Monrovia's Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will be closed through Thursday, May 1 because of high fire danger. Details: http://goo.gl/sD9Btv
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Bella Sera Restaurant Re-Opening
Monrovia's Bella Sera Trattoria, at 422 S Myrtle, is reopening on May 8 with a grand opening from 5-7 p.m. The restaurant, under new ownership, will serve "authentic Italian cuisine with only the freshest ingredients" and "new, bold flavors and signature dishes."
Guests at the grand opening will be treated to complimentary appetizers and drinks to provide a taste of the options Bella Sera has to offer. The restaurant will also be selling $5 raffle tickets at the event and accepting donations to benefit AbilityFirst ( http://www.abilityfirst.org ), an organization serving people with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental and physical disabilities. It will also donate 10% of the proceeds the restaurant has for the opening day to AbilityFirst.
Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
Guests at the grand opening will be treated to complimentary appetizers and drinks to provide a taste of the options Bella Sera has to offer. The restaurant will also be selling $5 raffle tickets at the event and accepting donations to benefit AbilityFirst ( http://www.abilityfirst.org ), an organization serving people with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental and physical disabilities. It will also donate 10% of the proceeds the restaurant has for the opening day to AbilityFirst.
Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
Education Bill by Monrovia's Assemblyman Approved by Committee
A bill by Assembly Member Chris Holden to expand pathways for high school students who want to pursue college courses or career tech classes was approved today in Assembly Education Committee on a vote of 4 to 0. AB 1451 Concurrent Enrollment would expand and encourage opportunities for high school students who are capable of advanced scholastic or vocational work to enroll in community college courses. It would also encourage students who need help passing the California High School Exit Exam and students who traditionally do not attend college but would like to see if it's the right path for them.
Source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
Source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
Tips about Pets for Upcoming Hot Days
The Pasadena Humane Society, which serves Monrovia, urges pet owners to take precautions during the next few days due to hot weather:
- Keep your pets hydrated with plenty of cool water. Provide shade if your pet is outside.
- Avoid exercising pets during peak hours. Exercise them early morning or later in the evening.
- A dog's paw pads can burn easily when walking on asphalt, artificial grass, cement or other similar surfaces. Walk them later in the evening or early in the morning when it is cool.
- Apply sunscreen on your dog's nose, ears and belly to prevent sunburn. Ask your veterinarian what brand you should use.
- For rabbit owners: Place a two-liter frozen bottle of water in your rabbit's hutch. This acts as a natural air conditioner.
- For cat owners: Place your cat in a sink or bathtub with a few ice cubes to play with. This way your cat can have fun and stay cool at the same time!
- For dog owners: Fill a wading pool with shallow water and let your dogs play around in it. Make sure to supervise your dogs while they play.
- Do not leave your pet in the car. If you see an animal left in a car in hot weather, you can report it to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. Call 792-7151 and ask to speak with Field Services.
Pets exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (e.g., excessive panting, heavily salivating and/or immobile) should be taken immediately to a veterinarian for assessment.
- Brad Haugaard
- Keep your pets hydrated with plenty of cool water. Provide shade if your pet is outside.
- Avoid exercising pets during peak hours. Exercise them early morning or later in the evening.
- A dog's paw pads can burn easily when walking on asphalt, artificial grass, cement or other similar surfaces. Walk them later in the evening or early in the morning when it is cool.
- Apply sunscreen on your dog's nose, ears and belly to prevent sunburn. Ask your veterinarian what brand you should use.
- For rabbit owners: Place a two-liter frozen bottle of water in your rabbit's hutch. This acts as a natural air conditioner.
- For cat owners: Place your cat in a sink or bathtub with a few ice cubes to play with. This way your cat can have fun and stay cool at the same time!
- For dog owners: Fill a wading pool with shallow water and let your dogs play around in it. Make sure to supervise your dogs while they play.
- Do not leave your pet in the car. If you see an animal left in a car in hot weather, you can report it to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. Call 792-7151 and ask to speak with Field Services.
Pets exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (e.g., excessive panting, heavily salivating and/or immobile) should be taken immediately to a veterinarian for assessment.
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Danger! | Welcome Back to Monrovia's Robotics Team
~ Because of high fire danger (wind and low humidity), the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag alert for the Monrovia area. http://goo.gl/m7uz3w
~ The girls of Monrovia High's Kings & Queens robotics team are back from the international competition in St. Louis. Monrovia High reports they competed with the top 128 teams in the world. Among their alliance partners were teams from South Korea, Kentucky, and the eventual Inspire Award winner, "The Bears," from Mexico City. They were matched against alliances which included teams from all over the US plus teams from countries like China, Russia and India. Comment: Just getting there was a triumph!
