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A Moment in Monrovia History: Dedication of Monrovia City Hall

Dedication of Monrovia City Hall in 1954. This building replaced the City Hall located in the Granite Bank building.. 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

School Board Will Consider Multiple Contracts With Teaching Organizations: Financial Literacy, Phlebotomy, Truck Driving; New Job Positions; Financials; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/B5Lz) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ An agreement with "My Next Chapter" to provide workshops for students on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, building multiple streams of income, career readiness and professionalism, social media for careers. t.ly/yfmK

~  An agreement with "AUMT, The Phlebotomy School" (Phlebotomy is "drawing blood") to provide training for Community Adult School students to earn a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPTI) license. t.ly/1vC9

~ An agreement with Gabriel Valley Trucking Academy to provide training for Class A, B, and BP truck driver licences. t.ly/97XM

~ An agreement with Hatching Results for counselor training. t.ly/lgIN

~ Receive an unaudited report on the district revenue, expenditures and ending fund balances. t.ly/ANAN

~ Creating two new job positions: Director of Special Education (t.ly/K-xF), and Social Worker (t.ly/Rh-_).

~ Consider naming this September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (t.ly/tJd-) and Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month (t.ly/rOJw).

~ Honoring district Employees of the Month for September:

  • Beatriz Ramirez, Preschool Teacher, CELC
  • Maria Beller, Preschool Developmental Aide, CELC
  • Tim Rodriguez, After School Activity Leader, Village
  • Alena Ohrt, Senior Account Clerk, District Office
  • Nick Melendez, Skilled Maintenance Plumber, District Office

- Brad Haugaard

Mudflow Warning; CERT, BERT, and Preparedness; Monrovia Today; Historic Walking Tour


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

~ The National Weather Service has forecast thunderstorms through Saturday evening and there is the "possibility of minor to moderate flooding and mudflow/sediment deposition on these streets and below burned hillsides." In other words, along Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive. Gravel (sand) bags are available at the Monrovia Public Works Yard, 600 Mountain Ave. It's self serve, so bring a shovel, gloves and eye protection.

~ As part of Preparedness Month the city...

  • Recommends creating a Go Bag (documents, cash, map, medications list, flashlight, first aid kit, cash in small bills, phone and charger, medicine.) and a Stay Box (three gallons of water per person, foods that don't spoil, trash bags with ties to use in a bucket for a toilet).
  • Will hold a free three-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and 8. Topics include:  Emergency preparedness, Disaster medical and triage, Disaster psychology, Fire safety and utility awareness, Light search and rescue, CERT Organization, Terrorism and CERT, Disaster response simulation. t.ly/hIYZ
  • Will hold a Business Emergency Resiliency training (BERT) session on disaster exercise planning September 20, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., at the Monrovia Public Library. t.ly/pbMN

~  The Fall edition of Monrovia Today is out. News, activities, classes, and more. Here it is online: t.ly/dDXG

~ There will be a two-hour historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia starting Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues, across from Library Park. Cost is $5 per person and RSVPs are not necessary.

- Brad Haugaard

New Web App Displays Monrovia's History on a Map


A new web app displaying Monrovia history in pictures, video, and text on a clickable map is now online at stevebakersmonrovia.com.

The app was created in honor of Monrovia's long-time City Historian, Steve Baker, who passed away this year, and is the result of a collaboration of local organizations’ efforts to honor him. The group determined what was most fitting was to engage people in Monrovia’s history, as was Steve’s passion.

The site can be viewed on both computers and smartphones.

- Brad Haugaard

Planning Commission to Consider Child Care/Preschool at Foothill and Magnolia


At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/w3XO) the Monrovia Planning Commission will consider a conditional use permit to operate a child care center / preschool at the southwest corner of Foothill and Magnolia. My Academy Preschool would be located in an existing office building and the site will be improved with a new playground, parking lot striping, and a designated student drop-off / pick-up area. t.ly/uIwC

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 47 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 09/7/2022. Changes since 08/31/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,447 cases (up 47), 109 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,112 cases (up 5), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Blood Drive Sept. 15

