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The Legend of Norumbega

I was reading Milton’s Paradise Lost, motivated by the guilty sense that I hadn’t read much but pop detective books lately, when to my surprise I encountered the name, “Norumbega,” which a footnote said was a place in New England that showed up on ancient maps. 

Wikipedia says Norumbega “is a legendary settlement in northeastern North America which appeared on many early maps from the 1500s until American colonization. The houses were said to have pillars of gold and the inhabitants carried quarts of pearls on their heads.”

It adds that Bangor, Maine, embraced the legend in the nineteenth century, naming its municipal hall "Norumbega Hall," and in 1886 inventor Joseph Barker Stearns built a mansion named "Norumbega Castle," in Camden, Maine.

So how did our Norumbega get it’s name? I asked City Historian Steve Baker, who poked around a bit and found that around 1913 the area was owned by three men, who named it Norumbega Heights. The main man of the three was apparently a Harry Nelson Mabery, from Massachusetts.

So maybe, Steve speculated, since Massachusetts is near Maine, perhaps Mabery vacationed in Maine and was familiar with the name and the legend.

Sounds like a pretty good guess to me. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Man Threatens To Shoot Up Store; Woman Gets Worst in Fistfight With Man; Driver Side-swipes Car, Continues With Two Flats; Fake Kidnapping; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for January 31 – February 6, 2019. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Threatening
January 31 at 11:49 a.m., an unknown male subject entered a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill and tried to make a purchase. The clerk recognized the subject as someone who has previously stolen merchandise from the business. The clerk told him he was not welcome. The subject then threatened the clerk by saying he would return and shoot the place up. At this time the male subject is unknown. Investigation continuing.

Battery/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 2:27 p.m., a mother reported that her son battered her in the 400 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The son was arrested for battery, and during the booking process, was found to be in possession of prescription medication that did not belong to him. Possession of a controlled substance was added to his charges.

Battery
February 1 at 8:28 a.m., an officer was dispatched on the report of a battery incident in the 300 block of W. Huntington. A male and female subject were arguing over parking in a business parking lot. The argument continued into a local business and the female swung her fist at the male. The male reacted by punching the female and knocking her down. Officers arrived and completed an investigation. The female subject was taken to a local hospital. A report was completed and sent to the District Attorney’s office.

Violation of Court Order/Resisting a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 10:38 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of California and Cypress when he saw a known male subject riding a bicycle. The subject was in violation of a restraining order that prohibits him from being at the location. The officer confirmed the restraining order and initiated a traffic stop. The subject refused to stop until Cypress and Ivy and was uncooperative with the officer throughout the encounter. He was arrested for violation of the restraining order and resisting an officer.

Warrant/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 12:08 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Colorado and saw a female subject commit a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Mayflower and Colorado. A traffic stop was conducted and the subject was found to have a warrant for her arrest. She was also found to be in possession of used syringes. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
February 1 at 2:24 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 600 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim checked on the status of a phone delivery and discovered it was marked delivered to his residence. The victim said he never received the package. He called the delivery service and received conflicting statements as to what happened to his package. Investigation continuing.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 4:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Highland called police to report his brother was intoxicated and had disabled the phone lines to the home. He also made threats inside the residence. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The brother was arrested for making criminal threats.

Special Traffic Enforcement
On February 1 during school hours, officers conducted special traffic enforcement at several schools. They issued both warnings and citations to drivers violating traffic laws in the school zone areas.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 7:42 p.m., a caller reported a male subject climbing out of a donation bin in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and made contact with the subject. The subject had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
February 1 at 8:48 p.m., multiple callers reported a traffic collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Royal Oaks and Mountain. One of the vehicles attempted to flee the scene of the accident and collided into a light pole down the street. Officers arrived and searched for the driver, but he was not found in the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Robbery
February 1 at 10:52 p.m., a robbery was reported at a residence in the 300 block of W. Foothill. A group of female subjects were leaving a party and were confronted by a group of male subjects in a black Range Rover, who were also leaving the party. One of the females leaned into one of the vehicle windows and a male subject in the vehicle grabbed her phone. The vehicle was driven away and the victim sustained scrapes on her legs from falling on the asphalt. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision/ Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 2 at 2:08 a.m., a caller reported that a vehicle had collided into multiple parked cars and then pulled over and parked along the curb, near the intersection of Cypress and Magnolia. Officers arrived and checked the area. The driver was located a block away and was found to be intoxicated. Officers conducted an investigation, and the driver was arrested for DUI.

