Free Eye Care for Monrovia School District Students

Monrovia school district students will be eligible for free eye care services beginning June 13 and 14. After initial eye screenings the district's partner, Vision to Learn, will hold eye exams for students who failed the initial tests. If prescriptions are needed, students will be able to pick out frames and get new glasses a couple of weeks later. Schedule: https://tny.im/aMVcU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Today Magazine Online; Voting; Food ED; Kiwanis Cornhole Competition

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

~ The summer edition of Monrovia Today is now available here: https://tny.im/19dh5. Fitness classes, dance lessons, academic support programs and more.

~ Voting. In person at  Monrovia Community Center at 119 W. Palm Avenue and at Calvary Grace Church, 2520 Peck Road. At both locations, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through June 6 and 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on June 7. Drop off at ballot drop box at the Monrovia Public Library, on Palm Avenue, across from the Community Center. For a full voting location list, click here: https://tny.im/2YVUb

~ Food ED is a non-profit founded by local Monrovians to create edible-education sites hosting programs on ecosystem stewardship, healthy living, and environmental innovation and entrepreneurship. It is raising money through this auction: https://tny.im/1gnJP

~ The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia is holding a Cornhole Competition on June 4, 2-8 p.m. Enter as teams of 2 to win cash prizes, or just have  fun. First, second, and third place teams will have a chance to win $250, $150, or $100. For 21+ only. All proceeds will go towards scholarships for local youth.  Tickets: https://tny.im/Xl2fG

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Area Partnership Celebrates 16 Years

For questions, contact the Monrovia Area Partnership team at map@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Opinion: Thoughts on Three Problems Monrovia Could Address

Not that anybody asked me, but since it's election time I'd like to outline a few problems that I believe the Monrovia city government should address:

1. Wildlife. Bears, coyotes, and even mountain lions are increasingly common in our streets, and they're moving further and further south into the heart of the city and they're becoming bolder and bolder. As people who have lost pets can attest, their presence can be a problem. Just a few days ago I encountered a bear casually walking right towards me in the middle of the street. It edged off the street as it approached me, but unlike years ago, it did not run away at full speed,. I suspect the next step will be for bears to become inquisitive, "Are you planning to eat all of that sandwich?" The only solution I've heard proposed is for people to "haze" coyotes - try to scare them. This may have worked at one time, but it does not anymore. Charge a coyote and it will just edge a bit away and continue on its way. I don't want to kill or injure our wild animals, but I want them in the hills, not town. Maybe shooting rubber bullets at them would persuade them to leave.

2. Sacramento has increasingly usurped control of matters that were once decided locally, and I wonder if the time hasn't come for cities to band together and take the state government to court to try to block some of its intrusive rules. For example, many people have been complaining about the size of developments in town, but a lot of the zoning for California cities has been overruled by the state government, which is allowing much denser development than cities have traditionally allowed. I'm not talking here about whether higher density is good or bad, I'm just saying that zoning was once controlled by local governments, but now Sacramento has taken over a lot of it. Maybe it's time to fight back.

3. Even if the drought ends, we are having more and more development and so we may continue to be short on water. The city is now fining people for using too much water, but I wonder if a positive approach might be worth trying. Just off the top of my head: Could Monrovia hire a landscape designer to come up with maybe 10 or 12 low-water landscape designs that would fit many of the standard front yards in town? And maybe the city could buy the plants for these designs in bulk? The idea being to minimize the cost to homeowners to install low-water landscaping by letting them use a standard plan for free with plants the city could provide at bulk-rate cost. Another thought: Should the city encourage gray-water systems (plumbing to use, say, shower water, to water outside plants) in new homes, or encourage retrofitting homes with gray-water systems?

Just a few thoughts...