To schedule an appointment go here: t.ly/D_uf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drugs; Drunks; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Robbery Using Stun Gun; Woman Escapes Kidnapping by Ex; Woman Threatened With Gun By Son; Roommate Arrested for Death Threats; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 1 – 7. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 361 service events, resulting in 61 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 2:06 a.m., officers were completing a call for service in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when they noticed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. The officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. While speaking with the driver, the officers noticed the subject displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital where blood was drawn. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 4:46 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the area of Shamrock and Foothill. A traffic stop investigation revealed one of the passengers provided false information. He was found to have a no bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 11:56 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol at a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon and contacted five subjects who were in the park after hours. The officer cited the subjects for the municipal code violation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 3:28 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain for a burglary alarm and contacted a subject on the premises. The location was secured. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 4:02 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 3300 block of S. Peck stopped a bicyclist for a violation. During the investigation, the bicyclist was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was arrested without incident.

Vehicle Burglary
September 2 at 5:13 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of Diamond reported that his van had been broken into and gardening equipment was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 2 at 12:03 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of Poppy regarding the theft of a catalytic converter. The caller advised that she attempted to start her vehicle and noticed a loud unusual noise. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 2 at 1:07 p.m., employees at a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that a theft had occurred on September 1 at 2:12 p.m. Multiple items were taken by a female suspect who left in a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 7:21 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Foothill and First in Arcadia for a vehicle code violation originally observed in Monrovia. It was discovered the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested without incident.

Battery
September 2 at 9:30 p.m., officers responded to several calls for service related to juveniles fighting and being disruptive in the downtown area. Throughout these calls, one juvenile suspect punched a victim. Another juvenile suspect threw a drink at a separate victim. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 11:41 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near Peck and Live Oak. During the investigation, the passenger was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was arrested without incident.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 11:57 p.m., officers working a DUI checkpoint in the 200 block of E. Huntington saw objective signs of alcohol intoxication from a driver passing through the checkpoint. After further investigation, the driver was determined to be intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 1:20 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Mountain and Valley View regarding a subject who appeared to be passed out. Upon arrival, officers contacted a subject who was drunk in public and unable to care for himself. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 5:52 a.m., an officer contacted a subject to the rear of a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle who appeared intoxicated. An investigation revealed the subject was drunk in public and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 8:19 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a subject a business wanted removed. Officers contacted the subject and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mail Theft
September 3 at 9:47 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported the theft of a package from the location. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 5:14 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near Fifth and Huntington. During his investigation, the officer discovered the driver was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 4 at 8:39 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 600 block of W. Duarte. The vehicle collided into a power pole and the driver sustained moderate injuries. Southern California Edison responded and Public Works was notified.

Petty Theft
September 4 at 10:59 a.m., a suspect stole merchandise from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 4 at 5:59 p.m., a caller reported her vehicle had been stolen sometime during the day from the 400 block of N. Primrose. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 7:35 p.m., a caller reported someone stole merchandise from their store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and determined the suspect used a stun gun to threaten the victim. The suspect was detained nearby and identified. The stun gun was not located, but it was clearly seen on the surveillance video. The property was returned and the suspect was arrested. The suspect also had a no bail warrant for a parole violation. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Kidnapping
September 4 at 9:35 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported she had just escaped from an ex-boyfriend who kidnapped her at knifepoint from Baldwin Park. The suspect forced her to drive to Monrovia where she jumped out the vehicle at a gas station. The suspect fled before MPD officers arrived. Baldwin Park PD responded to the scene to take over the investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 8:12 p.m., a caller reported a male unresponsive inside a vehicle in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and located the male subject asleep in his vehicle and saw signs of drug use. The vehicle was searched and narcotics were found. He was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 9:32 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject stole items from a store. Officers arrived and detained the subject nearby. It was determined the subject did not steal anything but was severely intoxicated. The subject also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 4 at 10:40 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision near Myrtle and Evergreen where a vehicle ran a red light and collided into another vehicle. One occupant complained of pain and was treated at the scene.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 4:01 a.m., a caller reported two subjects lurking around a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and both subjects fled. A female adult was detained and narcotics were located on her person. She was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 4:41 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious person trying to flag down people in the street near Lemon and Hacienda. Officers arrived and checked on the subject's welfare. It was determined the subject was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 12:28 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of Monrovista stated her son was trying to shoot her inside their residence. She reported he was armed with a handgun and had fired one round inside. She reported he pointed the loaded gun at her face on two occasions. Officers responded and located the suspect in the area. He had a handgun in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Court Order Violation
September 5 at 1:54 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported her ex-boyfriend was at the location and reported he had vandalized her vehicle. The suspect has recent arrests for stalking and domestic violence. There is also a valid restraining order on file. The suspect was gone upon officers arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Threatening – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 7:02 p.m., the victim in the 700 block of Oakglade reported her roommate threatened to kill her and her friend. Officers conducted their investigation and arrested the roommate. He was taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 12:00 a.m., an officer observed a subject on a bicycle who he recognized from prior contacts near Myrtle and Altern. The officer saw a subject conduct a vehicle code violation and a traffic stop was initiated. During the investigation, it was discovered the subject had drug paraphernalia in his possession. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 4:05 a.m., an officer noticed a subject pushing a shopping cart near closed businesses in the 600 block of W. Huntington. While speaking with the subject he claimed he did not know his name. Further investigation revealed the subject had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Death Report
September 6 at 9:44 a.m., the owner of a property in the 200 block of E. Central requested a welfare check on the resident of the back house. Officers arrived and gained entry. They found the female deceased inside. Coroner was notified and responded.

Death Report
September 6 at 1:53 p.m., employees at a business in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle said there was a male down to the rear of the location. Officers and Fire Department arrived to find the man deceased. Coroner was notified and responded.

Stalking
September 6 at 3:26 p.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Duarte called to report her exboyfriend was seen walking through the apartment complex. He was in violation of a restraining and had been arrested in the past for stalking. Officers were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 6 at 5:56 p.m., an employee at a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported two female suspects entered the location with large purses and took medications. The suspects left. This investigation is continuing.

Critical Missing Person Located
September 6 at 7:24 p.m., Arcadia PD called to report there was an 11 year old child found in the area of Fifth and Huntington who appeared disoriented. An officer arrived and spoke with the juvenile. He refused to state where he was from or provide any helpful information. The juvenile held a rock in each hand and threatened to throw it at the officers. The officers managed to grab a hand each and detain him. Monrovia Fire responded and transported him to a local hospital. During the investigation it was determined the juvenile ran away from a group home in Altadena. The social worker was contacted and he responded to the hospital to take custody of the child.

Critical Missing Person Located
September 6 at 9:20 p.m., Monrovia PD received a call from Huntington Beach PD regarding a critical missing whose phone pinged in Monrovia. Officers made an extensive area search and located a female matching the description in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The female appeared disoriented and did not know what city she was located. The female's husband was notified and responded.

Grand Theft
September 7 at 3:43 p.m., the victim in the 100 block of E. Olive called to report the catalytic converter to their vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order
September 7 at 6:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Monrovista regarding a subject who had a restraining order against him. The subject was also an escapee from a mental health facility. Officers were able to gain entry into the residence and detain the subject without incident. The subject was transported to a secured facility.

Dinner from Panda Express

Dinner from the Panda Express in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got the two-item plate for $9.50, but the two items I got were premium at $1.25 extra apiece - so $12 total. Anyway, got the black pepper steak and honey walnut shrimp (yum!). Good and fresh.


- Brad Haugaard 

Wilderness Area Closed Through Friday

The Monrovia Wilderness Preserve, which was supposed to reopen today, Wednesday, will instead remain closed until Friday. Due to continued heat.

- Brad Haugaard 

Pongo: Sweet and Full of Fun and Energy


This handsome lad is one-year-old Pongo! This sweet and playful boy is full of fun and energy! Pongo will fit right into an active household. He’s the kind of dog who can keep up with a family on a long hike or do agility training. He already knows some basic commands and seems eager to learn more. If you’re looking for your next running companion, look no further than Pongo!

