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Statement of City Council Candidate Edward Belden


Hello Monrovia! I’m running for City Council because I care about Monrovia and the people who live here.  I am an experienced leader who was raised in Monrovia. I know how special its small-town charm is, and I want to give back to my community. My Grandmother was a school teacher in Monrovia, my grandfather ran a leprosy hospital in India, and my mother was nurse. My family fueled my passion to serve, and now I’m ready to put my education and 20+ years of diverse experience and results to work for our town.

I’ve started and run a successful small business, worked for local and national non-profits, and served in City Government at the executive level. I know when government can be effective and when it is inefficient. I’ve raised $40 million for projects and programs, restored our mountains, revitalized neighborhoods, encouraged business innovation, created jobs, provided opportunities for underserved youth, and built infrastructure projects. I am the current President of the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation, a Community Services Commissioner, a member of the Art in Public Places Committee, and a MAP leader. When I am not working and volunteering, I love spending time with my wonderful wife and dog, especially in our Monrovia Parks.

With so much at stake, Monrovia needs experienced leaders in City Council that can deliver results. I will listen to the diverse voices and perspectives of Monrovia and work toward a healthy, prosperous, and safe community to Keep Monrovia Moving Forward. I ask for your support and vote. Please find out more at www.EdwardBelden.com

New Music Academy Opening in Monrovia

Ulf Geist, professional musician and founder of Pasadena Music Academy (PMA), will open a new music school at 136 W. Lime in Monrovia.

Monrovia Music Academy (MMA) will celebrate its launch with a Grand Opening Weekend June 9-12 where students and parents can learn more about the academy's programs. Lessons will be offered in piano, guitar, voice, drums, bass, DJ, music production, ukulele, violin, viola, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and clarinet.

Geist founded PMA in 2011 to give students and their families a fun, safe, and supportive place where they could build confidence and explore their own creativity through music. Like PMA, MMA will offer unlimited make-up lessons, performance opportunities throughout the year, and free band workshops (Tomorrow’s Rockstars) for all students. PMA currently has more than 700 students.

Geist began his music career at the age of five, playing drums in his family band in his small hometown in Germany. He went on to play for bands like The Calling, Camila, and with Ricky Martin at the Grammys.

"With our Pasadena location growing to capacity we decided it’s time to open a new location," Geist says, "We wanted to find a city with families that appreciate and have a need for high- quality musical education. After a lot of research, we realized that Monrovia is perfect for us. We couldn’t be happier to join this community."

During COVID-19, a staggering one third of small businesses closed their doors across the country. Despite the challenges they faced, PMA saw  growth and success during this time, almost doubling in size.

Those interested in lessons at MMA can attend the Grand Opening Weekend or sign up for the wait list for a free trial lesson at monroviamusic.com Students who sign up will receive a $75 discount on their first month of lessons. For more information, visit monroviamusic.com or call (626) 408-8622.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Shadow Needs Owner Who Reads Dog Body Language

Eight-month-old Shadow is an energetic dog who loves getting belly rubs from those in his inner circle! Shadow would do best with an adopter who has experience reading dog body language, can give him time and patience to adjust to his new home, and is ready to teach him lots of new things using positive reinforcement (such as snacks and praise). Shadow would do best as the only pet in the home so he can get all your love.

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 

Monrovia’s Conte ‘Athlete of the Week’

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune has named Monrovia hurdler, Madeleine Conte, as it’s San Gabriel Valley Girls Athlete of the Week for her domination in the girls’ 300 meter hurdles at the CIF Southern Section Masters meet. https://shrtm.nu/gjYq

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: The Social Apollo Club in 1897

Apollo Club 1897. This early-day social organization produced this entertainment in the Opera House, located on Myrtle Avenue just north of Palm Avenue. The building, although altered, is still standing and is one of the oldest structures on Myrtle Avenue. From the Monrovia Messenger Illustrated Souvenir Edition 1897: "The lovers of good music find pleasure and enjoyment in the Apollo Club, which has been established for five years, but with never such effective work as this season. Professor John C. Dunster of Los Angeles is musical director of the society.". From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

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

Claim Jumper Now Gone

Claim Jumper restaurant has now been torn down. Gem City Images has a photo of the blank lot.  https://shrtm.nu/GDR9

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board: Graduation Lists; ADA Down; Etc.


At its next meeting (agenda: https://shrtm.nu/sM7U)  the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Congratulate the CIF championship sports teams of Monrovia High School on a championship season and the robotics teams of Clifton MS, Santa Fe CSMS, and Monrovia High School on a successful year.

