If you are thinking of replacing some or all of your grass with low-water landscaping, Metropolitan Water District is offering a $2 per square foot rebate on your landscaping costs. Details here.- Brad Haugaard
Rebates Available for Replacing Grass With Low-Water Landscaping
If you are thinking of replacing some or all of your grass with low-water landscaping, Metropolitan Water District is offering a $2 per square foot rebate on your landscaping costs. Details here.- Brad Haugaard
City Council: Next 'Neighborhood Treasure' is Japanese American Community; Federal Recreation Area Overlapping Monrovia
Proposed plaque honoring Japanese American community.
At its next meeting the Monrovia City Council will ...
~ Consider spending up to $15,500 for a plaque commemorating Monrovia's Japanese American community, the latest in the Neighborhood Treasures series. Called "Pioneers of Monrovia," the plaque, which will be mounted on a post in a neighborhood near Huntington Drive "commemorates the history of Japanese Americans in Monrovia, who made significant advancements for local agricultural and business interests." It also remembers their internment after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Ten proposals were submitted and the Allocation of Art in Public Places Committee unanimously selected the proposal by Maryrose Mendoza. Installation is scheduled to take place the week of May 13. https://goo.gl/bcYfXS
~ Hear a report on a proposed bill by Senator Kamala Harris, which would mirror Congress member Judy Chu's proposal in the House of Representatives, to create a recreation area in the mountains behind Monrovia, and which would overlap a bit into the city itself. https://goo.gl/cTkEmV
- Brad Haugaard
City Council to Discuss Two Monrovia Properties
Property on Highland that is under discussion.
In a closed session meeting before next Tuesday's regular Monrovia City Council meeting, the council will meet to discuss "price and terms" for two properties:
1. The parking lot at 217 E. Lime, on the north side of the street about a block and a half east of Myrtle. The city is negotiating with Overton Moore Properties, which is "a premier full service commercial real estate company," according to the company's web site.
2. A large property at 347 Highland Place, in north Monrovia and, interestingly, adjacent to the Hillside Wilderness Area.
In both instances it is unclear who the buyer is and who is the seller is. I could guess but I won't.
https://goo.gl/1V47Tj
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Something Healthy Cafe
Lunch at Something Healthy Cafe , on the east side of Shamrock just north of Huntington. Got the Southwest Salad for $9.25 and for $2.25 upgraded from a bag of chips to a cup of coconut curry soup. Nice outdoor seating for pleasant days. The food was really excellent! Why don’t I come here more often?
- Brad Haugaard
Spring Library Book Sale in May
On Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its Spring Book Sale. (Members get to pick through books the day before, if you want to join.) Hundreds of books for all ages for sale at rock-bottom prices. Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and from 4-5 p.m. for the $5-a-Bag sale. https://goo.gl/orgVCA
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Mom Won't Give Son Money, He Hits Her; Social Security Phone Scam; She Scratches Him; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for March 21-27. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 424 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 2:19 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report a male and female arguing in the area and causing a disturbance. Officers responded and located the subjects. An investigation was conducted and the male subject was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Traffic Collision
March 22 at 10:21 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Fifth and Huntington. A motorist was involved in a minor, non-injury, traffic collision with another vehicle. She requested an officer assist them in exchanging information only and did not desire a report. Information was exchanged.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 8:00 p.m., a subject was reported soliciting in a parking lot of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived to the location and contacted the subject. The subject smelled of alcohol and was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself or the safety of others. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 8:40 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of W. Huntington when he saw a man stumbling along the sidewalk, nearly falling into the street. The officer contacted the subject to check on his welfare and determined the man was too intoxicated to care for himself or the safety of others. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 11:07 p.m., officers were patrolling the 2500 block of S. Myrtle when they saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and swerving in lanes of traffic. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Battery
March 23 at 6:27 p.m., a physical altercation between a male and female was reported at a residence in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower. Officers arrived on scene, but the male subject fled prior to their arrival. The female victim is the male suspect's mother. She reported that her adult son came to her house asking for money, and when she refused to give him money, he battered her. The victim was treated on scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics for minor injuries. An emergency protective order was obtained against the suspect. Investigation continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 9:16 p.m., an officer detained a suspicious subject who was loitering in the 700 block of E. Huntington where an alarm activation occurred. During a consensual search of the subject, a methamphetamine pipe was recovered from his pocket. He was arrested and later released with a citation to appear in court.
