Dinner at DVine Mediterranean Express

Dinner today at DVine Mediterranean Express, on the north side of the Vons shopping center where Hon Sushi used to be. I got the Chicken Shawarma for $14 and a tea for $1.99. It comes with one side but as a soft opening special I got two - cucumber yogurt salad and hummus. Very nice. Fresh. 

- Brad Haugaard

Doodalina Is Full of Bouncy, Fuzz-Investigating Fun

Doodalina is a 1-year-old spayed Doberman Pinscher mix who is full of fun! Her unique name comes from her silly smile that made us think she is an artistic doodle come to life. We love how she happily bounces around the play yard, tossing toys in the air, investigating every bit of fuzz she can find and generally acting like a rambunctious puppy, which of course, she is. Doodalina weighs about 65 pounds but is likely still growing. She knows a couple of commands and seems ready and willing to learn more (as long as that bit of fuzz doesn’t distract her). 

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 and 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 made 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

Wildcat Fundraiser at Chipotle Aug. 27

- Brad Haugaard 

Lutheran Preschool Enrolling

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Cornes Grocery Store

Cornes Grocery. Frank J. Cornes in front.. 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

Monrovia Over Bonita - 36 to 35

Monrovia football squeaks past Bonita 36 to 35 in overtime. https://tny.im/OenMa

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Surveillance System at Santa Fe, Contracts With Education Providers; Teachers' Contract

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/ajWow) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ An agreement with USA Alarm Systems to install a video surveillance system at Santa Fe Middle School for $37,500. https://tny.im/kBA5y

~ Approving a contract with Food Ed for a garden science program at the district's five elementary schools. $72,450 for the 2022-2023 school year: https://tny.im/aIUAZ

~ A contract with Mystery Science to use its K-5 science curriculum. $7,995. https://tny.im/hT4eK

~ A contract with Elevo Learning, which would provide "an engaging, blended, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Physical Education program, to students on-site in order to support Monrovia USD with its ELOP after-school program for the 22/23 school year." $700,245 for 7,371 hours of work. https://tny.im/GWnmJ

~  Consider a contract with the Monrovia Teachers Association. Pay for teachers would range from $44,996 for beginners to $98,731 for teachers with 75 semester units and a masters degree. More detail here: https://tny.im/ABvx

- Brad Haugaard

West Nile Mosquitoes in Monrovia; Multiple Houses on Single-Family Lots; Book Locker; Etc.

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

~ Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been discovered in Monrovia by the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. Empty stagnant water weekly, toss unused containers (which can collect water), and use mosquito repellent containing oil of lemon, eucalyptus (or PMD), picaridin, IR3535, or DEET.

~ Monrovia's Community Development team will discuss new law regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (independent residential unit on the same lot as a single-family home), SB9 Dwellings (two principal dwellings on a single-family zoned lot), and Urban Lot Splits (the subdivision of a single-family zoned lot into two lots that can be built with up to two dwelling units on each lot) on Tuesday, August 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. https://tny.im/CkRxj

~ the library will install a book locker at the Mary Wilcox Youth Center (at the corner of Olive and Mountain). "This new service will allow you to place a hold on a library item and pick it up at your convenience." Launch party August 24 at 5 p.m. at Youth Center.

~ While Metropolitan Water District has asked users to refrain from heavy water usage for 15 days so they can make emergency repairs, this does not affect Monrovians ... although we should continue water conservation.

~ Monrovia is offering residents and businesses free tree watering bags, which help prevent over- or under-watering newly planted trees, but can also be used on mature trees. Residents can receive up to two bags, and businesses up to four. Call Public Works at 932-5575 to request bags.

