Monrovia Days Is On

Monrovia Days is in full swing. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Lyft Prices to Go Up Again; New Debris Basin; Landmark Commercial Building

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/xkupF4) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Another round of price increases for Lyft to go into effect June 1. Lyft costs the city $177,387 per month, but it can't afford more than $100,000 a month, so here are the proposed price increases:

• $0.50 Shared ride for any ride to or from Old Town and the Gold Line Station.
• $2.50 for a shared ride anywhere else in the service area.
• $5.00 for a Classic ride anywhere in the service area.

Staff guesstimates monthly costs will drop down to around $92,000 a month, "which would be well within our transportation program budget." https://is.gd/zTKBh3

~  Designating this commercial building built in 1925 as a local historic landmark. It's at the corner of Foothill and Mayflower. https://is.gd/OLjN7y

~ Authorizing an additional debris basin on Highland Place in a canyon in north Monrovia. There is a debris basin at the top of Highland, but there's another drainage point where water comes into the street, at 347 N. Highland. Bowden Development wants to build a three-unit residential project there and has agreed to build a debris basin and arrange for its maintenance. The city would pay the company $300,000 when the work is done, and would get its money back over 30 years by an increased tax on the property. https://is.gd/wJ7cnl

- Brad Haugaard

New Courses at Monrovia High; Replacing Defective Turf on Monrovia High Athletic Field

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/OC6Ykl) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider, among other things ...

~ Starting several new high school courses: Advanced Dance, Advanced Graphic Design, Web Development, Computer Game Development and AP Psychology.

Comment: Well, this is good, but it doesn't give me much confidence that there is any follow-through on the discussion before the election about science and tech not being for everybody. How about adding some classes for the trades: auto mechanics, electricians, etc.?

~ Approve a contract with FieldTurf USA, Inc. to replace the defective artificial turf (Installed 2010 but wore out too soon) on the Monrovia High athletic field with upgraded turf for $210,077.97. https://is.gd/5xNKdk

- Brad Haugaard

Lists of All the Monrovia Graduates

Here are all the graduates this year for...

Monrovia High School: https://is.gd/9aijR1

Canyon Oaks High School: https://is.gd/4tp0Yv

Mountain Park School: https://is.gd/DNJCqg

Monrovia Community Adult School: https://is.gd/5M6kID

- Brad Haugaard

Memorial Service for Michael Clearman

The memorial service for Monrovian Michael M. Clearman, who died recently in Arizona following a motorcycle accident, will be held Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave., Monrovia.

Clearman was a pilot, sailor, motorcyclist, president of Monrovia Kiwanis, and on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, among other activities.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Chipotle

Lunch at Chipotle, in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got what they call a “Bowl,” like a burrito without the tortilla. I had the barbacoa (shredded beef) for $8.35 with a scoop of guacamole for $2.10 extra, and an iced tea for $2.05. Sorry the picture only shows lettuce, but there really was a lot of good stuff underneath Excellent!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ammo and Drugs; Shoplifting; Antique Watch Theft; Bicyclist Hit By Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 9-15. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 465 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
May 9 at 6:11 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report he parked his vehicle in the parking lot and worked the night shift. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, he noticed his vehicle door was open and wires were hanging down from the steering column. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 9 at 3:37 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the intersection of Monterey and Huntington. A motorist was traveling east on Huntington and was rear-ended by another motorist. One driver had a complaint of pain to his neck area. He was treated by paramedics at the scene, but did not want to be transported to the hospital for further treatment. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto
May 9 at 7:36 p.m., a resident from the 200 block of E. Evergreen called to report his vehicle stolen. The resident parked his vehicle in front of his residence during the day, when he walked outside he realized his vehicle was no longer there. An officer responded and completed a report. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest / Felon in possession of Ammunition – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 2:23 a.m., officers were patrolling the 400 block of W. Foothill when they saw a subject who they recognized from prior contacts. A warrant check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was detained and arrested per the authority of the warrant. Further investigation revealed the subject, who was a felon, was in possession of ammunition as well as in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
May 10 at 2:42 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of California called to report a burglary. The suspect(s) entered the business by climbing a brick wall and cutting the barbed wire on the north east side of the location. They then cut the locks on several utility boxes located on utility trucks and stole miscellaneous tools. An equipment truck was also taken and recovered in Pomona on the same day. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Missing Person Located
May 10 at 5:35 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Norumbega called to report a suspicious vehicle parked in a private driveway. Officers responded and located the vehicle. The vehicle had collided into a planter causing minor property damage and damage to the vehicle. There was a solo elderly occupant who was reported as a missing person. The occupant was not injured and a family member was notified.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 7:19 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Sherman called to report that an adult female, who has a restraining order against her from being on the property, entered the house by removing a screen and climbing through a window. The female fell asleep on the sofa and was discovered by her brother. Officers arrived and arrested the subject per the authority of the restraining order. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
May 10 at 3:19 p.m., an employee from the 3000 block of S. Peck called to report a stolen vehicle. The business purchased a vehicle that turned out to be stolen. The vehicle was reported stolen out of the Los Angeles Police Department Southwest Division. The vehicle had been stripped of parts before the business purchased it. The vehicle was recovered and stored.

