Chamber of Commerce GoFundMe for Steve Baker Bear Statue

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce has created a GoFundMe page to raise $3,500 for a painted bear statue in honor of former City Historian, Steve Baker - presumably with top hat and tails. The project is being supported by several local organizations Baker was involved with. More here: t.ly/lSwQ

- Brad Haugaard

Topaz - After This Wallflower Warms Up She's Curiosity and Affection

Topaz is more than a gem of a dog - she’s a shining star! Four-year-old Topaz was found in a local park. She was initially very withdrawn at the shelter, but now she has started to come out of her shell, much to the delight of staff and volunteers.

Her nervousness has been replaced by an adorable mixture of curiosity and affection. She loves gentle scratches and pets and has also shown an affinity for training. She is a master at “sit” and “down” and much more she just hasn’t shown off yet.

This wallflower may need some time to warm up in a home, but once she does, this lady is sure to be a jewel!

Topaz is available for a 14-day adoption trial! This is a great opportunity to see if she’s the right fit for your home.

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1940s Service Station

Henson's Service Station, around 1940, on west side of Myrtle between Walnut and Olive. At Walnut was the Blu Seal Laundry, Gas Station, Red's Trolley Car Restaurant, Happy's Liquor Store, and a used furniture Store at Olive. Howard Henson sold this station and bought the gas station at 721-729 S. Shamrock. 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

GrowMonrovia Raising Funds to Fight Bradbury Street Widening

GrowMonrovia is trying to raise $20,000 to pay legal fees to prevent the City of Bradbury from widening Bradbury Road where it turns into Wildrose Avenue. GrowMonrovia objects to Bradbury removing the trees on the east side of the street. GoFundMe page: t.ly/Z-3U

- Brad Haugaard

School Board: Field Trip to High-Speed Rail Site; Adding Entrepreneurship and Engineering Courses; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/6CYa) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Allowing high school students to take an extended field trip to a California High-Speed Rail construction site and to the Fresno State University Engineering Department. t.ly/w1cB

~ Add Entrepreneurship 1 as a high school course. Students "put together customer and competitor profiles, marketing campaigns, and a financial analysis to support their claims about the feasibility of their business idea. Towards the end of the school year, students have opportunities to pitch their business opportunities to judges in local, regional, and national competitions." [Comment: Awesome idea!] t.ly/zNWK

~ Adding a new high school course, Honors Project Lead the Way Principles of Engineering. In the program "students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of materials and structures, automation, and kinematics." t.ly/NbAs

~ An agreement to let California State Long Beach students have counseling internships in Monrovia for three-years. t.ly/0P1R

- Brad Haugaard

Gravel Bags Available, City Closed for King's Birthday, State of the City Address

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

~ With a storm expected this weekend, gravel and gravel bag materials are available at Recreation Park. First come, first served; provide your own shovels, gloves, and eye protection. Bags available at the Monrovia Public Works Yard, 600 S. Mountain Ave. For questions contact the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

~ Monrovia City Hall, Public Works Yard, Community Center, and Library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

~ Annual State of the City event to be held on Feb. 13 at LOOK Cinemas at 6 p.m. City Council will provide updates on accomplishments in 2022 and plans for 2023.

- Brad Haugaard

Library Has New Collection of Nintendo Switch Games - And Other Games

Monrovia Public Library has a new collection of Nintendo Switch games, board games, and puzzles for checkout starting Jan 20, a variety of new and classic games for all ages. Update or sign up for library card to check out games.

- Brad Haugaard

Photo by Alexandr Sadkov on Unsplash

Reservations Now Open to Visit Canyon Park

Monrovia Canyon Park will reopen on January 23, with reservations required. The park will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The park may close intermittently due to rain or safety concerns. Reserve a spot here (t.ly/MTHt). For more information call 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Elects New Officers - Traci Gholar is New President

At its annual organizational meeting, the Monrovia School Board elected new officers for 2023. Traci Gholar is the new board president (succeeding Selene Lockerbie), Jennifer Anderson is the new Board Vice President, Rob Hammond is the new Board Clerk and Maritza Travanti and Selene Lockerbie are Board Members. t.ly/Qpqx

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Honor Military Families; Proclaim Blood Donor Month; Extend Emergency Proclamations

At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/DFr8) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Honor families of Monrovians serving in the military: Kobie Ortiz, Private, United States Marine Corps; Bryce Stubbs, Private, United States Marine Corps; Matthew Camacho, Private First Class, United States Marine Corps; and Kobi Moore, Seaman Recruit, United States Navy.

~  Proclaim January as National Blood Donor Month. t.ly/95r3

~ Consider extending local emergency proclamations for the coronavirus pandemic, and for  rain storms on December 13, 2021, December 11, 2022, and January 8, 2023. The proclamations will help in applying for state and federal assistance.  t.ly/j9o6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Returns While Officers on Scene, Arrested; Royals Don't Have to Pay; Mud Comes Through Back Window; Man Conned Out of His Watch; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 5 – 11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 368 service events, resulting in 78 investigations.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 10:11 a.m., an officer located a subject in the 700 block of W. Huntington who was wanted. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
January 5 at 11:07 a.m., a witness in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock reported a business in the area had a shattered front door. Officers arrived and determined a burglary occurred. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 5 at 6:08 p.m., a caller reported his vehicle had been stolen from a parking lot in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 9:20 p.m., an employee in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported a suspect became upset, broke items inside the store, and threw a glass bottle at one of the windows. The suspect returned while officers were on scene. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 5, at 9:46 p.m., an employee in the 300 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject was refusing to pay her bill after ordering food and drinks. Officers arrived and spoke to the female subject who refused to pay. She advised the officers that she was royalty and claimed she doesn’t have to pay for items. The employee placed her under private citizen’s arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 12:13 a.m., an officer saw a subject in a park in the 1600 block of S. Primrose after hours. The subject was detained and he was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 2:55 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Myrtle and Duarte. The driver had a suspended license and was found to be in possession of firearm ammunition. The driver was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
January 6 at 3:31 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of Diamond reported subjects were stealing the catalytic converter from a vehicle. Officers arrived but the suspects had already fled. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 7:16 p.m., while on patrol in the 700 block of W. Huntington officers recognized a subject who had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. Officers contacted the subject and detained him. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 7 at 12:31 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Madison and Colorado for a moving violation. The driver was suspected of alcohol intoxication and a DUI investigation ensued. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Felony Vandalism Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 7 at 1:06 a.m., a caller reported someone was breaking into their home in the 500 block of King. Officers arrived and determined a neighbor committed a felony vandalism by breaking a window. The suspect was located nearby who admitted to breaking the window due to an ongoing feud. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
January 7 at 8:45 a.m., while on patrol, officers conducted a consensual contact with a female subject in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. While speaking with her, he observed drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 7 at 5:06 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Lotone regarding a restraining order violation. The caller stated a male subject, who she has an active restraining order against, was in violation. Officers located the male subject but there was no record of a restraining order on file. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
January 7 at 10:18 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers spoke to the female half, who said her husband had been drinking and made comments about wanting to injure himself. Officers attempted to speak with the male subject but he was uncooperative and would not come to the door. It was determined that he was a danger to himself and was transported to medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Battery
January 7 at 10:20 p.m., a physical altercation between multiple subjects was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. An investigation revealed that an argument took place and it became physical. When officers arrived the parties were separated and one half had already left the location. MFD responded and evaluated one subject that was involved. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
January 8 at 12:02 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported their son was throwing things inside the house. When officers arrived and contacted the subject he attempted to bite an officer. It was determined that he was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.

Petty Theft
January 9 at 3:09 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona. The victim reported that sometime during the night someone entered her vehicle and stole items. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
January 9 at 5:11 p.m., the reporting party came to the lobby to report that someone stole her registration tabs which were on her vehicle in the 500 block of E. Walnut. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 9 at 5:14 p.m., officers responded to the area of Mayflower and Duarte regarding an injury collision between a vehicle and pedestrian. The pedestrian had complain of pain and was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 9 at 5:30 p.m., a solo injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Chestnut. The driver got a flat tire, swerved and struck the center median.

Medical Assist
January 9 at 7:40 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Melrose for a welfare check on an elderly resident. Officers arrived and could hear the woman yelling that she couldn’t come to the door. Officers were able to find their way in through a back door. The woman had fallen and couldn't get up. MFD arrived and took over.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 9 at 10:22 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Myrtle & Colorado for a traffic violation. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation determined that the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mudslide
January 9 at 11:43 p.m., a resident on the Hidden Valley Road reported water and mud debris coming through a window in the back of the house. The water and mud was flowing over the retaining wall against the hill. MFD responded and assisted.

Grand Theft
January 10 at 11:05 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft of merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Fake ID – Suspect Arrested
January 10 at 2:25 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a suspicious person checking door handles to vehicles. Officers located the subject matching the description. The subject presented a fraudulent identification. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
January 10 at 6:44 p.m., a victim called from the 100 block of S. Myrtle to report he was making a private vehicle purchase. The victim decided not to purchase the vehicle because there was something suspicious about the paperwork. He explained the suspect fled on foot with the victim’s money. A computer check of the vehicle's license plate revealed it was stolen. Officers did an area check for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 12:01 a.m., while on patrol in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle. The officer contacted the occupant who was found to have a warrant. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 11 at 8:43 a.m., officers responded to the area regarding an injury traffic collision. One of the drivers complained of pain and was treated at the scene.

Vandalism
January 11 at 8:49 a.m., the reporting party in the 1800 block of Tenth called to say that someone slashed one of the tires to her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
January 11 at 3:57 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a suspicious subject that was talking about stealing. Officers located the subject outside the business and inside of his vehicle. They could see merchandise he was trying to conceal in his pants. The subject admitted to stealing it from the business. Employees advised they needed approval from corporate in order to press charges. The items were recovered and the subject was identified. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 4:32 p.m., the victim was walking in the 900 block of W. Duarte when he saw the same two subjects in the parking lot. They called him over and suggested he try on a gold bracelet. One of the subjects told him in order to do so, he had to remove his watch. The victim removed it and placed it in his front pocket. When he did so, the subject, who was in front of him, reached over and grabbed it from his pocket. The victim's daughter happened to be driving up and saw the incident. She was able to obtain video of the suspect's vehicle as they fled. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 8:04 p.m., a caller reported that her catalytic converter had been stolen while she was shopping inside a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Teen Reviewers Club

At Monrovia Library. Register here: https://shrtm.nu/cnt0

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Monrovia Pizza

Dinner at Monrovia Pizza, in the shopping mall at the corner of Mayflower and Duarte Road. I got a mini pizza with cheese and sausage for $8.59 and a soft drink for $2.99. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dark Chocolates - Including Those From Trader Joe's - Test High for Lead, Cadmium

A Consumer Reports study indicates that a number of brands of dark chocolates - including Dark Chocolate and The Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate from Monrovia-based Trader Joe's - have excessive levels of toxic lead and cadmium. t.ly/bLnd

- Brad Haugaard

Too Early To Tell How Big a Dent Storm Has Made in Drought

Picture from  Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster

In response to my question about how big a dent today's storm has made in the drought, Monrovia Interim Director of Public Works Alex Tachiki said it's a bit early to tell. Here's what he wrote ...

"Unfortunately, I don't think we'll have an answer on how big of a dent this recent storm or even the last few storms until later this month or early February. Typically, the water from these types of storms take at least 30 days to infiltrate or percolate into the groundwater table. Since Monrovia gets our water through what's known as the Main San Gabriel Basin, the agency that oversees the basin is the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster (https://www.watermaster.org/). Their website will update the current level of what they refer to as the "key well", which is where our water comes from. The key well level gives us a local snapshot into how well we are doing with the current drought conditions.

"From a statewide perspective, the Governor's Office and the State Water Resources Control Board would be the governing agencies. Since the various parts of the State are experiencing different types of storms, it is hard to say if drought conditions will improve for the long-term or even medium-term. Obviously, this amount of rain will be good for the short-term but we've experienced conditions like this where the year starts off well with several storms and then goes very dry."

- Brad Haugaard

Big Penelope Also Has a Big Heart

It’s hard to tell what Penelope’s biggest feature is, her extra-long tongue, or her ginormous heart! Topping the scale at 85 pounds, this girl is extra-large all over!

Penelope is known for her constantly wagging tail. She happily greets her friends with enthusiastic wiggles and is always ready for a walk or a romp in the play yard. Her joy is infectious and makes everyone smile!

Penelope feels strongly that good things come in big packages. Come meet this plus-sized love bug today!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

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

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

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

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Dam Filled With Water

Monrovia’s Sawpit Debris Basin, just below Canyon Park, is filled with water. The first time in years.

… and plenty flowing downstream. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner

Register here: t.ly/i-ea

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Girls' Basketball in 1903

Orange Avenue School Girl's Basketball Team around 1903. 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

Evensong at St. Luke Church

St. Luke Episcopal Church will present the second in this season's series of choral evensongs on Sunday, January 15, at 4 p.m. The church is  at 122 S. California Ave. at Foothill Boulevard.

 Evensong, or Evening Prayer, is a centuries-old Anglican service created from the sevenfold monastic cycle of prayer, combining the offices of Vespers and Compline. St. Luke's Choir, with guest singers, will sing the service with pipe organ accompanyment.  

Selections will include Magnificat by William Crotch, Nunc Dimittis by John Blow, and "Anthem: Entry of the Three Kings" by John Gardner. Oboist Nathaniel Moore will join the group for the anthem. A wine and cheese reception will follow. Both choir and congregation will be masked.

- Brad Haugaard