A patient at Pottenger's Sanatorium? From the Kim Anderson collection. See full details here.
City to Seek Company to Make Improvements at Lucinda Garcia Park
At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/tApmZ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ Getting bids from companies to make improvements at Lucinda Garcia Park (https://tny.im/tStS3). These improvements are:
- Expanding the park to the open space area located at the west end of the facility
- Replacing and upgrading the play equipment
- Adding fall safety surfacing for the entire playground area
- Installing exercise circuit equipment along the pathway at the park
- Replacing the pathway and enhancing the park lighting
- 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
~ Proclaim March as March 4 Balance: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month (https://tny.im/uuas), and American Red Cross Month (https://tny.im/SyRWR).
- Brad Haugaard
Online Gardening Classes Through Water District
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, based in Monrovia, is offering these online classes. Click through for more information or to sign up:
Drought Resilient Lawn Care, March 10, 2022, 6-7 p.m.
Drought Resilient Lawn Care, March 22, 2022, 12-1 p.m.
Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil, April 7, 2022, 6-7 p.m.
Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil, April 26, 2022, 12-1 p.m.
Firescaping: Reducing the Vulnerability, May 12, 2022, 12-1 p.m.
Compost: Building the Soil Sponge, June 9, 2022, 12-1 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Adrian Ayala Appointed New Principal at Monrovia High
The Monrovia Unified School District has announced that the Board of Education has appointed Adrian Ayala to be the new principal at Monrovia High School. Ayala joins Monrovia from Hueneme High School in Oxnard, where he has been the principal since 2017.
Ayala grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and has more than 30 years of experience in education, having served in a variety of leadership roles at both the site and district level. He has an extensive background in curriculum, instruction, and student support, and has developed a reputation for improving outcomes for all students through his collaborative leadership style. Ayala also has significant experience with leading and supporting athletic programs and extracurricular activities, things that are an essential part of the student experience at Monrovia High School. He is bilingual in both English and Spanish.
Upon accepting the position, Adrian Ayala said, “I am honored and excited to serve the Monrovia Unified School District community. I am grateful to the Board of Education for their confidence, and I look forward to building upon the successes and rich traditions of Monrovia High School.”
Dr. Ryan Smith, Superintendent, commented, “We are extremely proud to announce Adrian Ayala as the new Principal of Monrovia High School. With his background, experience, and track record of success, I have no doubt that achievement will rise to new heights under his leadership. I would like to thank Interim-Principal Flint Fertig for stepping in to lead the school as we conducted our search.”
Ayala is expected to officially start his new role on April 11, however, his transition to Monrovia High School will begin before then. Opportunities for students, families, teachers, and staff to meet him will be announced at a later date.
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
First Presbyterian Church To Install New Senior Pastor
Larson has been serving in church ministry for 25 years in Northwest Ohio, the Los Angeles area, and most recently served as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for 8-1/2 years.
He has a communications degree from Bowling Green State University and an MDiv from Fuller Seminary. He is working on a Doctor of Ministry in Leading Congregational and Organizational Change at Fuller Seminary.
Joel is married to Elisha, and they have three children, Claire, Will, and Finn. Joel enjoys surfing, cycling, mountain biking, and hiking. https://tny.im/VA0tr
- Brad Haugaard
Students Recognize Black History Month With Art Work
In partnership with the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association, students recognized Black and African American icons throughout history by covering every wall in the Monrovia Community Center room with art pieces for the 9th Annual Black History Month Arts Festival.
- Brad Haugaard
New Water Bill To Show: Water Consumption, Penalties, Targets; Recycling Guide; Monrovia Buildings Painted On Rocks
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ Your next utility bill will have a different look. (Numbers correspond to image above.)
- Consumption Details. Additional information about about consumption, and your water target.
- Excess Usage Penalty Amount. What you owe if you fail to meet your water target.
- Water Conservation Targets. The maximum amount of water you are allowed each month.
~ If you are interested in how to recycle specific trash items (plastic bags and films, for instance), here's a guide from Athens: https://tny.im/5hAf6
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Xencor Reports a Financially Successful 2021
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 33 More Cases, One Death in Unincorporated Monrovia
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
02/23/2022. Changes since
02/16/2022.
City of Monrovia: 8,093 cases (up 33), 99 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 839 cases (up 5), 4 deaths (up 1)
- Brad Haugaard
City of Monrovia: 8,093 cases (up 33), 99 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 839 cases (up 5), 4 deaths (up 1)
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Today Magazine Not Quite Ready ...
