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Angel Arias Takes Over as Principal at Canyon Early Learning Center


This month the Board of Education welcomed Angel Arias as the next principal at Canyon Early Learning Center. Arias served the school for nearly ten years as a special educator and teacher on assignment. t.ly/ujdw

- Brad Haugaard

Teacher of the Year, Maria Lomelin, Recognized at School Board Meeting


Maria Lomelin was named Monrovia Unified School District's "2022 Teacher of the Year." Shown here being congratulated by the Board of Education, Personnel Commission, and family and community members. t.ly/ujdw

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Students Selected for Academic Honors in Program for Underrepresented Students


Seven Monrovia High School students were selected as College Board National Recognition Program awardees. The following students earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) and/or the National Indigenous Award (NIA):

  • America Ramos: NHRA
  • Brendan Reyes: NHRA, NIA
  • Charlie Gallardo: NHRA
  • Christian Morales: NHRA
  • Elijah Leiva: NHRA
  • Sean Cao: NHRA
  • Sophia Childers: NHRA

The College Board's recognition programs award academic honors to underrepresented students.

"It was an honor to receive the National Hispanic Recognition Award. I applied for the program in my Junior year and was so excited to see my acceptance," said MHS Senior Sean Cao. 

Students who take eligible administrations of the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams are eligible for awards.

They must also identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, or attend high school in a rural area or small town. Students can include this academic honor in their college and scholarship applications.

"My family was proud of me being able to achieve this honor and what it represents for our whole Mexican American household," said Cao. "This is something I will definitely add to enhance my college resume."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Hold Goal Setting Meeting

If you have goals you believe Monrovia should pursue, the City Council will have a study session on that topic at 10 a.m. this Thursday, December 1, in the Elan Conference Room at the Doubletree hotel at 924 W. Huntington. The public is welcome to attend and speak. t.ly/_rZV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Accused Of Driving Car Into 7-Eleven Earlier Charged With Slashing Tires in Monrovia

The Monrovia man accused of driving a car through the front of an Arcadia 7-Eleven store, 23-year-old Sterling Williamson, was earlier charged with slashing the tires of about 25 vehicles in Monrovia. t.ly/y2VZ\

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet Hannah Belle Recovered From Fracture, Ready for Her Forever Home


Sweet Hannah Belle arrived at Pasadena Humane a few weeks ago and was clearly in distress. She was suffering from a traumatic injury and was in considerable pain. Our health team discovered that poor Hannah had a fractured pelvis and immediately got to work to put her on the road to recovery.

Hannah Belle has been on strict bed rest while she recuperates, and now she’s ready to find her forever home. She has shown everyone here how friendly and outgoing she is by rubbing up on everyone who comes close, and her purring is non-stop! 

Hannah is expected to fully recover, but it is recommended that she keep her exercising to a minimum for a while. She still has a slight limp, but that’s not going to stop this lovely lady from seizing the day, or at least seizing your heart when she shows you what an affectionate girl she is!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: At the Old Timers Luncheon at Woman's Club

Old Timers Luncheon May 16, 1931 At Woman's Club House. "Man at left with cap is Andrew Rider. In front row is W.N. Monroe. On his right is Mrs. C.F. Moore and on his left is Mrs. Laura Burr. Standing next to Mrs. Burr is "Aunt Chloe" Monroe, Mrs. F.M. Monroe, sister-in-law of W.N. Monroe. Directly behind and between Mr. Monroe and Mrs. Burr is Mr. C.F. Moore. Standing in front of the man beneath the Woman's Club Sign is Mrs. Sarah Armstrong. Beside "Aunt Chloe" is Mr. F.A. Bliss. 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

Car Driven Into 7-11; Monrovian Arrested

A Monrovia man was arrested for allegedly driving his car into the front of a 7-Eleven store in Arcadia. https://shrtm.nu/rd5G

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunks and Drugs; Shoplifting; Rocks Trough Windows; Etc.

Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 17 – 22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 291 service events, resulting in 54 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

November 17 at 2:37 a.m., a witness in the 100 block of E. Central reported a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. Officers arrived and contacted the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined 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.

Mental Evaluation

November 17 at 7:37 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of N. Ivy reported a family member was acting strange. Officers arrived and determined the male was a danger to himself and was placed on a mental evaluation hold. He was transported to a nearby facility for treatment.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 12:43 a.m., an officer saw a subject in a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle after hours. The subject was detained and found to be in possession of drugs. The subject was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 1:07 a.m., while on patrol officers saw a subject in the 600 block of S. Myrtle who could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Shoplifting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 2:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject shoplifting. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. A computer check of the suspect revealed multiple warrants. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 4:35 p.m., an officer witnessed a motorcycle traveling southbound on Peck and observed a vehicle code violation. The driver was contacted and a computer check determined the motorcycle was stolen. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision

November 18 at 6:50 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 800 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain, but did not have any visible injuries. The Monrovia Fire Department responded. The party found to be at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 1:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Palm reported she was in an argument with her boyfriend and needed the police to help her. When officers arrived they found the male subject heavily intoxicated and it was discovered that he had pushed the female in an attempt to take her cellphone away from her. The female caller did not have any injuries and did not need paramedics. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Pursuit – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 2:51 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of 300 S. Myrtle, when they saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed before stopping. Officers made contact with the driver who was found to be intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 7:17 p.m., a caller reported a person loitering on private property in the 600 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located a subject who had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 8:25 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near Alta Vista and Huntington. The rider was found to be in possession of narcotics and was arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 9:03 p.m., a caller reported a disturbance in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located a male subject too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Battery