Driving Under the Influence – Driver Arrested
February 3 at 2:16 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of Peck and Live Oak when they saw a vehicle fail to stop at a red traffic signal. A traffic stop was conducted. The driver was intoxicated and an investigation for driving under the influence was conducted. The driver was arrested for DUI.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 3:21 a.m., a caller reported hearing a loud argument in the 700 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made contact with a male and female subject who lived together. The female had scratched the male and left visible injuries. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
February 3 at 7:18 a.m., a resident from the 800 block of E. Foothill reported that the mailboxes for his building were stolen sometime during the night. Officers arrived and began a theft report. Investigation continuing.

Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
February 3 at 9:35 a.m., a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the intersection of Fifth and Huntington. Officers arrived to investigate the collision and the pedestrian was transported to a hospital with injuries.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 4 at 1:07 p.m., a vehicle was reported near the area of Myrtle and Huntington being driven with two flat tires. A second caller reported being side-swiped by a vehicle that was not stopping. Officers arrived and located the vehicle near Myrtle and Palm. They initiated a traffic stop. A witness was able to positively identify the driver of the vehicle. An investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.

Commercial Burglary
February 4 at 7:05 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Maple discovered someone had burglarized his business over the weekend. The suspect shattered a window to gain entry. Investigation continuing.

Phone Scam/Fraudulent Kidnapping Call
February 4 at 12:47 p.m., a female subject reported she had just received a call from an unknown number while in the 800 block of S. Mountain. A male subject told her he kidnapped her daughter and was holding her for ransom, unless she paid him money. Officers found the 15-year-old daughter at home, and she knew nothing about the call. The call was found to have originated in another country and was a fraudulent scam to extort money from the family.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 4 at 7:19 hours, a vehicle was stopped on Mountain, waiting to make a left turn onto Wildrose, when a second vehicle lost control due to water on the roadway and collided into the first vehicle. Officers responded to investigate the collision. There were no injuries.

Vehicle Code Violations/Warrants – Suspect Arrested
February 4 at 10:39 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Monterey and Huntington and saw a subject operating a motorcycle without license plates. The rider was also wearing a hard hat instead of a helmet. The officer initiated a traffic stop and discovered the rider did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his license and it was suspended. The rider also had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrest
February 5 at 6:56 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle that was parked awkwardly for over an hour in the 900 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and discovered two female subjects in the vehicle. When contacted, they said a male subject who was no longer there drove them to the location. One of the female subjects had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 5 at 9:01 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Fifth and Huntington for an injury traffic accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. As the pedestrian was walking across the sidewalk, he was struck by a vehicle turning left. The driver didn't see him. Officers arrived to investigate the collision and the pedestrian was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Mail Tampering
February 5 at 10:07 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Peppertree Lane reported that mail was stolen from mailboxes on the street. When the officer arrived, it was discovered that there were numerous possible victims. A mail tampering report was taken and the investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 5 at 9:40 p.m., officers on patrol near the intersection of California and Evergreen came upon a single vehicle accident. The vehicle struck the center divider while making a turn and collided with a pole. There were no injuries.

Mail Tampering
February 6 at 7:41 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Olive reported her senior complex mailbox was either left open or someone had opened it sometime during the night using a key. The community mailbox contains all of the private mailboxes of the residents. Mail had been removed and was on the ground. It is unknown if any mail was actually taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
February 6 at 8:59 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Lemon walked outside his home and discovered someone had burglarized his vehicle sometime during the night. One of the windows had been shattered and the interior was ransacked. The resident did not know what had been taken. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 1:02 p.m., officers noticed a suspicious person in the 500 block of W. Colorado. They made contact with the subject, and a consent search revealed the subject was in possession of heroin. The subject was arrested possession of heroin.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 1:40 p.m., a caller reported a male subject was yelling at people in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers made contact with the subject and determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. A computer check revealed he also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
February 6 at 3:02 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked and locked her vehicle, but forgot to take her purse. When she returned to her vehicle, the window was smashed and the purse was gone. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 6 at 5:02 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Shamrock and Foothill. A white tractor trailer turned south on Shamrock from eastbound Foothill. As the trailer portion was completing the turn, it hit the light standard, knocking it down to the ground. The caller did not get a plate. It is unknown if the driver even knew what happened. Investigation continuing.

