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

Biking School Board Member Crosses into Arizona


Rob Hammond at Arizona border.

Monrovia school board member and former mayor, Rob Hammond, has crossed into Arizona on the San Diego to Florida bicycle ride he began on Easter Day.

In 2013 Hammond rode his bicycle from Canada to the Mexican border.

You can follow his progress and donate to the Monrovia PTA at this site: http://www.irideforyou.com/track-my-ride.html

- Brad Haugaard

The Homeless and Rotating Churches

I was talking to a friend who attends Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, who said something interesting that I think might be relevant to the homeless problem in Library Park.

Apparently a number of churches in Pasadena feed the homeless, but they take turns, and they don't do the feeding in one place, but at each of the churches.

This taking turns part interests me.

Not that Pasadena is generally a model to be emulated, but I wonder if by taking turns the churches there tend to ensure that the homeless do not all congregate in one area, making life difficult for people who live and work in that particular area. One place doesn't become too much of a problem.

I'm not suggesting this approach solves the problem, but I wonder if it might help.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Women Invited to Tomorrow's Meeting Of Arcadia Woman's Club

Monrovia women are invited to attend tomorrow's meeting of the Arcadia Woman's Club on Wednesday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in its clubhouse, 324 S. First Ave., Arcadia. The meeting will have a baby shower theme with attendees encouraged to bring baby layette items to benefit the Pregnancy Help Center of San Gabriel Valley. Along with games, prizes and cake associated with a baby shower, the meeting will include a social time, business meeting and luncheon, for $15. Reservations may be made with Linda Mokler at 287-0261. More about the club at www.arcadiawomansclub.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Homeless in Park Will Probably Stay; Oak Tree in Park Will Go; New Sign for Studio Movie Grill; Money for Home Security Gone; More

New theater facade.


In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ As currently written, the city ordinance against "camping in city parks" is "unenforceable and unconstitutional." The main difficulty in creating a new ordinance is in providing an alternate place for homeless people to go. Chi said that means "it would be unconstitutional for the City to simply say 'get off my lawn' and start pushing homeless people out of the park."

"[I]t is increasingly clear," he writes, "that there is no simple law that can be adopted to make homeless people disappear. Ultimately, adopting the law is easy, enforcing it is hard. The status of homelessness cannot be criminalized, and efforts to simply make homeless individuals go away through any means necessary will likely violate those individuals' constitutional rights if not done carefully and compassionately. Both state and federal courts have made these points exceedingly clear recently."

There will be a City Council study session on the matter today at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

~ A new facade and signage have been approved for Studio Movie Grill. The theater is also working on interior upgrades of food and beverage service areas. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in mid-summer.

~ The Cork Oak tree at Library Park (just east of the fountain) is dying due to a pinhole borer beetle infestation and will have to be removed. The dying tree will be replaced with two new Cork Oak trees.

~ You know the city program to help residents pay for home security systems? Well, it was popular and the money has run out, so it's all over for now.

~ During Spring Break this upcoming week, the Monrovia Library, in partnership with Oak Crest Institute of Science, will be holding daily programs on a variety of scientific and engineering fields. There will be a small Open House event, scheduled for this Thursday, April 5, 2 to 3 p.m.

~ Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills will be honoring outstanding youth. Details: https://goo.gl/S7ci5A

~ Monrovia Garden Club is planting a new Engelmann Oak tree at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue today.

~ Monrovia Police Department is participating in Autism Awareness Month. T-shirts are now available (1 for $20, 2 for $30) at the Police Department. For questions contact Seth Hermes at SHermes@monrovia.laclen.org.

~ Monrovia Reads has been added to a new entry sign logo on Huntington Drive, along with the other service clubs in town.

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers Needed to Pack Food at Post Offices

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center needs volunteers to pack up food gathered by letter carriers as part of The National Letter Carrier Food Drive on Saturday, May 12. People who can handle physical labor can volunteer here: https://goo.gl/d0V1yf

- Brad Haugaard

The Chief Dog


Puppy alert! Say hello to Chief (A452766), a fun 8-month-old shepherd puppy. Playful Chief is an enthusiastic young pup who already knows his sit command. He loves to run around and chase squeaky toys. If you are looking for an active dog to add to your family, stop by and ask for Chief.

The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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

** The Pasadena Humane Society is launching “Kitten Week,” a week-long awareness and action campaign held April 23-29, to encourage community members to spay/neuter, adopt, and get involved. You can find more information at pasadenahumane.org/kittenweek.

