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

Homeless Services Reports More Homeless in Monrovia Than Were Actually Counted


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

~ Is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) inflating the number of Monrovia's homeless? According to City Manager Oliver Chi, "LAHSA seems to deviate from the actual results that the City notated from the 2019 Point-In-Time Homeless Count." He said the Monrovia count found 52 instances of homelessness, but the Authority is reporting 62. "It appears," Chi writes, "that LAHSA went back and utilized some type of revised methodology and / or multiplier to produce their final estimate of unsheltered persons in Monrovia."

~ A new and improved Summer Teen Scene program kicks off this Friday, June 28, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Library Park. Leaders from youth groups, such as Fire and Police Explorers, Monrovia Area Partnership Youth Leadership Program, Youth Commission, and the Teen Advisory Board, will host a free meal and share how teens can get involved in the community. There will also be a Cell Phone Photo Scavenger Hunt, an initiative to discover public art in Old Town, art projects, and live youth band and performance groups.

~ LA County Public Works completed improvements to the intersection of Huntington and Mayflower on Sunday, June 23. Monrovia Public Works and Engineering staff will keep an eye on conditions at the intersection.

~  Monrovia Association of Fine Arts' Summer Art Walks along the sidewalks of Old Town will give a glimpse of the local arts scene. The first one will be Saturday, June 29, and they will continue on the last Saturday of July (27th) and August (24th).

- Brad Haugaard

New Candy Store Coming to Monrovia?

It appears a new candy store, Sugarland, is coming to Myrtle Avenue, according to the Gem City Images blog: https://is.gd/37ViCz

- Brad Haugaard

Mary Poppins Play at Monrovia's Taylor Performing Arts Center

The play, Mary Poppins, at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (AKA Monrovia High Auditorium) Thursday, July 11, 12 (Thursday, Friday) at 8 p.m., July 13 (Saturday) at 2 and 8 p.m. and July 14 (Sunday) at 5 p.m.. $10-$35.

A Broadway play based on the books by P.L. Travers and one of the most popular Disney movies.

Tickets here: https://is.gd/9wiU8v

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Adopt Local Accountability Plan, 2019-20 Budget

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/OeJwpr) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Adopting its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Here's what the board will be voting on (https://is.gd/0mSTsX) and here's an overview for parents: https://is.gd/JwwLBl

~ Adopting the district budget for 2019-20. It doesn't look as if there are any surprises, but you can look for yourself: https://is.gd/OeJwpr

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Merengue

Breakfast at Merengue, on the west side of Myrtle just across from the theater. Got a Cuban Omelet for $8.75 and a coffee for $2.50. I was not expecting the omelet to come inside a sandwich, but it was a happy surprise. Very tasty. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Oops! Accelerator Instead of Brake; Red Light Runner Sends Woman to Hospital; Shoplifting; Drugs and Alcohol

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 13 – June 19. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Petty Theft
June 13 at 3:52 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of S. Fifth called to report a theft from his vehicle. His vehicle’s catalytic converter was removed sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 9:49 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the bicyclist had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 2:10 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 3000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit numerous traffic violations. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. The subject was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Chestnut reported a motorist just collided into a garage door on private property. Officers responded to investigate and contacted the driver. The driver thought she was pushing the brakes but instead was pushing the gas pedal. The driver lived at the location, she was taken to a nearby hospital for complaint of pain.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 9:44 a.m., a caller reported three motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Officers responded and found one of the motorists was complaining of pain, she was taken to a nearby hospital. After an investigation, it was determined one of the drivers drove through a solid red light causing the collision. The motorist at fault was issued a citation.

Shoplifting
June 15 at 12:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting incident. The manager reported a male subject entered the store approximately an hour prior and took alcohol from the store without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 15 at 2:23 p.m., a caller reported two motorists just collided into one another at the intersection of Huntington and Monterey. Officers contacted the parties and found they were not injured. An investigation was conducted and the party at fault was issued a citation for a vehicle code violation.

Traffic Collision Hit & Run
June 15 at 4:11 p.m., a resident who was away from her home located in the 200 block of N. Mayflower called to report an unknown motorist had collided into one of her cars that was parked on the street in front of her house. The driver's side mirror was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
June 15 at 5:40 p.m., the employee of a convenience store in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report a shoplifting. The employee reported two male subjects ran into the store, took some beer and ran out without paying. Officers arrived and searched for the subjects but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 1:12 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of E. Foothill and noticed a vehicle traveling with its lights off and speeding. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs. An investigation was conducted and the subject was found to be under the influence. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 2:31 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Lime when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs. An investigation revealed the subject was under the influence, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
June 16 at 9:15 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report a theft. The resident’s property was stolen from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The items taken were a green roadside emergency kit and a backpack. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 16 at 4:13 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lemon and spoke to the victim of a residential burglary. The victim stated he returned home from a two day trip and discovered his rear sliding door was smashed and the house was ransacked. The only item taken was a platinum wedding ring. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 17 at 10:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of Parker. The resident returned home around 10:00 p.m. and found a back window to his home was shattered. His residence was ransacked and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 10:56 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Palm noticed a subject drinking alcohol in public. The officer contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking and a sobering period.

Theft
June 18 at 7:46 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a theft. A male and female loaded two paint sprayers onto a cart and walked out of the store without paying for the items. The subjects left in a black, older Saturn vehicle with black rims. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:38 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Walnut when he noticed a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer check revealed he was unlicensed and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
June 19 at 2:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Olive called to report a fraud. The victim received a collections notice in the mail for an outstanding balance from Sprint. The victim claimed he never had a Sprint account. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 5:00 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident. The employee stated that a female subject entered the store, selected merchandise, concealed it and exited the store without paying. The subject was detained by Loss Prevention until the officers arrived. The officers responded, conducted an investigation and cited the subject for shoplifting.

Residential Burglary
June 19 at 5:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Madeline regarding a burglary. The resident came home and found her home’s rear sliding glass door was shattered and her home was ransacked. The loss was undetermined at the time of the report. This investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Has Clean Water

Here is the city's report on the quality of the drinking water in Monrovia: https://is.gd/Uk4IdC

It appears all monitored substances are well below permitted levels. The only thing that appears at all noteworthy - though the data on it is old, from 2011 - is dioxane, found in industrial solvents (Wikipedia: https://is.gd/bwmhvz), which averaged .24 parts per billion (ppb), well below the 1 ppb that requires notification, however the range from the samples went from undetectable to 1.2 ppb, somewhat exceeding the level requiring notification. But again, that number is from 2011.

The report explains that the state Department of Health Services "allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old."

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July Fireworks, Music, Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest

Monrovia's 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show will take place on Thursday, July 4, in Library Park. Live Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. with a performance by Night Owl. Following the concert, a free 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.

Spectators may reserve a park space beginning at 6 a.m. The space can be a maximum of 10 x 10 feet and must be supervised at all times. The city is once again encouraging spectators to participate in the Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest, where the most festive canopies will win prizes.

- Brad Haugaard

You May Be Paying an Extra $1.50 for Trash Pick-Up; Fixing Huntington and Mayflower; Etc.

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

~ The city and county have changes planned for the messy, clogged intersection at Huntington and Mayflower. Work on a new striping layout, signage, traffic signal timing, preventing left turns into the shopping center on the southeast corner, and allowing an additional northbound lane will take place on Sunday, June 23 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

~  Chi said he heard that a Café de Olla will likely move into the vacant storefront just north of Grey & Cash in Old Town. Looks like a hip Mexican style place: http://www.cafedeollarestaurant.com.

~ Athens is requesting a 4.77% increase for solid waste services effective July 1. This means an extra $1.50 a month (from $31.53 to $33.03) for a typical residential customer enrolled in the 90-gallon trash/recycling barrel program. Chi writes that this "takes into account both CPI and California State minimum wage cost increases," and are allowed in the city's contract with Athens.

~ The Summer 2019 Monrovia Today catalog of events is now out. It's on line here: https://is.gd/tb4GUL

~ the city has stopped street sweeping and parking enforcement in the road-construction areas in north Monrovia beginning this Monday, June 17 until construction is over. This is the area north of and including Hillcrest Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and Greystone Avenue.
However, do obey construction parking signs.

~ Each year in early June Monrovia Fire & Rescue spends the day transforming the pediatric clinic at City of Home into a place where young children can have fun, laugh, and take their minds off of their illness, allowing them to focus on being kids for the day.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Quarterback Nick Hernandez is Ready to Play

Feature on Monrovia High Quarterback Nick Hernandez: https://is.gd/8KZmMb

- Brad Haugaard

Baby Cakes - Most Relaxed Dog Ever!


Baby Cakes (A475273) gets a big two thumbs up review from PHS staff and volunteers. “Maybe the most calm, relaxed dog ever” and “Very sweet dog” are just a couple of the wonderful compliments Baby Cakes is receiving. This adorable doggy always has a smile on her face and a wag in her tail. A sweet treat of a pup, she’s easy to leash and walk and enjoys fun fetch sessions in the play yard. Baby Cakes is a calm presence in a hectic world. You’ve got to meet this Zen cuddle bug!

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

Monrovia's Homeless Count Goes Down

Monrovia's homeless population has decreased 11 percent since last year, down to 62, according to preliminary data from the county. https://is.gd/i9ZPmC

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Consider $42 and $43 Million Budgets; Sully-Miller to Take Over South Monrovia Street Work


At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/AGr3M7) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~  A two-year budget for Fiscal Years 2019-21 of $42 and $43 million. The staff report says the money will be spent, "maintaining a high level of service to the community, striving to implement significant capital infrastructure and facility improvements, enhancing public safety initiatives, advancing historic preservation / neighborhood compatibility practices, facilitating appropriate new development activity, and addressing economic development priorities." https://is.gd/VNOUYQ

~  Having Sully-Miller, the contractor doing street and sewer repairs in north Monrovia, complete construction in the south part of town for an amount not to exceed $4.15 million. The staff report says the contractor that was doing the south end of town, and the city, "mutually agreed upon to reduce the scope of work that would be completed by due to a variety of coordination and scheduling issues." https://is.gd/GETWGk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian to Run New York Marathon to Fight Cancer


Monrovian Brian McKim will be running in the New York City Marathon on November 3 in support of the American Cancer Society and is trying to raise $3,200 in support, which will go to fight cancer. So far, $505. If you'd like to contribute, you can here: https://is.gd/FIUyP9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza Is Citrus College 'Service Leader of the Year'

Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza is one of two students selected to receive the 2019 Citrus College Service Leader of the Year award. Candidates for this  honor are nominated by faculty. Representatives from the college's constituent groups screen and select the recipients, who are judged on  academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community. A psychology and criminal law major, Pedroza will graduate from Citrus  this month. In addition to pursuing her associate degree, Pedroza was vice president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club and served as a senator on the Associate Students of Citrus College Executive Board. She has volunteered for the Los Angeles LGBTQ center as a community health educator and community health ambassador. This fall, she plans to transfer to the University of California, Irvine, to pursue her bachelor's degree. Her ultimate goal is to earn a doctorate degree or apply to law school.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Chicken King Express

Lunch at Chicken King Express, in the shopping area at the northeast corner of Foothill and Magnolia. Got the Roasted Chicken Wrap Combo with hummus and pickles for $7.95, and a drink for $2.25. Very good!


By the way, the word “express” may suggest the food is ready right away. It’s not. I’d recommend calling in your order about 15 minutes before you want to eat. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Yet More Bears - These in the Sprinklers

TV news can't resist videos of Monrovia bears. Here's a momma bear and a couple cubs playing in the sprinkler.  At ABC7: https://is.gd/akP8Ui

 - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Graduates 367; Honors Memory of Student Kelsey Meza and Teacher Tom Reale

Valedictorian Penny Lan delivers speech during Monrovia High School’s graduation ceremony on June 5, encouraging members of the Class of 2019 to always chase their dreams and never forget where they came from.  

