Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides Thursdays and Sundays

Horse-drawn wagon rides will be available in Old Town on Thursday and Sunday evenings in December for $5 per person. Dates and times:

Sundays, Dec. 8, 15, and 22, 3-6 p.m.
Thursdays, Dec. 12 and 19, 5-8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Parade This Thursday

The annual Christmas Parade will be this Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., following a performance by Centre Stage Studios at 6 p.m. The parade will travel along Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.

- Brad Haugaard

Star Wars and Holiday Activities at Library

Star Wars Day at the library, Dec. 14, noon to 4 p.m. Activities for all ages, including lightsaber battles, costume contest, droid races, storytimes, crafts, the Cantina for 21+ guests, and more. Star Wars costumes are encouraged. https://is.gd/3dMRAN

Other library activities include:

• Santa Storytime, Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.
• Holiday Sounds, Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.
• Toddler Winter Ball, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.
• Friends of the Library Monday Movie Night, Monday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Have Breakfast With Santa

Have breakfast with Santa in Old Town. Here's the schedule:   

Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. - The Peach Cafe.

Dec. 14 at 8 a.m. - Jakes Roadhouse, and at 10 a.m. - The Monrovian Restaurant.

Dec. 21 at 8 a.m. - The Peach Cafe and at 11 a.m. - Rudy's Mexican Food.

Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. - Myrtle Tree Cafe.

- Brad Haugaard

Bridget: Three Years Old But All Puppy

Bridget has the best puppy dog eyes. And the word "puppy" in that sentence is appropriate. Although she's three years old, she still has the energy of a puppy. Bridget LOVES to play - with people, with other dogs, with anyone who wants to have fun. While a lot of dogs love meal time, or cuddle time, her favorite time of day is play time. She's had a blast participating in doggy play group with the other shelter dogs, but she'd love a home where every day is nothing but fun and games.

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

Snow Up Close

I assume everyone has seen the snowy mountains above Monrovia, but I thought I’d ride my bike up into the hills to get a close-up. This is the first serious snow I found, maybe a half mile north of White Saddle. I even threw a snowball. Nice!

- Brad Haugaard 

Lunch at Wok and Fire

Lunch at Wok and Fire, in the shopping center at the southwest corner of Huntington and Magnolia. Got the Shrimp and Vegetable Soup for $5.98 and a drink for $1.29. A very generous portion of tasty soup at a very reasonable price. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Fire Chief Graduates from National Fire Academy Program

Monrovia Fire Chief Brad Dover has graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Officer’s Program. https://is.gd/9Qxgef

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Arrested with Toy Gun in Somebody Else's House; Vandalizing Mosaic Tiles at Train Station; Lottery Tickets Stolen; Lost Hikers Found; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 21-26. - Brad Haugaard]

Injury Traffic Collision
November 21 at 7:26 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Los Angeles regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. A vehicle was attempting to enter traffic on California from Los Angeles, when two pedestrians entered the crosswalk. The vehicle continued forward and drove over the foot of one of the pedestrians. The pedestrian was checked by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department, and the driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 21 at 7:47 p.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of Duarte and Alamitas, when he saw a male subject lean into the open window of a parked vehicle. The officer then noticed two other vehicles parked nearby with the doors open. The officer contacted the subject and the investigation revealed he was the owner of the vehicles, but he was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant.

Suspended Driver’s License / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 10:40 a.m., an officer was working traffic enforcement near the intersection of Colorado and Shamrock, when he saw a vehicle speed through a stop sign. The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the investigation revealed the driver had a suspended license and numerous warrants for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
November 22 at 2:02 p.m., officers responded a residence in the 300 block of Prospect regarding the report of a burglary. The residence had been broken into sometime during the day. The suspect entered the home through a bathroom window and electronics items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 22 at 5:33 p.m., a male subject came to the Monrovia Police Department lobby to report a stolen motorcycle. The motorcycle was parked in the 100 block of Los Angeles and had been taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Replica Gun – Suspects Arrested
November 22 at 6:37 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. El Norte reported the lights turning on and off in his neighbor's vacant house. Officers responded and found the front door unlocked and open. A female subject who did not live in the house was found inside. The female subject was arrested for trespassing and taken into custody. Officers notified the owner they would extra patrol the location because it could not be secured. At 8:37 p.m., an officer drove by the location on extra patrol and saw a male subject exiting the same house. He contacted the subject, who did not have permission to be inside the home. The male subject said he went inside to meet with the female subject who was arrested earlier. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a toy gun he painted black and removed the red tip from, which appeared to be an actual handgun. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 22 at 6:40 p.m., a caller reported a pedestrian was struck by a slow moving vehicle on private property at a car dealership in the 700 block of E. Central. The pedestrian did not have any visible injuries, but complained of pain and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 10:46 p.m., an employee at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report a female subject who arrived to pick up an order purchased online with a stolen credit card. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who said she was picking up the order for a friend. Further investigation revealed she was wanted by Burbank Police Department for fraud. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 2:42 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Shamrock when he saw a male subject exiting a closed car dealership. Investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. There were no signs any crime had occurred at the dealership. The subject was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Mail Theft
November 23 at 11:01 a.m., a resident who lives in an apartment complex in the 200 block of S. Fifth reported that sometime during the night, the mailboxes at the complex had been pried open. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. A camera system in the area recorded a possible suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
November 23 at 3:59 p.m., officers responded to the Gold Line pedestrian walkway in the 1600 block of S. Primrose regarding a suspect vandalizing the mosaic tiles. Officers conducted an area check, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 9:01 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of E. Duarte when he saw a male bicyclist commit a Vehicle Code violation. He stopped the bicyclist, who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed he also had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

In Closed Park After Hours / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 11:26 p.m., an officer was patrolling Station Square Park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle, which was closed to the public. He saw a male subject loitering in the closed park and contacted him. The subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 2:57 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of S. Mayflower regarding an adult female banging on a resident’s door. The resident did not know the female subject. The officer determined the female subject was too intoxicated to care for herself or her own safety. She was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
November 25 at 10:09 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of E. Colorado. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. It was unknown if anything was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 25 at 12:56 p.m., officers responded to the report of a burglary at a storage unit in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. Upon arrival, the officers found that the lock had been cut off. This investigation is continuing.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 4:39 p.m., a female subject entered a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill and took two bottles of alcohol. She then exited the store without any attempt to pay for the items. She was detained by loss prevention until officers arrived. After investigation, the subject was arrested for shoplifting and released on a citation to appear in court on the charge.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 8:40 p.m., a female subject entered a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill and concealed approximately $300 worth of medication on her person. She then walked out of the store without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise. She was detained by loss prevention until officers arrived. After investigation, the subject was arrested for shoplifting and was released on a citation to appear in court on the charge.

Vandalism
November 25 at 11:09 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Ocean View regarding a report of a gunshot being heard. Only one call was received reporting the gunshot. Further investigation revealed an unknown suspect threw a ball bearing through the front window of a residence. No one was injured. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
November 26 at 9:31 a.m., the owner of a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft that had occurred the day before. Officers arrived and found that approximately $300 worth of lottery tickets had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
November 26 at 12:35 p.m., the owner of a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report a theft of lottery tickets from the previous Friday. Officers arrived and found that approximately $100 worth of lottery tickets had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Lost Hikers Located
November 26 at 2:47 p.m., a hiker on Clam Shell Road, just north of Monrovia, called to report he and another hiker were lost. The Monrovia Fire Department was notified to also respond. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was able to locate the hikers and hoisted both subjects out of the canyon. There were no injuries.

Monrovia Lights Its Christmas Tree

After several city council members said what they are grateful for (Gloria Crudgington said she's grateful for being cancer-free. Amen!) , then a quick introduction by Mayor Pro Tem Larry Spicer - who said he's thankful for his church (Second Baptist) and who told Santa that he'd like a Tesla for Christmas (Yeah! Me, too, Santa!) - Monrovia lit its Christmas tree in Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard 

Help Cats and Dogs Have a Great Christmas

(The MODA is that new multi-unit residential complex next to the Monrovia train station.)

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters Collecting Toys; Be on the Sales Tax Advisory Committee; Replanting Trees at MHS; Home Decorating; Sandbags

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

~ Help Monrovia Fire & Rescue stuff a fire truck with toys as a part of the Spark of Love Toy Drive, on Nov. 29 - 30. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. firefighters will be parked in front of Studio Movie Grill to collect new, unwrapped toys for under-served children and teens.

~ The Measure K sales tax will go into effect on April 1, 2020 and the city will be forming a five-member Measure K Citizen Advisory Committee [I guess to suggest ways to use the money]. If you'd like to be considered for the committee, get in touch with a city councilmember: https://is.gd/P1a4rI

~  City crews are planting about 40 Brisbane Box trees along Madison Avenue, adjacent to Monrovia High School, to replace trees that were removed during sidewalk improvement. Plans for planting trees along the front of the school are still in development as a part landscape improvements at the High School.