~ Approve the graduate lists for…
Monrovia High: https://shrtm.nu/Hhi8
Canyon Oaks HIgh: https://shrtm.nu/xVIR
Mountain Park School: https://shrtm.nu/b8eN
Monrovia Community Adult School: https://shrtm.nu/cZnV

~ Receive a report on average daily attendance. Regular ADA is 4,676.58 (https://shrtm.nu/1FJM). “This year, our attendance percentage at traditional school sites decreased by 4.01% compared to 2019-20, and 4.89% compared to 2020-21.” (https://shrtm.nu/CQGD)

~ Consider contracting with a company called Spyglass to reduce the district’s computer-related communications costs. https://shrtm.nu/uY5B

~ Consider contracting with a company called SyTech Solutions to scan district paper documents into electronic form. https://shrtm.nu/AfQy

- Brad Haugaard

Old Claim Jumper Restaurant Coming Down Next Week; City Payment System Working Again; Etc.


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

~ The old Claim Jumper restaurant at the corner of Huntington and Encino Avenue will start being torn down next week to prepare the way for a Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. 

~ The city’s online utility payment system , which was busted for a few weeks, is now working properly. The service is free.

~ Foothill Unity Center, with Azusa Pacific University, will host a Health & Resource Fair on May 21, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Health education, glucose screenings, blood pressure checks, free lunch and more. If you're interested in attending, send an email to healthservices@foothillunitycenter.org. 

~ LA County Public Health Department has presented Monrovia Fire & Rescue with a Certificate of Appreciation for its service throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.

~ The City Council has proclaimed May 15 - 21 as National Public Works Week. Monrovia Public Works operates the city's water and sewer utilities; maintains streets and sidewalks; takes care of eight parks and other green spaces; provides environmental services; and maintains all public facilities.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Bobcat Loader Stolen; Security Cams Stolen; Checks Stolen From Post Office; ATM Skimmer Found at Foothill Store; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 12 – 18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 409 service events, resulting in 88 investigations. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 12 at 2:26 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Myrtle and Longden stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After an investigation it was determined she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 12 at 6:56 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle collision in the 700 block of W. Huntington. A motorist failed to yield to oncoming traffic and collided into another vehicle. One of the drivers complained of pain and was treated by paramedics. The driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Grand Theft
May 12 at 9:57 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Heather Heights called to report that his catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 12 at 2:18 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1200 block of S. Myrtle called to report that her vehicle was broken into while she was at work. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 12 at 2:29 p.m., a rental facility in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a rented Bobcat loader had yet to be returned. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
May 12 at 8:23 p.m., two subjects entered a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington and stole approximately $150 of merchandise. They fled in an unknown direction before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 12 at 11:48 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Mountain and Lemon. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After an investigation, the driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail and held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 2:31 a.m., while on patrol in the intersection of Myrtle and Central an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After an investigation, the driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail and held for a sobering period. 

Theft
May 13 at 5:01 a.m., a victim called to report that multiple security cameras, totaling $600, had been stolen from a residential construction site in the 200 block of W. Lime. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
May 13 at 1:32 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle collision in the 300 block of E. Huntington. The statements of the drivers were conflicting. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 13 at 2:10 p.m., a victim called and reported his vehicle was taken from a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The vehicle was entered into the national stolen vehicle database. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 13 at 2:20 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle collision at the intersection of Ivy and Walnut. A motorist failed to yield to oncoming traffic and collided into another vehicle. One of the drivers complained of pain. Officers and paramedics both responded to the location. An investigation was conducted and the driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 13 at 4:47 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of S. Fifth called to report his vehicle was broken into sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 8:02 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding an intoxicated subject at a local business. Officers located the subject at a nearby business and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 8:02 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Primrose and Palm when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and an investigation revealed that the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Assault Report – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 8:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Primrose and Linwood regarding a suspect who had just assaulted a victim. Officers arrived and located both parties. The victim sustained serious facial injuries and was transported by paramedics to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 12:15 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Olive and Myrtle saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Myrtle. The officer initiated a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was subsequently arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail and held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 2:15 a.m., while on patrol an officer noticed a vehicle stopped on the roadway in the intersection of Magnolia and Evergreen. The officer approached the vehicle and discovered a female adult with the car running. Officers contacted the driver and discovered the driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Attempted Grand Theft
May 14 at 5:11 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Walnut called to report she could see a suspect underneath a vehicle possibly trying to remove the catalytic converter. Officers responded to the location and conducted an area search, but were unable to locate the suspect. Officers checked the vehicle and there was no loss. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
May 14 at 3:59 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported his cell phone was stolen from his backpack at the Monrovia Days Parade. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 6:23 a.m., an alarm activation at a business in the 400 block of E. Duarte was received. Officers responded and checked the interior of the location. The officers located a male adult hiding under a blanket. He was detained pending further investigation. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 15, at 9:37 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Los Angeles called and reported his vehicle was taken sometime during the night. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 15, at 11:53 a.m., a caller reported a bicyclist was in the 100 block of W. Foothill when he collided into a parked vehicle. Officers and paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the bicyclist. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Brush Fire
May 15 at 9:02 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a brush fire. Upon arrival they saw a small brush fire on the median foliage. The fire was small and quickly extinguished. The fire did not appear to be intentionally set. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 16 at 8:13 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Lemon and Magnolia regarding a report of a traffic collision. One vehicle failed to yield and collided with another vehicle. One of the parties had complaint of pain. The person was treated at the scene by paramedics, but declined to go to the hospital. This investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Offense – Suspect Arrested
May 16 at 8:44 a.m., officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of California and Huntington. A traffic stop was conducted and it was determined that the driver had a suspended license. He was arrested for driving with a suspended license and issued a citation. 