~ SoCalGas will replace pipe on Myrtle between Walnut and Chestnut beginning August 22 and lasting about 11 weeks. Construction will also occur on Ivy and the alley between Walnut and Chestnut. There will be occasional lane closures. For questions call SoCalGas Project Information Line at (844) 765-9385.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Chief Parachutes With Army's Golden Knights

Monrovia Police Chief Alan Sanvictores took a break from enforcing the law to jump out of a perfectly good airplane with the Army's Golden Knights. Sanvictores served in the U.S. Army and has served Monrovia for over 26 years as a law enforcement officer.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 92 More Cases, Zero New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 08/17/2022. Changes since 08/10/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,249 cases (up 92), 107 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,083 cases (up 20), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Art in the Park and Chalkfest Return October 1

After a two-year hiatus, Monrovia Association of Fine Arts’ 60th Art in the Park Show and Chalkfest will return on Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Library Park. The event will feature displays by more than 50 of the most accomplished local fine artists (adults and students) and renowned chalk artists. Artists will present paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, digital arts, pottery and chalk art representing the area’s wide-ranging cultural diversity.

Presented in the beautiful, shady park surrounding the Monrovia Public Library, this free event will also feature day-long musical entertainment. Various local bands will perform, and the students of Centre Stage Productions in Monrovia will perform a live musical revue. And a silent auction will provide opportunities to support MAFA’s art education initiatives.

Parents can bring their kids to the kids art activity area, where professional art teachers will engage children in crafts and creative projects throughout the day. And MAFA’s Artist Alley Gallery across the street at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave., will be open to Art in the Park visitors.

Several community groups will also have booths at the event, including Monrovia Historical Preservation Group, Monrovia Latino Heritage Society and Monrovia/Duarte Black Alumni Association. The City of Monrovia Public Works Department will present water conservation tips and information and the Duarte Elks Lodge will present bicycle safety information, do bike repairs and give away free bike helmets.

For more information and to register as an exhibitor, visit monroviafinearts.org or contact Christine Geltz at christine@monroviafinearts.org.

Source: MAFA press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Getting High and Running Naked; A Bear In Her Kitchen; Lots of Drugs and Alcohol; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 11 – 17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 367 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 1:30 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of E. Palm. A couple had been arguing. The male subject kicked the female several times. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Person Located
August 12 at 2:44 a.m., a caller reported a strange female was on his doorstep in the 900 block of W. Colorado asking if her child was inside. The home owner had never seen the female before. Officers arrived and discovered the female was reported missing from the City of Carson. The son of the female was located and he responded to the scene.

Vandalism
August 12 at 12:28 p.m., a vandalism was reported in the 900 block of W. Olive. The caller reported someone shot a BB gun at a window causing it to shatter. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 2:37 p.m., while on patrol an officer contacted a subject in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. An investigation revealed that the subject had an outstanding arrest warrant, and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested.

Death Report
August 12 at 3:40 p.m., an elderly female with a history of medical problems was found deceased with no signs of foul play in the 100 block of S. Madison. The decedent's doctor signed off on the death certificate.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 5:54 p.m., callers reported a male subject running naked along the streets in the area of Ivy and Chestnut. The subject was found naked and an investigation revealed he was under the influence of narcotics. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Threatening
August 12 at 5:55 p.m., a female in the 200 block of E. Walnut reported someone from her school made threats to kill her via social media. The officers determined a crime occurred. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 7:48 p.m., an officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation in the area of Peck and Armijo. The subject consented to a search. Drug paraphernalia and narcotics were located. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 11:19 p.m., an officer saw a bicyclist commit several traffic violations in the area of Myrtle and Los Angeles. The rider was stopped and found to be in possession of narcotics. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Municipal Code Violation / Drugs / Missing Located – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 2:10 a.m., an officer saw subjects in a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle after hours. One subject was a reported missing adult and the other had narcotics in his possession. The subjects were arrested, cited and released at the scene. The adult missing was removed from the missing person's database.

Missing Located
August 13 at 3:17 a.m., an officer located a juvenile at a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle after hours. The juvenile was a missing runaway from Los Angeles. The juvenile was taken into protective custody and transported to MPD. The juvenile was later released to DCFS.