Fraud / False Personation – Suspects Arrested
March 23 at 10:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident that had just occurred. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspects. During the investigation, the female suspect produced someone else's identification to officers and tried to pass it off as her own. The male suspect was found to be in possession of various identification cards and bank cards issued to different people. Both suspects were arrested for a variety of charges. During the booking process, it was revealed that the female suspect was not truthful about her name. Once she was positively identified, a computer check revealed she had a full-extradition warrant from the US Marshalls for her arrest.
Driving Under the Influence / Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 11:21 p.m., a vehicle was traveling east in the 400 block of W. Duarte and collided into a parked vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and during the collision investigation, there were indicators that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Vehicle Burglary
March 24 at 4:45 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim called to report his vehicle was broken into while it was parked at a business. The vehicle window was smashed and miscellaneous paperwork was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
March 24 at 4:17 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. An employee called to report that two suspects entered the store, took merchandise and fled in a vehicle. Investigation continuing.
Telephone Scam
March 25 at 7:08 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Los Angeles reported she had received a call from a male suspect who identified himself as working for the Social Security Administration. The suspect threatened that if she did not give him her social security number, he would send the FBI to her house to arrest her. The victim hung up the phone and called the police. The investigation determined this was a scam telephone call with the intent to defraud the resident. Several other residents throughout the city received similar calls throughout the day.
Trash Picking / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Shamrock reported a male subject rummaging through homeowners private trash cans. Officers responded and contacted the subject, who advised he knew he was not permitted to rummage through trash cans, but was going to continue doing it anyway. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.
Shoplifting
March 25 at 4:52 p.m., security for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident that just occurred. A male suspect entered the store with an empty shopping bag, filled the bag with clothes, and then ran out of the store without paying for the merchandise. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 26 at 9:07 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and spoke with all parties involved. No one was injured and the party at fault was issued a citation.
Grand Theft
March 26 at 3:22 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a theft. A male suspect went into the business and stole power tools. He fled the location in a green Toyota Camry before the employee could call police. The suspect was not located and the investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
March 26 at 9:23 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported his vehicle was broken into while he was inside a business. Officers arrived and located an additional vehicle that was burglarized. The two vehicles had the windows smashed and items taken included suitcases, backpacks, a laptop and miscellaneous personal items. Investigation continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / False Identity / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 9:16 a.m., a Monrovia Police Detective was traveling through the 500 block of W. Colorado when he saw a vehicle with expired registration tags. The detective stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver. The detective saw a glass pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine in plain view in the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and then he provided a false name to officers during the booking process. Previous booking photographs revealed who he was and it was discovered he had a no-bail felony warrant for his arrest, which was added to his charges.
Residential Burglary In-Progress
March 27 at 10:57 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Mill Run called police to report that two male suspects had just burglarized her neighbor's home and were fleeing the area in a black vehicle after the house alarm was activated. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect vehicle. Nothing was seen in the suspect’s hands as they ran from the house. The suspects had shattered a window to gain entry. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 11:17 p.m., a family disturbance was reported at a residence in the 200 block of W. Pomona. Officers arrived and located the subjects involved. The officers determined there was an altercation between a male and female subject. During the altercation, the male subject suffered multiple scratches and abrasions. After investigation, the female was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested for domestic violence.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 424 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 2:19 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report a male and female arguing in the area and causing a disturbance. Officers responded and located the subjects. An investigation was conducted and the male subject was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Traffic Collision
March 22 at 10:21 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Fifth and Huntington. A motorist was involved in a minor, non-injury, traffic collision with another vehicle. She requested an officer assist them in exchanging information only and did not desire a report. Information was exchanged.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 8:00 p.m., a subject was reported soliciting in a parking lot of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived to the location and contacted the subject. The subject smelled of alcohol and was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself or the safety of others. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 8:40 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of W. Huntington when he saw a man stumbling along the sidewalk, nearly falling into the street. The officer contacted the subject to check on his welfare and determined the man was too intoxicated to care for himself or the safety of others. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 11:07 p.m., officers were patrolling the 2500 block of S. Myrtle when they saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and swerving in lanes of traffic. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Battery
March 23 at 6:27 p.m., a physical altercation between a male and female was reported at a residence in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower. Officers arrived on scene, but the male subject fled prior to their arrival. The female victim is the male suspect's mother. She reported that her adult son came to her house asking for money, and when she refused to give him money, he battered her. The victim was treated on scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics for minor injuries. An emergency protective order was obtained against the suspect. Investigation continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 9:16 p.m., an officer detained a suspicious subject who was loitering in the 700 block of E. Huntington where an alarm activation occurred. During a consensual search of the subject, a methamphetamine pipe was recovered from his pocket. He was arrested and later released with a citation to appear in court.