The Pasadena Humane Society serves Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Talk on 'Freedom is Ours Now' at Myrtle Tree Cafe


Christian Science practitioner Patricia Woodard will give a talk, "Breaking News: Freedom is Ours Now", Monday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. at The Myrtle Tree Garden Cafe at 405 S. Myrtle. She will explore the practicality of Christ Jesus' life and works as recorded in the Bible and as discussed in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Easter, Monrovia. He Has Risen!


“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come see the place where he lay.” - Matthew 28:6

See, the tomb is empty!

This is the Easter setup at our house. A paper mache cave that held “Jesus,” wrapped in tissue and closed off with a coffee coaster (usually we use a grapefruit), and guarded by our son’s old Lego soldiers.

Now, as you can see, the soldiers are out cold and Jesus has arisen (Don’t tell but he’s now on top of the fireplace mantle). We’ve done this since our kids were little and they had fun trying to figure out where Jesus had arisen to.

Happy Easter, Monrovia!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Tattoo Regulations; Homeless Response; Etc.

At a 4:30 p.m. study session on Tuesday, April 3, the City Council will review tattoo regulations for Old Town. https://goo.gl/BHnmVX

Then at 5:30 it will discuss "Possible Homeless Response Regulations." https://goo.gl/j4J5et

At its regular 7:30 p.m. meeting (https://goo.gl/iFLMbu) the council will consider participating in the "National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation," a contest among cities to see which can save the most water. https://goo.gl/yP6fS7

And it will consider a Mills Act Contract for an historic landmark house at 310 Wildrose Avenue. The contract gives the property owner a tax break in return for maintaining the property in an historic state. https://goo.gl/5inpwR

- Brad Haugaard

Interview With New Monrovia Football Coach; Development Trends; Fundraising Dance; Bear Video

~ An interview with new Monrovia football coach, Chris Williams: https://goo.gl/XrDVs9

~ City Manager Oliver Chi will hold a workshop at the 9th Annual MAP Neighborhood Conference on April 21 on development trends in Monrovia. Register here: https://goo.gl/8Q9GB7

~ The Monrovia Latino Heritage Society will present a scholarship fundraising dance on Sunday, April 22, from 2-7 p.m. at the VFW Post at 250 E. First Street in Azusa. $20 per person; $25 at the door. Music by The In Crowd. For information contact Pat Lowell at 386-5896 or Cuca Mack at 359-2130.

~ Here's another bear video: https://goo.gl/yZee1J

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at The Shrimp House

Dinner at the Shrimp House, an old-style seafood restaurant at the corner of Myrtle and Live Oak. Got the Pacific Snapper with sides of veggies, and beans and rice, for $14.39 and an iced tea for $2.79. Very good. Liked it a lot! Nice service, too.

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Egg Hunt Tomorrow

Easter Egg Hunt. March 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Recreation Park. Arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games, a petting zoo, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler and teen activities. Registration at 9 a.m. For more information contact the Department of Public Services at 256-8246. https://goo.gl/mfMzbb

- Brad Haugaard

Readers Choice: The Best Burger in Monrovia

The readers have spoken. The best burger in Monrovia is at 38 Degrees, with 15.3% of the vote. Followed as close seconds by Jake's Roadhouse and Jim's Burger, with 13.6% of the vote, each. I agree with the result, but wonder how it might have turned out if we had asked what is the best burger for under $8. But, yeah, the 38 Degrees burger is pretty amazing!




- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Honored for Julian Fisher Park Renovation; Prevent Mosquitoes; Library Park Fountain Leak; Literacy Fundraiser

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The City has received a California Parks and Recreation Society Award for its renovation of Julian Fisher Park. It is being recognized at the Annual Awards and Installation Dinner today in Diamond Bar.

~ Once a week, people should "Tip 'N Toss" stagnant water, which can breed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes kill and sicken more people than any other creature on the planet. West Nile virus, zika, yellow fever and dengue fever are new diseases that threaten our communities.

~ Library Park fountain will be shut off to fix a leak. Chi said thee fountain should be back up and running soon.

~ The fourth annual literacy fundraiser, Team Up Dream Up for Literacy will be held on Sunday, April 22 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Monrovia Public Library. It will be an afternoon of team competition in a game show format with silent and live auctions. Early Bird pricing for $60 tickets ends on April 8. Buy tickets here (https://goo.gl/YWeMNK) or at the Monrovia Library. Plus, to win $1,000 in gift cards to Old Town eateries, you can purchase raffle tickets for $10 each at the Friends Book Store in the Library. You do not need to be present at the fundraiser to win the raffle. All proceeds from raffle tickets sales benefit Literacy Services.