Animal Problem
August 13 at 9:22 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Wildrose called and reported a bear was inside her home. Officers responded and saw the bear in the kitchen eating food. The officer opened all the doors to the home to give the bear an easy way out. Moments later the bear left. The bear had ripped through a window screen to gain access.

Vehicle Burglary
August 13 at 2:05 p.m., a caller reported her vehicle was broken into while she was at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 2:20 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Magnolia when he saw an individual he recognized from previous contacts. The subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-injury Collision
August 13 at 6:28 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Melrose reported a male adult motorist collided with a fire hydrant. MPD and Public Works responded. The driver was not injured or impaired. He was issued a citation for the collision and PW repaired the hydrant.

Driving Under the Influence / Felon with a gun – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 12:14 a.m., a driver in the 100 block of W. Duarte was pulled over for multiple traffic violations. His objective symptoms indicated the use of alcohol. A DUI investigation revealed he was driving under the influence. During the inventory search of his vehicle, a loaded handgun was located. The driver was a convicted felon. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 12:51 a.m., a vehicle was pulled over for a traffic violation in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle. The driver was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 1:49 a.m., as officers were leaving the DUI investigation a vehicle passed officers at a high rate of speed. Officers conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver who shows signs of alcohol use. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Resist Delay Officer – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 9:21 a.m., a caller reported a male and female subject with a dog were locked inside a restroom. When officers arrived, the male subject was standing outside with the dog. The male subject released the dog and pedaled away from officers, but was captured shortly after. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Death Report
August 14 at 11:31 a.m., the R/P called to request we go check on her elderly friend in the 600 block of W. Duarte who hadn't been feeling well. Officers went by and gained entry into the location and realized she was deceased. Coroner was notified and came to pick her up.

Mental Evaluation
August 14 at 12:35 p.m., a mother called from the 700 block of S. Myrtle to report her son was acting strange and thinks he might need to be evaluated for mental illness. Officers arrived and determined he met the criteria for a mental evaluation hold. He was transported to a facility where he will receive help.

Violation of Court Order
August 14 at 4:50 p.m., a caller reported there was a restraining order against a male subject who was currently at the restrained location, in the 2100 block of S. Peck. Officers arrived but the subject was gone. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication:
August 14 at 7:51 p.m., callers reported an intoxicated female subject in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located a female intoxicated and unable to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
August 15 at 9:50 a.m., a vandalism was reported in the 1400 block of S. Myrtle. When officers arrived, they saw the area had been vandalized with spray paint. The suspect(s) also painted over the security cameras. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 15 at 1:08 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. When officers arrived they contacted the drivers. One driver had complaint of pain but refused medical treatment. The driver at fault was cited.

Missing Person
August 15 at 7:57 p.m., the caller requested a welfare check in the 100 block of W. Cherry on her son. The reporting party said her son never arrived at her house as expected. He was entered into the Missing Persons System.

Grand Theft Auto
August 15 at 11:20 p.m., the victim called and reported his vehicle had been stolen from the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. This investigation is continuing.

Fire
August 16 at 1:04 a.m., a fire was reported in the area of Magnolia and Evergreen. Officers arrived and found a pile of debris had been set on fire. There was no suspect in the area and the fire was put out. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
August 16 at 9:42 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista on a report of a male subject sleeping on a picnic table. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 16 at 10:14 a.m., a caller in the 1800 block of Enterprise reported a vehicle parked in the lot that didn't belong there. An investigation received it was a stolen vehicle and the owner was notified. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
August 16 at 11:51 a.m., the manager from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject had stolen items and left the location. Officers located him a short distance away. The property was recovered. He was arrested, cited and released.

Warrant
August 16 at 10:21 p.m., an officer patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Primrose saw a subject in the park after hours. The subject was contacted and a computer check revealed he had a felony warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drugs / Burglary Tools
August 17 at 12:26 a.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington saw a parked vehicle with several subjects inside. A vehicle check revealed the license plate did not belong to the vehicle. Officers contacted the occupants who were in possession of methamphetamine, mushrooms, and burglary tools. They were arrested.