Chinese Students Visit Monrovia Elementary Schools

More than 100 students from China visited Monrovia elementary schools as a part of a cultural immersion program. They visited Mayflower, Plymouth, and Bradoaks. https://goo.gl/EHwq3L

- Brad Haugaard

Proposal for Former Market Grill Building

If you wondered what is happening with the former Market Grill building (525 S. Shamrock), here is a proposal currently before the city for its consideration. As you can see the remodeled building features the addition of a second floor, which would be apartments.

- Brad Haugaard

City Exploring New Tax Measure; Cutting Cost of Treating Storm Water; Etc.

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

~ Monrovia "will be exploring the option of putting a sales tax measure on the ballot for our residents to consider in 2019." Why? Because, Chi said, "if Monrovia doesn't tax itself to the maximum permitted (10.25%), the LA County will tax to the max, and in that case the new taxes would all go to the county and Monrovia would only get a bit of that back. Chi writes: "Those cities that have reached the 10.25% cap do not pay for additional LA County taxes, but are still able to receive the funds collected." For example, he said, Santa Monica and Long Beach do not pay anything for Measure H homelessness tax because they already have a 10.25% sales tax rate, but they do receive Measure H money - paid for by everybody else in the county.

~  The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has given conditional approval for Monrovia's Revised Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP). (That's filtering our runoff water.) Chi writes: "Our original EWMP plan was slated to cost around $1.4 billion (yes... BILLION) to implement." Now it's down to $122 million, still a bucket-load of money, but, he adds, Monrovia should get $32.1 million a year in Measure W grant money for the projects.

~ Want to watch the State of the City address? Here it is: https://youtu.be/vBR9xkKK3J0

~ The 18th annual Mosaic Arts International Exhibition Series has selected the Bob Bartlett Memorial at Station Square as one of 19 architectural and site-specific mosaics from around the world to be recognized. Renderings of the mosaic art-work will be on display in Nashville, TN, from January 26 - May 19.

~  Foothill Unity Center will host an open-to-the-public reception to honor Betty Sandford for her contributions to Monrovia. Reception on Thursday, Feb. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Foothill Unity Center facility at 790  W. Chestnut Ave.

~ Monrovia has been working with the Monrovia Youth Baseball League on baseball field improvements at Recreation Park. Painting, maintenance on the scoreboard, work on the infield, working on an outfield fence and figuring out how to install a new batting cage.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Named as 'Military Friendly'

For the ninth consecutive year, Citrus College has been designated a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY, an organization that connects the military community to educational opportunities and civilian employment. Citrus appears on MilitaryFriendly.com (here: https://goo.gl/hgtWEf) as well as in the "2019 Guide to Military Friendly Schools," published in G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines. Citrus serves the Monrovia area.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Brewery Holding Grand Opening

Monrovia has yet another micro-brewery, Wingwalker Brewing (celebrating "the Daredevil Barnstormers of the past and the Spirit of Adventure that drove them."). The new brewery will hold its grand opening this Saturday, Feb. 9, with food trucks, beer and rock and roll by The Freedom Ledges. The brewery is at 235 West Maple St., three blocks north of Huntington, and a half block east of Magnolia. https://goo.gl/G1RBTg

- Brad Haugaard

Jynx Would Love to Have a Cat Playmate

Jynx (A471061) is one beautiful cat! He’s a 5-year-old who was surrendered to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA in mid-January and was pretty shy. We thought he might come out of his shell if he was in one of our cat communal rooms, and be able to interact with other cats. Jynx is now doing so much better. He even has a best friend, Ralphie (A471298), a 2-year-old red tabby. They get along great except when Ralphie tries to eat Jynx’s treats. Jynx is also very sweet to people, and likes to be petted around his ears. He’ll even head bump and purr for more human affection. Because Jynx seems to like other cats, just as much as people, we recommend Jynx going to a home that already has a cat so he will have a guaranteed play mate.