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Art Walks Coming Up In Old Town

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 85 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 06/01/2022 . Changes since 05/25/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,726 cases (up 85), 105 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 912 cases (up 10), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Kansas Kidnapping Suspect Arrested; Thief Given Ticket; Cops Put Out Fires; Gas Pedal Confused With Brake; Just Released Prisoner Steals Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 26 – June 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 26 at 1:23 a.m., officers responded to the area of Duarte and Myrtle regarding two subjects causing a disturbance in the area. The subjects were positively identified. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Brush Fire
May 26 at 4:24 a.m., a brush fire was reported in the area of Magnolia and Evergreen. The fire was located and quickly extinguished by officers. The cause of the fire is still to be determined. This investigation is continuing.

Battery / Mental Evaluation
May 26 at 1:35 p.m., a battery was reported in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. The victim advised that he was punched in the head by an unprovoked suspect. An investigation revealed that the suspect was suffering from a mental health crisis and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment. The battery case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Officer for filing consideration.

Grand Theft
May 26 at 2:19 p.m., a stolen purse was reported in the 600 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that her purse was been stolen from her unlocked vehicle while parked at the location. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud Report
May 26 at 3:02 p.m., a victim reported that several checks had been stolen from a box in the 200 block of S. Ivy. Officers made contact with the victim and determined that the checks had also been fraudulently cashed. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
May 26 at 11:57 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. El Norte reported that her live-in boyfriend assaulted her. Officers responded and saw fresh injuries on the victim’s face. The boyfriend was contacted and found to be wanted out of Kansas for kidnapping and domestic violence. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking and held for extradition.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 1:55 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Chestnut reported a suspicious vehicle loitering in the area. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description. He was identified and an investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.

Mental Evaluation
May 27 at 9:50 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a customer was disturbing business operations. Officers arrived and contacted the individual in question. It was determined the subject was a danger to herself and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 8:31 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Shamrock and Evergreen when he saw a male subject pushing a shopping cart away from a local business. The subject was then detained by a store manager who flagged down the officer. An investigation revealed the suspect had stolen items from the business. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 9:00 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported several juveniles fighting in front of a local business. Officers checked the area, but the juveniles had already left. A male adult subject then approached the officers who was clearly intoxicated and could not care for himself. Further investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 9:34 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Upon arrival officers contacted an intoxicated female on the street who could not care for herself. She was identified and further investigation revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 12:24 a.m., a caller reported that a driver had fallen asleep behind the wheel in the 100 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the driver. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 4:08 a.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Huntington and Highway Esplanade and saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer could smell a strong order of alcohol coming from the driver. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to be operating a motor vehicle. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Activity / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 4:17 a.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a disturbance. Upon arrival they located a female subject who would not leave the area. She was positively identified and it was determined she had an active warrant for her arrest. Further investigation revealed she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 1:53 p.m., an employee from a business in the 800 block of W. Foothill called to report that a male adult took money from the tip jar and left. Officers arrived and detained the subject in question. He was positively identified and it was determined he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 28 at 3:26 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision occurred in the intersection of Ivy and Foothill. Officers and paramedics arrived to check on the well-being of the drivers. One of the driver's was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A traffic collision investigation was completed and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 9:09 p.m., an officer saw two subjects trying to walk into a closed off construction site near the intersection of Magnolia and Evergreen. They were detained and one subject was found to be on probation for drugs. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 10:06 p.m., an officer near the intersection of Myrtle and Evergreen conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area. The driver was positively identified and an investigation revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Structure Fire
May 28 at 11:05 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Cypress reported seeing smoke and flames coming from their neighbor’s residence. Officers arrived and were able to look through a kitchen window. They saw flames coming from the stove. An officer quickly broke a window and extinguished the fire before it could spread.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 11:13 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Shamrock and Colorado stopped a bicycle for a traffic violation. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 12:04 a.m., while on patrol in the intersection of Cypress and Magnolia an officer stopped a bicycle for a traffic violation. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Drug Activity / Unlicensed Driver – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 4:09 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Peck and Longden conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation. The driver was positively identified and found to be on parole and had never been issued a driver’s license. He was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Burglary
May 29 at 4:39 a.m., an alarm company called to report a glass breakage activation at a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and found that the glass portion to the entrance door had been smashed. The owner was contacted and was not able to determine if there was a loss. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
May 29 at 10:31 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Huntington called to report that she arrived to work and the front glass doors were shattered. Officers checked the interior and confirmed a burglary occurred. This investigation is continuing.