- Brad Haugaard
~ The girls of Monrovia High's Kings & Queens robotics team are back from the international competition in St. Louis. Monrovia High reports they competed with the top 128 teams in the world. Among their alliance partners were teams from South Korea, Kentucky, and the eventual Inspire Award winner, "The Bears," from Mexico City. They were matched against alliances which included teams from all over the US plus teams from countries like China, Russia and India. Comment: Just getting there was a triumph!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Economy: 49 New Businesses Since January
The City of Monrovia is seeing economic development efforts pay off with new businesses coming in and development opportunities on the way.
- The longtime vacant blockbuster site near the corner of Foothill Blvd and Myrtle Avenue is undergoing tenant improvements for a new business: Massage Envy. Massage Envy seeks to bring affordable, professional spa services to communities. Currently the site is under construction and is slated to open for business this summer.
- Williams Homes has put in 18 new townhomes at the corner of Olive and Ivy Avenues in Old Town. At this time, almost all units have been sold.
- Izakaya Uppo, a Japanese restaurant that will allow you to sit on the floor and taste traditional Japaense cuisine, opened last week in the 600 block of Myrtle Avenue. This block now features an international dining experience with Chang's Thai Bistro, Rudy's Mexican Restaurant, Jakes BBQ, Izakaya Uppo, and coming soon, Copper Still Grill (serving an updated take on traditional bar and grill classics, will be located at the site of the former Sam's Kabob Room).
- Along Huntington Drive, a Del Taco opened in mid-April on a site that has been vacant for many years- signs that private development and industry are picking up. And the Fast5Xpress Car Wash is expected to open in early May on the same site.
- Panera Bread, Chipotle, Smashburger and Menchie's Yogurt have opened up on the west side of Huntington Drive, bringing more customers to the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center.
- Blaze Pizza is scheduled to open in May 2014 at the Foothill Park Plaza in Old Town Monrovia. Flamzz Pizza on East Colorado Boulevard is already open.
- La Marca Cigars, a specialty cigar shop and lounge, has opened in the 500 block of Myrtle Avenue.
- And American West Bank has opened a new branch at 404 E Huntington Drive.
Since January 1, 49 new businesses have opened up in Monrovia. Building permits are going up, having increased 55% from 2012 to 2013, and Monrovia is seeing a steady stream of applicants at the Building and Planning Counter.
Moving forward, the City's Economic Development team has their eyes set on Station Square Transit Village and the City's former redevelopment properties as opportunity to round out the City's already diverse sales tax base.
Developer Samuelson and Fetter have already submitted renderings of their new 261 unit, multifamily development. And currently the Chevron Station at the corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenues is for sale in the area, prompting major developers to inquire about other large potential developments.
The City of Monrovia will be hosting a Brokers' Reception on April 30, 2014, 5:30 p.m. at Café Mundial in Old Town Monrovia to discuss further economic development efforts. To find out more about the event, please call (626) 303-6601.
Source: Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
- The longtime vacant blockbuster site near the corner of Foothill Blvd and Myrtle Avenue is undergoing tenant improvements for a new business: Massage Envy. Massage Envy seeks to bring affordable, professional spa services to communities. Currently the site is under construction and is slated to open for business this summer.
- Williams Homes has put in 18 new townhomes at the corner of Olive and Ivy Avenues in Old Town. At this time, almost all units have been sold.
- Izakaya Uppo, a Japanese restaurant that will allow you to sit on the floor and taste traditional Japaense cuisine, opened last week in the 600 block of Myrtle Avenue. This block now features an international dining experience with Chang's Thai Bistro, Rudy's Mexican Restaurant, Jakes BBQ, Izakaya Uppo, and coming soon, Copper Still Grill (serving an updated take on traditional bar and grill classics, will be located at the site of the former Sam's Kabob Room).
- Along Huntington Drive, a Del Taco opened in mid-April on a site that has been vacant for many years- signs that private development and industry are picking up. And the Fast5Xpress Car Wash is expected to open in early May on the same site.
- Panera Bread, Chipotle, Smashburger and Menchie's Yogurt have opened up on the west side of Huntington Drive, bringing more customers to the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center.
- Blaze Pizza is scheduled to open in May 2014 at the Foothill Park Plaza in Old Town Monrovia. Flamzz Pizza on East Colorado Boulevard is already open.
- La Marca Cigars, a specialty cigar shop and lounge, has opened in the 500 block of Myrtle Avenue.
- And American West Bank has opened a new branch at 404 E Huntington Drive.
Since January 1, 49 new businesses have opened up in Monrovia. Building permits are going up, having increased 55% from 2012 to 2013, and Monrovia is seeing a steady stream of applicants at the Building and Planning Counter.