- Brad Haugaard
Wild Rose School Celebrates Its 110th Birthday
On the 110th day of school of its 110 year, Wild Rose School of Creative Arts celebrated its birthday. The campus was built in 1912.
In honor of the day staff and students did their best impressions of what they would look like if they were 110 years old. There was an assembly on the front porch of the school and people from the Monrovia Historical Museum shared fun facts from 1912 to today.
School staff performed “When I’m Sixty Four” by The Beatles, but changed some of the words to “When I’m 110,” with Mr. Bogdon on guitar accompanied by Mrs. Jaramillo and Ms. Naugle singing vocals.
And since Oreos were invented in 1912, participants enjoyed Oreo cookies donated by the PTA.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: 200 Pounds of Processed Marijuana Discovered; Naked Man Bangs on Doors; Motorcyclist Rear-Ended; RV Owner Threatens With Axe; DUIs and More DUIs; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 366 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
February 17 at 10:04 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Melrose and Hillcrest when he discovered a stolen vehicle parked in the area. The vehicle was recovered and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 17 at 10:32 a.m., a motorcyclist was rear-ended by a vehicle in the 400 block of E. Foothill. Officers and paramedics responded to the accident. Both parties were transported to a local hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 17 at 10:50 a.m., an alarm company advised that there was an activation at a residence in the 1200 block of Orange. Officers arrived and found the rear slider glass had been smashed with a large rock. It is unknown what was taken. Officers were able to retrieve video surveillance of a female suspect breaking into the house. This investigation is continuing.
Fraud
February 17 at 11:42 a.m., a victim in the 1000 block of E. Royal Oaks reported that one of her debit account cards had been compromised. This investigation is continuing.
Trespass / Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
February 17 at 12:34 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of W. Colorado regarding a possible trespass report. Officers located a subject who was wanted for sales of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Found Contraband
February 17 at 2:00 p.m., the owners of a rental property in the 400 block of E. Almond called advising that there was a large amount of marijuana and growing equipment at their property. They had responded to the location regarding a water leak inside the property. Officers responded and recovered over 200lbs of processed marijuana. The renters were nowhere to be found. This investigation is continuing.
Fraud
February 17 at 4:21 p.m., a victim in the 1700 block of Rosewood reported her identity had been stolen and sold on the internet. Several bank accounts were opened in her name. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
February 17 at 5:10 p.m., a caller reported that a vehicle had been parked in front of her house in the 400 block of Monrovista for several days. Officers arrived and discovered the vehicle was stolen out of Covina. The vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Battery / Pursuit
February 17 at 6:02 p.m., an employee at a local business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a subject became aggressive toward him because he had asked the subject to move his RV. When the employee took out his phone to call 9-1-1, the subject produced a small axe and swung it at the employee while making verbal threats. The employee ran and the suspect got into his RV and fled. Officers located the RV nearby and attempted to stop it. The suspect entered the 210 freeway and officers were in pursuit. Once officers entered the area of Glendale they released the pursuit to the California Highway Patrol. CHP continued the pursuit into Los Angeles until the pursuit was terminated by CHP. The RV was later located without the driver in it and the vehicle was impounded. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 17 at 9:23 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Lime and Mayflower conducted a stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign. An investigation revealed that the driver was driving with an expired license and was in possession of a controlled substance. The driver was arrested and released with a citation.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 17 at 10:21 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Olive regarding a domestic disturbance. An investigation revealed that a boyfriend and girlfriend were involved in an altercation. The female pushed the male against a wall in the kitchen and when he tried to get away, she scratched him on the face and head with her nails, leaving abrasions. The female was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
February 18 at 2:56 a.m., an officer was providing extra patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington when he noticed a vehicle parked near a closed business. An investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The owner of the vehicle was notified and made arrangements to get his vehicle towed from the location. The vehicle was removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 18 at 12:11 p.m., a caller reported that a traffic collision occurred in the area of Myrtle and Pomona. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. The driver at fault was issued a citation.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 18 at 3:14 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Fifth and Foothill when he witnessed a traffic collision. The officer checked on the well-being of the occupants, and no one was injured. The driver at fault was issued a citation.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 12:31 a.m., officers observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Montana and Myrtle and stopped the driver. Officers made contact with the driver and noticed she displayed symptoms of being under the influence. After a DUI investigation, the driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 12:58 a.m., while on patrol officers observed a vehicle driving with on its rims in the intersection of Montana and Myrtle. Officers tried to stop the driver, but he continued driving and failed to immediately stop. The vehicle eventually collided with a parked vehicle during a turn movement. Officers contacted the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI after an investigation. He provided a blood sample at a local hospital before being transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 3:24 a.m., officers patrolling near the intersection of Myrtle and California observed a vehicle make several turns against red lights. They conducted a traffic stop and saw that the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver indicated he was lost and did not know where he was going, so he made several turns against the red light. Officers conducted a DUI investigation. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 19 at 8:48 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of S. Mountain when he saw a vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic, causing a safety hazard. He approached the vehicle and saw an individual sitting in the driver's seat. The officer spoke with the driver and saw he displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was DUI. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 19 at 1:50 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the intersection of Lemon and Mountain. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One of the drivers was transported to a local hospital for his injuries. This investigation is continuing.
