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Long Time Monrovia Educator, Joanne Montgomery, Has Died

Long time Monrovian, Joanne Montgomery, who just retired last month after 22 years of service on the Citrus College Board of Trustees, has died. City Council member Becky Shevlin said she believes Montgomery was about 86 years old.

Shevlin writes: "Our Monrovia community lost one of its heroes... Joanne was a beloved Monrovia Unified School District teacher, Citrus College board member and was active in countless other community organizations. Joanne was a beautiful example of sharing love and support for all who knew her. She will be missed.

The announcement of her retirement early last month included this information:

She began her career as an educator and worked as an elementary school teacher for the Monrovia Unified School District for 32 years. She was also a master teacher for several universities and served on numerous school committees.

"During her more than 20 years of service to Citrus College and the communities it serves, Trustee Montgomery has contributed greatly to the college's growth and progress. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing Citrus College as a national leader in higher education," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "On behalf of the college community, I congratulate Trustee Montgomery on her retirement and thank her for the decades of guidance and vision she has provided. Her presence at the college will be dearly missed."

Throughout her career, Montgomery received awards as an educator and community leader. Some of her honors include a Teacher of the Year award; being appointed by the California governor to serve on the board of directors for the 48th District Agricultural Association, where she served for more than 16 years; being selected as the 2003 recipient of the Dick Lord Award from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce; being named the 2015 Woman of the Year for Monrovia for California's 48th State Assembly district; and the Outstanding Educator Award from the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association. Most recently, in May 2019, Trustee Montgomery received a Fulfilling the Trust award from the Community College League of California.

Montgomery had a reputation for understanding how big-picture decision-making affected instructors and students. She was a passionate advocate for AB 288, which allowed high school students to take college-credit courses while still in high school, and she tirelessly promoted Citrus College.

- Brad Haugaard


Christmas Home and Business Decorating Contest Winners


The City of Monrovia has announced the winners of the 2020 Holiday Home Decorating Contest and Old Town Monrovia Window Decorating Contest. Here they are:

Home Contest Winners
Best Still Display: 2102 S. Myrtle Avenue
Best Outdoor Display: 633 King Street
Most Effective use of Lighting: 276 N. Primrose Avenue
Best Neighborhood Effort: 517 Valmont Place & Valmont Drive
Santa's Workshop Award: 333 Norumbega Drive
Holiday Spirit Award: 1510 Pilgrim Way
Judge's Award: 209 S. Sunset Place
Children's Choice Award: 826 Ocean View Avenue

Business Contest Winners
Best Overall Display: House of Windsor, 526 S. Myrtle Avenue
Most Creative Display: Saint Clark Bridal, 519 S. Myrtle Avenue
Best Holiday Display: Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 517 S. Myrtle Avenue
Judge's Award: Monrovia Floral, 119 E. Olive Avenue
Most Spectacular Display: Civiltec Engineering, 118 W. Lime Avenue

- Brad Haugaard

Last School Food Distribution of Year on Dec. 18

The last day of meal distribution from Monrovia Schools this year will be this Friday, December 18. The Food Services department will not be distributing meals to the community’s children during the winter break, beginning Monday, December 21, 2020, through Friday, January 1, 2021.

Meal distribution service will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021, from 7:30 am – 11:30 am at all of our school sites. For questions, contact Alex Pelayo at 471-2054.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Reorganize, Honor Former Members Wong and Gililland

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/HCdnWk) the Monrovia School Board will honor Bryan Wong and Ed Gililland for their years of service on the board, and will elect new board officers from among themselves - Board President, Vice President, and Clerk.

- Brad Haugaard

Friendly, Intelligent, Affectionate Dog Seeks Perfect Person


Three-year-old Solange was found injured under a freeway overpass, and our veterinarians suspected she may have been hit by a car. She underwent surgery to repair her fractured femur, and since then has healed wonderfully and blossomed into such a sweet dog! Now that Solange has recovered, she has so much energy and loves to play. She’ll even toss her toys up in the air and catch them! Solange is friendly, intelligent, and affectionate – all she needs now is her perfect person.