~ Holiday Home Contest is coming up. Friday, December 13 is the application deadline. Details here: https://is.gd/tXSw0E

~ Nervous about flooding during the rainy season? Get sandbags here: Public Works Department: 600 S. Mountain, Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fire Station 101: 141 E. Lemon, Monday - Thursday  7 a.m.to 6 p.m.; Community Center: 119 W. Palm, Monday -Thursday (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Friday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) And gravel to fill them with (bring shovels, gloves, and eye protection) at Skate Park parking lot: 847 E. Olive.

- Brad Haugaard

Thomas the Formal Feline Is Curious and Sweet

It's no secret that we've been getting really into the holidays probably way too early this year. But have you thought about New Year's yet? Thomas is ready. This chill guy isn't the loud party type, but he'll still get all dressed up to watch the ball drop on TV with you. When he's not in his formalwear, Thomas enjoys playing with wand toys, and although he doesn't go into hardcore zoomie mode like a kitten, your heart will melt seeing him bat at the ribbon on a stick. He's a curious boy, and if you visit him in our communal cat room, he'll probably come right out to the middle of the room to say hi and get some head pets. Come meet this sweet guy today and celebrate the holidays with him.

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

Burgerim on Myrtle Hiring

The new Burgerim at 406 S. Myrtle is hiring “fun, energetic“ people. Open interviews Nov. 19, 29, and 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 358-4888 or apply at https://www.burgerim.com/careers/

- Brad Haugaard 

Citrus College wins Marketing and PR Awards

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, was recently awarded top honors from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 6. NCMPR is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior and technical colleges.

The college's office of communications and external relations was presented with five Medallion Awards during the organization's District 6 Conference in Park City, Utah, in late September. The awards recognize outstanding achievement and excellence in design and communication, with winners receiving gold, silver and bronze designations. Citrus received gold, silver and bronze in the outdoor media category; gold in the postcard category; and silver in the social media category.

Melissa Utsuki, executive director of communications and external relations, said, "It is rewarding to be recognized for the great work we do for Citrus College."

Also, Doug Schultz, Citrus's communications supervisor, was named the District 6 "Rising Star" recipient for 2019. This award recognizes newcomers who have demonstrated special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations, and who show evidence of a promising future in the field.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at T Burger

Lunch at T Burger, on the south side of Foothill just east of Magnolia. Got the Chef Salad for $8.99 and an iced tea for $2.39. Nice salad. Fresh and tasty. I cut up the tomatoes and bell peppers a bit more to suit my style. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Holiday Sounds Dec. 7 in Library Lobby

- Brad Haugaard

Plymouth Elementary School Students Display Coding Skills

Plymouth Elementary students demonstrated how they created animated characters for digital stories and video games during the school's annual Epic Build Showcase on Nov. 15, an event that celebrated the school's computer science immersion program, Code to the Future.

"Our Epic Build Showcase gives our community the opportunity to not just see pockets of excellence in a few classes, but witness displays of learning in every classroom with the opportunity of every student learning computer science at a high level," Principal Dr. Greg Gero said.

Through Code to the Future, students work with block-based coding and JavaScript and engage in hands-on programming, robotics, and analog activities. Beginning in transitional kindergarten, students apply the logic of computer science by creating loops, sequences, and animations. By second grade, students begin building video games; by fifth grade, students skillfully combine coding with integrated stories.

"At Monrovia Unified, preparing our students for college, career and beyond is at the forefront of everything we do," Board President Ed Gililland said. "Our students are learning how to problem solve and think critically, and develop technological literacy, on which they can expand throughout their educational experience at Monrovia Unified."

At Plymouth Elementary, coding can become a second language for students and, for its Mandarin Dual Language Immersion students, coding can become a third language.

The school focuses on educational skills composed of the four Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Gero explained that the showcase was not just a celebration of coding, but a celebration of the skills students are developing, which prepare them for college and career success.

"Plymouth's Epic Build showcase gives our students the opportunity to not only engage with one another, but with parents and community members as well," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Through our coding curriculum, our students, at an early age, develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue science and technology career paths in the future."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Library's Veterans Resource Center Wins Certificate of Recognition

The Monrovia Public Library's Veterans Resource Center was awarded a California State Senate Certificate of Recognition for its work supporting veterans and ensuring their access to resources. Senator Anthony Portantino awarded the certificate.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Thankful and Grateful Holiday Gathering on Nov. 26

There will be a free "Thankful and Grateful Holiday Gathering" at Monrovia Library Park from 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 26. Live Entertainment, Truck Petting Zoo, Library Story Times, Community Booths, Arts & Crafts, Hay Rides, and a Community Art Project. Plus a certain "jolly guest" will help light the Christmas tree.

- Brad Haugaard