Here’s what’s coming next at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Foothill.- Brad Haugaard
Boba Box Coming to Myrtle and Foothill
Here’s what’s coming next at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Foothill.
Community Garden Team Honored; Planning Kids Garden Workshop for March 7
The garden leadership team, headed by Garden Director Kristin Ritzau, PhD, will host a Kids Gardening and Crafts workshop on Saturday March 7, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Burger Basket
Lunch at Burger Basket, at the corner of Duarte Road and Mayflower. Got the #1 Special, a cheeseburger, fries, and soft drink for $6.50 (cash only). Good meal for.a good price. - Brad Haugaard
New 302-Unit Residential Complex Planned Near Train Station
The project site is just below the freeway, between Magnolia on the west and Primrose on the east. The south side is on Pomona. (See map.)
https://is.gd/KwG5mD
- Brad Haugaard
Where to Vote in Monrovia
Wondering where to vote? Here's a list of four locations in Monrovia, although under the new system you are not required to vote at a particular location. https://is.gd/L0yMCN
Notice that one of the centers, Calvary Grace Church, opened on Feb. 22, while the others open this Saturday, Feb. 29.
City Clerk Alice Atkins explained why the difference in opening dates:
City Clerk Alice Atkins explained why the difference in opening dates:
As part of implementing the Voters Choice Act, it was the County’s goal to identify 250 vote centers for the 11-day voting period, increasing to a total of 1,000 vote centers for the final 4-day voting period, including election day.
Part of what determines 11-day versus 4-day I believe is size (most are “large” centers that can accommodate 50 ballot marking devices), as well as location (to spread across the county), and facility availability. The Community Center and Second Baptist Church are both medium vote centers, I believe, and the Library is a small vote center. Another consideration would be impact to community programs (as rooms have to be blocked for an extended period before and after for delivery, set-up, breakdown, and pick-up of equipment).
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Eighth in Nation in Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanic Students
A national monthly magazine, the Hispanic Outlook on Education produces a special edition each year that ranks the leading community colleges in the country according to the number of associate degrees produced. Citrus College has been included in the rankings for more than a decade and was ranked 25th in the United States last year.
Source: Citrus College press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: De-Bearing Mayflower School; Gardeners' Tools Swiped; Window Smasher Grabs Rain Jacket; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 390 service events, resulting in 87 investigations.
Bear Sighting
February 20 at 6:52 a.m., a resident called police dispatch to report a bear wandering the grounds of an elementary school in the 200 block of N. Mayflower and officers responded. As staff and students started to arrive, the officers were able to guide the bear off the campus and north on Mayflower. The Department of Fish and Wildlife responded and the bear made its way back toward the foothills.
Petty Theft
February 20 at 12:17 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 300 block of E. Greystone. The victim reported that while he was working at a residence, his gardening equipment was stolen out of the bed of his truck. The suspects were described as two male Hispanics in a black Honda Pilot. Investigation continuing.
Petty Theft
February 20 at 12:31 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 300 block of Wildrose. The victim reported that while he was doing gardening work at a residence, his gardening equipment was stolen from the bed of his truck. The suspects and the suspect vehicle descriptions are similar to a theft that occurred earlier that same day. Investigation continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 20 at 11:50 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Genoa called to report a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the area and occupied. Officers contacted the occupant and, after investigation, found him to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested without incident.
Bear Sighting
February 21 at 5:25 a.m., a news crew was in the area of Mayflower and Hillcrest looking for the bear that was in the 200 block of N. Mayflower the prior day. They located the bear and notified Monrovia Police Department. Officers responded and found the bear was heading back north toward the foothills and was not causing any issues.
As the morning progressed, the bear came back south. The media continued to film the bear. The bear was moving slowly, but not leaving the area. The Department of Fish and Wildlife responded and, ultimately, tranquilized the bear so they could assess if it was injured. They relocated the bear to the unpopulated area of the National Forest.
