Walking Tour of Old Monrovia

Pasadena Walking Tours is offering a tour of downtown Monrovia this Saturday, Dec. 14, for $20. Here's its description:

"With small town charm and a bustling downtown district, you may have seen Monrovia as a filming location for Picket Fences or Netflix's Bird Box. We will go beyond the beautiful scenery to bring you the rich and fascinating history of LA's fourth-oldest city. From railroad builder William Monroe to Samson the Hot Tub Bear, Monrovia has been home to many illustrious citizens, and has residential and commercial architecture that traces the history of Southern California from the 1880s to the present!"
Tour meets at the southeast corner of Library Park, at Myrtle and Lime, in front of the Christmas Tree. Details and tickets: https://is.gd/11kM98

- Brad Haugaard

No More Risque Entries in Parade; Warning to Old Town Merchants; Vacancy on Historic Preservation Commission

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

~  With 108 parade entries in the Christmas parade, we "smashed the previous record of 80." However, Feik also draws a few lessons from the event:

1. Because one of the entries in the Christmas Parade, a vehicle with "risqué and quite inappropriate imagery on the exterior" [I saw it - a VW with a nude woman], the city is tightening its application process, check-in and registration, "to ensure inappropriate floats are not permitted to participate."

2. The city is going to review its policies regarding street vendors to "balance the need to provide efficient, effective public safety while also allowing businesses to vend."

3. It'll also review its safety policy. "To avoid viewers running into the parade route, our parade policy does not permit participants to throw items into the crowd. Some entries did manage to distribute goodies."

~ "Over the past month, the City has received an increase in the number of complaints that some Old Town merchants are not properly disposing of their trash or maintaining their trash enclosures.  In response, City staff sent out letters to all merchants as a reminder of the rules and of their responsibilities."

~ With the death of Historic Preservation  Commissioner Bruce Carter, there is a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission. If you'd like to be considered for the position submit an application by 6 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 16. Questions? Call the City Clerk's Office at 932-5599.

- Brad Haugaard

Toddler Prom Winter Ball Tomorrow

Monrovia Public Library will hold its Toddler Prom Winter Ball tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. Dress kids in prom dresses and formal wear. Parents and guardians are encouraged to dress up too. There will be a winter themed story-time, some music and dancing, light refreshments, and a photo-booth. This event is for children ages 0-5 and their families. https://is.gd/ECfSjV

- Brad Haugaard

Here's Santa's Monrovia Schedule

Santa will be touring each Monrovia neighborhood on a decorated fire engine passing out candy canes, escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh.

To ride with Santa, be at Monrovia City Hall's back parking lot at 5 p.m. on a tour night. Participation is first-come first-served. Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Wear warm clothing.

Note: An earlier version of this was incorrect. I've updated it with information from the city, in blue.

The schedule:

Monday, Dec. 16, east of Myrtle and north of Foothill.

Tuesday, Dec. 17, west of Myrtle, south of Foothill to Huntington, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, east of Myrtle and south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, to east city boundary.

Thursday, Dec. 19, west of Myrtle and north of Foothill.

Friday, Dec. 20, from Huntington to south city boundary, west of Myrtle to Fifth. Also Valley Circle.

- Brad Haugaard

Parm Wants a Quiet Home in the Sun

Parm came into the shelter with SIX kittens, and now she's ready to be adopted. This young mama kitty isn't thinking about PTA meetings or college tuition, she's just dreaming about a quiet home where she can lay in the sun or curl up on the couch. And if this home has unlimited treats, so much the better. If her kitten-like appearance and cheese-themed name don't draw you in, maybe the cute little dot on her nose will?

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

Candidates for Monrovia City Council

Here are the candidates (https://is.gd/FckZLv) who have filed to appear on the ballot for city council next year:

• Tom Adams (incumbent)
• Becky Shevlin (incumbent)
• Gloria Crudgington (incumbent)
• Melissa Taylor (challenger)
• Stephen Grollnek (challenger)
• Donna Baker (challenger)

- Brad Haugaard

A Valmont Christmas

As always, Valmont Drive in North Monrovia does it up right for Christmas.

Drive north on Norumbega from Foothill. It’s on the left. If you get to a bridge, turn around, you just passed it. 