Brandishing a Firearm
May 29 at 7:37 p.m., a victim was parked in a fire lane in the 700 block of E. Huntington when a male in another vehicle started honking at him. The victim moved his vehicle, however, the male followed him and brandished a firearm. The male suspect then fled the scene prior to officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 11:29 p.m., a female called to report that after an argument in El Monte, her nephew's father took his child and refused to return. She then located the subject in the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject, but after an investigation it was determined that no crime occurred. The male was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking. The child's mother responded to the scene and took custody of the infant.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 1:33 a.m., a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 3000 block of S. Peck. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. After an investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 3:28 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Olive reported she was in an argument with her ex-boyfriend. When officers arrived they discovered several fresh visible injuries on the male subject's body caused by the female caller. An investigation revealed that she had scratched him multiple times during their argument. Paramedics responded to care for the injuries. The female suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 30 at 5:23 p.m., a caller reported a motorist driving through the private parking lot of a business complex in the 700 block of E. Huntington had just collided with five other vehicles and two pedestrians. Officers and paramedics responded. The driver told officers she mistook the brake for the gas pedal. The two pedestrians had minor injuries and one was transported to a nearby hospital for medical care due to the injury.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 7:51 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Bradbury and Berry regarding a welfare check on a subject. They located the subject and an investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released with a citation.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 9:44 p.m., the manager of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report an employee was detained for theft. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The employee was ultimately arrested for theft and released with a citation.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 1:55 a.m., an officer patrolling the 800 block of E. Huntington saw a subject he recognized from previous encounters. An investigation revealed the subject had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. Officers contacted the subject and arrested him per the authority of the warrants. He was taken into custody.

Burglary
May 31 at 3:14 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of S. Mayflower reported that his vehicle had been broken into. Officers arrived and determined that multiple tools had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Medical Assist
May 31 at 8:57 a.m., a caller near the intersection of Magnolia and Olive advised that a female subject had fallen and hit her head on the ground. Officers and paramedics responded. She was treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital.

Attempt Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 9:47 a.m., an employee at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report that a male subject had attempted to steal items before being confronted by staff. The suspect then yelled at one of the employees and attempted to take the cell phone out of his hands while the employee was attempting to contact the police department. They struggled for the cell phone before the suspect fled the area. Officers located the suspect and positively identified him. Further investigation revealed he had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
May 31 at 4:07 p.m., an owner of a property in the 400 block of Royal Oaks advised that one of his tenants had sent a text message stating the he wanted to die. Officers responded and spoke to the tenant. It was determined he needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Grand Theft from a Vehicle

May 31 at 11:57 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Los Angeles reported that his vehicle had been broken into. Officers arrived and determined a loss of over $1,500, but were unable to find any damage to the vehicle itself. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 1 at 3:05 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle owner confronted the suspect who was inside of his vehicle. The suspect fled on foot with property belonging to the owner. Officers arrived and located the suspect in the area. She was in possession of the stolen property and also found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
June 1 at 6:33 a.m., a caller reported a broken window to the front of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and determined a burglary had taken place. When the responsible party arrived, he said the safe had been stolen from the location. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
June 1 at 6:57 a.m., a caller reported a broken window to the front of another business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. It appears to be related to the earlier report of a commercial burglary. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 1 at 7:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Fifth and Huntington regarding a report of an injury traffic collision. One of the parties failed to yield to oncoming traffic and turned left in front of another vehicle causing them to collide. Both parties complained of pain but refused any medical attention when it arrived. Both vehicles had to be towed away.