Vandalism
February 21 at 7:14 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Mayflower called to report that sometime during the night someone shattered his vehicle window. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
February 21 at 7:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a shoplifter that left the store with concealed merchandise. Officers responded and reviewed video footage. Investigation continuing.
Shoplifting
February 21 at 8:03 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifting incident that had just occurred. The suspect left the location prior to the officer’s arrival. During the investigation, the identity of the suspect was determined. Investigation continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 21 at 9:19 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for several vehicle code violations in the 100 block of W. Colorado. The bicyclist was found to have five outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 1:47 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Colorado called police to report two subjects that were arguing in a nearby alley, causing a disturbance. Officers responded regarding the noise disturbance and found a couple arguing near the alley. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for their arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Fraud Report
February 22 at 9:49 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Estrella called to report that someone opened a Home Depot credit card using her personal identifying information. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
February 22 at 12:13 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 700 block of E. Huntington. While the victim was inside the business, someone shattered a window on her vehicle and took items from inside. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
February 22 at 1:18 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and went into a business. When she returned to her vehicle, she found a window had been smashed and her rain jacket was missing from inside. Investigation continuing.
Alcohol Offense – Suspect Cited
February 22 at 3:04 p.m., police received a call reporting a male and female subject that were arguing at a park in the 1200 block of N. Canyon. Officers responded and located the subjects. One of the subjects was in possession of an open container of alcohol. The alcohol was confiscated and she was issued a citation for the violation.
Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 5:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a female that was being detained for shoplifting. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting and the investigation revealed she also had outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
February 22 at 9:11 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported to police. An employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington parked her vehicle and went into work. She returned approximately four hours later and found a window on her vehicle had been shattered and items were missing from inside. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
February 22 at 11:01 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington called police to report his vehicle was broken into while he was at work. His vehicle window was shattered and items were taken. Investigation continuing.
Driving Under the Influence / Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Driver Arrested
February 23 at 1:01 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision that occurred in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower. Officers responded and learned that a vehicle traveling north on Mayflower had struck two parked cars. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After a DUI investigation was conducted, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence and held for a sobering period.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 24 at 6:24 a.m., a caller reported a family disturbance in the 300 block of Genoa. Officers responded and spoke with the involved parties. It was determined that the female subject was the aggressor and the male subject had sustained minor injuries. The female subject was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.
Burglary
February 24 at 8:44 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Colorado called to report that his detached garage had been burglarized. An officer arrived and confirmed a burglary had occurred and items were missing. Investigation continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 24 at 10:40 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. A motorist was traveling west on Huntington, veered off the roadway and collided into a tree. The driver suffered head injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The cause of the collision is under investigation.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 24 at 11:45 a.m., a bicyclist was traveling north in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle when he was struck from behind by a vehicle traveling north. He suffered injuries, but refused medical attention. The party at fault was issued a citation.
Monrovia Gets $675,000 Grant to Improve Lucinda Garcia Park
Funded by Proposition 68, the State Park Bond Program, Monrovia is one of 52 agencies to receive the grant. More notably, the Department received 478 applications, totaling $2.3 billion in requests with only $254.9 million available for distribution.
“Having beautiful and accessible neighborhood parks enhances the community and makes life better,” said Tom Adams, Mayor of Monrovia. “Over the years, Lucinda Garcia Park has been well-loved and as a result is experiencing normal wear and tear, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance our neighborhood park by turning it back into a premier amenity for all to enjoy.”
When applying for the grant, the City held several community outreach events, in the neighborhood surrounding Lucinda Garcia Park, to discuss proposed upgrades to the facility. The funds will go towards achieving the following goals:
- Expanding the park to the open space area located at the west end of the facility
- Replacing and upgrading the play equipment
- Adding all fall safety surfacing at the playground area
- Installing exercise circuit equipment along the pathway at the park
- Repairing the pathway
- Upgrading the landscaping at the park
- Installing interpretive signage on the history of Lucinda Garcia and the park
- Installing a demonstration garden with drought tolerate and native species
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
How Should Monrovia Spend Its New $4.5 Million Sales Tax Revenue?