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board Reorganization; Big Bucks on Batteries; Jennifer Maljian 'Teacher of the Year'

The Monrovia Board of Education will hold its organizational meeting this next Wednesday (https://is.gd/2zzkoT) to decide which board members will hold which offices. Normally, the board vice president, that's Rob Hammond, rotates into the role of board president.

Also, the board will consider spending $36,594.80 on batteries, a power distribution unit, and licensing. Wow! Must be some special batteries. (Probably not like those pictured :-)  https://is.gd/ZYdlvN

At a special 5 p.m. session the board and personnel commission will honor Jennifer Maljian as the "2019 Teacher of the Year for Monrovia Unified School District." https://is.gd/URlDoq

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at 1776

Lunch at 1776, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Lemon. Got the LA Dog for $10 and an iced tea for $2. The dog was bacon-wrapped, so delicious. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Parade

Big crowd along Myrtle for the Christmas parade. 

Monrovia High band...

Horse carriages...

Panda bears, and lots more. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dr. Thorossian's November Superintendent Update

By Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian

Monrovia Unified School District is dedicated to equipping students for their future, and we do this by igniting their curiosity and cultivating social skills as they learn and problem solve.

November was a busy month in Monrovia Unified, we celebrated our District's strong science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, as well as our coding curriculum at Mayflower Elementary and Plymouth Elementary School.

Bradoaks Elementary School hosted its first "Telescopes in the Sky" Moon Party family event, kicking off the school's transition to a science emphasis school. Thank you to our teachers and community partners for supporting memorable enrichment opportunities.

Our Epic Build Showcases at Plymouth and Mayflower Elementary were a success, with parents and community members visiting classrooms to learn more about the District's Code to the Future curriculum. It was exciting to see our students become the instructors as they explained their coding projects and detailed the process it took to get to the final product.

The arts were also highlighted this month when our talented Wild Rose School of Creative Arts students wowed the audience with their performances of "101 Dalmatians." It takes a team of dedicated and passionate educators and students to make something like this happen, and I was incredibly impressed with the entire production.

The outstanding performances continued with Clifton Middle School's fall concert, Broadway Game Changers. Performing arts education allows our students to express themselves, and also improve on communication skills. Congratulations to all of our student performers for successful fall productions.

At the end of the month, Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park students were treated to a Thanksgiving meal provided by the schools' staff. The 10-year tradition celebrates community, perseverance and kindness. Thank you to our committed educators for showing their dedication to our students and their continued support.

Sponsored by Monrovia Unified School District, the Taylor Performing Arts Center presents "Sister Act" from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/33oemiv, we hope to see you there.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Two Red-Light Runners, Two Accidents; Ring Video Leads to Package Theft Arrest; Drunk Driving; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 27 - December 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 301 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 12:05 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Almond regarding a family disturbance. An investigation revealed one of the involved subjects had multiple warrants for his arrest and was heavily intoxicated. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Residential Burglary
November 27 at 3:09 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of E. Greystone arrived home and noticed items were missing from the home. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. There was no sign of forced entry and it was determined the location might have been left unlocked. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
November 27 at 5:41 p.m., a theft of a package was reported in the 500 block of W. Maple. The caller reported a package was taken from the front porch of his neighbor’s residence ten minutes prior. Officers responded and conducted a check of the area, but the subject was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 27 at 7:03 p.m., two vehicles traveling near the intersection of Foothill and Canyon collided into each other. Both parties complained of pain and were treated by paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. Officers conducted an investigation and the party at fault was issued a citation for failing to stop at a red light.

Theft / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 28 at 4:27 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of W. Duarte regarding a possible burglary in progress. Two suspects were detained at a nearby location. The investigation revealed one of the suspects stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle. He was arrested for grand theft. The second suspect was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 28 at 1:37 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Huntington and Magnolia regarding two vehicles that collided. A vehicle was driving north on Magnolia and entered the intersection on a red light. The vehicle collided with another vehicle driving east on Huntington and slid into the traffic signal, knocking the light pole over. Public works responded to repair the light pole. There were no injuries.

Vandalism
November 28 at 8:19 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Lime reported his brother had just arrived at the home, shattered the car window on his vehicle, and then fled the area. Officers searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The investigation into this family dispute is continuing.