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

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.

- Brad Haugaard

Trickle to Torrent

The stream in Canyon Park, which for years has been a trickle, has become a torrent. 

- Brad Haugaard 

City Council to Consider 5% Raise for City Manager; Will Receive Financial Report

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/etZvzT) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider bumping City Manager Oliver Chi's salary up 5%, to $19,282.69 per month, which the city attorney says is still 8 percent under the average for city managers in nearby cities. https://goo.gl/nEZZoc

~ Receive an "unqualified" (that's good) report from the city's financial auditor. Here's the whole monster report if you want to read it: https://goo.gl/ahKHhN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Too Close to Library Park; Drunks, Drugs and Shoplifting; Scratchers; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for January 24–30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 401 service events, resulting in 102 investigations.

Shoplifting
January 24 at 7:06 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that two male subjects entered the store, selected several tools and left without paying. Both suspects ran to a vehicle, which was occupied by a female driver. All of the suspects fled with the items. The vehicle license plate number was obtained by an employee. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:49 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in the 500 block of W. Huntington, when he stopped a subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. The subject was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest and was taken into custody per the authority of the warrants.

Grand Theft Auto
January 25 at 7:12 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of W. Walnut. The victim reported his green, 1998 Toyota Corolla was stolen sometime during the night while it was parked in front of his residence. Investigation continuing.

Violation of Court Order
January 25 at 8:15 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Palm when he observed a known subject who was recently placed on probation and issued a 100 yard stay-away order from Library Park. The subject was detained, a report was taken and a warrant will be requested.

Grand Theft Auto
January 25 at 3:54 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle in front of a business and left the keys on the front seat. She went into a business for a short time, and when she returned, she discovered her car had been stolen. Officers searched the area, but did not locate the suspect or vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 25 at 6:47 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked her vehicle in front of a business and went inside. She returned a short time later and discovered a window to her vehicle had been smashed and items were missing. Investigation continuing.

Bicycle Theft
January 25 at 7:22 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia called to report his bicycle was stolen from an unsecured carport area on the property. Investigation continuing.

Public Intoxication/Warrant – Suspects Arrested
January 25 at 9:51 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw two people walking who appeared to be intoxicated. The officer detained the subjects and determined they were unable to care for their own safety. They were arrested and held for a sobering period. One of the subjects also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 3:26 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Lime when he saw a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on a one-way street. A traffic stop was conducted. The driver was found to be intoxicated, and after field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 8:48 a.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code infraction and conducted a traffic stop. The subject consented to a search of his person and his backpack. The officer found drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in the subject's backpack. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 26 at 5:12 p.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding an injury traffic collision. The caller reported that a slow-speed traffic collision occurred between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 7:09 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a female walked into the store and concealed a bottle of perfume in her purse. She exited the store without paying for the merchandise and was detained by officers. The suspect was arrested, and during a search incident to arrest, she was in found to be in possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.

Driving Under the Influence/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 9:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of W. Duarte for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the officer could smell alcohol emitting from the driver. The driver was intoxicated, and after field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 12:49 a.m., a caller reported a loud argument coming from a residence in the 700 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and spoke with a male and female subject, who are boyfriend and girlfriend. They were at local bar drinking with friends and they got into an argument. When they returned home, the argument escalated into a physical altercation and the female scratched the male subject’s face, causing physical injury. She was arrested for domestic violence.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 9:18 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a subject known for shoplifting at nearly a dozen other locations was in the store with an accomplice and hiding merchandise. Officers responded and coordinated a perimeter in the parking lot, and when the subjects tried to flee in a vehicle, they were detained safely. The known suspect was arrested for shoplifting.