Shoplifting / Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 6:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a report of a shoplifting that had just occurred. A male subject concealed items and walked out of the store without making any attempts to pay for the merchandise. Officers arrived and located the subject who was also on parole. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
May 10 at 7:24 p.m., an employee from the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting that had just occurred. A male subject and a female subject both concealed merchandise and exited the store without making any attempts to pay for the items. Officers arrived and located the subjects. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody for shoplifting.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 12:55 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle code violation and stopped a vehicle in the 400 block of E. Colorado. During the stop, the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field Sobriety Tests were conducted and the subject was subsequently arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 5:10 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw a suspicious vehicle stopped near several closed businesses. The officer contacted the occupants and discovered one subject was on probation and the other was a sex offender. While the officers were talking with subjects, one of the subjects removed a baggie containing a controlled substance from his pant pocket and threw it. The officer saw this and arrested the subject. A search of the vehicle revealed additional narcotics as well as drug paraphernalia. The subject was taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.

Vehicle Burglary
May 12 at 7:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Central walked outside their home and discovered someone had burglarized their vehicle sometime during the night. The third row seat was taken from inside their Chevrolet Tahoe. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
May 12 at 2:07 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Duarte walked outside his apartment and discovered someone had stolen his silver Honda Civic. He did not give anyone permission to take his car. Officers responded and had the vehicle entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
May 13 at 10:27 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of California called to report a theft. Packages were stolen from the front porch. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
May 13 at 12:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle on the report of a theft. A subject entered the store, looked around for a while, then selected antique watches and concealed them inside his pant pocket. The subject left the store without paying for the items. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 1:47 p.m., a caller reported a subject was passed out in the alley in the 900 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and located the subject. A welfare check was conducted on the subject and an investigation revealed he was heavily intoxicated and could not care for his safety. The subject was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 1:51 p.m., a caller reported a male subject was laying on the sidewalk in the 100 block of E. Duarte. Officers responded and located the subject. A welfare check was conducted and further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of an illegal controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 13 at 2:18 p.m. officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the intersection of Huntington and Myrtle. A motorist struck a bicyclist. Officers and Monrovia Paramedics arrived on scene. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Fraud Report
May 13 at 3:30 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Pomona called to report a fraud. The employee reported that a $6,000.00 check was originally written to the IRS, but it was discovered that the IRS never received it. The check was fraudulently cashed by the suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 9:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 600 block of E. Huntington and saw a female he recognized from prior contacts. The officer was aware the subject had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. He attempted to stop the female but she fled on foot. The officer gave chase and set up a containment. With assistance from an airship the female was located and arrested without incident.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 00:36 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Huntington called to report a suspicious person who appeared to be on drugs. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol and was unable to care for himself. The subject was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking and a sobering period.

Wanted person / Resist Delay – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 10:46 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he noticed a subject looking into vehicles in a parking structure. When the subject saw the officer, the subject fled from the officer through the parking structure. A pursuit ensued and a containment was initiated. Officers, detectives, and air support assisted with the containment. The subject was located and taken into custody. The suspect had a No Bail warrant for his arrest.

Grand Theft Person
May 14 at 12:45 p.m., a victim called to report a theft in the 1600 block of Fifth. The victim reported that approximately one week ago he was walking when a subject approached him and grabbed his backpack from his person and fled. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle V. Pedestrian
May 14 at 1:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. A caller reported that a vehicle was backing out of a parking stall in a shopping center and collided into a pedestrian. The pedestrian complained of pain to her thigh and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Drug Activity / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 5:14 p.m., officers received information that a subject was staying in a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington, who was on probation. Officers arrived and located the subject. A probation search was conducted and the subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and outstanding warrants. A second subject was at the location and also had outstanding warrants for his arrest and was in possession of methamphetamine. Both subjects were arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.

Monrovia Music Instructor Graduates Magna Cum Laude at Cal State LA

Twenty two-year-old Carly Lyman - who teaches music to children at The Dollmakers' Kattywompus in Monrovia - will graduate with honors this year from Cal State LA.