Restraining Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 12:35 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Mountain View reported her ex-boyfriend was at her house banging on the front door. She told the officers she had an active domestic violence restraining order which prohibited him from being within 100 yards of her home. Officers arrived and apprehended the subject as he attempted to drive away. After the order was confirmed, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
November 29 at 2:45 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of W. Huntington, when he initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the passenger was wanted out of Texas for narcotics sales. The driver had a suspended license and a warrant for possession of a controlled substance. The driver was taken into custody and, during a search incident to arrest, was found to be in possession of heroin, a scale, cash, and small baggies. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 1:27 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Colorado called to report a package stolen from her porch. The victim left a present on her porch for a friend and discovered it was taken when she received a Ring activation message on her phone. When she reviewed her Ring video, it showed a male adult suspect taking the present. Officers conducted an area check and saw the suspect from the Ring video, still holding the package. Officers detained the suspect, and further investigation revealed he had several warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 6:41 p.m., a motorist reported another driver just collided into her vehicle at Foothill and Shamrock, then fled the scene without stopping. A witness who saw the collision provided the suspect's license plate, which led officers to his residence. His vehicle was located and had matching collision damage. The suspect was contacted in his apartment and was found to be heavily intoxicated. He was positively identified by the victim, and after refusing all tests, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
November 29 at 7:13 p.m., a theft was reported in the 400 block of S. Violet. The resident reported she heard something hit her house window, and when she looked outside, she discovered her car door was open. No one was around the vehicle, but the inside had been ransacked and items were missing. Officers arrived and searched the area for possible suspects, but did not locate anyone. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 8:21 p.m., a male and female subject were reported yelling at one another next to an apartment complex in the 100 block of Montana. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects near the street. The male subject was heavily intoxicated and was too drunk to care for himself or his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 12:12 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle, when he saw a vehicle stopped in a no parking zone occupied by a male driver. The officer contacted the driver, who appeared to be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. He was held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 30 at 8:46 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Lime and Heliotrope. The two motorists exchanged information and one driver left the scene prior to police being called. The caller discovered the other party’s insurance had expired, and he was suffering from back and neck pain. Officers responded with paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department, but the caller refused medical assistance.

Driving Under the Influence / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
December 1 at 1:32 a.m., an officer observed a motorist traveling on the wrong side of the road in the 100 block of W. Foothill. He stopped the vehicle, which was occupied by several subjects, and the driver was found to be heavily intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and he was arrested for DUI. Further investigation revealed he also had a warrant for driving on a suspended license. A passenger in the vehicle was found to have an outstanding warrant and was also arrested.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 1:43 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of S. Myrtle, when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. He stopped the subject, who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. An investigation revealed he also had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 2 at 3:13 a.m., a male subject was reported slumped over in his vehicle, which was stopped in the intersection of Monterey and Huntington with the engine running. Officers responded and found the driver heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI. During the booking process, the suspect was found to have three prior convictions for DUI, so he was charged with felony DUI.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 2 at 3:45 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling south across Huntington from Shamrock when he was struck by a vehicle turning east onto Huntington from northbound Shamrock. Officers responded with paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. The bicyclist suffered pain and redness to his leg and was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 2 at 8:40 p.m., officers responded the intersection of Duarte and Encino regarding the report of a suspicious vehicle with a subject inside. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
December 3 at 6:30 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Olive. The victim called police to report his truck was missing. Officers responded and checked the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 3 at 9:16 a.m., a theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Mountain. The victim called police to report the catalytic converter had been stolen from his work truck. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
December 3 at 3:44 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a disturbance. The victim called police to report he had just been slapped by a male subject. Officers checked the area and located a subject matching the given description. He was contacted and after further investigation, the suspect was arrested for battery and taken into custody.

Fraud
December 3 at 6:21 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Huntington advised she tried to cash a check at the location, but was told the check had already been cashed fraudulently. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 4 at 8:16 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious male loitering in the 100 block of E. Colorado. Officers arrived and recognized the subject from past encounters. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 4 at 6:43 p.m., two vehicles collided into each other at the intersection of Huntington and Mayflower. One of the involved parties complained of pain. Officers responded with paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department. An investigation was completed and the responsible party was cited for unsafe speed.

Holiday Sing-Along Friday

Holiday Sing-Along for carolers young and old, musically gifted and tone-deaf. Meet on the 400 block of Myrtle this Friday, Dec. 6 at 8:15 p.m. All are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

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