Loitering / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 16 at 8:45 a.m., a caller stated it appeared two subjects were setting up a camp in the 700 block of E. Cypress and requested they be asked to move. Officers arrived and identified both a male and female subject. The female had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 16 at 10:09 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle called regarding a male subject harassing customers. Officers arrived and detained the subject. An investigation revealed he had a no bail warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Forgery
May 16 at 11:19 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of Wildrose called to report he paid bills placing payment in the mailbox at the post office and later received notice the same checks had been stolen, washed, and made out to different payees in different amounts. It is unknown where the checks were cashed. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
May 16 at 7:29 p.m., officers were patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain when they were flagged down by employees of a local business regarding a theft that had just occurred. The suspects had fled in a vehicle at a high rate of speed. This investigation is continuing. 

Evading – Suspects Arrested
May 16 at 8:11 p.m., while on patrol, officers observed two male subjects riding mini-bikes in the area of Myrtle and Colorado, violating numerous vehicle codes. A traffic stop was attempted, but both subjects fled. The officer chased one subject and was able to detain him. The second subject continued to flee but was located and detained in the area moments later. Both were arrested and cited. 

Mental Evaluation – Subject Evaluated
May 17 at 1:28 a.m., a caller from the 200 block of W. Colorado came to the PD Lobby to report her son was threatening her. Officers responded and made contact with the son. It was determined he was a danger to others and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment. 

Resist / Delay Officer / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 8:21 a.m., an employee at a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain notified an officer that was passing by about a suspicious person looking at vehicles in the parking lot. When the officer attempted to speak to the subject, he ran away. The officer chased the subject on foot as he continued to run and throw items from him pockets. He ran into a nearby business where he was detained by officers. An investigation revealed he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
May 17 at 4:32 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The suspect left in a vehicle prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

ATM Skimmer
May 17 at 7:03 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a possible skimmer in the onsite ATM. The store clerk said a customer was attempting to use his debit card in the store ATM, when a device that holds the card fell off the machine. An investigation revealed that the device was some type of card skimmer. The bank associated with the ATM was contacted. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 9:20 p.m., officers responded to Mountain & Evergreen regarding a subject possibly tampering with an electrical box. Officers arrived and detained a subject near the freeway greenbelt. There was no tampering or damage to the electrical box. An investigation revealed the suspect had a no bail extradition warrant out of Alabama for burglary. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Commercial Burglary
May 17 at 10:33 p.m., a burglary alarm was reported in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle. Upon arrival, officers saw that the front door of the business had been forced open. A K-9 unit from a neighboring agency responded for an interior search. No suspects were found inside. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 18 at 9:34 a.m., an officer observed a traffic offense near the intersection of Shamrock and Evergreen and conducted a traffic stop. There were three occupants in the vehicle. While speaking with the occupants, a consent to search was done on the vehicle and drug paraphernalia was located. All the occupants were subsequently arrested and taken into custody. 

Traffic Collision Non-Injury
May 18 at 5:17 p.m., a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of Peck and Avora. The officer arrived and saw a vehicle traveling on Peck had struck a parked vehicle. The driver was issued a citation for being unlicensed and his vehicle was impounded. 

Theft
May 18 at 9:51 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Foothill called to report a female taking clothes from the apartment laundry room. The suspect was last seen exiting the apartment gate. Officers located the female suspect at a nearby business. Officers recovered the stolen clothing, but the victim refused prosecution. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 18 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Monterey regarding two male subjects loitering around the property. They arrived and detained both subjects. An investigation revealed that one of the subjects had a no bail parole warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 84 More Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 05/18/2022. Changes since 05/11/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,546 (up 84), 104 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 892 cases (up 7), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Mikomi Sushi

Dinner recently at Mikomi Sushi on the west side of Myrtle at Colorado. Got the BBQ Pork Belly entree for $18.50 and a beer for $4.50. Very nice.

Menu: https://shrtm.nu/8Kkl

- Brad Haugaard 

Easy Going Gia Gets Along With


Five-year-old Gia is a sweet cat who’s friendly with people, other cats, and polite dogs. Gia is an easy-going gal who would enjoy relaxing on the couch with you and watching birds out the window. This beautiful tabby has such a calm disposition and would make a great addition to your family!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All kitten 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 Sundayand 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Civil Rights Activist Anna H. Jones and Her Club in 1920

Anna H Jones. Civil rights activist, educator and founder of the Anna H. Jones Club in 1920, which raised scholarship funds to support higher education for minority youth, particularly young women. Members of her extended family also lived in Monrovia.. See full details here.

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

Trump Tower, Monrovia

You’ve perhaps heard of Trump Tower in New York or various other locations around the world, but this Trump Tower, bedecked with Trump flags, is in Monrovia, on Cloverleaf Drive at the foot of the mountains.

- Brad Haugaard 



Monrovia Boys' Volleyball Victorious

Monrovia boys volleyball defeats Saddleback to win CIF Division 6 title. https://tny.im/aGODy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days in Library Park

Monrovia Days is going strong at Library Park. (The dunk-ee is retiring Monrovia Fire Chief Brad Dover.)

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia days is going strong at Library Cap Park.



It Will Be 'Extremely Costly' For Monrovians to Comply With Methane Reduction Requirement

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/qvhTJ) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider how to reduce methane emissions, as required by state Senate Bill 1383. This means recycling of food, even for residences, and it is going to cost on your trash bill. The staff report says that, "Implementation of all the requirements that CalRecycle and SB 1383 imposed will be extremely costly."

How costly? Staff proposes phasing in the higher rates, like this ...


Residential
3% July 1, 2023
3% July 1, 2024
3% July 1, 2025

Commercial and Multi-Family
7% July 1, 2023
7% July 1, 2024
7% July 1, 2025

More detail here: https://tny.im/yH3oZ

~ Consider continuing to work with Mountainside Communion Church, at Magnolia and Colorado, on the Monrovia Community Garden program. Staff recommends putting $24,000 into the program for the year. https://tny.im/Zqn3u

~ Hold a study session to review the proposed 2022-23 budget and the schedule of fees and charges. https://tny.im/8jasE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Starts Today


Monrovia Days starts at 5 p.m. today and lasts through Sunday.

Today (Friday): MHS Pep Rally (5 p.m.); Food, games and beer garden (5 p.m.); Live entertainment featuring Night Shift, a top 40's band  (7 p.m.).

Tomorrow (Saturday): Opening ceremonies (9 a.m.); parade (10 a.m.); library book sale (10 a.m.); carnival rides, food, games and beer garden (11 a.m.); live performances (11 a.m.); parade awards (5 p.m.); Merengue pie eating contest (5:30 p.m.); live entertainment, OC Grove, blues, rock and funk band (7 p.m.)

Sunday: carnival rides, food, games and beer garden (noon); live performances (noon); live entertainment, Stone Soul - classic soul and Motown band (6 p.m.)

More detail here: https://www.monroviadays.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Garden Club to Hold Awards and Beekeeping Events

The Monrovia Garden Club will host its Garden Awards on May 24, at 6 p.m. and on June 28, at 6:30 p.m., Hanna Rechtschaffen will have a presentation about beekeeping. All events will be at the First Presbyterian Church at Foothill and Myrtle.  For more information about the club, contact Cissy Leleftoff, club president, at leleftoff@gmail.com or (626) 573-3300.

- Brad Haugaard


Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 61 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 05/11/2022. Changes since 05/04/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,462 cases (up 61), 104 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 885 cases (up 4), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard