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Monrovia First Responders Honored by Congresswoman Napolitano

Monrovia Detective McClure and Monrovia Paramedic McKee were honored by Congresswoman Napolitano at the Annual 32nd Congressional District First Responder & Military Legislative Breakfast. The annual event is held to recognize the dedicated service from our sworn staff in the public safety divisions.

- Brad Haugaard

Griffin: Have Your Very Own House Panther

Meet sleek, gorgeous house panther Griffin! If you haven’t had a black cat in your life, what are you waiting for? Two-year-old Griffin is one of the kitties in our communal cat room. When he first got to the shelter he was pretty shy, but now he has a blast playing with wand toys and LOVES eating treats. And if you come visit him, you may see him curled up in one of the cat trees with longhaired tortie Mimi, which is the cutest thing ever. Anyone with two or more cats dreams of the day when their cats cuddle, and if you get both Griffin and Mimi, you won’t have to dream! Adopt Griffin, and you’ll immediately become a mini panther convert!

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

Tickets on Sale for Sister Act

Tickets now on sale for the play, Sister Act, at the Taylor Performing Arts Center​ (aka Monrovia High Auditorium) on  Friday, Dec. 6 - 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 - 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8 - 5 p.m. Ticket info here: https://is.gd/D7bF2S

A feel-good musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans' Day Ceremony 11 a.m. Today at Library Park

Veterans' Day ceremony at 11 a.m. today in Library Park. Gem City Images has a great picture of the new Vietnam Veteran's plaque. https://is.gd/htFjkl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 41-0 Over Santa Fe in Playoffs

Monrovia shuts out Santa Fe with a 41-0 win in the first round of the playoffs Friday night. https://is.gd/ByeDZo

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Focus on Gun Safety; Etc.

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider updating the schools safety plan to include information on gun safety, and send a letter home to parents emphasizing safe gun storage and parents' legal obligations to protect minors from negligent gun storage. The letter will be included in annual registration materials at each school site, and will require a parental signature. https://is.gd/NCunEi

~ Review the agreement with its PR agency, VMA Communications of Claremont, which is being paid up to $135,385 for the period from this last July through June 30 of 2020. https://is.gd/B9oGwg

~ Consider adopting the Los Angeles County Office of Education Plan for Expelled Students. https://is.gd/F1K6z4


- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Cafe LuMar

Lunch at Cafe LuMar, south side of Colorado a half block east of Myrtle. Got the Chicken Chipotle pasta for $13.75 and an iced tea for $2.95. Really good! And though the restaurant was crowded the service was quick and pleasant.

Note: Someone asked me the other day if my restaurant reviews are paid for by the restaurant, aka "comped."

No. I've always paid. In fact, the restaurant folks don't even know I'm coming and probably don't even know I exist as I've never heard a word from a single restaurant anywhere in town.

It's true I never slam a restaurant but that's because I figure everybody can have a bad day. Also, I figure the photo and price information convey a lot of information, and I'm really not very picky so most restaurants will be at least okay with me, and on those rare occasions when I don't care for it I may simply make no comment on the food, or in super-rare cases, I just won't do a review (I think that's happened once).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Charity's Van Stolen; Suspect Hits Police Car ... On Bicycle; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 31 – November 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 382 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
October 31 at 12:35 a.m., a victim called to report his vehicle was just stolen from the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista. The victim said he saw a suspicious person riding a bicycle in the area before his vehicle was taken. Officers arrived and searched the area for the vehicle but did not locate it. The investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 8:15 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Cherry reported two people possibly living in their vehicle in front of her house. Officers arrived and located the two subjects. Both subjects lived on nearby streets and had fallen asleep in their vehicle the night before due to being under the influence of a controlled substance. One subject was still in possession of a controlled substance he was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
October 31 at 2:15 p.m., the manager of a non-profit business in the 700 block of W. Chestnut reported one of their vans was stolen from their parking lot. The video surveillance shows it was stolen at 4:00 a.m. Officers arrived and searched the area for the vehicle but did not locate it. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
October 31 at 6:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill regarding a shoplifting report. The employee told the officers a female subject in her twenties entered the store, grabbed a large bottle of Vodka and ran out of the store. The subject then entered a gray vehicle and drove away without paying. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 1 at 3:18 a.m., a victim reported his locked vehicle had been burglarized while parked in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle’s window had been shattered to gain entry and several items inside were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 1 at 2:19 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington on the report of a burglary. The rear door of the business was pried open sometime during the night. The front of the business was ransacked and money was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 1 at 7:19 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive reported her vehicle had been burglarized over the past two days. Personal items were stolen from inside her vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Bicycle Pursuit / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 1:09 a.m., officers on patrol stopped a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Myrtle and Spanner. The suspect fled from officers, knowing he had warrants for his arrest. While fleeing, the suspect collided on his bicycle with the patrol vehicle of another responding officer. The suspect then fled on foot before he was apprehended. The suspect was treated for a complaint of pain to his arm at a local hospital, however, he had no visible injuries. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 3:55 p.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of Lime and Ivy and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the driver had multiple warrants for his arrest. The driver was arrested per the authority of the warrants. During the arrest the driver displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence. Further investigation revealed the driver to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 8:32 p.m., officers responded to a call of a possible shoplifting in a business in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower. The officers contacted a female subject. An investigation was conducted and it was determined no shoplifting had occurred, however, a computer check revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was also found to be in possession of a syringe and a controlled substance hidden in her clothing. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
November 2 at 10:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington on the report of a theft. The caller reported the theft occurred earlier that night. A male subject took approximately $1,200 worth of vitamins and supplements and hid them in a plastic bag. The theft was not discovered until later in the evening. This investigation is ongoing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 10:39 p.m., officers in the 1300 block of Orange conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and issued a citation.