Lyman teaches piano, ukulele, guitar and voice lessons to children ages 6 to 9 years old and encourages them to explore different aspects of music.

A Dean's List student, Lyman is part of the Honors College at Cal State LA. She has been the vocal section captain for the 444s, the Cal State LA Commercial Music Ensemble, she sings background vocals in bands such as Dennis Alvarez and the Rumors and KIA, and lead vocals for Funkberry Preserve, performing in venues around Los Angeles.

Lyman spends hours crafting lyrics and melodies for her songs and often still feels shy performing in front of crowds. But at the same time, she loves to be onstage, to be present and connect with an audience.

In 2019, Lyman was awarded second place in the USA Songwriting Competition, the world’s leading international songwriting event, for her work co-writing a song. A recipient of a scholarship from the Honors College, she will graduate with a 3.8 GPA and magna cum laude honors.

After graduating, she plans to continue teaching music to the children at the toy and music store and writing songs to build up her catalog, so she can present her work to publishing companies.

Lyman credits the support of professors like Steve Wight and Ross Levinson for teaching her how to make music and become vulnerable onstage.

Source: Cal State LA press release

- Brad Haugaard

Kyle, Texas, Follows Monrovia's Lead in Transportation

The town of Kyle, in Hayes County, Texas (southwest of Austin), has picked up on Monrovia's Lyft transportation program and is instituting a similar ridesharing program with Lyft.

An article in the Hays Free Press News Dispatch, says that nearby Georgetown (north of Austin) has instituted a ridesharing program and is happy with it, and notes the "public-private partnership between Lyft and Monrovia, California." https://is.gd/6CiHxX


- Brad Haugaard

What to Do With Sales Tax Money? Spicer New Mayor Pro Tem; Etc.

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

~ The proposal to raise Monrovia's sales tax (to keep the tax money out of the county's hands) is proceeding, but what to do with the money? Ideas:

• Achieve a AAA Rating (cheaper borrowing costs for city)
• Upgrade the Community Center
• Give money back to residents by lowering the municipal services bill
• Invest in capital upgrades: parks, facilities and infrastructure
• Affordable housing, community based organizations, and schools.

~  Last week, the Monrovia City Council unanimously selected Larry Spicer as Monrovia's next Mayor Pro Tem.

~ Old Town Monrovia has a new website, www.monroviaoldtown.org, which has a listing of all the shops, businesses, and restaurants with links to the merchants website, direct dialing on your mobile device, and directions to convenient parking.

~  Memorial Day Poppies are available for a donation at the Library's Circulation Desk The poppies are handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation and 100% of donations go to help local veterans and their families. For more information, contact Mabel Cross, Adult Services Librarian, at 256-8262 or mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~  Friends of the Monrovia Public Library's annual Spring Book Sale will be held during Monrovia Days in the Library Community Room.

• Friday, 5/17 noon-5 p.m.
• Saturday, 5/18 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday, 5/19 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
• $5 BAG SALE Sunday, 4-5 p.m.

~  Grab four of your friends for a pie eating contest at Monrovia Days, Saturday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Library Park. Each team member must eat a pie before the next team member does the same, and so on. Kind of a pie-eating relay race. Made possible by the support of Merengue Bakery and Cafe.

1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $150
3rd Prize: $50

~ Brush inspections coming up on or after Monday, May 13. Athens will provide free bins from May 1 - June 30 for residents in the brush zone. If you need one call 256-8109 and the Fire Department will coordinate bin delivery.

~  SoCalGas will be burying gas lines deeper underground along Melrose Avenue (between Hillcrest and Scenic) and portions of Scenic Drive during the next 6-8 weeks. With the city pulverizing the street it just seemed the smart thing to do to have the lines further down.

- Brad Haugaard

Bubbles Goes With the Flow - And Catapalooza!

Hi, I’m Bubbles (A473712). My name kind of gives away my bubbly personality. I’m friendly and playful and love giving out kisses. I am known for my unique swagger when I first start out on my walk. I like to curiously zig zag to ensure I don’t miss a thing around me! After a few seconds of exploring, my volunteer friends say I’m great on leash!

 I like going out on the Wiggle Waggle Waggin’ on the weekends with my friends. I get to meet so many different people, even kids, who like to pet me! I have a wonderful temperament so I just go with the flow and get along with everyone. I also really like to play with my other dog friends, small or big they all get the same love from me.  Come visit me at the Pasadena Humane Society today!

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.

***

It’s all the excitement of a summer music festival with a name to match (but a lot more cats) — it’s Catapalooza! Come on down to the Pasadena Humane Society on Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th for a FREE cat adoption weekend! Thanks to the Pet Care Foundation all adoption fees for cats are covered, and include the spay and neuter, microchip, and vaccines.

