- Brad Haugaard 
Boys and Girls Club Kids to Appear in New TV Show
This Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m., Nickelodeon will air a new comedy called The Substitute, featuring kids from Monrovia’s Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. Plus, the Boys & Girls Club will get a $25,000 check from Nickelodeon at the end of the show. Here’s a trailer: https://shrtm.nu/six0
- Brad Haugaard
Raven: Because Everyone Needs a House Panther
Raven’s not a regular mom, she’s a cool mom! Raven came into the shelter as a nursing mom with five kittens, and now she’s looking for a home of her own. When you visit her, she’ll immediately grab your attention with a dulcet meow. And she has so many things to tell you. She’ll talk your ear off! Sometimes, it’s that she wants you to pet her. Other times, she wants you to pet her with your eyes! But either way, we doubt you’ve seen a cat as gorgeous as her. If you’ve been wanting a house panther, Raven’s ready to be yours.
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
New Stop Sign at Lime and Canyon
Currently traffic in Canyon does not need to stop at Lime. Tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 1, the city is changing this. I think it will become a four-way stop.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Housing Project Featured in Urbanize Magazine
One of Monrovia's major multi-unit residential projects next to the train station, a 310-unit project at the northeast corner of Pomona and Primrose, has been featured in Urbanize online magazine: https://is.gd/xms5Yp
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Robotics Teams Getting Ready for Competition
- Brad Haugaard
Mooncat Plans Ownership Change
Mooncat Sushi, on Lime just east of Myrtle, has asked approval for a change of ownership. Thanks to Kelly Moran for the tip.
- Brad Haugaard
City Statement on Hiring of Dylan Feik as City Manager
City press release regarding hiring Dylan Feik as city manager.
After engaging a thorough and extensive evaluation process, the City Council has identified Dylan Feik as their preferred candidate to serve as Monrovia’s next City Manager. Mr. Feik’s formal appointment will be considered by the City Council at their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 1.
Most recently, Mr. Feik served as City Manager of Calistoga, located in California’s Napa Valley. In addition, Mr. Feik has local government management experience working in the cities of Knoxville, Iowa, and Auburn, California. He has had extensive exposure to a variety of local government related disciplines, with specific expertise in labor negotiations, public works operations, and overseeing capital improvement projects. Mr. Feik has a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Weber State University.
“We are confident in our selection of the next city manager of Monrovia,” said Mayor Tom Adams. “Dylan brings a fresh outlook and unique set of experiences to the community, and we are looking forward to working with him.”
During the past eight weeks, the City Council was engaged in a rigorous city manager recruitment process that included multiple layers of candidate reviews. Ultimately, the City had a strong candidate pool of around 30 individuals applying for the position, and Mr. Feik was selected after an extensive assessment that included a total of six separate panel interviews.
Feik and FamilyUnder the terms of the proposed city manager employment agreement, Mr. Feik is proposed to earn $210,000 per year, and he will receive a standard benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement program, and auto allowance provisions. Furthermore, Mr. Feik will be provided with temporary rental housing assistance to facilitate a move to Monrovia.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Monrovia community,” said Mr. Feik. “I’ve been so impressed by the City, which celebrates its history while simultaneously fostering an innovation culture to create a thriving municipality. My family and I are looking forward to calling Monrovia home.”
Mr. Feik will be relocating to Monrovia with his wife, Kira, and three children, Gabe, Benson, and Eden. As a classic car enthusiast, Mr. Feik has been known to hand over the keys to his 1960s-era Ford Mustang and his 1970 Datsun 240z to colleagues to enjoy.
Monrovia is one of the few completely full-service cities in the San Gabriel Valley, with a staff of around 300 full-time employees. Operating its own police, fire, library, and water utility system, overall City functions are organized into seven departments, including Police, Fire, Administrative Services, Community Development, Community Services, Public Works, and the City Manager’s Office.
- Brad Haugaard
City Council to Consider Preservation of Monrovia Market, Flying A Gas Station; Historic Homes
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/GxEW3E) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ Appointment of new city manager. See here: https://is.gd/DYSw0V
~ Creating a "Planned Development Area" for 525 (Monrovia Market) and 721 (Flying A gasoline station) South Shamrock Ave. The purpose is to preserve and restore the Route 66 properties by "allowing uses that require minimal change to the character defining features of the building and its site environment; promote the long-term economic viability of the properties; identify and permit uses that will be compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood." https://is.gd/yXM2RG
~ Grant historical status to 168 North Encinitas Ave. (https://is.gd/ER2JyN), a Craftsman Bungalow style home built in 1912; and to 324 West Palm Ave. (https://is.gd/rJApwb), a folk Victorian home.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Appointment of new city manager. See here: https://is.gd/DYSw0V
~ Creating a "Planned Development Area" for 525 (Monrovia Market) and 721 (Flying A gasoline station) South Shamrock Ave. The purpose is to preserve and restore the Route 66 properties by "allowing uses that require minimal change to the character defining features of the building and its site environment; promote the long-term economic viability of the properties; identify and permit uses that will be compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood." https://is.gd/yXM2RG
Encinitas
Palm
~ Grant historical status to 168 North Encinitas Ave. (https://is.gd/ER2JyN), a Craftsman Bungalow style home built in 1912; and to 324 West Palm Ave. (https://is.gd/rJApwb), a folk Victorian home.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council to Hire Former Calistoga City Manager
The Monrovia City Council plans to appoint Dylan Feik as its new city manager.According to the staff report (https://is.gd/Afvfqz), "Feik was previously the City Manager of the City of Calistoga, in Northern California through April of 2019. From his time in Calistoga, Mr. Feik’s application highlights his work leading multiple initiatives of direct relevance to Monrovia, including the development of a 10 year Capital Infrastructure Plan, new initiatives to address pension costs, meeting the City’s goals for affordable housing development, and leading the City’s response to the Napa-Lake-Sonoma wildfire disaster in 2017. Prior to becoming City Manager in Calistoga, he was the Administrative Services Director in Auburn, California, Assistant City Manager in Knoxville, Iowa, and held various positions in the City of Olathe, Kansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Weber State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas."
The contract will be for three years and Feik will be paid a starting salary of $210,000, which is subject to adjustment yearly following the annual performance evaluation, with the amount of any such adjustment subject to negotiation and capped at 5% annually. The salary is approximately 9% less than what was paid to the previous city manager, Oliver Chi, as of his departure.
Feik is married to Kira, has two sons and a red '65 Mustang.
Here is a bio Feik wrote of himself: https://is.gd/YZruri
- Brad Haugaard
Superintendent Thorossian's September Schools Update
Dear Monrovia Unified School District community,Monrovia Unified is committed to providing our students with opportunities to be successful academically and in their personal pursuits. Through our array of programs, our students are able to grow their skill sets and discover new passions.
Over the last month, our elementary students have been busy learning new coding components, advancing in their Dual-Language Immersion programs, and learning what it means to be part of a bully-free campus.
Our high school athletes have been enjoying their new Wildcat Stadium field and track, renovated this summer and celebrated with a grand re-opening on Aug. 30. We are excited for our students and community to have this new, upgraded field that they can use for 10 to 15 more years!
On Sept. 20, students from Monroe Elementary School participated in a march to express their opposition to bullying. Students marched and pledged to be bully-free and to continue the school’s dynamic of kindness and positive peer relationships. The event was publicized by Telemundo, which celebrated the school’s bullying prevention efforts! I am proud of our students and commend them for helping promote kindness not just at their school, but across the District.
At Monrovia High School, the WorkAbility and Transition Partnership programs have given our students with disabilities a wonderful opportunity! Students are now taking part in the Monrovia High Roasters program, which has allowed them to learn the responsibilities of being employed, all while selling hot beverages to our wonderful faculty and staff.
Lastly, I would like to thank our partner, Monrovia Reads, for continuing to provide our students with the opportunity to foster a love of reading and promoting literacy across our District!
The start of the school year has been productive and busy for our students, teachers, staff, and administrators and these wonderful programs for our students would not be possible without the amazing people who lead them. I look forward to hearing about our students’ success and achievements this year!
Monrovia Unified’s mission is to provide world-class schools for world-class students, and we invite our community to learn more about our extraordinary programs from the Board of Education during our State of the Schools Address on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Monrovia High School’s Performing Arts Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent
Source: Monrovia Schools
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Shrimp House
Dinner at Shrimp House, at Peck (Myrtle turns into Peck) and Live Oak. Got the Grilled Seafood Sampler for $16.79 and a draft beer for $4.88. Old style seafood restaurant, clean, homey, with very pleasant service. Also came with a salad, not shown because I ate it. Very nice meal, and filling. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: The Drunks and the Drugged; Vehicle Thefts; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 19-25. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 391 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.
Grand Theft Auto
September 19 at 7:17 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Monterey called to report her vehicle was taken sometime during the night. She parked her vehicle in her designated parking stall the night before. When she came out in the morning, she discovered it was missing. Investigation continuing.
Vandalism
September 19 at 9:50 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 300 block of Oakcliff. The resident called to report her boyfriend's vehicle had been vandalized sometime during the night. The suspect scratched the female residents name into the paint of the vehicle. Investigation continuing.
Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 2:50 p.m., a caller reported a male subject lying on the sidewalk with an empty beer can next to him in the 400 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and conducted a welfare check on the individual. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 10:12 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of W. Duarte when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist and explained the reason for the stop. A computer check of the subject revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 12:07 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Live Oak when he saw two vehicles racing southbound at a high rate of speed. The officer radioed another officer who was blocks ahead of the racing vehicles. That officer observed the vehicles still traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
September 20 at 3:38 a.m., a driver was reported passed out behind the wheel in a parking lot in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located the vehicle. There were two occupants inside. The driver had not been drinking. The passenger was found to have a no-bail warrant and a consent search of the vehicle revealed a methamphetamine pipe belonging to the driver. Both subjects were arrested.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 8:46 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw two subjects, one of which he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The subjects were stopped. The other subject consented to a search and heroin was found in her possession. Both subjects were arrested.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 12:48 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 1:03 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area near Peck and Longden when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist and explained the reason for the stop. A computer check revealed four narcotics related warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 8:48 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation. He contacted the driver and explained the reason he was stopped. A computer check revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Injury Traffic Collision
September 23 at 7:56 a.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision in the 100 block of W. Duarte. A motorist was traveling east on Duarte and stopped at a red light. Another motorist also traveling east did not stop in time and rear ended the vehicle in front of him. One of the drivers complained of pain. The driver at fault was issued a citation.
Grand Theft Auto
September 23 at 12:38 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Montana called to report his vehicle was taken from the front of his residence. He last saw his vehicle on Saturday morning at his residence when he left for the weekend. When he returned, his vehicle was gone. All of the keys were accounted for and he didn't give anyone permission to take it. Investigation continuing.
Fraud
September 23 at 1:20 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock called police to report a subject that came into the business and produced a fraudulent check. It wasn’t learned until after the subject left that the check was fraudulent. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
September 24 at 7:25 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of S. Ivy. The caller told police that he loaded up a U-Haul truck for a local resident and left it parked overnight in front of the residence. He returned the next morning and the vehicle was not there. The truck was located later in East Los Angeles and the contents were gone. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 5:24 p.m., an intoxicated male subject was reported in the 100 block of W. Lemon. Officers responded and located the subject, who was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 5:51 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject had concealed merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. Officers arrived and located the subject. The property was recovered and the subject was placed under private person’s arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
In City Park After Closing Hours – Suspects Issued Citation
September 25 at 12:25 a.m., officers were on patrol near Library Park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle when they saw two subjects in the park after hours, which is a violation of the Monrovia Municipal Code. The two subjects were detained and issued citations.
Grand Theft Auto
September 25 at 5:42 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Shamrock called police to report his work truck had been stolen. The truck was taken sometime between 10:00 p.m. on September 24 and 5:40 a.m. on September 25. The investigation is continuing.
Mail Theft
September 25 at 2:24 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Colorado called police to report a theft of mail from his porch. The suspect was captured on video by the victim’s RING video camera. The suspect is described as a male White, 30 to 35 years old, thin build, wearing a Broncos hat and baggy jeans. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
September 25 at 4:01 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision that occurred in the 300 block of W. Palm. A motorist was traveling west on Palm and stopped at the posted stop sign. Another motorist was traveling south on Magnolia, which has no posted stop signs. The motorist on Palm entered the intersection and was broadsided by the motorist traveling on Magnolia. One of the passengers complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The collision was captured on video and the driver at fault was issued a citation.
New Coffee and Art Shop Opens on Myrtle
Ribbon cutting at the new Espresso Mi Cultura coffee and art shop on Myrtle.
- Brad Haugaard
New City Manager Announcement Late Next Week? Coffee With a Cop; Measure K Outreach
~ The latest Monrovia Today magazine is out: https://is.gd/pQQSXL
~ "If all goes according to plan, we should be ready to make an announcement [about the permanent city manager] toward the latter part of next week, and an employment agreement with the final selected candidate could make its way onto the October 1 City Council meeting agenda for formal consideration. If that timeline holds, then Monrovia's next city manager should be on board no later than mid- to late-November."
~ Coffee With a Cop. The Monrovia Police Department will be at the Starbucks on the corner of Huntington and Magnolia on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m., for National Coffee with a Cop Day. No agenda, no distractions, no barriers... just coffee and conversation with Monrovia police.
~ The city is planning an outreach to persuade Monrovians to vote for Measure K, on the November ballot. If passed, it would max out the sales tax for the city so that when the county passes another sales tax measure it won't have any affect on Monrovia since we'll already be paying the maximum, and the money will stay in Monrovia. Outreach will include a water bill insert, presentations to boards, commissions, and community groups, and two community meetings: Oct. 19, 11 a.m. at the Community Center, and Oct. 22, 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers.
- Brad Haugaard
Marlene - Still a Puppy, Everything's a Game
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
Sister Act at Taylor Performing Arts Center in December
- Brad Haugaard
Saigon Avenue Changing Ownership
New owners for Saigon Avenue restaurant, Vietnamese food on the south side of Lemon just east of Myrtle. Thanks to Kelly Moran for photo.
Update: Craig writes that the restaurant is just changing from Sole Proprietorship to a Corporation.
- Brad Haugaard
Providers Group Awards Dinner
Video of Monrovia Providers Group Awards dinner. Courtesy of Monrovia Weekly.
- Brad Haugaard
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