Residential Burglary
November 2 at 10:59 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Carmelita. The victim reported he had been away from his residence most of the day. He returned home in the evening and found his house had been ransacked. The point of entry appears to be a rear bedroom window that was left open. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 3 at 10:44 p.m., a victim reported his vehicle had been broken into while parked in the 600 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and confirmed that one of the vehicle’s windows was smashed and a burglary had occurred. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 4 at 4:11 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Mountain and Royal Oaks. Two vehicles collided into each other. One of the driver’s complained of pain, she was treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department.

Vehicle Burglary
November 4 at 10:26 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of E. Olive. The victim reported his vehicle was broken into. Officers responded and discovered that items from inside the vehicle’s trunk had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 1:17 a.m., officers patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington saw a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a closed business. Two subjects occupied the vehicle. An investigation revealed they were in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
November 5 at 12:39 p.m., a victim reported her vehicle was burglarized while parked in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and saw that a window to her vehicle had been smashed and items were missing from inside. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate any suspects. The investigation is continuing.

Theft
November 5 at 8:42 p.m., a theft was reported in the 1400 block of Alamitas. The victim reported tools were taken from his unlocked vehicle while parked. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 6 at 5:09 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a robbery in-progress. The callers reported two male subjects were breaking into a section of the store. Officers arrived and checked the area for the suspects. An investigation was conducted and evidence collected. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 6 at 9:07 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 800 block of E. Huntington when they heard a vehicle collide into the entrance of a nearby building. The driver had mistakenly accelerated forward instead of backing up. The driver complained of pain and was taken to the hospital.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 6 at 9:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the intersection of Mayflower and Palm. A trash truck was traveling near the intersection when it was struck by a vehicle traveling in the area. One of the driver’s complained of pain and was taken to the hospital.

Vehicle Burglary
November 6 at 11:30 a.m., a victim reported her vehicle was burglarized while parked in a parking lot in the 800 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw that one of the victim’s windows had been shattered. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 12:14 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant, and a search revealed he was also in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Non Injury Traffic Collision
November 6 at 12:27 p.m., the driver in a dump truck was traveling near the 600 block of N. Canyon when he realized the brakes were not working. The truck went up and over a curb striking a street sign.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 1:10 p.m., the driver of a vehicle traveling near the intersection of Peck and Jefferies hit a curb in the area. Officers arrived and noticed the driver was displaying signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Free Veterans Pancake Breakfast


“Enjoy a breakfast on us. All are welcome, especially veterans. Thank you for your service.”


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Welcomes Dylan Feik


Monrovians welcomed new city manager, Dylan Feik, at the Monrovia Historical Museum Wednesday night.

Feik said the first issues he encountered were coyotes and a runaway asphalt truck that ended up in someone’s front yard on North Canyon. 

Mayor Tom Adams commented on the Measure K vote, saying it should help Monrovia increase its bond rating to an excellent AAA.

- Brad Haugaard 

Final: Yes on K Wins

- Brad Haugaard 

Early Election Results


- Brad Haugaard 

City Manager Says State Used Old Data in Saying Monrovia's Finances are Dicey

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik:

~ Says the California State Auditor used outdated and narrowly focused data in reaching its conclusion that Monrovia is one of the top cities in the state facing fiscal challenges.

Feik said:

- The state used old 2016-17 data, not 2017-18 data.