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

Choose 2 Live Suicide Prevention Rally Saturday

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Early Days Monrovia Day Parade

Day & Night (Monrovia water heater company) float in Monrovia Day Parade at Myrtle and Olive with the Sante Fe Depot in the background. From the Kim Anderson 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 Car Show Sept. 10

- Brad Haugaard 

Oasis Trilingual Community School Opens in Monrovia

After eight years of operation in Temple City, Oasis Trilingual Community School opened its doors last week to its elementary campus in Monrovia. Located at 429 E. Wildrose Ave, Oasis is a non-profit, private school that offers trilingual instruction for students in grades TK-6. Oasis is expanding to 7th grade in 2023-24 and 8th grade in 2024-25. All students learn Mandarin, Spanish, and English.

The school’s success led to it outgrowing its previous campus. Months were spent remodeling the Monrovia site, and the official ribbon-cutting took place Friday, September 2, with Monrovia Mayor Becky Shevlin welcoming the school students, staff, and families.

School founder and parent of two Oasis alumnus, Tamara Hernandez, expressed her gratitude to the dedicated staff and parents of the community, “I am so excited to see our students having a great time at our beautiful new campus! This new location fulfills my long-awaited dream of giving our children a wonderful place to play, a creative and inspiring learning environment, and a fantastic way to bring nature and education together with outdoor classroom opportunities.”

Oasis accepts students on a rolling basis, and has space available for the current school year. Interested families may contact the Head of School, Ms. Clarke Sumner, at any time for further information and to schedule a tour: clarke.sumner@oasistrilingualschool.org

Source: press release

Council to Consider Allowing Four Single Family Homes on a Double Lot on Palm


At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/kviO) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider a conditional use permit so Bowden Development can construct three two-story, detached single-family dwellings and three detached garages, and preserve a 1913 Craftsman bungalow, at 427 West Palm (north side, mid-block between Mayflower and Alta Vista). The bungalow would be moved to the southwest corner of the lot. The project would occupy two 50-foot wide residential lots. t.ly/dVU-

~ Proclaim ... 

  • September as Suicide Prevention Month t.ly/-NrS
  • September 15 - October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month t.ly/uh5t
  • September as Childhood Cancer & Blood Cancer Awareness Month t.ly/qwyj

~ Honor Monrovians serving in the military:

  • Jesse Cusick, Private First Class, United States Army
  • Joseph Robert Marquez, Jr., Seaman Recruit, United States Navy
  • Mary Tuite, Petty Officer Third Class, United States Navy
  • Andrea I. Arambulo, Senior Airman, United States Air Force
  • Lawrence James Spicer, Second Lieutenant, United States Air Force

- Brad Haugaard

Dealing With High Temperatures; Library Board Opening, Calling Artists; Blood Drive; Make a Difference

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

~ With high temperatures high energy usage is expected. 4-9 p.m. is peak usage time, so before 4 p.m.:

  • Cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees.
  • Use major appliances, including: washer and dryer, dishwasher, and oven and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals 
  • Charge electric vehicles 
  • Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows

Between 4-9 p.m.

  • Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits 
  • Avoid using major appliances and charging electric vehicles 
  • Turn off all unnecessary lights

~ Applications are being accepted for an unscheduled vacancy on the Library Board, with an unexpired term ending June 30, 2023. The deadline to apply is Monday Sept. 12, with interviews to be scheduled in the weeks following. Application form: t.ly/1iqb

~ Artists may submit proposals for the Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry Contest and the First Annual Tree Ornament Contest. Poems accepted for Footnotes will be stamped into newly poured sidewalks Details: t.ly/sNCM

For the First Annual Tree Ornament Contest artists should submit a design that will be transferred to a circular ceramic ornament. The design theme is "Monrovia for the Holidays." Details: t.ly/_bn-

~ Monrovia Police Department is sponsoring a blood drive, on Sept. 15, at the Community Center (119 W. Palm), from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "MONROVIA" or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

~  The Volunteer Center of the San Gabriel Valley will sponsor Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 22. To join hundreds of volunteers making a difference in the Monrovia call Macy Gracia at 774-1105 to register.

- Brad Haugaard

Registration Open for MAP Youth and Adult Leadership Academies


- Brad Haugaard

Composting Workshop Sept. 10

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 75 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 08/31/2022. Changes since 08/24/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,400 cases (up 75), 108 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,107 cases (up 12), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard