Monrovia Optimistic, But Has Fire Evacuation Plan Ready Just in Case

Tan is first evacuation group. Red is second. Details below.

Based on all the latest intelligence information available, officials have identified that there is no direct fire threat to Monrovia at this time.  However, while the City remains cautiously optimistic that the fire will not impact our community moving forward, the flames are moving slowly in a southwesterly pattern, which could eventually impact residents living in the neighborhoods around the northeastern part of Monrovia.  In particular, the residents living in and around the Norumbega Road area are the most likely to be affected.

It is important to note that if City officials determine that the fire could cause any impact on residents or property in Monrovia, we will order mandatory precautionary evacuation procedures for all impacted residents.  Based on the current fire movement pattern, if the precautionary evacuations are ordered, it is estimated that the soonest that such an order would be issued is later this evening.

To that end, all residents living in the northeastern part of Monrovia are encouraged to remain vigilant and ready to be evacuated.  Should an evacuation order be given, we will be coordinating evacuation procedures as follows:

§  First Evacuation Phase – all residents living east of Norumbega (where it parallels Sawpit Wash) and north of Greystone Avenue

§  Second Evacuation Phase – all residents living east of Myrtle Avenue and north of Greystone Avenue, and east of Shamrock and north of Foothill

In addition, the attached map outlines the areas of Monrovia that would be evacuated, and also the evacuation phasing plan.  Also, should an evacuation order be issued, the City has made all of the necessary preparations to establish the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) as our primary evacuation site. 

With regard to other local fire impacts, fire officials believe that the Fish Fire in Duarte and the Reservoir Fire in Azusa will merge today, and to that end, the overall response to the incident has been combined and the fire will be known as the San Gabriel Complex Fire moving forward.  In total, the San Gabriel Complex Fire has burned around 5,400 acres, and while no structures have been damaged, around 770 homes have been evacuated in Azusa and Duarte.

Firefighting crews made good progress last night containing the portion of the San Gabriel Complex Fire closest to Monrovia.  The weather helped, as a significant marine layer crept into the area last night that helped to put the fire down, and while it is expected that the blaze will become more visible as the day progresses, our reports from the fire command station indicates that as of now, firefighting crews do have a good handle on the situation.

Throughout the day, there will be a significant push by those coordinating the firefighting response to further contain the San Gabriel Complex Fire and push it away from residential areas.  To that end, we have confirmed that the following heavy equipment will be deployed today to fight the fire:

§  5 Type-1 Helicopters

§  6 Type-2 Helicopters

§  10 air tankers (will be put in use as soon as weather conditions permit)

§  2 bulldozers cutting fire breaks in the mountains entered the area through Canyon Park

§  Several hundred firefighters from the US Forest Service and LA County are battling the blaze

However, it is important to note that the current weather forecast calls for a shift in winds at around 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.  This will be an important time for Monrovia, as the changing winds could cause the fire to act unpredictably.

Again, the current situation should allow us to feel cautiously optimistic that Monrovia will not be impacted by the fire, but we are taking all necessary precautions here locally.  In particular, we have recalled all available Monrovia Fire Department personnel and have implemented an operational plan that allows for all normal service delivery to occur, while also setting up the following additional firefighting support functions:

§  Monrovia Fire Department Brush Task Force… this team will be monitoring our highest fire danger zones throughout the day.  This monitoring will take the form of sweeps conducted by Monrovia Fire Department personnel in the north-eastern quadrant of the City, with a special focus on Norumbega Drive, Ridgeside Drive, Oakglade Drive, and Canyon Park.

§  A Special Liaison Team… this team will remain in constant communication with the US Forest Service and L.A. County Fire Department command staff personnel.  This liaison team will be receiving constant real-time updates to monitor the progress of the overall San Gabriel Complex Fire to assess potential impacts on Monrovia.

In addition, the City has continued to maintain the closure of Canyon Park, Trask Boy Scout Camp, and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, and we have ensured that all City reservoirs are filled at 100% capacity in the event that we need to access water for firefighting activities.

All residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and on alert.  To stay up to date on the status of the overall situation here in Monrovia, we encourage everyone to check the City's website (www.cityofmonrovia.org), or subscribe to Nixle Alerts by texting 91016 to 888777.  We will continue to post updates throughout the day as the local fire conditions change.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurants To Get Grease Inspection; Police Awarded Grant; Scout Rehabs Picnic Area

In his weekly update ( http://goo.gl/52hLQQ ), City Manager Olive Chi reports that ...

- Following a letter to restaurant owners, Monrovia restaurants will get a visit to inspect how they dispose of fats, oils, and grease. When disposed of improperly, they clog sewer pipes. Chi writes that "the goal of these inspections is to educate businesses on the proper ways to dispose of fats, oils, and grease, and not to impose harsh penalties."

- The Monrovia Police Department was awarded a $193,171 Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Relations Grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections. It was one of only ten agencies awarded this grant in California. Its purpose is to fund the police department's Achieving Community Trust program. ACT is aimed at strengthening law enforcement and community relations and building trust.

- Boy Scout Dylan Che from Boy Scout Troop 349 earned the rank of Eagle Scout by completing his Eagle Scout project in Canyon Park. "Through Dylan's efforts, we were able to rehabilitate a picnic area in Canyon Park. The Malcom Packer Mesa picnic area was in need of restoration from decomposing picnic benches and fallen dead pine trees."

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Evacuations Unlikely in Monrovia

Monrovia is reporting that "it is extremely unlikely that Monrovia will need to engage in any evacuation procedures tonight for any locations in the City." However, if winds kick up, all bets are off, so stay alert. Follow city updates here: http://goo.gl/wVtF9Z

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglar on Bike; Seats Stolen from Vehicle; Twice!; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 16-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Bicycle Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 8:44 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a bicycle theft that just occurred in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. The officer located the suspect on the bicycle and detained him. The suspect was also in possession of burglary tools, narcotics and drug paraphernalia. After investigation, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
June 16 at 9:06 a.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report his vehicle had been broken into and miscellaneous items were taken. The vehicle burglary occurred in the 100 block of Mauna Loa. The investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 16 at 11:26 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Alta Vista. The victim called to report her house alarm had been activated. She returned home and found the rear sliding door on the home had been smashed and the residence was ransacked. The loss could not be determined and the investigation is continuing.

Driving the Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 10:50 a.m., a driver on the 210 Freeway called to report a possible subject driving under the influence who exited at Huntington Drive. An officer located the vehicle in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista and conducted field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
June 17 at 1:16 p.m., a private tow company was recovering an abandoned vehicle from a parking lot in the 2600 block of California. The driver of the tow truck called police to report the impound and it was discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of the City of Hawthorne. Officers recovered the stolen vehicle and the victim was notified.

Grand Theft Auto
June 17 at 9:25 p.m., the victim parked his vehicle in a parking lot in the 3300 block of S. Peck and went inside a business. He returned to his vehicle three hours later and it was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Attempt residential burglary
June 17 at 9:25 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Lime called police to report that someone had attempted to pry open the windows to his home while he was away from the location for less than an hour. No entry was made into the home and the investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 17 at 10:51 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 of W. Huntington. The victim called to report his vehicle had been broken into while he was inside a restaurant. The third row seats were taken from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 18 at 8:11 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of W. Palm. The home is under construction. A construction worker left the location and returned the following morning to find someone had broken into the home. Tools and miscellaneous items were being stored inside the home during the construction, but no loss could be determined. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 18 at 8:34 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington Drive on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot overnight. When she returned the next morning, she found her third row seats had been stolen. The suspect forced entry into the vehicle through the rear hatch door, allowing the suspect to enter and take the seats. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
June 18 at 11:19 a.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue called police to report a burglary that had just occurred. A suspect entered the store and selected merchandise from a shelf, then approached the return desk and produced old receipts to return the merchandise for cash. Loss prevention followed the suspect while calling police, but lost sight of the suspect prior to police arrival. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 18 at 5:48 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1700 block of Rosewood. The victim left his residence for approximately 20 minutes while he went to the grocery store. When he returned, he found his home had been broken into and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
June 19 at 5:44 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of E. Olive. As he drove by the park, he observed graffiti on the building near the baseball field. Graffiti was spray painted in four separate places. The investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:20 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive parked and locked her vehicle on the street in front of her house. The following morning, she went out to her car and saw a male suspect inside her vehicle, rummaging through it. The suspect made eye contact with the victim, then exited the vehicle. A neighbor also saw the suspect exiting the vehicle. The suspect began walking away and the victim yelled at him to stop, but he refused and left the area. The neighbor knew who the suspect was and identified him to the victim. The suspect had taken the victim's wallet, a pair of sunglasses, the valet key to the vehicle and some cash. The wallet was later found discarded in a park.

At 7:57 p.m. that evening, an officer saw the known suspect walking in the 400 block of E. Lemon. He detained the suspect and arrested him for the burglary without incident.

City of Monrovia Reaction to Fire

Photo courtesy of Jim Wigton.

Based on the most recent available reports, there are two separate brush fires currently burning in Los Angeles County near Monrovia, including the Reservoir Fire (in Azusa) & the Fish Fire (in Duarte).  The Reservoir Fire is estimated to be 1,200 acres in size and the Fish Fire is estimated to be 1,000 acres in size.

At this point in time, the fires are burning away from Monrovia.  However, City personnel have taken a series of fire prevention measures, including the following:

• We have closed Canyon Park, Trask Boy Scout Camp, and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve.

• At the Fire Department, we have called back an extra engine company to allow for advance firefighting preparatory work while also maintaining our normal service levels.

• As we track the fire, we are also working to establish a fire break at the Rincon Ridge and Mt. Bliss Road.

• We have made preparations at the Community Center in the event that we need to order evacuations in Monrovia.

We are monitoring the situation very closely, and it is important to emphasize that at this point in time, both the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire are burning away from Monrovia.  However, given the time of day, our personnel are monitoring wind patterns, and while we are hopeful that the fire will continue to push away from Monrovia, we are taking precautions in the event that the situation changes.  Furthermore, should the conditions change at all, the City has made plans to coordinate the activation of our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) later this evening.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Burning Rapidly Near Highway 39

It appears the fire visible to the east of Monrovia is along Highway 39, which goes up from Azusa into the mountains.

- Brad Haugaard

Saturn Tonight in Monrovia

Monrovia's Sidewalk Astronomers will be out tonight with their telescopes to show Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, and the moon. "Sunset is at about 8 p.m. so wander by our Sidewalk Astronomy corner -- Myrtle and Lime streets in Monrovia between 8 and 9:30 p.m. It should cool to about 79 or 80 degrees by sundown."

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Council: New Street Fair Operator; Increasing Speed Limits; Historic Homes; Etc.

At its June 21 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/qFozRd ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider approving a contract with Raw Inspiration to operate the Friday Night Family Street Fair until June 30, 2021.

~ Consider increasing speed limit on Madison Avenue between Foothill and Colorado from 25 to 30 mph, except, if I understand, keeping it 25 mph while school is in session. Also, increasing limit on Violet Avenue between Foothill and Colorado from 25 to 30 mph. http://goo.gl/2Pabql

~ Consider designating three homes as historic landmarks: 126 Poppy Ave., 805 S. Shamrock Ave., 177 Acacia Ave.

~ Consider approving contracts with various companies to do work on Monrovia Renewal, which involves replacing sewer and water lines, sidewalks, etc.

- Brad Haugaard

City To Consider Requiring Special Permission To Demolish House More Than 49 Years Old

There will be a special joint study session of the Monrovia City Council and Monrovia Historic Preservation Commission in the city's council chambers (415 S. Ivy) on Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. to discuss old house preservation.

Staff is proposing that anyone who wants to demolish a home built 50 or more years ago (before 1967 currently) be required to get a special demolition permit, for which he would have to submit "a formal written historic building assessment prepared by a qualified historic preservation consultant."

After that, "The Assessment would be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission for their review."

Details: http://goo.gl/09jkGt

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at The Diplomat

Dinner at The Diplomat, on the north side of Lemon just a few doors east of Myrtle. Judging from the name it sounded kinda dress-up so I wore my best blue jeans, but I needn't have worried as it is quite casual.  Got the chicken kebab for $11 and a nice craft draft beer ($7), of which they have a good selection. Food was good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Murder Suspect Arrested; Homeless Living in Rental Car ... For Too Long; Sexting Assault; Assault on Semi; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 13-15. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.

Transportation of a Controlled Substance / False Information to a Peace Officer / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 12:00 p.m., and officer on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of Fano. When the driver saw the officer, he sped off and attempted to evade the officer. The officer temporarily lost sight of the vehicle, but eventually located it in 1300 block of Linda in Arcadia, as residents flagged the officer down and reported that the vehicle had pulled into their driveway. The officer contacted the driver and after the investigation was complete, the driver was arrested for an out-of-state warrant, providing false information to a peace officer, and transporting a controlled substance, which was located inside his vehicle during a consent search.

Bicycle Theft
June 13 at 1:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the report of a stolen bicycle in the 200 block of W. Cherry. The victim reported his blue, Kent bicycle with gold rims was stolen out of his backyard sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 3:21 p.m., officers located a stolen vehicle in the 400 block of W. Foothill. The vehicle was parked in a business parking lot and was occupied by two suspects. The officers detained the suspects and the driver was arrested for grand theft auto.

Residential Burglary
June 13 at 8:56 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Los Angeles on the report of a possible burglary in progress. A white Saturn or Nissan backed into the property and three male suspects with hoodies were seen loading items from the house into the vehicle. The property owner was not home and the suspects had fled the scene prior to police arrival. On arrival, police discovered a window was open, the screen had been cut and the backdoor was wide open. A search of the interior revealed the home had been burglarized. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 11:57 p.m., officers located a stolen rental vehicle in the 100 block of E. Lime Avenue in the parking lot north of the police station. An officer watched the vehicle from a distance to see if anyone returned to it. A female suspect eventually returned and entered the vehicle. She drove off and the officer stopped the vehicle in the 500 block of S. Myrtle, where the suspect was taken into custody. The suspect said she did not return the vehicle because she was currently homeless and was living out of it. She was arrested and taken into custody for grand theft auto.

Residential Burglary
June 14 at 7:08 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1800 block of S. Tenth Avenue. The suspects entered the garage and then entered two vehicles inside. They ransacked the vehicles and stole cash and a garage door opener. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
June 14 at 8:00 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1600 block of Alamitas. The victim parked his vehicle overnight. When he went out to his vehicle in the morning, he found that it had been ransacked. An electronic tablet and a small amount of cash was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
June 14 at 9:44 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that his vehicle had been broken into while it was parked. An iPad and headphones that were left in the vehicle were stolen.The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 14 at 2:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Grand Avenue in response to an alarm activation. The resident had arrived home about the same time as the officers were arriving on scene. The glass to the rear door had been shattered. The house had been slightly ransacked. It was unknown if items were missing. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 5:18 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police regarding a theft that had just occurred. A male suspect was leaving the store with a stereo and he had not paid for it. Officers arrived on scene and saw store loss prevention personnel chasing the male suspect south on Mayflower. The officer stopped and detained the suspect. After investigation, he was arrested and taken into custody for the theft.

Identity Theft / Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Evading a Peace Officer – Suspects Arrested
June 15 at 12:10 p.m., officers responded to the report of a forgery in progress at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington Drive. When officers arrived, they saw the suspect vehicle back up and almost run over the loss prevention agent as he ordered repeatedly for the vehicle to stop. The suspect then fled and was involved in a short pursuit with a Monrovia motor officer. The female suspect was stopped and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and evading an officer. A second suspect involved had fled the store on foot. He was located, detained and arrested for identity theft.

Assault – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 8:35 p.m., a fight in progress was reported in the 800 block of W. Colorado. It was reported that someone in the fight was possibly stabbed. The suspect was seen fleeing the area on a bicycle. An officer arrived and detained the suspect. Further investigation revealed there was no stabbing. The suspect and victim know each other and the suspect had been texting sexual messages to the victim's girlfriend. The victim confronted the suspect to talk to him and during the conversation, the suspect punched the victim in the face and both started fighting. The suspect then pulled out a knife and attempted to stab the victim several times, but was not successful and the victim ran away. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 10:51 p.m., police received a call reporting a disturbing subject in the 200 block of Railroad. The subject was banging on the side door of a semi-trailer truck. When the officer arrived, the suspect fled on foot, but fell and cut the palm of his hand. He was detained by the officer. Further investigation revealed a male and female were sleeping in the truck. The female was in the front seat and the male was in the sleeper section. The suspect approached the truck and began staring at the female subject. The suspect then climbed onto the back of the truck and disconnected the airlines. The suspect then started banging on the passenger door, telling the female to open the door. She called the police. The suspect was arrested for vehicle tampering and outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Murder Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 1:23 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of Hurstview when he attempted to contact a male subject. As he approached, the subject abruptly took off running and jumped a fence, heading south towards Euclid. The officer believed the subject was a known, possibly armed, gang member wanted for a murder that occurred in the City of Duarte. Officers quickly set up containment of the area. Temple Sheriff’s Department sent two units and Irwindale Police Department sent three units. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter also responded to assist. The suspect was last seen running through the rear yard of a residence in the 500 block of Euclid. Officers searched the residence and found the murder suspect hiding in the backyard. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Injury Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 3:31 a.m., officers responded to Fifth and Chestnut regarding a rollover traffic collision with a subject trapped inside. The driver tried to flee the scene and was being restrained by witnesses. The suspect driver appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fire personnel were able to free the female passenger. Both the suspect driver and passenger were taken to a hospital for their injuries. The driver was charged with felony driving under the influence.

Finding Nemo Movie At Monrovia Library

Free screening of Finding Nemo movie, Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. at Monrovia Public Library. Reserve free tickets at 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Light refreshments and senior resources. Presented by Monrovia Providers Group, City of Monrovia, Foothills Resources for the Aging.

- Brad Haugaard

Celtic Woman star Chloë Agnew and Tenor Dermot Kiernan in Concert

"Ireland's Celtic Songbird" Chloë Agnew, a founding member of Celtic Women, and tenor Dermot Kiernan will perform in concert on Saturday, July 2, at 8 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia. Ticketsare $15 at ticketleap.com.

The artists will perform an evening of their favorite Irish tunes, along with light classical pieces and well-loved standards.

A performer since childhood, Chloë Agnew appeared in the PBS special Celtic Woman at age fourteen. The US response to the special led to a debut album that remained on the Billboard World Music Chart for 81 weeks. This and their second and third albums went on to hold the top three positions on the chart. Agnew was named 2012 Female Vocalist of the Year at the Irish Music Awards. In 2013, she moved to Los Angeles to launch a solo career. Her appearances have included touring internationally with some of America's most distinguished orchestras.

Dermot Kiernan has toured extensively with Dublin's Pro Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral Choirs, appearing as a featured soloist for their recordings and concerts worldwide. In 2009, he joined The Celtic Woman Aontas Choir and toured with the production in the US, Australia, Japan and Europe. He was later named its choir leader/director. Kiernan holds Masters degrees from the National University of Ireland and The Sorbonne in Paris. Now based in Los Angeles, he performs, directs and teaches across the country.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Garden Club Celebrates 85th Birthday

The Monrovia Garden Club will celebrate its 85th birthday at its annual potluck dinner. The meeting, the last until fall, will be held on June 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. Visitors are welcome. monroviagardenclub@hotmail.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Be Hit By Blackouts This Summer | Late Gas Bills | Brews & Books | Restrooms | West Side Story

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/YjnAkU ), City Manager Oliver Chi reported:

- Last week, Southern California Gas Company Edison told the City that because of restricted operations of the company's Southern California Gas Company's Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, there is an increased risk that we will experience rotating blackouts this summer. City staff has corresponded with SCE to determine what measures, if any, can be taken to mitigate the potential of such rolling blackouts. Comment: Sorry 'bout that.