Fraud / False Personation – Suspects Arrested
March 23 at 10:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident that had just occurred. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspects. During the investigation, the female suspect produced someone else's identification to officers and tried to pass it off as her own. The male suspect was found to be in possession of various identification cards and bank cards issued to different people. Both suspects were arrested for a variety of charges. During the booking process, it was revealed that the female suspect was not truthful about her name. Once she was positively identified, a computer check revealed she had a full-extradition warrant from the US Marshalls for her arrest.
Driving Under the Influence / Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 11:21 p.m., a vehicle was traveling east in the 400 block of W. Duarte and collided into a parked vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and during the collision investigation, there were indicators that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Vehicle Burglary
March 24 at 4:45 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim called to report his vehicle was broken into while it was parked at a business. The vehicle window was smashed and miscellaneous paperwork was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
March 24 at 4:17 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. An employee called to report that two suspects entered the store, took merchandise and fled in a vehicle. Investigation continuing.
Telephone Scam
March 25 at 7:08 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Los Angeles reported she had received a call from a male suspect who identified himself as working for the Social Security Administration. The suspect threatened that if she did not give him her social security number, he would send the FBI to her house to arrest her. The victim hung up the phone and called the police. The investigation determined this was a scam telephone call with the intent to defraud the resident. Several other residents throughout the city received similar calls throughout the day.
Trash Picking / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Shamrock reported a male subject rummaging through homeowners private trash cans. Officers responded and contacted the subject, who advised he knew he was not permitted to rummage through trash cans, but was going to continue doing it anyway. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.
Shoplifting
March 25 at 4:52 p.m., security for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident that just occurred. A male suspect entered the store with an empty shopping bag, filled the bag with clothes, and then ran out of the store without paying for the merchandise. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 26 at 9:07 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and spoke with all parties involved. No one was injured and the party at fault was issued a citation.
Grand Theft
March 26 at 3:22 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a theft. A male suspect went into the business and stole power tools. He fled the location in a green Toyota Camry before the employee could call police. The suspect was not located and the investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
March 26 at 9:23 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported his vehicle was broken into while he was inside a business. Officers arrived and located an additional vehicle that was burglarized. The two vehicles had the windows smashed and items taken included suitcases, backpacks, a laptop and miscellaneous personal items. Investigation continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / False Identity / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 9:16 a.m., a Monrovia Police Detective was traveling through the 500 block of W. Colorado when he saw a vehicle with expired registration tags. The detective stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver. The detective saw a glass pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine in plain view in the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and then he provided a false name to officers during the booking process. Previous booking photographs revealed who he was and it was discovered he had a no-bail felony warrant for his arrest, which was added to his charges.
Residential Burglary In-Progress
March 27 at 10:57 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Mill Run called police to report that two male suspects had just burglarized her neighbor's home and were fleeing the area in a black vehicle after the house alarm was activated. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect vehicle. Nothing was seen in the suspect’s hands as they ran from the house. The suspects had shattered a window to gain entry. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 11:17 p.m., a family disturbance was reported at a residence in the 200 block of W. Pomona. Officers arrived and located the subjects involved. The officers determined there was an altercation between a male and female subject. During the altercation, the male subject suffered multiple scratches and abrasions. After investigation, the female was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested for domestic violence.
In April - Especially - Monrovia Police Will Bust Drivers Using Cell Phones
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Monrovia Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide stopping drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law. On April 4 and April 18, Monrovia Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking specifically for drivers on their cell phones.
Last year, Monrovia Police Department issued 168 citations to drivers texting, calling or performing other functions on their phone. Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves a cell phone. According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol, 66 people were killed and more than 6,500 injured in 2017 from distracted driving-related crashes.
“Cell phones remain one of the top distractions for drivers,” Monrovia Police Lieutenant Daniel Verna added, “Like any bad habit, it can be hard to break, but this habit can have life-altering consequences.”