November 19 at 9:30 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Walnut reported her husband and father in-law were in a fight. Officers arrived and spoke to both parties involved. Neither party wanted to prosecute for battery and signed a refusal forms. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

November 20 at 5:30 a.m., an alarm company called to report an activation at a business in the 200 block of Kruse. Officers arrived and found an open door to the business. Officers determined the door was pried open and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 1:57 a.m., an officer contacted a subject in a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle for being in the park after hours. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a pipe used for smoking controlled substances. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Attempted Theft – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 3:36 a.m., a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report a subject was attempting to use a credit card not belonging to him. The subject fled and was detained in a nearby parking lot. A search of the subject revealed the access card and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 5:14 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a subject was in the parking lot and appeared drunk. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed a warrant for his arrest. The subject was too drunk to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD Jail to be held for a sobering period.

Receiving Stolen Property / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 9:36 p.m., officers responded to a storage complex in the 100 block of E. Lime regarding three subjects loitering inside the property. Officers confirmed one of the subjects was renting a space, but was recently evicted and should not be on the property. While officers were searching the vehicle they located drugs. Officers also found stolen credit cards and an identification. One of the suspects was in possession of a credit card receipts with the victim's name. All three suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft

November 22 at 9:32 a.m., the owner of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report a male suspect came into the store and stole merchandise before fleeing. This investigation is continuing.

Theft / Trespass – Suspect Arrested

November 22 at 9:34 a.m., the manager of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a known male subject who has been in the location numerous times was there again. The male suspect took items and left the location. He was stopped a short distance away. He was identified by the manager and placed under arrest for shoplifting and trespassing. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism

November 22 at 1:47 p.m., a homeowner in the 900 block of Ocean View called to report someone threw rocks through her front window, shattering it. Officers arrived and searched the residence but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

November 22 at 3:28 p.m., the victim reported his personal vehicle had been broken into while parked in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. Two windows were shattered and items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Happy Thanksgiving, Monrovia!

Happy Thanksgiving Monrovians!

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods. Psalm 95: 1-3

- Brad Haugaard 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Dinner (Without a Movie) at Look Theater


Dinner at Look Theater on Myrtle recently. You don’t need to see a movie to eat there. Got the buffalo chicken sliders for $14 and a beer for $6. Nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Fire Department Providing Smoke Alarms

Monrovia Fire & Rescue has partnered with American Red Cross and Kidde Smoke Alarms to install smoke alarms in Monrovia homes. If you or someone you know needa a smoke alarm, email smokealarm@ci.monrovia.ca.us For questions, call Monrovia Fire & Rescue at 256-8181.

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Parade Dec. 1 at 7 PM

For the holiday parade, Myrtle will be closed from Huntington to Foothill from 5 to 10 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Tree Ornament to Support Arts Program


A Christmas tree ornament designed by Monrovia artist Austin Lubetkin is on sale to support the Art in Public Places program. The ceramic ornament, featuring a winter wonderland in Old Town Monrovia, costs $15, and is available here: https://shrtm.nu/UXoD

For questions, contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564.

- Brad Haugaard 

Santa Tour Dec. 5-9

Details here: https://shrtm.nu/I4xW

- Brad Haugaard 

Sapphire - A Plug-and-Play Dog


Sapphire is celebrating Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month by reminding us how great “older” pets can be! Six-year-old Sapphire knows some tricks, appears to be housebroken and is quite content to amuse herself with a chew toy that is not a shoe. She walks very well on leash; she’s a plug-and-play dog!

This sweet senior can be a little shy with new people, but given a bit of time and space, she will investigate and decide that everything is OK. Once she has assessed the situation, Sapphire will lean into you and put her head in your arms for pets.

Sapphire also loves toys- tennis balls are high on her list and she loves a good squeaker. Sapphire really is a gem!

Like all senior pets, Sapphire is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program, which means her adoption is free for any human over sixty. 

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. 

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Municipal Plunge at Recreation Park

The Municipal Plunge at Recreation Park. This building now houses the Monrovia Historical Museum. The four girls at front are (clockwise from top left) Rosalind Bracamonte (Olivas) - wife of Henry Olivas, Sr.; Rosemarie "Murmur" Robles (Cruz), Geraldine Bracamonte (Mora) and Cecilia Bracamonte (Yepez). From the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society 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

An Easier Way to Report Traffic Problems

If you want to report a traffic problem in your neighborhood, the city now has an online application form to submit your concern to the Public Works staff for review. Here it is: t.ly/TikF

- Brad Haugaard

'Ice Skating' at the Fountain in Library Park

- Brad Haugaard

Registration for Holiday Home Decorating Contest Open


If you'd like to participate in the Holiday Home Decorating Contest you must register by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 5. The contest is free and open to Monrovia residents only. Judging will be December 12-14. Winners will be announced on December 16, and be recognized at the December 20 City Council Meeting.

Categories

  • Best Still Display
  • Best Outdoor Display
  • Most Effective Use of Lighting - outdoor
  • Best Neighborhood Effort
  • Santa's Workshop Award - Best homemade decorations
  • Holiday Spirit Award - Most festive
  • Judges Award
  • Children's Choice Award - Best display that depicts a youthful theme

For questions contact Recreation Supervisor Tiffany Peterson at 256-8246.

Registration: t.ly/nGYzu

- Brad Haugaard