Moving forward, the City's Economic Development team has their eyes set on Station Square Transit Village and the City's former redevelopment properties as opportunity to round out the City's already diverse sales tax base.
Developer Samuelson and Fetter have already submitted renderings of their new 261 unit, multifamily development. And currently the Chevron Station at the corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenues is for sale in the area, prompting major developers to inquire about other large potential developments.
The City of Monrovia will be hosting a Brokers' Reception on April 30, 2014, 5:30 p.m. at Café Mundial in Old Town Monrovia to discuss further economic development efforts. To find out more about the event, please call (626) 303-6601.
Source: Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Video of Monrovia Gold Line Station Artist
Video of Cha-Rie Tang, artist for the Monrovia Gold Line Station. http://goo.gl/TqNYfy
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Reports Revenue Up
Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Co., which makes implantable lenses for the eye, today reported revenue for the first quarter ended April 4, 2014 of $20.2 million, a 12% increase over $18.0 million reported for the first quarter of 2013. http://goo.gl/GFyCo2
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Pedestrian Hit by Car; Alcohol; Drugs; Burglary
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 24-27. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Alcohol Offense – Subjects Cited
On April 24 at 3:07 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue was monitoring activity taking place in the park. He saw two male adult subjects drinking alcohol at one of the benches. Both subjects were cited for drinking alcohol in the park.
Theft From an Unlocked Vehicle
On April 25 at 11:50 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Huntington regarding a theft from a vehicle. At 7:55 a.m., the victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot located on the north side of the street. He did not lock his vehicle or activate his alarm. He returned to his vehicle at 11:35 a.m. and found his center console open and his GPS was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On April 26 at 11:45 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Poppy Avenue. The victim’s son parked his vehicle in the driveway the day before at 10:00 p.m. The next day the victim entered his car to move it and noticed that items in his vehicle had been moved around and miscellaneous change was missing from the center console. He did not remember if the car was locked when he entered, but all the doors were closed. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
On April 26 at 5:28 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of North Canyon. An 18-year-old male ran across the street from between cars and was struck by a motorist. The victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The pedestrian was determined to be at fault.
Theft From a Vehicle
On April 26 at 6:17 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Poppy Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his house the night before. He returned to his vehicle the next morning at 8:30 a.m. to find the interior compartments had been ransacked. An iPhone, a GPS unit, and a canvas bag had been taken from inside the vehicle. He believes he left his vehicle unlocked, since there were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On April 27 at 3:09 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of South Myrtle regarding a suspect on a bicycle looking into vehicle windows. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The suspect was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Alcohol Offense – Subjects Cited
On April 24 at 3:07 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue was monitoring activity taking place in the park. He saw two male adult subjects drinking alcohol at one of the benches. Both subjects were cited for drinking alcohol in the park.
Theft From an Unlocked Vehicle
On April 25 at 11:50 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Huntington regarding a theft from a vehicle. At 7:55 a.m., the victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot located on the north side of the street. He did not lock his vehicle or activate his alarm. He returned to his vehicle at 11:35 a.m. and found his center console open and his GPS was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On April 26 at 11:45 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Poppy Avenue. The victim’s son parked his vehicle in the driveway the day before at 10:00 p.m. The next day the victim entered his car to move it and noticed that items in his vehicle had been moved around and miscellaneous change was missing from the center console. He did not remember if the car was locked when he entered, but all the doors were closed. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
On April 26 at 5:28 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of North Canyon. An 18-year-old male ran across the street from between cars and was struck by a motorist. The victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The pedestrian was determined to be at fault.
Theft From a Vehicle
On April 26 at 6:17 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Poppy Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his house the night before. He returned to his vehicle the next morning at 8:30 a.m. to find the interior compartments had been ransacked. An iPhone, a GPS unit, and a canvas bag had been taken from inside the vehicle. He believes he left his vehicle unlocked, since there were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On April 27 at 3:09 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of South Myrtle regarding a suspect on a bicycle looking into vehicle windows. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The suspect was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested.
Monrovia Leaders Visit Citrus College
The tour was hosted by Joanne Montgomery, vice president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees and Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. Monrovia guests included Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, Councilmember Becky Shevlin, Monrovia Unified School District Superintendent Katherine Thorossian, as well as City Council and school board members.
For a tour or info, contact the Citrus College Foundation at 914-8825 or foundation@citruscollege.edu.
Source: Citrus press release
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Ranks High in Number of Degrees Awarded to Hispanics
Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, a biweekly online publication that reaches more than 50,000 readers, has for the seventh time named Citrus College one of the top 50 U.S. community colleges for degree completion for Hispanics. It ranked 27th out of more than 1,100 community colleges nationwide in the number of associate degrees awarded to Hispanics. Citrus serves the Monrovia area.
Source: Citrus College press release
- Brad Haugaard
Source: Citrus College press release
- Brad Haugaard
What's Happening With Monrovia City Manager Search?
It seems to have been quite a while since the Monrovia City Council set about to find a new city manager, so I wrote to ask Councilman Tom Adams what is going on. It is a personnel issue, and so the city is very limited in what it can say, but Adams did say this:
"All I can tell you is that the council has been unable to find a match, one where the candidates desire to work in Monrovia matched our desire to hire them.
Wish I could tell you more."
"All I can tell you is that the council has been unable to find a match, one where the candidates desire to work in Monrovia matched our desire to hire them.
Wish I could tell you more."
- Brad Haugaard
Hot Weather Coming Up in Monrovia
Enjoy the (relatively) low temperature today - it's supposed to get up to 87 - because Tuesday through Friday should be blazing. Tuesday and Wednesday, 95; Thursday, 98; and Friday, 99. Then dropping to a balmy 89 on Saturday. http://goo.gl/a3ynPL
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Over La Canada | Older Americans Honored
~ Monrovia 2-1 over La Canada in baseball. http://goo.gl/kQY5gR
~ John Watson and Katie Gundersen-Watson honored with the 2014 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award. http://goo.gl/B5Mn7R
- Brad Haugaard
~ John Watson and Katie Gundersen-Watson honored with the 2014 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award. http://goo.gl/B5Mn7R
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Track Approaching Monrovia | Giving Hands 6-Month Anniversary
~ Track for the Gold Line is being installed over the Santa Anita freeway bridge. http://goo.gl/U86soa
~ Giving Hands thrift shop (925 W Foothill) is holding a 50% off sale tomorrow, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate its six-month anniversary.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Giving Hands thrift shop (925 W Foothill) is holding a 50% off sale tomorrow, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate its six-month anniversary.
- Brad Haugaard
Google Car Mapping Monrovia
The Google Street View car is in town today, mapping Monrovia. This photo was taken about 1:15 p.m. today on Foothill at Primrose.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Los Guerros
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club Derby Day Fundraiser Honoring Mayor Lutz
BGCF serves 250-300 young people from Monrovia and Duarte each day, and currently has a waiting list of over 100 additional youth in need. Their mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The For Love of Youth event is one of the most significant ways in which they bring in revenue to support their programs.
Visit http://foothillsbgc.org/DerbyDay.aspx for more information about the event and to purchase tickets online.
Source: BGCF press release
- Brad Haugaard
May 10: Monrovia Fountain to the Falls Run and Firefighters Pancake Breakfast
This fourth annual race will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 7 a.m. First through third place awards will be given for each age category. The race is limited to 400 participants and advance registration is required. No race day registration will be accepted. The $35 entry fee (a registration fee is added to each entry) includes a t-shirt. The Health and Fitness expo opens at 6 a.m. and features Zumba in the Street for spectators as they wait for race participants to finish.
Participants can register on-line at http://www.active.com. No late starts or unregistered participants will be permitted. Registration will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, or until filled. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246. Complete details including street closures and parking restrictions can be found on the City's website: http://goo.gl/5BnoIv
Also on Saturday, May 10, from 7-11 a.m., the Monrovia Firefighters Association will host its annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station 101, 141 E Lemon Avenue, around the corner from the Fountain to the Falls finish line. The breakfast costs $5, kids under three eat free, and all proceeds go to benefit local charities. Kids under 12 can also participate in the Jr. Firefighter Challenge, donning firefighter gear and participating in a firefighter-themed training course. For more information on this event, please call (626) 256-8181. For more on the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, see the City's website: http://goo.gl/dN6nnW
Source: Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Robot Competes in St. Louis | Baseball Victory | Rain Tomorrow? | World Vision
~ Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team is now competing in St. Louis, according to the team's Facebook page. http://goo.gl/zIWRpA
~ In baseball, Monrovia over Temple City 3-1. http://goo.gl/HMJAj0
~ Fifty percent chance of rain tomorrow, Saturday. http://goo.gl/nZFKzr
~ Monrovia's World Vision is one of 22 relief agencies preparing a new camp for Syrian refugees. This one in Jordan. http://goo.gl/rW388j
- Brad Haugaard
~ In baseball, Monrovia over Temple City 3-1. http://goo.gl/HMJAj0
~ Fifty percent chance of rain tomorrow, Saturday. http://goo.gl/nZFKzr
~ Monrovia's World Vision is one of 22 relief agencies preparing a new camp for Syrian refugees. This one in Jordan. http://goo.gl/rW388j
- Brad Haugaard
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