Driving Under the Influence
August 17 at 2:59 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Duarte and 6th. The driver appeared to be under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed he was driving under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting
August 17 at 10:09 a.m., the manager from a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject stole items and left the location. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was positively identified. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
August 17 at 3:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported in a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Three female subjects entered a business and stole merchandise. The female subjects were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Blaze Pizza

Dinner today at Blaze Pizza, in the Vons shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. I got the Hot Link pizza for $11.95 and a beer for $5.95. Very good and very quick. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Playful Teddy Has a Wagging Tail and a Dog Kiss For You

Three-year-old Teddy is a friendly, playful dog who often greets people with a wagging tail and a wiggly butt! Teddy loves squeaky toys and prancing in our play yard, but also has a calm side. He enjoys getting affection, and will give kisses or even put his head in your lap to ask for full-body petting.

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

Protect Your Trees Webinar August 30

Registration here

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Senior Katelyn Robles Creates Fresh Mural at Bradoaks Elementary School

Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy's outdoor garden has a new mural thanks to the efforts of a Monrovia High School student.

MHS Senior Katelyn Robles interned with the City of Monrovia and Food ED over the summer break and while installing the new outdoor garden section at Bradoaks, her supervisor asked if she wanted to repaint the wall behind it.

“She wanted me to redo it because she knew that I liked drawing,” said Robles. “I want to go into a career in art. So she said I could have my own project painting this wall. I thought that was cool.”

The mural shows a large sun shining on lush vegetation filled with butterflies, snails, and garden wildlife. The previous mural had faded over the years, and it was time to refresh.

“I wanted to keep some elements the same from what was there before,” she said. “It kind of reminds me of a children’s drawing and I think that fits for an elementary school.”

Food ED will use this new area for outdoor lessons during the 2022-23 school year and beyond.

“It shows that we are a community filled with caring and talented individuals,” Bradoaks Principal Dr. Jayne Nickles said. “There is a sense of pride knowing that our MUSD students are willing to share their passion and strengths with our Bobcat community.”

“I am excited to see students in our new garden,” said Dr. Nickles. “Food Ed and the volunteers have done a beautiful job creating an outdoor learning space that will encourage student curiosity and enthusiasm for the environment.”

Despite creating a wonderful painting on the wall, Robles said she’s not looking to be a painter after high school. She’s more interested in digital design.

“I want to be a character designer for shows, cartoons, or maybe even video games,” Robles said. “I really like drawing my own characters and giving them stories. I just want to share that with everyone.”

Thank you, Katelyn Robles, the City of Monrovia, and Food ED, for putting this mural together for our students!

Source: from Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Early Clover Leaf Canyon

A view of Clover Leaf Canyon. . 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

Flashing Pedestrian Signals Installed in Old Town; Free Public Service Announcements

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

~ Rapid flashing solar-powered pedestrian crosswalk signals have been installed at three mid-block crosswalks in Old Town to warn drivers when a pedestrian is entering a crosswalk. This increases the rate drivers yield to pedestrians by as much as 80 percent. The city will assess the effectiveness of the signals and may install them at other crosswalks. To share your thoughts take the Pedestrian Signal Survey here: https://tny.im/uQ1bJ

~ If you want to create a public service announcement for your organization, KGemTV will be hosting PSA Day on August 18 to offer organizations an opportunity to create a free 30-second announcement. For details contact KGemTv at 357-4974 or KGemTV@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 79 More Cases, No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 08/10/2022. Changes since 08/03/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,157 cases (up 79), 107 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,063 cases (up 9), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High to Get Low-Water Landscaping

The greenery in front of Monrovia High School will change in the coming months!

 In Partnership with Amigos De Los Rios, Monrovia High School will add more native plants in front of the school to make the area more sustainable. You’ll likely see patches of grass dying as the transition takes place.

Crews will start working on this project on September 30 and it's scheduled to be completed March 2023.

- Brad Haugaard