Grand Theft Auto
June 1 at 10:22 a.m., an employee called to report a vehicle had just been stolen from a business in the 100 block of E. Maple. Surveillance video from the location revealed the subject that just stole the vehicle was just released from custody at our station. Officers checked the area and the vehicle was not located. The vehicle was entered as stolen.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle
June 1 at 12:50 p.m., a caller reported a possible drunk driver in the area of Primrose and Pomona. Officers arrived and located the vehicle that was stolen from the 100 block of E. Maple, two hours earlier. A witness said the subject that got out of the vehicle walked towards a nearby gas station. Officers located the subject outside the gas station. The suspect was identified by the witness. The suspect was arrested, transported to the station, booked and housed.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 1 at 3:16 p.m., a report was received of an injury traffic accident was reported at the intersection of Primrose and Huntington. One of the vehicles had failed to yield to oncoming traffic in the intersection and was broadsided by another vehicle. The injured parties were transported to the hospital and both vehicles were towed away.

Theft
June 1 at 10:47 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of Montana called and reported items had been stolen from his vehicle. Officer arrived and determined the vehicle was not secured and several items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose
June 1 at 11:13 p.m., an unresponsive subject was reported in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and found the subject. The reporting party told officers the subject had ingested fentanyl. Narcan was administered by the officers and the subject was revived. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Water District to Host Webinar on Gardening With Less Water

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will host a free virtual class, "Maintaining a Great Garden on Minimal Water," on Thursday, June 16, from 6-7 p.m. Topics: Supporting gardens in times of drought

• Converting lawn areas to resilient and organically maintained polycultures
• Managing irrigation efficiently
• Protecting trees in times of drought

This live webinar will not be recorded.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Popeyes

Dinner tonight at Popeyes. Got the 2 piece combo with rice and beans and coleslaw for sides, plus a drink, for $10.49. Nice crisp fried chicken and I really liked the smoky flavor or the beans. 

- Brad Haugaard 

All Graduations and Promotions In Monrovia Schools

Here is a list of all the graduations taking place within Monrovia school district

Graduations

Monrovia Community Adult School
Wednesday, June 1 - 6:00 p.m. @ Clifton Middle School

Mountain Park & Canyon Oaks High School
Tuesday, June 7 - 5:00 p.m. @ Clifton Middle School

Monrovia High School
Wednesday, June 8 - 5:00 p.m. @ MHS

Middle School Promotions

Clifton Middle School
Tuesday, June 7 - 9:00 a.m.

Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School
Tuesday, June 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Elementary School Promotions

Bradoaks - 5th Grade
Wednesday, June 8 - 8:00 a.m.

Mayflower
Wednesday, June 8 - 8:30 a.m.

Monroe - Kinder
Monday, June 6 - 8:15 a.m.

Monroe - 5th Grade
Wednesday, June 8 - 8:30 a.m.

Plymouth
Monday, June 6 - 8:30 a.m.

Wild Rose
Wednesday, June 8 - 9:00 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

A Guide to Monrovia City Candidates

Mayoral Race

Stephen Grollnek Statement
Further information: monroviashadow.com  monroviashadow@gmail.com

Becky Shevlin Statement
Further information: beckyshevlin@gmail.com - (626) 253-0072

City Council

Edward Belden Statement
Further information: EdwardBelden.com  ebelden@gmail.com

Sergio Jimenez No statement submitted
Further information: sergiojimenezforcitycouncil.com  sercharger@outlook.com

Dr. Tamala Kelly Statement
Further information: votetamalakelly.com tamalaformonrovia@gmail.com

Genia Mills Statement
Further information: votemills4monrovia.com mills4monrovia@gmail.com

Larry Spicer Statement
Further information: vote4spicer.com  ljspiceisnice@yahoo.com

Sashary Zaroyan Statement
Further information: votesasha.com sashary.zaroyan@gmail.com

 - Brad Haugaard

Super Friendly Junebug Can Purr Up a Storm

Two-year-old Junebug is a super friendly cat who not only loves being petted, but even loves being held! This sweet gal can often be seen “making biscuits” with her paws and purring up a storm. In addition to getting lots of attention, Junebug is a big fan of eating treats and playing with her feather wand toy.