Solange is eligible for a 30-day adoption trial. Bring her home with all the supplies, get to know her, and at the end of 30 days, decide if you’d like to adopt. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get started with your 30-day adoption trial.

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.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

School District Given 30,800 Covid Masks

Monrovia School District tweets that Monrovia High School parent David Berger, and Min Zhu, of Global Promo, donated 22 boxes of KN95 masks to MUSD on Dec. 10. Each box had about 1,400 masks, estimating a total of 30,800 masks.

Comment: That's a lotta masks!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Delivers Five Vehicle-Loads of Toys to Boys and Girls Club


Monrovia’s Fellowship Church reports that it’s toy drive for the Monrovia Boys & Girls Club last month brought in “so many donations that it took five vehicles to bring all the toys back to the Boys & Girls Club site.”

- Brad Haugaard

Playgrounds Reopen; Submit Questions for 'State of City' Address; Crosswalk Modification at Lucinda Garcia Park; Ridgeside/Oakglade Preparations

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

~ Playgrounds have been reopened. Wear a mask, keep six feet of separation, wash hands.

~ Have thoughts on what questions the 2021 State of the City address should address? Submit them here:  https://is.gd/4DCYja

~ The crosswalks at the intersection of Olive and Mayflower were put in to make it easier for pedestrians to access Lucinda Garcia Park. Unfortunately, the south-side crosswalk "did not leave sufficient room for motorists to make a left hand turn from Olive Avenue onto Mayflower Avenues." So it's being removed.

~ If you live on or near Ridgeside, Oakglade, or Canyon Park, you may wish to watch this video (about 56 minutes) that describes the city's plan to prevent mudflow damage. Hint - K-rail. https://is.gd/eirZlM

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 135 More Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 12/09/2020. Changes since 12/02/2020.

City of Monrovia: 1,305 cases (up 135), 41 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 142 cases (up 34), no deaths

Redell Pine (residential facility): 2 cases, no deaths

Correction: The increase for the City of Monrovia and Unincorporated Monrovia were incorrect. I've corrected them.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Jake’s Roadhouse


Got a Family Barbecue Dinner for $55 from Jake’s Roadhouse, on the east side of Myrtle a bit north of Olive. We chose tri tip and ribs. It came with six sides and muffins. Very tasty. I especially liked the ribs. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder; Mail Thefts; Burglaries; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 3-9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 307 service events, resulting in 73 investigations. 

Fraud
December 3 at 11:26 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Lime called police to report a fraud incident. The resident had discovered someone had been ordering items using her Amazon account without her permission. An investigation revealed the account was linked to her credit card. She said some of the items had already shipped. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
December 3 at 3:59 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue walked outside his home to go to work and discovered someone had forced entry into his vehicle and attempted to tamper with the ignition. The suspect was unsuccessful in taking the vehicle and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Mail Theft
December 4 at 3:06 a.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of Norumbega and Valmont when he discovered mail scattered in the street. More mail was found scattered from numerous residences on Norumbega. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
December 4 at 9:49 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cypress discovered someone had rummaged through his locked storage box behind his house, which is off an alley. The suspect took miscellaneous car parts and then fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Mail Tampering
December 4 at 10:02 a.m., management of an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona discovered someone had opened packages and mail belonging to several different tenants, then left the packages in the lobby of the complex. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
December 4 at 10:26 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Myrtle called police to report that someone had broken into his neighbor’s storage container. The container had been rummaged through. The owner of the storage container was notified and was responding from out of town. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
December 4 at 11:41 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Norumbega discovered checks she had mailed through the U.S. Post Office had not arrived at their destination. Investigation revealed they had been taken and cashed by someone other than the recipient. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 4 at 3:41 p.m., a motorist called police to report being hit by another driver who collided into the back of her vehicle at the intersection of Monterey and Parker. The driver fled the scene without stopping. Officers arrived and checked the area, but did not locate the suspect vehicle. The victim was not injured. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 9:43 a.m., an officer stopped a motorist in the 1400 block of S. Myrtle for a driving violation. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was arrested. 

Injury Traffic Collision
December 5 at 11:12 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. Both drivers complained of pain so paramedics also responded to the scene. The driver who was found to be at fault was issued a citation. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 5 at 1:29 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of California and Walnut. The caller reported no one was injured. Officers arrived and facilitated an exchange of information only. 

Shots Fired
December 5 at 9:47 p.m., officers responded to a shooting that occurred in the 300 block of W. Duarte. No one was injured. Evidence of the shooting was recovered at the scene. Detectives arrived on scene and took over the investigation. The investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Murder
December 5 at 9:50 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a call of shots heard in the area. Moments later, dispatch received a call indicating two adult males had sustained gunshot wounds while driving in the 400 block of W. Huntington. They immediately drove home and called the police. Officers and paramedics responded and treated the victims. They were transported to a local hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 8:03 p.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of W. Duarte observed a bicycle riding without a front light in violation of the vehicle code. The officer stopped the rider, and an investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. The rider was arrested and issued a citation. 

Burglary
December 7 at 7:16 a.m., an employee of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington arrived to work and noticed the front glass window was broken. Officers arrived and contacted the property owner. During the investigation, it was learned that the glass window was broken and the suspects removed the cash register. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 7 at 11:26 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area around Station Square and saw a subject on a bicycle fail to stop at a red light traffic signal. The officer stopped the bicyclist. An investigation revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant. 

Vehicle Burglary
On December 9 at 4:14 a.m., a possible vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of E. Pomona. The victim called police to report that the alarm was going off on his vehicle. Officers arrived and saw that someone had broken into the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
December 9 at 2:25 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. During the investigation, the officer was able to obtain evidence possibly identifying the suspect. The next day, the officer drove to a residence in search of the vehicle used in the crime and located it in a rear parking lot of an apartment complex. The victim's property could be seen inside the vehicle. The officer had the vehicle towed to the police station, and after a search warrant was obtained, various items taken from the victim were recovered. This investigation is continuing. 

Medical Assist
December 9 at 12:45 p.m., a female subject called police dispatch to report a male subject that was down and not breathing. An officer responded and, upon arrival, administered two doses of Narcan and the subject recovered. Paramedics arrived and treated the subject at the scene. He was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. 

Memorial Fund Created for Monrovia Student Who Died

A GoFundMe memorial fund for Mya Victor, the Monrovia student who died tragically December 6 at just 16 years old, has been set up to cover a memorial service and cremation expenses of $10,000. At this writing $7,821 has been contributed. https://is.gd/ZxWBTN

Update: Now, more than $11,500 has been contributed.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School District Webinar on 'Hybrid Model of Learning'

The Monrovia School District will hold two informational webinars on "Developing a Hybrid Model of Learning" on December 10, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., to share information and thoughts gathered through ThoughtExchanges from parents, students and staff on the Districts plan to develop a hybrid learning model.

To join either of the webinars mentioned above, please register by clicking on the links below:

10 a.m. https://is.gd/SUVOJQ

6 p.m. https://is.gd/oLvhaA

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Police Arrest Suspect in Sunday Shooting

On Sunday, November 29, at 1:29 a.m. Monrovia Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting with a victim down in the 400 block of E, Maple Ave. Based on statements and evidence obtained at the scene by responding officers, Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau immediately began working leads in an attempt to identify and locate the suspect. 

On the evening of Tuesday, December 8, Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau personnel, with assistance from the L.A. IMPACT regional task force, located the suspect in the city of La Puente. The suspect was arrested without incident on a charge of attanpted murder and is currently being held in custody at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail. 

While an arrest has been made this incident is still considered to be under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau Commander at (626) 256-8041. For general inquiries please contact the Watch Commander at (626) 256-8000.

