- Brad Haugaard
County Grants Available to Small Restaurants - Brief Window to Apply
Retiring Monrovia School Board Member Ed Gililland Reflects on His Years on Board
As I retire from the Monrovia Unified School District I look back on 15 years of service to this great community, our educators, and our students. There are many great memories, a lot of good memories, and a few memories that were not so good.
Great memories include working with some excellent, dedicated, and hard working School Board members and educators. Even though the Board is elected via the political process there was very little political influence in our work or decisions. We all wanted what's best for the students. The greatest memories though are of graduation ceremonies and shaking hands with the students who were ready to go out into the world with the skills and knowledge they would need to succeed. Particularly great were those evenings I was able to shake hands with graduates that had been in kindergarten and first grade classes I visited early in my School Board days.
Really good memories include the establishment of dual immersion language programs, math & science academy at MHS, arts programs, music programs, coding programs, and specialties at each elementary. We were also able to save and improve our Adult School while other Districts lost theirs. So many other great programs have been established and we have seen tremendous growth in academic rigor and success.
Really tough days include the ridiculously tough budget cuts and accompanying staff and program cuts. Also tough were staff and student disciplinary actions.
The only regret I have is that just as we were seeing the opening of a path to academic excellence and closing the achievement gap, we had to close the schools and completely retool our delivery to distance learning.
I thank the wonderful people of Monrovia for the opportunity to serve all these years and the for the great cooperation and sense of community that you create here in this beautiful place we live.
Sweet and Gentle Bear Looking for a Home
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
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 and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Covid Fatalities Drop Dramatically, City Council to Consider Alternatives to County's Shutting Down Outdoor Restaurant Dining
Feik said that the number of Monrovia fatalities from Covid has declined to 7 in the last four months compared to 33 in the previous four months.
He added that the city is concerned that 10-15 percent of Covid cases can be traced to outdoor restaurant dining while more than 50 percent can be traced to private social gatherings. "The City's concern is that by closing restaurants, the Order will adversely incentivize residents to dine together, indoors, and without any safety precautions in place."
- Brad Haugaard
Sunday Morning Shooting Leaves Man Wounded
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch from Ikonicks
Just got lunch from Ikonicks Burgers, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Lime. Got the Shrimp Burger for $13 and a beer for $1.50 No seating, of course, so I walked it over to Library Park. The burger had a beef patty and whole shrimp grilled onions and a creamy sauce. It was delicious and the beer was cold and crisp!- Brad Haugaard
Green Returning to Burned Hills
In the charred hills above Monrovia spots of green are beginning to reappear. This photo is on Clamshell Road, which winds through Monrovia Wilderness Preserve.
- Brad Haugaard
Weekly Coronavirus Count: 1,071 Cases
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
11/25/2020. Changes since
11/17/2020.
City of Monrovia: 1,071 cases, 40 deaths
Unincorporated Monrovia: 97 cases, no deaths
- Brad Haugaard
City of Monrovia: 1,071 cases, 40 deaths
Unincorporated Monrovia: 97 cases, no deaths
- Brad Haugaard
City Council: Two Homes Considered for Historic Status; New Member for Old Town Board; Low Income Housing Agency
353 Patterson house, one of two homes being considered for historic status.
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/E0hZ5f) the Monrovia City Council will ...
~ Participate in a graduation ceremony for Monrovia Area Partnership Youth And Adult Leadership Academy. https://is.gd/MBpWJq
~ Appointing Gina Ammon to the board to fill the unexpired term of Dominique Strivings on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. Term ends June 30, 2022. https://is.gd/ZgNQGB
~ Consider designating the houses at 353 Patterson Drive (https://is.gd/h7Gs8j) and 363 Patterson Drive (https://is.gd/eBonZe) as historic landmarks.
~ Consider joining the California Community Housing Agency (CalCHA) Joint Powers Authority, which would issue "tax-exempt bonds for the production, preservation, and protection of essential middle-income rental housing." https://is.gd/hn8GeO
- Brad Haugaard
Happy Thanksgiving, Monrovia!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:5
- Brad Haugaard
Weather Service Predicts Blustery Thanksgiving for Monrovia Area
- Brad Haugaard
Small Business Saturday - Win Raffle Tickets; Wilderness Preserve Foundation Renamed
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ This Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. is Small Business Saturday in Old Town. Bring a receipt from your Saturday purchase in Old Town to the booth at the northeast corner of Lemon and Myrtle and earn a raffle ticket for every $20 spent.
