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Dinner at Lord Empanada

Dinner at Lord Empanada, on the east side of Myrtle just south of the freeway. Got three empanadas, beef, chicken, and spinach-cheese, for $3.50 each (they also have sandwiches) and blindly grabbed a canned drink I later figured out was a mimosa, for $10. All three empanadas were very good but my favorite was the spinach-cheese. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Haunted Aztec Hotel October 30


- Brad Haugaard 

Costume Party at VFW October 30


- Brad Haugaard 

Pop-Up Market at Aztec Hotel October 30


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Reserve Detective Fred Hirigoyen Dies



Monrovia Police Department announcement:

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Reserve Detective Fred Hirigoyen. Fred passed after a valiant battle with cancer. We will truly miss Fred and his positive and caring spirit around the station. ⠀
Fred Hirigoyen was a man who spent most of his adult life as a public servant.  He served in the Army, in Europe, and retired from Pasadena PD as an Evidence Technician, a job he loved.  Fred was a superhero, not only did he have his career with Pasadena PD, but he simultaneously volunteered at the Monrovia Police Department for over 30 years as a Reserve Officer on Friday nights. He worked with several of our newer officers, mentoring them and perfecting their skills as DUI investigators. He was part of our range staff and enjoyed teaching, coaching and mentoring our officers with their firearms proficiency.  ⠀
Over the last five years, Fred began volunteering in the Detective Bureau and Evidence Room, processing evidence three days a week.  Needless to say, Fred did it all and always with a smile! We are forever grateful for the knowledge and legacy he leaves behind. He is survived by the love of his life and partner who was devoted to caring for him while he was ill.

- Brad Haugaard 

Teddy: Big, Friendly Teddy Bear


Two-year-old Teddy is a big, friendly teddy bear! At first glance, you might be drawn to Teddy because of his unique chocolate coloring. But once you meet him, you’ll also discover his happy, playful personality and fall in love even more! Teddy likes toys and treats, and acts a lot like a grown-up puppy. He would do best as the only dog in the home with an adopter who can continue his training using lots of positive reinforcement, and give him lots of love and playtime.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Spooky Science this Thursday


- Brad Haugaard 

Mary Ann Lutz on Citrus Peace Studies Program

Commentary by Mary Ann Lutz,
Monrovia representative to Citrus College Governing Board

In divided times, it's refreshing to know there is an academic program at Citrus College dedicated to building bridges and finding common ground.

Three years ago, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office approved the Citrus College Associate of Arts in Peace Studies program. What began as a single course in spring 2016 - Humanities 123: Introduction to Peace Studies - has since grown into a discipline that prepares students for majors in peace studies, conflict resolution and international relations.

Its genesis can be traced to Dr. David Overly, an English instructor who has been with Citrus College for three decades.

On Dec. 10, 2013, five days after the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Dr. Overly was reading a newspaper article about Mandela's funeral and wondered what he could personally do to make an impact in the world.

He then hit upon the idea that, as a pathway to peace, he could publicize new genetic evidence suggesting that humans are all closely related to one another. His first step toward starting a peace studies program at Citrus College was the development of this introductory course.

One of the most parts of the program is that it encompasses several important fields, including humanities, biology, history, political science and sociology. Some of the required courses include Biology 145: Environmental Science; Sociology 202: Contemporary Social Problems; History 155: History of the Vietnam War; and Political Science 116: International Relations.

Peace studies, Dr. Overly said, "Helps students to develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and encourages tolerance and respect for multiple points of view, illuminating the underlying reasons for conflict in the contemporary world.

"I would like my students to understand that peace is possible," Dr. Overly added. "There are ways to solve conflicts without first resorting to violence."

The future of the program is bright. Another course - Humanities 130: Conflict Analysis and Resolution - has recently been added, and one instructor is interested in developing a course in human rights. Dr. Overly said he'd also like to bring in guest speakers and establish peace studies scholarships.

As the Monrovia area's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am proud of what Citrus College's Peace Studies program has achieved. I hope even more will consider taking courses within the program or choosing it as a major.

For more information, visit https://tny.im/m8EeE

Source: Citrus College press release, photo courtesy Citrus College

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: The 1917 Seagrave Fire Engine In Its Early Days

1917 Seagrave Fire Engine postcard. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Alternative at Calvary Chapel


Calvary Chapel Monrovia will hold a Harvest event on October 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m. with free candy, a petting zoo, games, food and a variety of music. The church is at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Cherry.

- Brad Haugaard 

Trunk or Treat at Monrovia High Parking Lot October 30

Monrovia's Fellowship Church will host a drive-thru "Trunk-or-Treat" event for families on October 30 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Monrovia High School parking lot.

"Wear a costume, decorate your car, and join us to drive through our playful and engaging experience! You’ll get to see Fellowship staff, participate in an interactive game, and receive a treat bag to take home and enjoy."

- Brad Haugaard


People Warned Against Eating Citterio Salami, Sold at Trader Joe's

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people to avoid eating Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks sold at Trader Joe's - based in Monrovia. The salami has been linked to a salmonella outbreak. https://tny.im/qasEE

- Brad Haugaard

Saturday Street Dining in Old Town to End October 30; School Safety Street Improvements Near Bradoaks

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

~ Saturday night Outdoor Dining in Old Town will end on Saturday, October 30.  Based on comments from merchants in the 400 block of Myrtle Avenue, the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board recommended ending Saturday night street closures. Outdoor dining will continue on Friday nights at part of the weekly Street Fair.

~ The contractor on the Safe Routes to School Project has completed a raised crosswalk and thermoplastic traffic markings in front of Bradoaks Elementary School to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic speed. To come: Solar speed feedback signs and more concrete work. Should be done by the end of November or early December.

- Brad Haugaard

New Job Opening with the City of Monrovia - Firefighter

Open position:

Firefighter, full time, $76,835 - $102,966 annually. 

Details: https://tny.im/anKoK

- Brad Haugaard


Free Compost October 23

Reservations required. For more information and to make a reservation, contact Public Works at 932-5575 or pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard 

Drop off Bulky Items October 23


- Brad Haugaard 

Make a Difference Day October 23


Sign up here
- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 30 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 10/20/2021. Changes since 10/13/2021.

City of Monrovia: 4,003 cases (up 30), 83 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 446 cases (up 1), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

House of Windsor on Myrtle Closing



- Brad Haugaard 

Grow Monrovia Wants Shade Trees Along West Foothill

Foothill today (above), and as envisioned by Grow Monrovia (below).

Next week the non-profit organization, Grow Monrovia, will begin a project to shade west Foothill by encouraging commercial and residential property owners along Foothill Blvd who have space in their front yards to plant a free shade tree. The organization is also looking for donations of time and money. A $100 donation sponsors a tree. Details: https://www.growmonrovia.org/shop-1.  To contact Grow Monrovia write to info@growmonrovia.org.

- Brad Haugaard