level. “The holidays are an especially difficult time for families who fight hunger every day,” says Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. “The difficult economy and cuts in the CalFresh food stamp program are swelling the ranks of local people who need help to feed their families. Community support is more vital than ever — both to help them and to let them know their neighbors care.”

The Center is seeking donations of food, funds and volunteer time for the Holiday Distribution. Funds may be donated securely online at foothillunitycenter.org. Food and checks may be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at either Center location: 415 W. Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia or 191 N. Oak Ave. in Pasadena. Information on volunteer shifts, most-needed food items and the Angel program is available at foothillunitycenter.org/holiday-distribution-programs or by calling the Center at (626) 358-3486.

Source: Foothill Unity Center press release

- Bradd Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Gallant Man Pushed Through Window; Fight, Snooze, Fight; Drugs, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 25–Dec. 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Child Abuse – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 7:56 p.m., a 15-year-old female subject ran into the police department lobby with visible injuries.  She told officers her father assaulted her with his fists.  She said she ran from her house to get away from him.  The mother was not home at the time of the assault.  Paramedics were called to the station to treat the victim for her injuries.  Officers were dispatched to the residence in the 200 block of East Olive, where they detained and arrested the father for felony child abuse.  The victim was later released to her mother.

Battery with Serious Bodily Injury – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 10:47 p.m., dispatch received several calls reporting two male subjects fighting in front of a restaurant in the 100 block of East Lemon.  The subjects had crashed through the restaurant's plate glass window.  When officers arrived, one of the subjects had fled on foot to the rear area of the restaurant.  Both subjects were detained and treated by paramedics for lacerations from the glass.

The investigation revealed that one of the male subjects had been drinking and was making inappropriate comments to a female subject.  He grabbed her and began punching her.  The second male subject jumped in to protect the female and was pushed backwards through the plate glass window, causing severe injuries to his back and legs.  The male suspect who started the fight was arrest for felony assault with great bodily injury.

Burglary – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 11:50 p.m., a business in the 100 block of East Pomona called to report the alarm to their stored vehicle lot was going off and they saw a suspect on the property.  When officers arrived, a suspect started running west on Pomona towards Myrtle.  Officers detained the suspect and recovered a car stereo he had discarded in front of the business.  The employees positively identified the suspect and confirmed the stereo was stolen from one of their vehicles.  The suspect was arrested.

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 9:20 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Encino Way called police to report his vehicle had been stolen.  He had parked his 2007 Honda Accord in front of his residence at 11:30 p.m.   When he returned to his vehicle the following morning, he discovered it missing.  The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / False Imprisonment – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 10:45 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of West Lemon regarding a domestic violence incident.  A male and female subject that live together were arguing and the male subject had been drinking.  The female tried to slap the male subject, but he grabbed her and struck her twice in the face with a clenched fist.  The female tried to call the police with her cell phone, but the male subject grabbed her phone and smashed it.  She tried to leave the room, but he covered her mouth to prevent her from calling out for help.  They both fell asleep on the bed.  She woke up later and left the location.

The female subject returned a few hours later to retrieve some property.  She tried to grab the male subject’s cell phone since her phone was broken, but he grabbed her and struck her with his elbow in the face several times.  She managed to get away again and went to the police department to report the incident.  The boyfriend was interviewed at the residence and was arrested.  An Emergency Protective Order was granted.

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 5:47 p.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a stolen vehicle.  An employee came to work that morning and parked his 1995 Acura in the parking lot.  He returned to the area where he parked his vehicle eight hours later and discovered it was missing.  The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 29 at 6:05 p.m., while officers where investigating the vehicle theft in the above incident, they located a stolen vehicle in the same parking lot.  The vehicle is a 1996 Acura that was stolen out of the Los Angeles Police Department jurisdiction.  The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 1:45 a.m., an officer contacted a male subject pushing a bicycle north on Myrtle.  The subject was noticeably nervous and out of breath.  Through investigation, the officer determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 12:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of West Huntington regarding a suspicious person loitering in a parking lot.  They arrived and contacted the subject, who was walking around the parking lot carrying a backpack.  The officer conducted a consent search of the subject’s backpack and found a small baggie containing methamphetamine and five used hypodermic syringes.  The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the above listed charges.

Vehicle Burglary
December 1 at 7:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of West Huntington Drive.  The victim had parked and secured her vehicle in the parking at approximately 5:30 a.m., leaving her purse in the back seat.  An unknown suspect smashed the victim's right rear passenger window and took her purse containing cash, a camera, and other miscellaneous items.  The investigation is continuing.

Panera Bread Opens in Monrovia Today

Panera Bread, at the old Acapulco site on Huntington, opens in Monrovia today, and the first 25 guests to visit each day from December 2-4 will receive a stainless steel Panera Bread coffee mug and a voucher for free coffee for a week. 

As part of the bakery-cafe’s ongoing fundraising efforts, all donations from the location’s Community Breadbox™ and Day-End Dough-Nation™ programs will go to the Foothill Unity Center, Monrovia’s local food bank and crisis center for those struggling within the community.

The new bakery-cafe will include menu favorites like the Breakfast Power Sandwich and Fuji Apple Chicken Salad, as well as new offerings like the Fontina Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Pasta and will be open to the public on Monday, December 2nd.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

December Events in Monrovia


~ Christmas tree lighting and parade, this Thursday, Dec. 5. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. Parade - north from Chestnut to Palm on Myrtle - at 7 p.m.

~ Classical Holiday Sounds in the Monrovia Library Lobby, featuring the Sterling Flute Choir Saturday, Dec. 7, 3-4 p.m. Free.

~ 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 Preview: http://goo.gl/1Wa73g

~ Buy a tree Saturday, Dec. 7, at Annandale Country Club in Pasadena and help Monrovia's Boys and Girls Club. Call 303–5352.

~ 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).

~ Electronic Waste Recycling Event this Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 7 and 8) at Myrtle and Pomona, 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. Details, Chamber of Commerce: 358–1159.

~ VFW BBQ to help vets. Friday, Dec. 13. 825 S. Magnolia. RSVP to Brian Hanley at 234–0489.

~ Miracle on Myrtle, Friday, Dec. 13, by Fellowship Monrovia. Live Music and snow at 5 p.m. At Library Park.

~ Foothill Unity Center will be distributing food on Dec. 21 and 23. If you'd like to help, contact Raina at 358-3486.

~ "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

Christmas and Hanukkah Books | New VFW Scholarships | Colder Days Ahead

~ Friends of the Monrovia Library will be selling Christmas and Hanukkah books and media after Monday, Dec. 9. The Friends' Store is located inside the Monrovia Public Library, Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.

~ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2070 has created a scholarship fund to memorialize local service members who have been killed in combat. It will provide awards to members of the community for patriotism and excellence in their fields. http://goo.gl/gp2FyZ

~ Cold, dry days ahead. Highs should drop to as low as 61 degrees Wednesday through Friday. http://goo.gl/qhZBJ6

- Brad Haugaard

Lost Monrovia Woman

Police looking for lost Monrovia woman. http://goo.gl/QJOog6

Update: Found in Irwindale. http://goo.gl/ERgJKL

- Brad Haugaard