Brandishing a Firearm
February 19 at 7:36 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Duarte regarding a male subject that brandished a firearm. The victim stated he was walking along the south side of Duarte when a green Jeep Cherokee stopped in front of the victim, and the driver, while seated in the driver's seat, pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victim. The suspect fled east on Duarte and out of sight. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 20 at 1:30 a.m., a traffic stop for an equipment violation was conducted near the intersection of Myrtle and Foothill. An investigation revealed that the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 20 at 2:19 a.m., an officer was providing extra patrol in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The officer contacted a subject sitting on the curb in the parking lot. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Commercial Burglary
February 20 at 2:36 a.m., an employee at a business in the 900 block of S. Fifth called stating someone had stolen coins from one of the coin machines. An investigation revealed that an unknown suspect gained entry into the resident locked laundry room. The suspect opened the coin box to one of the washing machines, causing damage to it, and stole approximately $100 in coins. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 20 at 11:36 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report that his residence was broken into while he was out of town. He left a couple days prior and returned to find his home ransacked. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 20 at 12:36 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of Rosewood called to report his residence was broken into while he was out of town. He left a couple days prior and returned only to find his home ransacked. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
February 20 at 4:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a male suspect stole approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise earlier in the day. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
February 20 at 7:04 p.m., officers responded to a vandalism in progress near the intersection of Myrtle and the 210 Freeway. They did not locate the suspect, but did locate more than ten fresh vandalisms in the area. This investigation is continuing.
Prowling
February 20 at 11:21 p.m., residents in the 1100 block of Teresita called and reported a prowler in their back yard. The suspect was seen on surveillance cameras climbing their fence prior to the officers’ arrival. The suspect is a repeat prowler at the location and is known. The case will be submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Commercial Burglary
February 21 at 10:55 a.m., the owner of a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report a burglary had occurred over the weekend. Officers arrived and determined that the door to the location had been forced and the suspect(s) stole the cash register. It is unknown what the exact loss is. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
February 21 at 3:55 p.m., a victim called stating she parked her vehicle in a parking lot in the 400 block of W. Huntington while she went to work. When she came out, she heard a loud sound coming from her vehicle when she started it. She discovered her catalytic converter had been stolen from her vehicle. Officers arrived and took the report. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
February 21 at 4:06 p.m., a victim called to report a commercial trailer had been stolen from the back lot of a business in the 400 block of E. Huntington. The gate was locked with a pad lock and the victim discovered that the lock had been cut prior to calling us. It was stolen sometime during the evening and early morning hours. Report was taken and trailer was entered into the stolen vehicle system.
Registration Violation – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 3:21 a.m., officers patrolling the 600 block of S. Mountain conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that did not have registration tags displayed on their license plate. An investigation revealed that the plates did not belong to the vehicle. The driver was arrested for false evidence of registration.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 9:17 a.m., an officer contacted a known subject in the 100 block of W. Palm. When the officer went to speak to him, he began running. A short foot pursuit ensued and he was located lying behind a bush in the park. The subject had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 11:46 a.m., an employee from a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report a guest staying in one of the rooms was refusing to give them his name. Officers arrived and the female guest renting the room had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The male had left the location. The female was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail.
Suspicious Person / Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
February 22 at 12:46 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain stated there was a subject who had tried to walk out of an emergency exit while holding merchandise. He was unable to open that door and walked out of the main doors after putting the merchandise down. He was seen getting into a vehicle and an officer stopped the vehicle. An investigation revealed the driver was unlicensed and the passenger was in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were both arrested and released with citations.