Much like a music festival, you can check out the “lineup” (adoptable cats) in advance at pasadenahumane.org/pets.

Source: Pasadena Humane Society press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days - This Weekend - Featuring Monrovia Students

This Friday through Sunday is Monrovia Days, and on Saturday the Parade will feature students from Monrovia Unified schools, as well as civic leaders and a variety of organizations that serve the city.

During the celebration Monrovia Unified will showcase its award-winning programs such as robotics, ceramics, and performing arts with on-stage student performances. There will also be a variety of family-friendly attractions, entertainment, games, and carnival rides.

Tickets are available at MonroviaDays.org; single-day tickets, unlimited two-day wristbands, and unlimited three-day wristbands are available. Day-of tickets will be sold at Library Park.

The district is partnering with the city, Centre Stage Theatre, and the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley to host the festival.

For more information, contact the City of Monrovia Public Services Department at 256-8246.

Schedule:

Friday, May 17
5 to 10 p.m.
Student performances: 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 18
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parade: 10 a.m.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Team at National Academic Quiz Tournaments Finals

Monrovia Middle School Scholars' Bowl team is in Chicago at the National Academic Quiz Tournaments National Finals this weekend.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Starts YouTube Channel

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's has started a YouTube channel with videos about Tikka Masala Burritos, Falafel Waffles, and other foodie topics. Here it is: https://is.gd/AQlIT0

- Brad Haugaard

Fountain to Falls a Race Begins

The Fountain to the Falls race has begun. I’d avoid Myrtle and Canyon for now.

- Brad Haugaard 

Free Tour of Historic Anderson House for Ladies

The Monrovia Historical Society will hold a special, free "Tour for Ladies" of the Anderson House museum (215 E. Lime) on Friday, May 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. Antique linens, clothing, old cookbooks with recipes for biscuits, cakes, cookies and pickles. What life was like in 1886. City Historian Steve Baker will talk about what women did to help create Monrovia. Feel free to wear a hat or lace "doodad," or regular clothes.

Tour includes homemade cinnamon rolls made by a Danish master baker.

RSVP requested (text or call) 626 675-8323.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Issues Measles Warning

A measles warning from Monrovia School District:

Monrovia Unified fosters a culture that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and parents. Given the recent measles outbreaks in the United States, the chance of exposure to this illness is increased at this time.

Below you will find information and steps to help protect yourselves and our students.

• Measles is highly contagious. A person can spread the disease to others before experiencing symptoms, which include fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and body and which typically appears 10 to 21 days after the exposure.
• Most people who have not been immunized risk getting the disease if they have contact with the virus.
• About 90 percent of people who have never been immunized become ill seven to 21 days after exposure. The disease can be spread from one person to another before the rash appears.

If you have reason to believe you have been in contact with a person with measles, please contact your healthcare provider for immediate treatment.For more information about measles, please visit: bit.ly/2LxX2nC

- Brad Haugaard

Recalling Successes During This School Year

Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian recalls successes throughout this school year:

This school year, Monrovia Unified students have excelled in District programs such as Code to the Future, robotics, performing arts, and so much more. With summer fast approaching, our students are immersing themselves into end-of-the-year projects and performances and are excited to share these with our community.

In April, we celebrated the performing arts when 50 students from Wild Rose School of Creative Arts performed their spring production of Disney's "Lion King Kids Jr." On April 29, students traveled to the Ahmanson Theatre to perform as part of the Disney Musicals in Schools grant, ending their 17-week training course with theater professionals.

On April 18, the District's five elementary schools came together to participate in the second annual Next Generation Math Bee, with the Mayflower Mariners claiming the top prize. The event nurtured mathematical skills in our students.

At the middle-school level, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School held a device rollout, distributing Chromebooks to all students. Additionally, sixth-grade students learned about brain and lung specimens on April 23 during a crash course with Sonia Maljian, director of laboratory services at Methodist Hospital.

Finally, congratulations to our robotics teams from Clifton Middle School and Monrovia High School, who competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships in Houston, Texas. They worked so to achieve this highest level of competition.

For more information about the great programs and events in Monrovia Unified, read below and visit our website at www.monroviaschools.net.

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at JB Burger

Breakfast recently at JB Burger, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got a ham and cheese omelet for $6.35 with a cup of coffee for $1.30.  Nice and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Blind Monrovia Student Creates Braille Menus for Restaurants

Here is an ABC7 video report about a blind Monrovia high school student who creates Braille menus for local restaurants. link

- Brad Haugaard