Take this 9-question "Measure K Preliminary Spending Plan Community Survey" here: https://is.gd/yPDMfF
On November 5, 2019, residents of Monrovia voted to approve Measure K, the Keep Monrovia Revenues Local Sales Tax Measure, to ensure new sales tax revenues stay in Monrovia to be reinvested into the community. Measure K will generate an estimated $4.5 million per year in additional sales tax revenues for the City. Leading up to the election, a preliminary five-year expenditure plan was developed, identifying community enhancing projects. Those who choose to take the survey will be asked to rank these spending plan options, which includes:
- Establishing a new and/or improved community center
- Reducing costs for residents by decreasing utility bills, such as water
- Working towards a AAA credit rating by building the rainy day fund and planning for future costs increases
- Investing in public buildings, park improvements and community facilities
- Addressing other community priorities like affordable housing, preventing homelessness, youth programs and public safety, etc.
After April 30, the findings of the survey will be discussed by the Monrovia City Council, along with the Measure K Citizens Advisory Committee, and will be shared with the community. Hard copies of the surveys are available upon request. The new sales tax will go into effect on April 1, 2020. For additional information on Measure K, visit MonroviaMeasureK.org.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Sons of Korah Tonight at Calvary Chapel Monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents Classic Opera Music
The concert will traverse nations and centuries, from Henry Purcell's intimate Baroque chamber opera Dido and Aeneas to the full-throated Romanticism of Verdi's "Va, pensiero" with a little Mozart, Gilbert & Sullivan, and Benjamin Britten thrown in for lyricism and laughs. A women's "Chorus of Peasant Girls" from Eugene Onegin by Piotr Tchaikovsky is the musical topping.
The concert will offer an historical overview from the 1600s of Henry Purcell to the WWII era of Benjamin Britten, with choruses plus solos and duets from significant operas.
Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, written in 1680 and, based on the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas immortalized by Virgil in the Aeneid, is heralded as the birth of English opera. Not quite on the heels of Purcell's operatic success was G. F. Handel's Alcina, an opera seria which entertained London's Covent Garden audiences in 1735 with it "Chorus of the Enchanted Islanders" and also featured several instrumental segments to showcase the talents of then beloved ballerina Marie Sallé. Composed nearly 50 years later during the Classical period, but with elements of Baroque opera seria, the "Voyager's Chorus" from Mozart's Idomeneo shines as his greatest chorus opera and was written in 1781 when he was only 24. Jumping ahead 60 years, enter the "Va, pensiero" from Giuseppi Verdi's beloved Nabucco. This impassioned chorus is most strongly associated with Italy's 19th century struggle for nationhood. Also by Verdi and immediately recognizable by everyone from opera buffs to fans of Looney Tunes cartoons is the "Anvil Chorus" from Il Trovatore, written in 1853. In a departure from the romantic/tragic themes of Verdi, a variety of choruses by Gilbert & Sullivan from their celebrated romp, Pirates of Penzance, will usher in some British Victorian era levity from 1879. Composed only a year earlier (1878) by Piotr Tchaikovsky, the "Chorus of Peasant Girls" from Eugene Onegin will spotlight this Russian opera based on selected passages from Alexander Pushkin's novel in verse by the same name. And finally, representing the 20th century will be Benjamin's Britten's "Old Joe Has Gone Fishing" from his opera Peter Grimes. Premiering in 1945 at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, it was greeted with wild critical and popular acclaim. It is said Britten carried the manuscript around with him during the years of London's devastating bombing by the Nazis, nervous of leaving it unattended.