~ The non-profit Monrovia Wilderness Preserve Foundation has been renamed to the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation to reflect its expanded mission, which is to "support Canyon Park, the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, park improvements outlined in the adopted Monrovia Parks Master Plan, recreation programs and facilities, or other community programs." It would like your support. Details: https://is.gd/YR0k9t
Comment: I like this idea generally, but I'd feel more comfortable if its mission was a bit more tightly defined. "Other community programs" seems to say the money could be used for just about anything.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Real Gun or Airsoft Gun; Collision - Both Drivers Said They Had the Green; Plus, Drugs, Alcohol, Catalytic Converters
For Police Department news and information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Nextdoor.
Vehicle Tampering / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 7:33 a.m., officers responded to a report of an unknown subject going through a vehicle parked in the 100 block of W. Duarte. They arrived and found a female subject inside a vehicle. Investigation revealed the vehicle did not belong to her. She admitted to breaking into the vehicle and vandalizing it. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 12:26 p.m., a caller reported an elderly female who appeared to be intoxicated while driving in the 200 block of E. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the vehicle on the road. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The investigation revealed she was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. She was arrested and held for a sobering period. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Attempt Theft
November 19 at 7:18 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Maple called police to report someone attempted to steal the catalytic converter off his van. He parked his vehicle a couple days prior. When he returned and attempted to start his vehicle, he heard a loud noise coming from underneath. He looked and saw one end of the catalytic converter hanging on the ground. He inspected it and noticed someone cut the one end. This investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 20 at 7:46 a.m., on officer on patrol near the intersection of Peck and Longden observed a vehicle parked near the intersection that appeared abandoned. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Ontario. The vehicle was recovered and returned to the registered owner. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
November 20 at 8:02 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of S. Mountain. The victim reported that someone had smashed a window on his vehicle while it was parked. Several items had been taken from the vehicle, including a set of golf clubs. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
November 20 at 11:31 a.m., a grand theft was reported to police. The victim reported his bicycle was stolen from the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.
Court Order Violation / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
November 20 at 4:07 p.m., an officer on patrol near the intersection of Monterey and Walnut was flagged down by a resident regarding two subjects involved in a verbal fight. The officer contacted the subjects involved, a male and female. Investigation revealed the female subject had a court order restraining her from being near the male subject. The male subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 21 at 12:02 a.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill called police to report a subject that was harassing one of his customers, and when told to leave, the subject refused. Officers arrived and spoke with the subject. Investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested.
Commercial Burglary
November 21 at 7:22 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a gated parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia. A male suspect broke into the lot sometime during the night. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. Video surveillance showed the suspect trying to steal the center console out of a vehicle, causing a large amount of damage. This investigation is continuing.
Assault
November 21 at 10:17 a.m., a fight was reported in the 800 block of E. Huntington. A witness reported a male subject punched another male subject, who fell down. The suspect then left the location. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. They were able to determine a possible suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
November 21 at 11:55 a.m., the manager of a public storage facility in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a unit had been broken into and burglarized. Officers arrived and saw items inside the storage unit had been taken. This investigation is continuing.
Shots Fired
November 21 at 6:36 p.m., police dispatch received a phone call reporting shots fired in the area of California and Olive. The reporting party said he was riding his bicycle west on Olive, when a black sedan pulled alongside him and fired 3 to 4 shots in his direction. He said it sounded like loud pops, and, fortunately, he was not hit. A witness was interviewed and said it sounded like an Airsoft gun. Officers canvassed the area and no evidence of shell casings or bullet holes were located. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 2:58 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mountain and Duarte when he saw a driver commit a driving violation. He conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed and it was determined the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and held for a sobering period. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 2:43 p.m., a caller reported a male subject with a knife in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and contacted a male subject they recognized from previous encounters. An investigation revealed the suspect had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant.
Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 4:37 p.m., a witness called police to report multiple subjects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked in the 900 block of Ocean View. The suspects left in a vehicle and the caller was able to direct officers to their location. One suspect was located, and he was also found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and the theft.