Grand Theft
February 22 at 4:45 p.m., a victim called to report someone stole cash from his vehicle while it was parked in the 500 block of E. Lemon. He had just gone to the bank in Pasadena to withdraw the money and then came to a job site in Monrovia. He had left the cash in an envelope in the inside of his unlocked truck. While loading tools into the truck bed, he saw the passenger door slightly ajar. He looked and money was gone. Officers were able to retrieve surveillance footage of a suspect vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 9:21 p.m., an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of California and Myrtle. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After an investigation, the driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 9:38 p.m., a business owner in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle advised there was a male suspect inside his vehicle in the parking lot. The victim confronted the suspect, who fled on foot. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. Nothing was taken from the vehicle, but the suspect was arrested for vehicle tampering.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 23 at 1:34 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of south Mayflower regarding a partially clothed male subject banging on residential doors. When officers arrived, they couldn't locate the subject. Several minutes later, a resident from Shamrock called to report a naked male subject banging on his front door. Officers responded and found the subject seated in his parked vehicle with the engine running. He had no clothes on and was intoxicated. He refused to take SFST's and was arrested for DUI. Officers completed a warrant for a blood draw and he transported him to the hospital. The suspect was then transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 23 at 9:02 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Lemon regarding a traffic collision. An investigation revealed that one of the vehicles had backed into another. A citation was issued to the driver at fault.
Fraud
February 23 at 9:59 a.m., a victim from the 200 block of W. Olive came into the station to report that one of her debit accounts had been compromised. It is unknown how the suspect(s) gained access to her account. She had paperwork supporting her claim and a report was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 23 at 11:00 a.m., a subject went into the Community Center and claimed he was being followed. He also thought people were going to harm his family. Officers arrived and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.
Dinner at Monrovia Ramen & Roll
Dinner at Monrovia Ramen & Roll, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive, in the former Sushi Kuni. Got the Noho Spicy Miso for $15.95 and a beer for $7. Very good!- Brad Haugaard
Frost Warning Tonight
Frost warning for the San Gabriel Valley from midnight tonight (Feb. 23) until 9 a.m. tomorrow. Be sure to bring your pets and sensitive plants inside. https://shrtm.nu/43Jm- Brad Haugaard
Mediterranean Restaurant to Replace Hon Sushi
A restaurant called DVine Mediterranean Express will replace the now closed Hon Sushi in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. - Brad Haugaard
Jenny Would Like a Patient Adopter - She's a Bit Shy But Loving
Nine-year-old Jenny is a beautiful orange tabby looking for a calm and quiet forever home. Jenny is a little bit shy, but has been slowly and steadily making progress and coming out of her shell while in our care. Now, she enjoys getting scratches from volunteers, and also really loves catnip and silvervine. Jenny needs a patient adopter who can let her get used to her new home at her own pace. She has lots of love to give!
The adoption fee for cats is $100. 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 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
A Moment in Monrovia History: A View of City Park
A Scene in City Park, Monrovia. City Historian Steve Baker said he believes Library Park was first known as City Park, and then the name changed because people just kept calling it Library Park. From the Steve Baker collection. See full details here.
Monrovia Robot Teams Do Well in Competition
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia School Enrollment Continues Down
At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/ZTDmt) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...
~ Receive a report on the district's declining enrollment. Down 2.15 percent this year compared to last year. From the report:
In 2017-18, enrollment declined by 53 students. In 2018-19, enrollment declined 121 students to 5,442 more than 2%. In 2019-20 enrollment declined by an additional 38 students to 5,404. In 2020-21 in a distance learning environment, enrollment declined by 157 students, nearly 3%. This year, enrollment declined by 113 students, over 2%, to 5,134. ... For 2022-23 student enrollment is projected to decline by an additional 115 students to 5,019.
As a consequence the district will need 8.76 fewer teachers. It would need even fewer except Canyon Oaks/Mountain Park will actually need 4.9 more teachers. https://tny.im/cywb2
~ Consider buying a subscription to SchoolSite Locator for $2,900 a year. It gives you a map and you click where you live and it shows you the school your children will attend. (Here's an example for Duarte: https://tny.im/sneP6) https://tny.im/s2gKi
~ Consider a sexual harassment policy. Here https://tny.im/B0x1Z and here https://tny.im/fbLSd
~ Consider a policy on hate motivated behavior. https://tny.im/xKGmL
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Honored for Youth Employment Program, Open Seat on MOTAB; Driest in 1,200 Years
~ The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) has awarded Monrovia its 2021 Creating Community Award of Excellence for the city's Youth Employment Services (YES) Program, an eight-week summer internship program aimed at providing meaningful work experiences for youth.
~ Old Town merchants can apply for a position on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) to fill an unscheduled vacancy. Applications accepted through 6 p.m. March 1. Details: https://tny.im/vkbBG
~ Super drought. The southwestern US is now the driest it has been in "at least 1,200 years" according to the Journal of Nature Climate Change. Here's what Monrovia is doing: https://tny.im/KwTL
- Brad Haugaard
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