Selections will be conducted by SGVCC Artistic Director Alexandra Grabarchuk, and Associate Artistic Director David Rentz. Ukrainian-born conductor Dr. Grabarchuk is Director of Choral Activities at Whittier College. Rentz is Associate Professor of Music at Chaffey College and Adjunct Professor of Music and supervisor of the graduate conducting program at Claremont Graduate University.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at www.sgvccsingers.org, or by sending checks payable to: SGVCC, 2648 E. Workman Ave., Ste. 3001 #312, West Covina, CA 91791. Tickets purchased online by March 20 will be eligible for a $5 discount. Tickets will also be available at the door.
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Named 'Military Friendly' for Entire Decade
Citrus College's supportive environment for veterans, coupled with the college's ability to meet academic thresholds, such as student retention, persistence and graduation rates, contributed to this year's "Gold" distinction.
This past year, nearly 400 student veterans benefited from services provided by the Citrus College Veterans Success Center.
- Brad Haugaard
Women's Suffrage Event; Creating a Business; Survey on Dementia
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ On this 100th anniversary year of the 19th Amendment, the Monrovia Historical Preservation Group and Monrovia Historical Museum will co-sponsor a free event on women's suffrage and the 19th Amendment on Sunday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. at the Historical Museum, 742 E. Lemon Ave. There will be a talk on suffrage by Pauline Field, chairman of 50/50 Leadership and light refreshments. https://is.gd/MewciP
~ Oak Crest Institute of Science will sponsor an afternoon of free seminars and discussions on how to get from idea to a successful business on Wednesday, March 4, from 2 to 7 p.m., at Oak Crest's campus on 132 W. Chestnut Ave. Seminars are on intellectual property, corporate structure & fundraising, and accessing small business administration (SBA) services. Registration is required. Register here: https://is.gd/U5dRVc
~ Take a 10-minute confidential survey to help Dementia Friendly Monrovia better direct its work. Here: https://is.gd/5T0CJI
- Brad Haugaard
~ On this 100th anniversary year of the 19th Amendment, the Monrovia Historical Preservation Group and Monrovia Historical Museum will co-sponsor a free event on women's suffrage and the 19th Amendment on Sunday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. at the Historical Museum, 742 E. Lemon Ave. There will be a talk on suffrage by Pauline Field, chairman of 50/50 Leadership and light refreshments. https://is.gd/MewciP
~ Oak Crest Institute of Science will sponsor an afternoon of free seminars and discussions on how to get from idea to a successful business on Wednesday, March 4, from 2 to 7 p.m., at Oak Crest's campus on 132 W. Chestnut Ave. Seminars are on intellectual property, corporate structure & fundraising, and accessing small business administration (SBA) services. Registration is required. Register here: https://is.gd/U5dRVc
~ Take a 10-minute confidential survey to help Dementia Friendly Monrovia better direct its work. Here: https://is.gd/5T0CJI
- Brad Haugaard
Miles the Multitasker - Tennis Ball and Belly Rubs
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
All the Mayoral and City Council Candidate Statements
Here are links to the candidate statements that have run in MonroviaNow during the past six days. None of them have been edited.
Mayoral Candidates
Tom Adams
Stephen Grollnek
Melissa Taylor
City Council Candidates
Donna Baker
Gloria Crudgington
Becky Shevlin
- Brad Haugaard
Mayoral Candidates
Tom Adams
Stephen Grollnek
Melissa Taylor
City Council Candidates
Donna Baker
Gloria Crudgington
Becky Shevlin
- Brad Haugaard
Statement of City Council Candidate Gloria Crudgington
I was first elected to the Monrovia City Council in 2015 and I am running for re-election. I moved to Monrovia 40 years ago. My husband Cleve and I became involved in city politics in 2000, when we ran the successful campaign that saved Monrovia’s foothills from housing development. We received the Iris Award, Monrovia Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award, for our efforts.
I have been on the Board of Directors of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group for 22 years. I successfully lobbied in 2014 for a moratorium on demolition of historic homes and, after I was elected, I worked with my council colleagues to pass anti-mansionization and neighborhood compatibility ordinances and restore our historic train depot.