Administrators, teachers, and family and friends celebrated 367 Class of 2019 graduates who said goodbye to Monrovia High School during an evening commencement ceremony on June 5. This year's commencement ceremony was dedicated in memory of senior Kelsey Meza and MHS teacher Tom Reale, who passed away this school year. Amongst the sea of graduates, an empty seat was set up next to Meza's best friends, and her diploma was presented to her family.

"Look at yourselves and look around you - 12 long years of education and I am proud to be representing this Class of 2019," valedictorian Penny Lan said. "I see in front of me such a variety of talent and limitless protentional, but don't forget where we came from. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat."

The 2019 Honor Guard was made up of more than 60 Monrovia Unified teachers, coaches, and counselors who applauded and cheered. The honor guard was nominated by the Class of 2019 for the continued inspiration and support members give to students.

"When I look at this group of graduates, I see many different stories and I see leaders," Principal Kirk McGinnis said. "These young adults are poised to change the world as we know it, and they will put a mark on humanity with both flair and purpose but - more importantly - with energy, intelligence, and a sense of service to something bigger than themselves."

The night of celebration continued as Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School Principal Geoff Zamarripa delivered a keynote address, inspiring students to continue following their dreams and take risks.

The 2019 graduating class includes 160 students recognized with special honors, 91 Golden State Merit Diploma graduates, 51 students who earned the State of California Seal of Biliteracy, 59 members of the ninth graduating class of the Math and Science Academy, and 14 members of the second graduating class of the Humanities Academy.

"It is my honor to receive and accept this graduation class of Monrovia High School," Board President Ed Gililland said. "We know that you have done the hard work to acquire the knowledge and the life skills to be successful wherever your next steps take you."

Ending the night, graduates walked on stage and were congratulated by MHS administrators, the Board of Education, and Superintendent Katherine Thorossian.

"Having hope and a plan will lead you to the most unexpected and remarkable places," Thorossian said. "Enjoy the journey and continue to give your family and friends reasons to be proud, celebrate, and take pride in you. Congratulations Wildcats."

Students turned their tassels from right to left, threw their caps in the air, and hugged each other as McGinnis acknowledged them as the new graduating class of MHS.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Officer Rosendo Ramos Awarded Distinguished Service Medal


On June 13, the Monrovia Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony. Officer Rosendo Ramos III was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional work and dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and the community of Monrovia.

Serving as a police officer for just over one year, Ramos has become a highly-valued employee of the department, consistently ranking as one of the most proactive officers in the Operations Division.

In addition to his on-duty work ethic, this past year, Ramos demonstrated his commitment to service by taking immediate action during two incidents while off duty. The first incident involved a motorcyclist who went down on the 210 Freeway in heavy traffic. Witnessing the incident while on the freeway, Ramos and his father stopped to divert traffic and render aid until paramedics responded. During the second incident, Ramos observed a deputy sheriff involved in a physical altercation with a suspect. Ramos, again, immediately responded professionally to assist the deputy with detaining the individual until backup units responded.

“Officer Ramos has developed an excellent reputation among his supervisors and peers.  He maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help his fellow employees at a moment’s notice and without fail” said Alan SanVictores, Chief of Police. “His strong, unwavering work ethic has earned Officer Ramos the Monrovia Police Department Commendation Medal in the relatively short time he has been assigned to Patrol. This accomplishment is indicative of his steadfast and tenacious dedication to duty.”

Ramos has also expressed his dedication to the community through volunteerism. In November 2018, Ramos participated in the annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution, where he helped distribute food to families in need.  He also participated in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run and the Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop event, both events help to raise money for Special Olympics. 

For his professionalism, commitment to service, and dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and the community he serves, Officer Rosendo Ramos III was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and recognized as the Monrovia Police Department’s 2018 Officer of the Year.

Source: Monrovia City press release

- Brad Haugaard

LA Japanese Newspaper Reports on Monrovia Neighborhood Treasure Dedication

Rafu Shimpo, the Japanese daily newspaper for the Los Angeles area, carried a report on the dedication of Monrovia's latest Neighborhood Treasure, honoring early Japanese settlers in the city. https://is.gd/Ibs5R1

- Brad Haugaard