A 2018 observational survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone illegally, a nearly 27 percent increase from 2016. “That text or phone call will never be worth losing a life over,” said Lieutenant Verna. “That is why curbing distracted driving is high on our priority list.”
Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.
If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Struggling to stay off the phone while driving? Put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Last year, Monrovia Police Department issued 168 citations to drivers texting, calling or performing other functions on their phone. Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves a cell phone. According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol, 66 people were killed and more than 6,500 injured in 2017 from distracted driving-related crashes.
“Cell phones remain one of the top distractions for drivers,” Monrovia Police Lieutenant Daniel Verna added, “Like any bad habit, it can be hard to break, but this habit can have life-altering consequences.”
A 2018 observational survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone illegally, a nearly 27 percent increase from 2016. “That text or phone call will never be worth losing a life over,” said Lieutenant Verna. “That is why curbing distracted driving is high on our priority list.”
Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.
If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Struggling to stay off the phone while driving? Put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.
Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Suspects Arrested in Connection with Fire at Magnolia/Chestnut Auto Shop
According to Pasadena Now, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the fire that occurred on Oct. 9, 2017 at the automotive customization and repair shop at 900 S. Magnolia, at the corner of Chestnut. The LA County District Attorney’s Office has filed 10 felony counts against Alan Sosa (39), Delmy Diaz (40) and Daniel Garcia (40). Charges include conspiracy to commit arson, arson of a structure, arson of property, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and using a device to accelerate a fire. https://goo.gl/A7AMZx
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Unified Honors 10 Volunteers for Dedication
Ten volunteers were honored for their hard work, dedication, and passion for students during Monrovia Unified School District’s Golden Apple Awards on March 25, recognizing volunteers who have shown love for the community of Monrovia and its students.
The ceremony, which began with a breakfast provided by Monrovia’s local chapter of the Association of California School Administrators, highlighted the important role that volunteers play across the district.
“Without these volunteers at Monrovia Unified School District, our students would be deprived of many of the opportunities we now offer,” Board President Ed Gililland said. “We appreciate them so much for sharing their time to make our schools better for students, teachers, and staff.”
Honorees
• Susanna Aguirre, Canyon Early Learning Center
• Glen Sycip, Bradoaks Elementary School
• Jan Dunbar, Mayflower Elementary School
• Cissie Andrews, Monroe Elementary School
• Norma Galan, Plymouth Elementary School
• Carlos Vela, Wild Rose School of Creative Arts
• Gale Maiwandi, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School
• Karyn Godbold, Clifton Middle School
• Brian Johnson, Monrovia High School
• Bruce Staller, Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park School
“Those generous individuals who give of themselves and volunteer in our schools are invaluable resources for our students, teachers, and staff,” Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. “The support for education at Monrovia Unified is impressive, and we are forever grateful to have such dedicated members of our community be a part of our students’ lives.”
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Mountain Recreation Area Would Overlay Part of Monrovia; Serve on a City Board; Church Kids Help Fix Properties; Game of Thrones Trivia; Etc.
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ Perhaps you remember a measure by Congress member Judy Chu, who represents the tippy-top of Monrovia, to create a recreation area in the mountains above Monrovia and also overlaying part of Monrovia. Now California Senator Kamala Harris has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Chi writes that "the proposed measure does not seem to impact non-Federally owned land, however, it does create an additional overlay of Federal bureaucracy over the entire NRA area (including portions of Monrovia), and it mandates that within 3-years after the passage of the law, the Secretary of the Interior prepare a comprehensive Management Plan to further the goals of legislation." The matter will be on the next City Council meeting agenda.
~ If you would like to serve on a city board or commission, there will be an informational meeting on March 27 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. https://goo.gl/kTrjbn
~ This past Saturday city staff and volunteers from the San Gabriel Valley Volunteer Center partnered with about 80 middle and high school aged students to make improvements at three properties in Monrovia, 222 E. Cyprus, 336 W. Colorado, and 611 W. Lemon. The students were led by Pastor Nick Melazzo of the First Evangelical Church in Monrovia to raise funds for a non-profit called "She Has a Name," which works to rescue girls from poverty-driven child prostitution in the shanty towns of Nairobi, Kenya. https://fecyouth.com/
~ The Library has partnered with Copper Still Grill to host a monthly trivia series. The next Trivia Night will focus on Game of Thrones on Thursday, April 4, from 6:30-8 p.m. Happy Hour begins at 6 p.m., so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Marvel Trivia Night in May.
