This Sunday, April 7, the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will present the Jewish Food Festival at Library Park in Monrovia, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event will celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of Jewish communities throughout the world and throughout history.
The festival will feature favorites such as Matzah Ball Soup, Brisket Sandwiches, Falafel, Black and White cookies, Noodle Kugel and others. Food demonstrations will include pickle making, challah braiding and soft matzah. There will be a special Kids Zone area with bounce houses, craft projects, face painting, balloon artist, a chance to explore a fire truck and police car, and a couple places for kids to read to dogs. Other opportunities include a Beer and Wine Garden, and a Visual Arts Exhibition showcasing local Jewish artisans.
Musical performances will take place throughout the day and will be headlined by Mostly Kosher, the acclaimed klezmer gypsy-rock band that spent the past two years as part of Disney's Festival of Holidays, and children's recording artist Jason Mesches.
The event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the festival or online at www.jewishsgpv.org/jewish-food-festival or by calling 445-0810. For more information about the Jewish Food Festival, please call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Free Neighborhood Conference
Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) will hold its free 10th Annual Neighborhood Conference this Saturday, April 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock. Workshop Topics: Neighborhood Treasures, upcoming development, de-escalation simulations with Monrovia Police, history, active shooter training, renewal updates. For further information contact MAP staff at 932-5563 or map@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Details: https://goo.gl/P67uoE
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Fatburger and Buffalo's Express Opens in Monrovia
I dropped by and snapped a picture of the menu.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Wine Walk April 13
3rd Annual Old Town Monrovia Wine Walk, April 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. Stroll through Old Town, exploring each business, and sampling wines and enjoying music. Spend $100 in Old Town in one shopping/dining experience and receive two pre-sale tickets for $35 each, a savings of $10. (Receipts must be presented when purchasing tickets from the Community Center, 3 Beauty Bar, Charlie's House, PrimeLending, Sauté, or Sunday's Old Town Bistro to receive discount.)
- Brad Haugaard
City Installing 16-Inch Water Pipe In North Monrovia; Easter Egg Hunt; Fountain to Falls; Tip a Cop; Etc.
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ Work begins next week on construction of a 16-inch water pipeline from the intersection of Laurel Lane / Canyon Crest Drive, over to Canyon Boulevard, and then north on Canyon Boulevard up to the Oakglade Reservoir. It's designed to improve water flows, pressure, and reliability
~ Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day will be April 20. There will be arts and crafts to face painting, carnival games to a petting zoo, wellness activities to healthy lifestyle demonstrations, and toddler to teen activities. Registration for the Easter egg hunt will begin at 9 a.m. For more information call the Department of Public Services at 256-8246.
~ The 2019 Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk & Health Fair, a 6.38 mile out-and-back race from the Library Park fountain to the Canyon Park waterfall, will be held Saturday, May 11, at 7 a.m. Registration is $45. For additional information contact the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246.
~ Tip-A-Cop. The Monrovia Police Department will host a fundraiser to benefit the Special Olympics on Thursday, April 11, from 5-9 p.m. Police and LA County deputies will be servers at Claim Jumper (820 W. Huntington). All tips will be donated to the Special Olympics.
~ This week AT&T will be poking around in 24 manholes around town to test the capacity of their fiber-optic lines.
~ A workshop on how to make a 30-second public service announcement will be held on Wednesday, April 17, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Community Media of the Foothills studio at 847 E. Olive (the Mary Wilcox Youth Center). To learn more or to RSVP call 357-4974 or email kgemtv@gmail.com.
~ Teens in Grades 7-9 can participate in one of three summer sessions of the Junior Researcher Academy, hosted by the City and the Oak Crest Institute of Science. They'll be introduced to a variety of scientific fields through hands-on experiments with research scientists. $100 per session (scholarships available). Details: https://is.gd/txAh6r
~ The City of Monrovia will begin accepting applications for this year's Youth Employment Services Summer Internship on Thursday, April 4. The program includes workshops and training on topics such as resume building, job opportunities in city government, financial literacy, college admissions, and Q&A with city leaders, including the city manager. https://is.gd/EDp5U9
~ There will be an informational meeting about the Monrovia Community Garden on Saturday, April 13 in the Library Community Room from 9-10:30 a.m. The Garden is a joint project between the city and Mountainside Communion Church, and the garden will be on the church property. There will be private raised beds for rent, educational workshops, community engagement, and public demonstration gardens.
- Brad Haugaard
Josie - A Royal, But Doesn't Need a Castle
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
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
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