Grand Theft Auto
November 23 at 9:49 a.m., a rental vehicle was stolen from the 400 block of E. Duarte. Officers responded and checked the area for the vehicle, but did not locate it. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 23 at 11:49 a.m., a vehicle was traveling south on California and collided with a vehicle traveling west on Huntington. Both drivers stated they had a green light and both parties complained of pain. They were treated on scene by paramedics.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 23 at 12:36 p.m., a vehicle was traveling west on Huntington, and then turned south onto Fifth, failing to yield for a vehicle, and the vehicles collided in the intersection. One of the parties complained of pain and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Residential Burglary – Suspects Arrested
November 23 at 2:22 p.m., residents living in the 700 block of W. Foothill called police to report someone was breaking into an apartment. Officers arrived and discovered two suspects had broken into an empty, boarded up apartment. One suspect was detained outside and two were detained inside the residence. All three suspects were arrested for burglary.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 3:03 p.m., a male and female subject arrived at the Monrovia Police Department parking lot to conduct a child exchange. An argument began, so the mother walked toward the station to speak with an officer. While walking to the station, she saw her vehicle leaving the parking lot with her daughter in the vehicle. The suspect was driving away. Officers contacted the father by phone, but he said he did not take the victim's vehicle. He claimed to be having a meal with his daughter and would return her when he was done. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. He was later arrested when he brought the victim’s vehicle back to the police station.
Robbery – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 5:06 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a shoplifting that had just occurred. During the theft, the subject brandished a knife and fled the area. Officers arrived and checked the area. The suspect was found and positively identified by an employee. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 6:54 p.m., a male subject was reported smoking some type of narcotic, and possibly being under the influence, in the 200 block of E. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the subject, who they recognized from several prior contacts. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 24 at 7:16 p.m., a skateboarder was riding east on Jeffries, passing Peck, when he was hit by a beige Toyota Camry with a LYFT sticker in the rear window. The skateboarder fell down. The Toyota Camry did not stop and continued traveling north on Peck. Officers arrived and completed an investigation. The skateboarder complained of pain to his leg and was treated by paramedics. This investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
November 24 at 10:52 p.m., officers patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington saw a subject they recognized from past encounters. Investigation revealed the subject is on parole. He was contacted and was found to be with two other known drug users. All three were found to be in possession of a controlled substance. All three suspects were arrested.
Handicap Doesn't Stop This Kitty!
Mystique was found as a stray, injured and without use of her back legs. Although she’s permanently paralyzed, this three-month-old kitten is thriving in foster care! Mystique is energetic and playful, chasing after her toys like any other kitten, and using her litter box without any issues. She loves being petted and especially enjoys a good chin rub. Mystique was a little shy with adults at first before warming up to them, but she was immediately comfortable with the two young children in her foster home. This sweet kitten with the permanent smile on her face is ready to bring so many smiles to her future adopter!
The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
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 and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Historical Society to Unveil a Gift to Community at Annual Meeting
Inside Monrovia Historical Society's Anderson House.
Both members and non-members are invited to the Monrovia Historical Society's annual gathering on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2-4 p.m. on Zoom. The program will "Unveil a new gift we've been working on all year, which you can enjoy at home."
There will also be an opportunity for participants to try to "Stump Steve" [City Historian Steve Baker] with their trickiest questions about Monrovia's history. Also, new board members will be introduced and there will be an opportunity for people to share their thoughts on the Historical Society's focus going forward.
If you'd like to attend, please RSVP to Penny Zuk at 274-7568 or pennyzuk@aol.com so there will be enough goodies (pick up in advance to chew on during the Zoom call). Here is the Zoom link for the meeting: https://wmp.zoom.us/j/
- Brad Haugaard
Free Thanksgiving Meals for Children from Monrovia High
On Monday, the school will provide one complete meal for every child; on Tuesday tow complete meals (one meal for Tuesday and the other meal for Wednesday). The meal service time will stay the same: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 am.
For questions contact Alex Pelayo at 471-2054.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Names Classified Employee, and Teacher, of the Year
Mrs. Theresa Brunn was selected as the Classified Employee of the Year. She serves as the Personnel Technician in the Human Resources Department and has been with the District since 2006, first serving as a Clerical Assistant II in the Superintendent’s office, and next as a Senior Account Clerk in Payroll from 2012-2015.
Danny Ray was selected as Teacher of the Year. Ray teaches Social Science, Renaissance leadership, and P.E. at Clifton Middle School. This year marks Danny’s 10th year at Clifton, but this decade only represents half of his career in education as a teacher.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia School Board Recognizes Top Scholars
- Brad Haugaard
Dan Sipple Wins Contest for 'Art in Public Places' Logo
The AIPP Committee believed that Sipple's logo fully captured the spirit of the stated requirements. It reflects Monrovia culture and characteristics, includes the words "Monrovia" and "Art in Public Places," incorporates Myrtle leaves and reproduces well in different sizes and formats.
- Brad Haugaard
A Toy Drive Where You Don't Give a Toy
Don't give a toy if you'd like to donate to the Monrovia Police Officer's Association's Spark of Love toy collection this year. Because of the plague, no physical donations for this event. If you would like to make a general donation or contribution to the association, please visit its website at www.monroviapoa.org.
- Brad Haugaard
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