Warrants/Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 9:44 a.m., a resident in the 100 of N. Alta Vista reported a suspicious male subject looking around the area. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject provided his identifying information and police dispatch discovered he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. During a search of the subject, he was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 8:51 p.m., a caller reported a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of Linwood. Officers arrived and spoke with the family. The investigation revealed the wife came home intoxicated and started arguing with the husband. During the argument, the wife began hitting the husband and grabbed a kitchen knife. He ran into the bedroom and closed the door. The wife dropped the knife and the husband came out of the room. When the husband attempted to leave the house, the wife started pushing him and the mother-in-law intervened and started fighting with the wife. The wife was arrested for domestic battery and brandishing a knife.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
January 28 at 9:33 a.m., a motorist reported his vehicle had just been struck by another motorist in the 700 block of W. Walnut. The other motorist failed to stop and fled the area. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The victim was not injured. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 28 at 12:09 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Greystone and Canyon, which has a four way stop. Officers responded to investigate. No one was injured in the collision. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Telephone Fraud
January 28 at 1:37 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Scenic reported he had been receiving several calls from various people claiming he owed them money. The resident believed he had provided one of the callers his bank account information to cover the cost of what he thought he owed; however, no money had been taken from the account. Officers advised the resident to change his bank account numbers, which he did.

Shoplifting/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 29 at 1:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male subject was cutting security tags off of items. As the subject tried to leave, a loss prevention employee stopped him and escorted him to their office. Officers arrived and arrested the subject for shoplifting. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Warrants/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
January 29 at 5:04 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill called police to report a female subject that entered the store, concealed items and left without paying. Officers responded and saw a female matching the description and a male subject. The two were detained, but no theft could be established. A computer check revealed both subjects had outstanding warrants for their arrest, and the female had syringes in her possession. Both subjects were arrested.

Attempt Robbery
January 29 at 9:19 p.m., an attempt robbery was reported in the 100 block of W. Cherry. The victim called to report that while he was sitting in his vehicle with his girlfriend, a male subject in dark clothing approached them and demanded their phones and wallets. The male victim exited his vehicle and was scratched on the face with an unknown object. The suspect fled on foot without any property. Investigation continuing.

Commerical Burglary
January 30 at 1:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Maple reported a burglary to the business. An unknown suspect entered the business through a broken window from a previous burglary during closing hours. The suspect stole items and fled on a scooter, wearing a red ball cap with a white logo on the bill. Investigation continuing.

Should Monrovia Raise Its Sales Tax?

In his State of the City speech, Mayor Tom Adams proposed a sales tax increase for the city to preempt what he thinks the county will do.

The idea as I understand it is this: There is a legal limit on how much sales tax can be collected - 10.25% max I believe - so if the County approves another sales tax - which Adams believes is likely - then the money will go to LA County instead of to Monrovia, and the city will get very little of it back. However, if the city maxes out its tax rate first, then the city would get 100% of the new tax and the county would get zip.

Currently, I understand, the total sales tax in Monrovia is 9.5%.

Hmm. What do you think?

- Brad Haugaard

Save a Buck on Water

With the chance of rain high later this week i think I’ll switch off our sprinklers. Save a bit of water and maybe a few bucks.

Since the city is particularly concerned about water usage perhaps it should post “Remember to turn off your sprinklers” reminders when rain is anticipated. Just a thought...

- Brad Haugaard 

Hidden Trail Above Monrovia

If you look at a map of the Hillside Wilderness Area it appears the short hike from the top of Highland Place does not connect with the rest of the preserve - but it does!

There is an unmarked walking trail (roughly where I’ve drawn the green line) connecting the two. Here’s how to find it. 

Entry point above Highland. 

If you enter on Highland, hike up the road until you get a peek at a section of k-rail on the left (that little white strip in the photo above). When you see the k-rail the trail is just a bit ahead of you on your left (marked by red arrow).

If you enter on Cloverleaf, follow the trail road (It is to your left just as you enter the gate) and when you get to the sign (below) take the "Experienced Trail Users" trail. 

Climb the hill and you’ll encounter a green bench (below). Just a few feet past the bench on the uphill side the trail branches off to your left (shown by red arrow).