- That Monrovia has made a lot of positive changes since 2015 to address the city's finances, including addressing its retirement obligations by issuing Pension Obligation Bonds in 2017 to pay off all existing unfunded liability and pension liability debt, and which should save $43 million in interest over the next 30 years

- Sales and property tax revenue is strong. He concludes that, "The City is on stable financial footing, and fiscal responsibility and sustainability remains a top priority for the City Council."

~ The Pasadena Humane Society has proposed 50% to 600% cost increases for animal control for the cities it serves (including Monrovia). Feik said these are "incredibly significant," though Monrovia won't be affected until June 30, 2021, when its contract expires.

He said the Humane Society wants to charge cities for each service call, and has expanded its services without asking cities whether they want the new services. "In essence, PHS is now offering more services and wants us to pay the cost, though we've never had a seat at the table." He said there will be more discussions in the future.

~  Next week there will be tree trimming on both sides of Myrtle from Foothill to Huntington, between 5 and 10 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Meadow: Pups Okay, Now Mom's Ready for a Home

Meadow came to the shelter as a nursing mom of EIGHT puppies. They’ve all been adopted, and now it’s Meadow’s turn to find a forever home and enjoy her post-motherhood life! Meadow’s puppies were beautiful, and they definitely got their looks from their mom. This gorgeous two-year-old gal is a little shy in her kennel, but comes out of her shell when she’s given room to run and play. She’s particular about treats, but if you give her the good stuff (hot dogs) she’ll love you. All her kids have gone off to college, and Meadow is ready to join a book club, take up cross-stitch, and live her best life!

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

Dr. Thorossian's October Superintendent Update

By Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian

Monrovia Unified's mission focuses on providing World-Class Schools for World-Class Students, an effort which is emphasized and supported through community partnerships and enrichment programs such as coding, robotics, dual-language immersion, career technical education, and early college courses.

In October, the District celebrated student success with the 2019-20 State of the Schools Address, which offered an in-depth overview of the District's mission, teacher and staff support, nurturing at the elementary level, middle school instruction, and preparation of students for college and careers.

I would like to thank Monrovia Unified's Board of Education and our District team who contributed not only to the event, but also who work tirelessly every day on behalf of all of our students. Their expertise and commitment fuel our programs and inspire our students.

Our District's Extended School Program finished off the month on a high note with a Lights on Afterschool event. The event celebrated the impact that after-school programs have on our students and families.

Throughout October, our students have continued to impress us with their achievements and academic success. Through our strong academic programs, our students are gaining the knowledge and skills they need for life after high school.

Thank you to our committed educators who play a vital role in preparing our students for college, career, and beyond. With only two months left of the fall semester, I encourage our students to continue working hard, while having fun and exploring their interests.

- Brad Haugaard

YMCA Winter Wonderland Festival


Santa Anita Family YMCA (501 S. Mountain) is sponsoring a free Winter Wonderland Festival on Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m. Games and healthy activities, gingerbread house building, family board games, sugar cookie decorating, arts and crafts, photo booth.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Offers Enrichment Program for Engaged and Married Couples

Calvary Chapel Monrovia, at the corner of Myrtle and Cherry, is offering pre-married and marriage enrichment sessions using the Prepare/Enrich program.  The church says the program, which costs $149, has been shown to reduce the divorce rate by as much as 30 percent for those completing the program. There will be trained coaches to help participants. To register, contact the church office at 359-5116.

- Brad Haugaard

Ramen Restaurant Becomes Cafe on Lemon

The former Wang's Place, which became Naruto Ramen, is now becoming Cafe on Lemon. It is across from the fire station on Lemon east of Myrtle. (Photo thanks to Kelly Moran!)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Simply Divine Named 'Small Business of Distinction'

Simply Divine Hair & Barber Salon was recognized as Monrovia's Small Business of Distinction for the 41st Assembly District by Assemblymember Chris Holden.

"Each year, I have the opportunity to recognize small businesses in the 41st Assembly District that make a positive impact in our communities and when it comes to a small business making a positive impact in Monrovia you couldn't find anyone better than Simply Divine Hair & Barber Salon." said Assemblymember Holden. "Small businesses contribute to our local economy, provide valuable employment opportunities, and are an integral part of community life."

Simply Divine Hair & Barber Salon owner Keshia Carter-Bowen has been in business for over 20 years. She began on a small corner location and now has a main street front location. Ms. Carter-Bowen is dedicated to serving the community as she works with students from Monrovia High School through an apprenticeship program, and participates in community events within the city and with Foothill Unity Center.

Source: Assemblymember Chris Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Peach Cafe


Breakfast at Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado just west of Ivy. Got three eggs with bacon, corn bread, and fruit for $11 and a coffee for $2.50. Good, and bacon and cornbread were particularly great. 

- Brad Haugaard