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Sleeping Driver Causes Accident; Thieves Steal Light Bulbs; Ex-Boyfriend Busts Window; Not Sick, Drunk; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 22-28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 445 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.

Vandalism
March 22 at 9:02 a.m., employees of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington arrived to work and discovered someone had broken the building’s front glass window sometime during the night. Nothing was taken from inside the store. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 22 at 9:57 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cypress walked outside his home to his car and attempted to drive to work, but his vehicle would not start. He discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter off of his vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 22 at 3:05 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Acacia discovered someone had rummaged through his unlocked car, which was parked on the street in front of his house. The suspect stole a laptop and the car stereo. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 12:03 p.m., a store in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject had removed merchandise from a shelf and left without paying. Officers located the subject near the store and took custody of him after he was placed under private persons arrest by a store employee. The merchandise was returned to the store.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 23 at 1:30 p.m., a driver fell asleep at the wheel and collided into another vehicle at the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. The vehicle that was struck was pushed into two additional cars, causing more damage. One of the passengers was unconscious and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 4:06 p.m., a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject in front of their store disrupting business. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed she had several warrants for her arrest, so she was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 10:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he saw a subject he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
March 24 at 10:18 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of El Nido walked outside his home to go to work and discovered someone had stolen his silver Toyota Prius. He had parked it in front of his house the previous night. This investigation is continuing.

Disturbing Subject
March 24 at 11:52 a.m., a male subject was in front of a store in the 900 block of W. Duarte causing a disturbance. Employees of the store called police and reported he was disrupting their business and was refusing to leave the private property. When officers arrived, the subject left the property. He was notified by store employees that if he returned he would be arrested for trespassing.

Weapon Violation / Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 4:13 p.m., residents in the 500 block of Los Angeles reported a male subject made criminal threats toward them while brandishing a knife. Officers arrived and located the male. After further investigation, he was arrested for the weapon violation and making criminal threats.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 12:58 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1200 block of S. Magnolia when he saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. He stopped the vehicle and approached the driver. The driver appeared intoxicated, so field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was arrested for DUI.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 2:56 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of S. Myrtle when he heard a female screaming. He located the subject sitting in a parked car still screaming. He asked if she needed help, but she did not. He found her to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for her own safety. She was arrested for public intoxication.

Petty Theft of Package
March 25 at 6:21 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista reported a male subject had just stolen a package of light bulbs that had just been delivered to her front porch. The suspect fled the area after taking the package. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 7:45 p.m., a female subject entered a clothing store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and concealed merchandise inside her purse, then left the store without paying. She was stopped outside the store by employees and the police were called. Officers arrived and after an investigation, arrested the subject.

Traffic Collision / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 2:41 p.m., an officer responded to a non-injury traffic collision that had just occurred at the intersection of Myrtle and Central. The officer completed an investigation to determine who was at fault. During the investigation, a computer check revealed one of the drivers had a warrant for his arrest, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Battery / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 9:08 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of El Nido reported her live-in boyfriend pushed her to the ground while he was holding their six-month-old baby. Officers arrived and after an investigation, arrested the male subject.

Vandalism / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 1:19 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Olive heard the front window to her house break, so she looked outside and saw her ex-boyfriend on her front lawn. He began banging on her front door and trying to enter the home, so she called the police. Officers arrived and located the male subject in front of the house. They found him to be heavily intoxicated. After an investigation, officers arrested the subject.

Vandalism
March 27 at 9:44 a.m., a resident in the 1500 block of Encino walked outside her home to go to work and discovered someone had vandalized her car sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 27 at 10:02 a.m., the owner of a restaurant in the 400 block of S. Myrtle arrived to work and discovered someone had stolen two light bulbs from the back patio of the business during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 27 at 10:43 a.m., the owner of a parked vehicle in the 1400 block of S. Myrtle returned to his car after shopping for two hours. She discovered someone had forced entry into the car and taken her cosmetics. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
March 27 at 3:30 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Poppy returned to his house and discovered someone had burglarized the home. The suspect had entered the home through a sliding glass door. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
March 27 at 6:20 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of E. Lemon returned home and found his house had been burglarized sometime during the day. The suspects entered his home through an unlocked kitchen window. It is unknown what was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 27 at 8:57 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Duarte walked outside his home and discovered someone had entered his vehicle and ransacked it. His U.S. Passport had been stolen. He had left his vehicle parked and unlocked a half hour prior to discovering the theft. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 28 at 1:08 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of S. Myrtle when he saw two subjects sitting at a park bench. One of the subjects looked ill, so the officer stopped to see if they needed help. They were found to be heavily intoxicated and not able to care for their own safety, so they were arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
March 28 between 8:55 a.m. to 7:10 p.m., there were five vehicle burglaries reported to have occurred sometime during the previous night in the 300 block of N. Canyon, 100 block of N. Melrose, 200 block of E. Olive, and 700 S. Mayflower. In four of the incidents, a window was shattered to gain entry. The fifth vehicle was entered by unknown means. A duffle bag, tools and other miscellaneous items were taken from the vehicles. The investigations are continuing.

Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
March 28 at 10:21 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Montana looked outside their home and saw a male subject in the front yard who they had obtained a restraining order against. The police arrived and contacted the subject. After an investigation was conducted, the subject was arrested for violation of the restraining order.

Vandalism
March 28 at 5:27 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Linwood returned home from work and discovered someone had thrown a rock through his sliding glass door. No entry into the home was made. This investigation is continuing. 

Monrovia's JFed Players to Present 'She Loves Me'

The JFed Players' Spring 2018 production of She Loves Me, opens on May 12th, 8 p.m., at Porticos Art Space in Pasadena. She Loves Me takes place in Budapest in the 1930s, and focuses on two employees of a perfume shop, Georg and Amalia, who bicker constantly with each other at work, unaware that they are each other's secret pen pal. She Loves Me is based on the 1937 play Parfumerie by the Hungarian playwright Miklós László, which also inspired the motion pictures, The Little Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail. A collaboration between composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, She Loves Me immediately preceded their smash hit, Fiddler on the Roof. Come and see this charming show. Performance dates and times:

Saturday, May 12th and 26th, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 13th and 27th, 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 17th and 24th, 7:30 p.m.

Porticos Art Space
2033 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104

More information can be found here or by contacting the Monrovia-base Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys at 445-0810.

Source: Press release from Jewish Federation

- Brad Haugaard

Clemson the Guinea Pig Awaits Adoption


Clemson (A452150) is an adoptable adult male guinea pig. Clemson and his brother Syracuse were abandoned in a box in front of our adoptions office. They appear to be in good health and ready for a new home. As you might have guessed from his name, Clemson is part of our March Madness "Sweet 16" adoption tournament. His adoption fee is waived thanks to generous sponsors.

The normal adoption fee for guinea pigs is $10. Stop by our Shelter Shop on the way home to get your guinea pig pellets, treats and timothy hay.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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

Pasadena Humane Society serves Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

'Gardening with Annuals' Topic Today at Garden Club

Andy Melero will talk about "Gardening with Annuals" at the monthly meeting of the Monrovia Garden Club on Tuesday March 27, 7 p.m., in the Fireside Room at First Presbyterian  Church at Foothill and Myrtle. Social hour at 6:30 p.m., where light refreshments will be served. Open to the public.

- Brad Haugaard

Reader Survey: Who Serves the Best Burger in Monrovia?

A reader wrote a few days ago to ask where to find the best burger in Monrovia. Hmm. Good question. I thought I'd ask you. Click

here 


to answer this one-question survey. (And my apologies if I missed a restaurant.)

- Brad Haugaard

Spring Fundraiser, 'Anchors Away', at Mayflower Elementary School April 28

Mayflower Elementary's PTA will hold an Anchors Away Family Fun Night on April 28, 4 p.m.-8pm.  This Pirate theme event will include games, music, bingo, food trucks, silent auction and more. The school is at 210 N. Mayflower Ave.

Landlubbers of all ages are invited to help celebrate, as the school sets sail into Spring to raise funds to enhance children's education. "Money from this event will assist with literacy programs, afford to send children on field trips and assist with ensuring classrooms have needed supplies" said Faith Mellinger, Mayflower PTA president." We invite all the community to help their local school by joining us on this special night," she added.

Pre-event donations of $8 per person include unlimited rides, games, and bingo can be made through Eventbrite at

www.eventbrite.com/e/mayflower-family-fun-night-tickets-440-2463553?ref=estwevent

Or, at the Friday Monrovia Street Fair during the month of April.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

A suggested donation per person at the door is $5 and cost for unlimited rides will be $10. Bingo is $20. Children under the age of 5 are free.  Food and other activities are not included in either entrance donation.

Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are also available.  For more information, to give a donation or to learn more about how you can support Mayflower PTA, visit the Mayflower PTA Facebook page at Mayflower PTA.

- Brad Haugaard