~ The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will hold its Youth of the Year Celebration to honor 2019 Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award recipients, Tom and Heidi Luginbuhl, and the Youth of the Year, Mahira Mejia. Cost: $75 per person. Open bar cocktail reception, buffet dinner, and silent auction featuring artwork and home decor. https://goo.gl/PzqGxu
~ If you want to follow planned developments in Monrovia, the city has a new website just for that: http://buildingmonrovia.com/
~ There will be a second community meeting to discuss a potential sales tax measure for Monrovia. The idea is to max out the legal sales tax rate so that if and when (the city thinks "when") the county passes another sales tax it won't affect Monrovia. At the Community Center (119 West Palm Ave.) on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-7 p.m. https://goo.gl/zqwrWW
- Brad Haugaard
~ Perhaps you remember a measure by Congress member Judy Chu, who represents the tippy-top of Monrovia, to create a recreation area in the mountains above Monrovia and also overlaying part of Monrovia. Now California Senator Kamala Harris has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Chi writes that "the proposed measure does not seem to impact non-Federally owned land, however, it does create an additional overlay of Federal bureaucracy over the entire NRA area (including portions of Monrovia), and it mandates that within 3-years after the passage of the law, the Secretary of the Interior prepare a comprehensive Management Plan to further the goals of legislation." The matter will be on the next City Council meeting agenda.
~ If you would like to serve on a city board or commission, there will be an informational meeting on March 27 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. https://goo.gl/kTrjbn
~ This past Saturday city staff and volunteers from the San Gabriel Valley Volunteer Center partnered with about 80 middle and high school aged students to make improvements at three properties in Monrovia, 222 E. Cyprus, 336 W. Colorado, and 611 W. Lemon. The students were led by Pastor Nick Melazzo of the First Evangelical Church in Monrovia to raise funds for a non-profit called "She Has a Name," which works to rescue girls from poverty-driven child prostitution in the shanty towns of Nairobi, Kenya. https://fecyouth.com/
~ The Library has partnered with Copper Still Grill to host a monthly trivia series. The next Trivia Night will focus on Game of Thrones on Thursday, April 4, from 6:30-8 p.m. Happy Hour begins at 6 p.m., so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Marvel Trivia Night in May.
~ The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will hold its Youth of the Year Celebration to honor 2019 Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award recipients, Tom and Heidi Luginbuhl, and the Youth of the Year, Mahira Mejia. Cost: $75 per person. Open bar cocktail reception, buffet dinner, and silent auction featuring artwork and home decor. https://goo.gl/PzqGxu
~ If you want to follow planned developments in Monrovia, the city has a new website just for that: http://buildingmonrovia.com/
~ There will be a second community meeting to discuss a potential sales tax measure for Monrovia. The idea is to max out the legal sales tax rate so that if and when (the city thinks "when") the county passes another sales tax it won't affect Monrovia. At the Community Center (119 West Palm Ave.) on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-7 p.m. https://goo.gl/zqwrWW
- Brad Haugaard
Disco to Benefit Mayflower Elementary
Disco, a fundraiser to benefit Mayflower Elementary School, April 27 from 6-10 p.m. Dinner, raffle and auction at Santa Anita Golf Course, 405 S. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia. This is an adults only event. $50 for an adult or $85 for a couple. Tickets available here: https://goo.gl/1RqRvA
- Brad Haugaard
Nala - Dog Looking for Soulmate
We would like to share a message from Nala with you, "Dearest Person, I have heard myself described as having an old soul. I think that's true, although I'm just a 2-year- old pup. In all honesty, life has held some challenges, but joy is a gift I'm looking to give and receive. My name is Nala which holds the meaning, 'gift'. Could we be a gift to one another? Could you be my soulmate? I hope so very much. My person would be an intuitive human that could guide me towards finding balance. A family that could help me become more trusting and confident. I would love a chance to start a new journey filled with life's gifts; peace, love and happiness. Yours, Nala."
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
How Monrovia High Students Are Getting College Credit
By Joanne Montgomery Citrus College Governing Board Member
Kayla Griffiths is a freshman at Monrovia High School. As with most freshmen across the state, Kayla enjoys spending time with friends, learning about new subjects and staying active on campus. One of the things that makes Kayla unique, however, is that she is already earning credit toward her college degree while still in high school.How is this possible?
Kayla participates in the highly successful Early College program, a partnership between Citrus College and the Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD). Designed to provide high school students with an opportunity to enroll in transferable college courses, Early College allows eligible students to earn college credit during their zero and first periods. Participating students are taught by Citrus College faculty at their home high school. These students not only get a "taste" of college, they also get a jump on their college career. According to Kayla, "I have been college bound since elementary school and this program is helping me get ahead."
In fact, Early College has been so instrumental in advancing students, that Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD-41) spearheaded Assembly Bill 288. This legislation authorized California community college districts to enter into formal agreements with local school districts to provide dual enrollment opportunities. Since 2016, what began as a special collaboration between Citrus College and MUSD has developed into so much more.
The program has now expanded into a customized four-year dual enrollment program that allows students to earn up to 45 units of transferable credit between ninth and 12th grade. Students also receive tutoring and study period support that improves their cognitive, behavioral and emotional engagement. By the time students graduate from high school, they are mere classes away from obtaining an associate degree. This provides students with college credit at community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. High school students who take college-level courses enjoy high acceptance rates at California colleges and universities. In the end, they can graduate with their bachelor's degree almost two years early.
As you can imagine, the dual enrollment program has financially benefited scores of families. Mia Streeter, a 10th grader at Monrovia High School, put it best: "Early College will save my family a ton of money. I have learned to manage my time more wisely. It is actually easier than I thought." One of the benefits of Early College is that high school students are not charged any tuition or fees for these colleges courses.
A recent report compiled by Dr. Eric Rabitoy, dean of natural, physical and health sciences at Citrus College, and Dr. Catherine Real, director of counseling, college and careers at MUSD, found that high school students perform just as well, if not better than college-age students in many of the courses they complete.
As success stories continue to pour in, Early College at MUSD will undoubtedly expand to provide more opportunities for our younger students. The hard work conducted by Dr. Rabitoy, Dr. Real, and others at Citrus College and MUSD has set an example throughout the state, and our team frequently travels to various school districts to help guide them in establishing their own dual enrollment programs.
As Monrovia's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am especially proud of the relationship that Citrus College has maintained with MUSD. Because of this long-standing partnership, Early College has allowed our students and their families to save an amount of time and money. I am confident that the new Early College pathway will continue to impact and influence the lives of our students.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia is Part of Expanding Tech Cluster
Mike Giardello, Founder and Chairman of Innovate Pasadena, says that city - plus Monrovia and other surrounding cities - is an ever-developing tech cluster. He mentions the biotech company Xencor, a Caltech spinoff that ran out of space in Pasadena and moved to Monrovia (on Lemon, just west of Myrtle). https://goo.gl/1454ac
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Ribbon Cutting for Douglas Elliman Real Estate
The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting followed by reception for Douglas Elliman Real Estate Thursday, March 28, at 4:30 p.m. at 517 S. Myrtle.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Why - Despite the Rain - We're Still in a Drought
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District explains why we're still in a drought - its not the amount of rain, it's the water table, which is still low. https://goo.gl/m1JLwj
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Rotary Names New Scholarship After a Kiwanis Club Member
Monrovia Rotary Club has honored Kiwanis Club member Fred Bowden. Rotary, with Monrovia Community Adult School and Bowden Development, is creating the Fred Bowden Family Vocational Scholarship. Fred Bowden, for whom the fund was named, was a supporter of both clubs and "all things Monrovia." https://goo.gl/ZNBaq5
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
School District to Consider Adding Motion Picture Appreciation Class
At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/YciuJi) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider adding a high school course called Motion Picture Appreciation, an "introductory course in which the student will learn how to analyze films on technical, aesthetic, and thematic levels. Historically significant films will be used as source material." https://goo.gl/tFEmvC
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Discussion of Native American Pottery
Rowan Harrison of Two Tribes Pottery will discuss Native American pottery culture and techniques at the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts meeting this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Paint n Play Studio, 418 S. Myrtle Ave., in Old Town (a few doors south of the Studio Movie Grill). The public is welcome. REVP to info@monroviafinearts.org. There will also be beer from Pacific Plate Brewing, and other beverages.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Hawaiian BBQ and Dim Sum
Dinner at Hawaiian BBQ and Dim Sum, in the Vons shopping area. Got the grilled salmon for $9.58. It came with rice, macaroni salad and veggies, under the salmon. Also got an iced tea for $2.38. Tasty.
- Brad Haugaard
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