Source: Monrovia Police press release 

- Brad Haugaard 

Bob - Handsome Kitty With a Big Personality


Two-year-old Bob is active, energetic, and loves attention! This handsome kitty would do best in a home with an experienced cat person who is not only savvy with cat body language, but can also give Bob all the mental stimulation (like puzzle feeders and lots of playtime) he needs to be happy. Bob is an enthusiastic guy who purrs when he’s touched and eagerly accepts treats. He has such a big personality!

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 Superintendent Reports Death of High School Student

Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian reports that ...

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that one of our high school students tragically passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020. This will be a painful time for the student’s family, friends, and classmates. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

We will offer grief counseling for students and staff starting Monday, December 7, 2020, and continuing as long as needed. Members of our crisis response team, including counselors, school psychologists, and D’veal Family & Youth Services therapists are available.

To make an appointment for individual counseling, please contact your school administrator or counselor by email or phone. Our school counselors can make appointments to provide counseling services while following pandemic guidelines for social distancing.

The family has requested that information about the cause of death not be shared at this time. We are aware there have been rumors that this was a death by suicide. Since the subject of suicide has been raised, we would like to remind you that suicide is a complex act with many causes.

I am including our district link to mental health services. Our resources include links to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, as well as other mental health resources for your child or family. I’ve also attached a document on how to discuss suicide with your child.

We also will host a webinar on suicide awareness and prevention with D’veal Family & Youth Services at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. This webinar will identify risk factors and warning signs of suicide. See ParentSquare communication for the Zoom webinar.

D’veal Family & Youth Services also holds office hours from 5:30 to 6 p.m. every weekday.


- Brad Haugaard

Covid Makes Monrovia Suspend Most Parking Enforcement; Possible Power Outage in Northwest Monrovia

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

~ That because the LA County Department of Public Health says Intensive Care Unit capacity has fallen below 15 percent, "effective immediately, the City will suspend parking enforcement activities except for illegal parking considered a hazard or danger to the public such as blocking a fire hydrant, parking in a red zone, or parking in a designated ADA stall. Please continue to be mindful of your street sweeping and trash pick-up schedules, as those services will continue."

~ SoCal Edison (SCE) may shut off power in part of Monrovia because of Santa Ana winds predicted through tomorrow evening, which may constitute a fire danger. The area that MAY be affected is roughly north of Foothill from the Arcadia border east to Mayflower.

- Brad Haugaard

Two Shooting Incidents Saturday Night in Monrovia

Monrovia Police Deparment Detectives are conducting an attempted murder investigation following a shooting on Saturday; Decenber 5, at approximately 9:47 p.m.

Officers responded to the 300 block of W. Duarte regarding a "shots heard" call in the area. Moments later, another "shots heard" call was received tor the 400 block of W. Huntington.  Two male adults sustained gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  Evidence of the shooting was recovered at the scene.  The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

No additional information is available for release at this time due to this being an active investigation, 

Anyone with information is urged to call the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 256-8041.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Wind Monday Evening to Noon Tuesday

The National Weather Service is predicting Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph in the San Gabriel Valley from 6 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday. "Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects." https://is.gd/fLoN24

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Historical Society Unveils 83 Videos on Monrovia History

What's the origin of Monrovia's street names? Really? There was a Banana Avenue?

The Monrovia Historical Society has unveiled a set of 83 videos on Monrovia history featuring Monrovia Historical Society President - and City Historian - Steve Baker.


During this months-long project Historical Society Vice President Sandy Burud interviewed Baker - a fifth generation Monrovian with a gift for storytelling - about the great bank robbery of 1908, a murder, an explosion, the fire that destroyed our grand old hotel, early architecture, churches, schools, movie theaters, film studios, and dozens more topics.

A selection of videos is on the Monrovia Historical Society web page (monroviahistoricalsociety.org/monrovia-stories), but many more are on its YouTube Channel, here: . Or, just search YouTube for "Monrovia Historical Society."

The Monrovia Historical Society's goal is to “preserve and share Monrovia’s historical legacy” through the George H. Anderson House at 215 E Lime and the Legacy Project (monroviahistoricalsociety.org/legacy-project), an online collection of 6,000 historic photos and papers.