- Southern California Gas Company notified Monrovia that some residents may receive delayed bills. This means a bigger bill later.

- Brews and Books on June 23, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Station Square Promenade by the Metro Parking Structure. Open to adults 21 years and older with a valid ID. Sample lagers and ales from local brewer, Pacific Plate Brewing, and discover books written by the brew masters.

- The city has installed new restroom partitions at the city-owned Boys and Girl Club of the Foothills. Existing partitions in both the boys and girls restrooms were in need of replacement due to wear and tear.

- Taylor Performing Arts Center will be presenting West Side Story, opening on July 14, for 5 performances on July 14, July 15, July 16 and July 17, at 8 p.m. each day and also a 2 p.m performance on July 16. http://goo.gl/2JhO1w

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July in Monrovia

Monrovia's 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 4, in Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Ave.). Live Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. with a performance by Person to Person. Following the concert, a free 20 minute Fireworks Show will begin at 9 p.m. That according to City Manager Oliver Chi.

He also says that spectators may reserve a park space no larger than 10 x 10 feet which must be supervised at all times. This event was made possible by sponsorships from Samuelson & Fetter, Monrovia Old Town Merchants, Wendy's Hamburgers, Diane Balsamo of Prime Lending, Larry Davis of Prime Lending, and the Sierra Family of Dealerships. The City will be once again encourage spectators to participate in the Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest, where the most festive canopies will win prizes.

For additional information, please contact the Monrovia Department of Public Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Soulful Celebration Concert in Monrovia

The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company presents "A Soulful Celebration!" on June 25 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke Church. The concert will feature performances of classic soul hits by Michael Jackson, Etta James, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, and Bill Withers, in addition to spirituals and gospel songs. The performance will be accompanied by a live band, will include guest soloists, and will include "Kids in Concert!" The evening will also include a silent auction fundraiser.

Tickets at the door are $20 ($15 seniors/students, $5 children under 12). Also at http://www.sgvccsingers.org or by check (SGVCC; P.O. Box 2225; Monrovia, CA 91017). Tax-deductible donations to SGVCC are accepted online and by check.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Adoption Day at Humane Society

The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, which serves Monrovia, will hold its third annual “Free Adoption Day” on June 23. Adoption fees will be waived for all available animals - dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles - for the entire day. The shelter, at 361 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena, will be open for adoptions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As the shelter fills to capacity during the warmer months, it is important to find new homes for pets as quickly as possible. This is especially true before Fourth of July, when animals are easily frightened by the loud booms and bursts of fireworks and may run away. The shelter hopes to free up as much kennel as possible to for the increased number of stray and lost pets arriving around the Fourth of July. The 2015 “Free Adoption Day” resulted in the adoption of 46 cats, 18 dogs, three rabbits and one iguana.

Regular adoption policies and screening apply. To expedite the adoption process, print an adoption application in advance on our website. If you rent, bring proof you are allowed to have a pet at your residence. Ample parking is available onsite. View all animals at the shelter at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.

- Brad Haugaard

Medical Fundraiser for Carmen Martinez | Free Football Camp

~ Fundraiser for medical expenses of Monrovia resident Carmen Martinez Friday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., at United Methodist Church (140 E. Palm). http://goo.gl/QCz0kr

~ Learn basic football skills from Wildcat coaches and players. Free camp for kids ages 6-14. Wednesday, June 29 at 5-6 p.m. at the Monrovia High Football Field. For registration information email Monroviafoobtall2016@gmail.com

Toasty Days! Record 107 Degrees Expected for Monrovia Monday

Toasty days coming. It is expected to reach 103 degrees on Sunday and 107 next Monday. Make a pitcher of lemonade! ( https://goo.gl/0qMTb8 )

The National Weather service says this is "potential record heat" and recommends: "Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid being outside during the warmest part of the day. If working outside...work with a buddy and take frequent breaks. Provide water and shelter for animals. Check on family... friends... neighbors and animals. Also remember to never ever leave children... pets and the elderly unattended in vehicles... even with the windows down." NWS

- Brad Haugaard