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

Statement of City Council Candidate Dr. Tamala Kelly

I am Dr. Tamala Kelly, a proud Monrovian for over 15 years. I am an associate college professor, the president and founder of a local non-profit organization, a community advocate, a wife, and a mother.

For Monrovia to continue to thrive, we need to invest in working families, our youth, local businesses, and affordable housing. I’m running on several issues that are important to Monrovians:

• I want to ensure city leaders respond to the voices and the needs of the people: That is why I created and hope to continue City wide town hall meeting, where there is open dialogue where community members and City officials come together for information and collaboration. We have held three measure K Town Halls so far.

• I’m running to enhance Public Safety: Our amazing police department is overwhelmed with answering calls regarding societal issues that they are not trained to answer, taking them away from solving crime.  I want to create a community-based response team to address 911 calls for mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness. 

• I want to ensure people living here can continue to live here: We need affordable housing opportunities, particularly for our seniors, working families and other service workers.

• Preserve and expand Monrovia's natural environment: We need a healthy environment throughout our city, including shade and tress in south Monrovia. We must reinstate Monrovia’s Environmental Accord — 21 action items focused on energy, waste reduction, transportation, environmental health, and water.

• I'm running because Fiscal Responsibility and transparency are important in any organization: Our city must take advantage of other funding, such as the additional $17 million in revenue from Measure K. The City Council decides it will be spent and I am committed to ensuring those funds are spent on programs and initiatives that the people of Monrovia care about.

Working together, we can protect the quality of life that Monrovians have worked so hard for — and ensure that ALL Monrovians have opportunities and a real say in the future of our city. If you care as passionately as I do and if you see a bright future for our city, I’m asking for your vote. Please visit my website www.votetamalakelly.com

Wild Rose Teacher Maria Lomelin Named District's 'Teacher of the Year'

Wild Rose teacher Maria Lomelin was recently named MUSD's Teacher of the Year for 2021-22. This award is voted on by staff at Monrovia Unified and it was clear that Ms. Lomelin was among the best the district has to offer.

"I feel humbled beyond words that I was nominated and selected for this recognition. I see my fellow teacher friends work hard everyday, so to actually be selected for this recognition has filled me with gratitude and joy," she said. 

Ms. Lomelin started out as an instructional aide with Monrovia Unified and now she is a 3rd grade teacher at Wild Rose School of Creative Arts. She said it was a surprise to hear her name called when the award was presented.

"Dr. Ryan Smith said 'The Teacher of the Year is in this room.'  I didn't think it was me.  So when he said my name, I felt shocked and I froze for a bit. The clapping and cheers from my amazing peers snapped me back into reality. It was a complete surprise."

Anyone that knows Ms. Lomelin, knows that she goes above and beyond for her students everyday. We are very proud to have her at Monrovia Unified School District. Even though she won the award, she said that every teacher within our district should be celebrated for what they do in the classroom.

"We have survived an extraordinary few years, and have evolved," Ms. Lomelin said. "This particular year started off with a lot of unknowns. It was important to navigate through it with love, patience, and flexibility. At Wild Rose School of Creative Arts, I am surrounded by high quality educators who work hard everyday to meet the emotional and academic needs of our students. They have done an amazing job despite all of the things that are happening in the world. Students are learning and happy to be at school. I feel every teacher deserves recognition!"

Source: Wild Rose school announcement

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Butcher Shop With Novel Refrigerated Display Case

Asa Casner's Butcher Shop. 619 S. Myrtle Ave. The use of a refrigerated display case was a novelty. 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

Jouyssance To Honor City Historian Steve Baker

The Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble will present two concerts, both honoring the late Steve Baker, Monrovia city historian and treasurer. Nicole Baker, who conducts the group, said Steve Baker was a longtime member, an excellent tenor, a member of the group’s board of directors, and its treasurer.

The concert, “The Glories of Venice,” will be on June 11 and 12, in Westwood and South Pasadena, respectively. For details and tickets: https://shrtm.nu/vA6L

- Brad Haugaard 

Memorial Day Ceremony

There will be a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony for all veterans who died in the service of their country on Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 E. Duarte Road.