Our current City Council holds a wide range of views, but we find ways to disagree without being disagreeable. Some of our accomplishments:
- Monrovia Renewal: fixing streets, sidewalks, sewers, etc.
- We brought back Monrovia Days Parade and Carnival.
- We started the Lyft program for subsidized shared rides: 500,000 rides in 2019!
- We stabilized our pension fund and raised Monrovia’s bond rating to AA.
- Our homelessness prevention program kept 23 families in their homes.
My proudest achievement as a Councilmember has been my involvement in Monrovia’s mandated storm water clean-up compliance. My work with regulators and environmental groups has saved Monrovians over $200 Million dollars in compliance costs, without sacrificing water quality. I am running for re-election primarily to ensure that this work is completed.
I credit my success to 30 years’ experience as a Marriage & Family therapist. Although I am retired from clinical practice, I see my expertise in conflict resolution as an extremely helpful tool as a Councilmember. I would very much appreciate your vote.
Please visit my website: www.GloriaCrudgington.com
Bubbles In Library Fountain
Someone apparently put detergent in the Library Park fountain. Thanks to Kelly Moran for photo.
- Brad Haugaard
Statement of City Council Candidate Becky Shevlin
• Seek smart options for continued economic growth and stability.
• Ensure transparency, accountability for Measure K and grant funding, and a balanced budget.
• Provide vital safety and public services, ongoing physical infrastructure repair and maintenance and increasing reserves.
• Preserve and protect our historic homes and districts, Wilderness Preserve and other natural resources.
• Fight for local control to allow Monrovia to address the specific needs of Monrovians.
• Collaborate regionally to address issues of homelessness, housing affordability, and water/stormwater issues.
• Strengthen our City through community education, involvement and volunteerism.
PROUDLY SERVING MONROVIA -
Council Liaison Appointments –
-Adopt-A-School; Clifton Middle School
-Foothill Transit Governing Board
-Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Board
-SG Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees, President
-So CA Association of Governments and CEHD Committee Member
-SGV Council of Governments 2nd VP; Homeless Committee Chair; Capital Projects & Construction Committee
-Healing Connections
-Library Board
Alternate
-Foothill Workforce Development Board
-LA County Sanitation Districts 15/22
-Monrovia Chamber of Commerce
-Community Media of the Foothills
-Historic Preservation Committee
-League of California Cities
Community Member/Supporter
-Friends of the Monrovia Library
-Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, Historical Society, and Historical Museum
-Monrovia Reads Board Member since 2003; Past President 2008/2009, current Treasurer
-Monrovia Community Coordinating Council Member 21 Years, serving in all Executive Board
positions; current Calendar Coordinator
- Monrovia Guild – CHLA Member since 2007, Past President 2017/19, current VP
-Monrovia Latino Heritage Society
-Monrovia Garden Club
-Monrovia Reads, member since 2003; Past President; current Treasurer
-LA County Commission for Women, Commissioner & Past President 2015/17
-Sunday School Teacher ongoing 40 Years
-Supporter of numerous other Community Groups/Organizations
Lunch at Cafe on Lemon
Lunch at the new Cafe on Lemon (former Wang’s Place) on the south side of - you guessed it - Lemon, about a half block east of Myrtle. It’s a casual breakfast-lunch kinda place. Got the Greek Salad ($9.95) with chicken ($4) and a “#NoToxicEnergy” drink (a juice blend) for $5.85. Good. - Brad Haugaard
National News! Bear Sighted in Monrovia!!
Monrovia's latest bear has received media coverage from as far away as Baltimore, Maryland: https://is.gd/wvCki7
Comment: Sigh! I think we Monrovians are getting a bit tired of the media uproar whenever someone takes a bear video. Trees have leaves, the ocean has fish, and Monrovia has bears. Relax.
- Brad Haugaard
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