There is one short but rather steep section on this connecting trail, so be prepared. There are always dangers in the mountains and I’m not recommending you take this hike so if you decide to do it it is entirely your decision. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Disco Fundraiser for Mayflower PTA

Get on your boogie shoes and bellbottoms and head to the disco to benefit the kids at Mayflower Elementary school. This adult only event will include dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. All are encouraged to dress the part, and to get in the groove, on April 27, from 6pm-10pm. The event will be held at the Santa Anita Golf Course at 405 South Anita Avenue.

All party lovers are invited to help celebrate with flashing lights and disco balls to raise funds to enhance children’s education at Mayflower Elementary School located in Monrovia, California. “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 Sarah Edgington, Mayflower PTA president.” We invite all the community to help their local school by joining us on this groovy night,” she added.

Ticket prices are $50 a person and $85 a couple and can be purchased at https://mayflowerdisco19.eventbrite.com. 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, email mayflowerpta@gmail.com, or call 7609088058.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Koby is Always Ready for a Walk - and a Forever Home


This is Koby (A469484), a very sweet black and white Chihuahua. He is very eager to put on his leash and go for walks that he practically leashes himself! Koby likes spending time with people and enjoys showing and receiving affection. He is a good boy and knows his sit command well. Volunteers and staff say that Koby is an overall sweet dog who loves interacting with others. Everyone is rooting for this sweet boy to soon find the forever home that he deserves.

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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.

- Brad Haugaard

More Homeless - But a Few More or a Lot More? State of the Chamber

Preliminary homeless data.

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

~ Depending on how you look at it, Monrovia's preliminary homeless count shows the number of homeless in the city is up either a lot or a little - from 9 in 2018 to 18 in 2019, or from 14 in 2017 to 18 in 2019. Why discount 2018? Chi says it was "brutally cold" during the 2018 count, which "many experts have indicated depressed the numbers." Also, a lot fewer people living in RVs, from 33 in 2018 to 14 this year.

~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will hold it State of the Chamber event on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at the Wine of the Month Club to share what it has planned for 2019. It's free. Details: https://goo.gl/KmHanU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Pre-Valentine Buffet

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) invites the public to enjoy a pre-Valentine buffet supper, musical cabaret and art show on Feb. 10, 5 to 8 p.m. at Myrtle Tree Café, 405 S. Myrtle Ave in Old Town Monrovia.

MAFA's “Heart in the Arts” Cabaret & Art Show will feature live musical acts from Centre Stage Productions and an art display and sale from MAFA member artists.

The event will also feature MAFA’s annual awards presentation of the Heart in the Arts Award and the Renaissance Award, recognizing individuals within MAFA and in the community who have gone above and beyond in their arts leadership. In addition, the group will recognize its generous sponsors: Arcadia Association of Realtors Darrell Brooke at Monrovia Trust, Gentile McCloskey & Company, Monrovia Fellowship, Paint ‘n’ Play Art Studio and Pari Passu Café. Ticket sales and a 50/50 raffle will benefit MAFA’s kids art educational programs.

The buffet dinner menu will feature bruschetta appetizers, vegetable minestrone soup, mixed greens salad, penne pasta with chardonnay butter sauce, chicken marsala over rice, and organic iced tea and coffee. Guests can also enjoy a no-host wine and beer bar.

Tickets are $25.00 and available now at heartinthearts.eventbrite.com. Space is limited to 70 people so attendees should buy tickets as soon as possible. Ticket price at the door will be $35.00. For more information, call (626) 483-0560.

- Brad Haugaard

Wildcat Theater to Perform 'In the Heights'

Coming up at Monrovia High's Wildcat Theater will be "In the Heights,"  March 22, 23, and 29, 30, from 7-9 p.m.  "In the washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, a young store owner watches the joys and heartbreaks of this tight-knit community pass through his bodega." Bodega = little grocery store in Spanish speaking neighborhood. https://goo.gl/zd6M4Q

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at X2O Cafe

Lunch at X2O Cafe and Hookah Lounge, on the north side of Foothill just west of Melrose. Got the Chicken Schawarma Sandwich for $10 and an iced tea for $3. Delish! And friendly, prompt service. 

- Brad Haugaard