- Brad Haugaard 

Get Free Pass to State Parks; City’s Buffy Bullis Wins Hero Award; Job Fair

City’s Buffy Bullis, Hero Award Winner

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

~ You can now get into more than 200 California State Parks for free with a pass you can borrow from the Monrovia Library. Use your library card to reserve a pass, good for 3 weeks and valid for entry of one passenger vehicle (with nine people or fewer) or one motorcycle. Visit the library’s website or call  256-8274 for more information.

~ Buffy Bullis, Monrovia's Administrative Services Director, has received the Government Finance Officers Association Hero Award. Feik writes that: “Over the past few years, Monrovia has experienced a series of emergencies including the Bobcat Fire, rainstorms, pandemic and drought. Buffy has been a critical behind-the-scenes team member when it comes to ensuring that financial operations for the City continued without delays no matter the situation.” https://shrtm.nu/LHSM

~ Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will host a Skilled Trades Career Fair on Thursday, June 16, 2-6 p.m., at the DoubleTree Hotel Monrovia. Details: https://shrtm.nu/Ixgj

- Brad Haugaard 

Jeremy Sanchez Named Monrovia Fire Chief

Manager Dylan Feik named Jeremy Sanchez as the next Fire Chief of the Monrovia Fire & Rescue Department (MFD). Jeremy will succeed Fire Chief Brad Dover who is retiring on June 24. He will officially assume the role as Monrovia’s next Fire Chief on June 25, becoming the first Latino Fire Chief for the City of Monrovia. 

“When searching for Monrovia’s next Chief, I knew I did not have to look far as we had exceptional talent within the department. Jeremy, who currently serves as a Division Chief, demonstrated his natural leadership ability, immense technical expertise, excellent communication and interpersonal skills. He has worked hard to prepare himself for this opportunity and he is ready to become a Fire Chief,” said Dylan Feik, City Manager. “He will bring professionalism and innovative ideas not only to the department, but to the entire community.”

In 2001, Jeremy began his career when he joined MFD as a Fire Cadet. As a 21-year veteran of the department, he has transitioned upward within the department and held positions including  F.S.C./Brush Chipper Inspector, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain and Division Chief. 

As 1 of 3 Division Chiefs, he was responsible for the Community Risk Reduction and Disaster Preparedness Division where he maintained citywide disaster plans, trained city staff and residents in emergency preparedness and managed annual brush clearance programs. In 2019, Jeremy became responsible for the Training and Emergency Medical Services Division, overseeing all aspects of department training and recruitments, paramedic training and certification, equipment management, quality improvement and legal aspects for all basic and advanced emergency medical services.

“Throughout the 20 years that I’ve worked alongside Chief Sanchez, he has demonstrated that he is hardworking, resourceful and committed to helping anyone in need,” said Fire Chief Brad Dover. “His love of the fire service runs deep and I am confident he will lead the Department successfully.”   

During the Bobcat Fire in September 2020, Chief Sanchez was a key member of the Incident Command Team and assisted in making vital decisions to keep Monrovia residents safe, homes untouched and the fire contained.   

“It has been an absolute honor to serve the Monrovia community over the last 20 years,” said Chief Sanchez. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to continue to serve in this new capacity.” 

As a graduate of Waldorf College, Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration. He is also certified as a Chief Fire Officer from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal. In 2023, he will also graduate from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland.   

Jeremy and his wife, Hazel, are proud parents of their three children, Mia, Lucas and Siena.

Monrovia Fire & Rescue operates out of two strategically placed stations. The Fire Chief and three Division Chiefs are supported by 47 personnel. The Department has a total operating budget of $11.6 million and responds to over 4,600 emergency calls for service annually.

Source: City of Monrovia press release 

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 95 More Cases, No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 05/25/2022. Changes since 05/18/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,641 cases (up 95), 104 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 902 cases (up 10), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard