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Monrovia Police: Drunk on Minibike; Grand Theft Suspect Given Ticket; Lots of Drugs and Alcohol

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 9 – 15. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 328 service events, resulting in 68 investigations. 

Grand Theft
February 9 at 10:38 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that five separate thefts occurred on February 8. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
February 9 at 7:51 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported someone had smashed the back window of her vehicle as it was parked. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
February 9 at 10:00 p.m., an owner of a residence in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista called to report someone was on her property looking into her windows. The owner was away from her house and was watching it from her Ring video. Officers arrived in the area but the three suspects fled in a vehicle. The suspects were able to enter the residence by breaking the rear door and extend the front door. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 10 at 7:30 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of Montana reported a group of juveniles riding up and down the street on a mini-bike. Officers arrived and pulled the driver over. The driver, who was a minor, was very intoxicated. The driver was later arrested after a DUI investigation. The driver's friends showed up at the scene and were also arrested for public intoxication and or obstructing, delaying, resisting a police officer. 

Commercial Burglary
February 10 at 2:31 a.m., officers were patrolling the 300 block of W. Huntington and saw a suspicious vehicle back into the front of a store. As they turned into the parking lot, he saw three suspects run out of the store and get into the waiting vehicle. The vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle entered the 210 east freeway and officers lost sight of the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 10 at 10:18 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a theft occurred February 7. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 10 at 10:38 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that five separate thefts occurred on February 8. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 10 at 2:54 p.m., a caller reported a subject was possibly intoxicated near the area of Evergreen and Myrtle. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search revealed the subject had an outstanding no bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 11 at 1:45 a.m., officers patrolling the area of Lemon and Alta Vista witnessed a vehicle fail to stop at a red light. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 11 at 11:59 a.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and Cherry reported a solo vehicle struck a fire hydrant. Officers arrived and checked on the wellbeing of the occupants. Noone was injured. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 11 at 12:03 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision near the intersection of Royal Oaks and Mountain. Officers arrived and checked on the wellbeing of the occupants. No one was injured. The driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
February 11 at 3:31 p.m. an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a shoplifting just occurred. Officers arrived, located the suspect, and conducted an investigation. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
February 11 at 4:46 p.m., a shoplifting was reported by a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and confirmed the theft. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released in the field. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 11 at 9:15 p.m., while on patrol in the area of Palm and Primrose an officer observed a subject crossing the street. The subject had difficulty maintaining his balance. The officer stopped and spoke to the subject. The subject displayed signs of intoxication. It was determined that the subject was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 11 at 10:31 p.m., officers were patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose when they observed a subject inside a park after hours. The subject was displaying symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was found to be in possession of Fentanyl. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
February 11 at 8:26 a.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in a business complex in the 700 block of E. Huntington, when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a business. The officer observed two subjects inside the business. He contacted the two subjects, who stated they were there cleaning the location. He did not see any cleaning equipment. They stated the equipment was in the car. The officer checked the car and saw drug paraphernalia in the car. One subject was also in possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
February 12 at 2:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of California and Wildrose regarding a welfare check. San Dimas Sheriff’s Station reported that an argument took place between a boyfriend and girlfriend in their city. The boyfriend later made statements about wanting to harm himself and stated he was in possession of a firearm. The subject was tracked and MPD officers responded. Officers observed the subject’s vehicle driving by. The subject made a series of abrupt turns trying to avoid the officers. Based on the information, a high risk traffic stop was conducted. The boyfriend was detained without incident. An unregistered firearm was located inside the vehicle. San Dimas Sheriff’s Deputies responded and resumed the investigation. 

Injury Traffic Collision
February 12 at 6:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Evergreen regarding an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Officers contacted the parties with MFD. During the investigation officers spoke to witnesses and concluded the vehicle did not yield to the pedestrian in the crosswalk and a traffic accident occurred. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for further treatment and the driver of the vehicle was cited. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 12 at 10:41 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Huntington and the 210 Freeway when she observed a traffic violation. She stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver who showed signs of impairment. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Warrant / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 13 at 8:03 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding a female subject loitering in the area. A computer check revealed the she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 13 at 9:59 a.m., officers responded to a parking structure in the 100 block of W. Colorado regarding a suspicious vehicle with two subjects inside. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and subjects. The officer saw drug paraphernalia in plain view and further investigation revealed she was in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested and taken into custody 

Warrant / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 13 at 2:04 p.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of S. Mountain regarding a male subject trying to set something on fire. Officers arrived and located the subject. Nothing appeared to have been set on fire. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
February 13 at 11:00 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of Wildrose and located a vehicle stolen out of Baldwin Park. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
February 14 at 7:06 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 500 block of W. El Norte regarding a residential burglary. An investigation revealed property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
February 14 at 11:08 a.m., a witness reported an injury traffic collision in the area of Duarte and Mayflower. Both parties involved complied of pain and were transported to the hospital for treatment. The driver at fault was cited at the scene. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
February 14 at 2:59 p.m., the reporting party came to MPD lobby stating that while she was stopped in the area of Violet and Colorado, she was rear ended and the other vehicle fled. This investigation is counting. 

Injury Traffic Collision
February 14 at 3:39 p.m., officers responded to the area of El Nido and Foothill regarding an injury traffic collision. One of the parties complained of pain. The party at fault was cited at the scene. 

Petty Theft
February 14 at 4:09 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that her wallet was stolen as she was dinning at a restaurant. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
February 14 at 5:30 p.m., the reporting party came to the lobby to report that his business in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle was a victim of fraud. This investigation is continuing. 

Missing Person / Mental Evaluation
February 14 at 9:30 p.m., an officer was flagged down in the 200 block of E. Lime by a mother who said her adult daughter who suffers from mental illness was missing. since 1:00 pm. The woman was entered into the missing person system. A short time later, she was located. Officers deemed she was a danger to herself and she was transported to hospital for a mental evaluation. 

Grand Theft
February 15 at 6:58 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that multiple suspects stole merchandise from the store and left in a white vehicle. Officers searched the area but did not locate the suspects. Investigation ongoing. 

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
February 15 at 7:50 pm, a petty theft was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. An employee from a business reported that a suspect stole property. Officers arrived and located the suspect. The stolen property was recovered. The suspect was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Missing Located
February 16, 2:49 a.m., Officers responded to resolve an argument between a father and son in the 100 block of N. Magnolia. The father, who was listed as a missing person, was transported to the hospital for an existing medical condition. He was also removed from the missing person system  

Dinner at Max’s Mexican Cuisine


Dinner at Max’s Mexican Cuisine, on the north side of Huntington across from Target. Got the Pork Pozole for $12.95, and a small beer for $8. There was a LOT of pork in the Pozole - I think I got a whole pig. Very good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Rainbow Loves Adventure and Pizza


It is impossible to not see the beauty in this Rainbow! This happy-go-lucky one-year-old loves adventure! She particularly likes going on hikes, playing with stuffed toys, and then stopping by the local pizza place for a slice and a pint (of water, of course). 

Rainbow has been described as a “very excited cuddler”. She adores human affection so much that she’s bursting with love. She flops around on her back just begging for another tummy rub.

She is also very smart- she knows how to walk nicely on leash, meet other dogs appropriately and knows some of her basic commands. We’re sure that this Rainbow will certainly lead to a pot of gold! 

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 

Nominations Open for Awards for Women

Assembly member Chris Holden is accepting nominations for his annual Woman of the Year and Women of Distinction. Nominees must live, volunteer, or work in the 41st Assembly District. Deadline for nominations is February 24 at 5 p.m. Nomination forms here.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Granite Bank, From Prosperity to the Heart of Monrovia Governance and Culture

The Granite Bank, at the corner of Myrtle and Palm, was organized in 1886 by Mr. W.N. Monroe, Monrovia's founder, and a group of early-day capitalists. This stately building, built in 1887 with granite quarried from the nearly hills was open for business in 1888, but ceased operation a few years later when the real estate boom of the eighties collapsed. At that time it was transformed into the City Hall and was so used until 1952 (when it was damaged by the Tehachapi earthquake). The south storeroom was the first location of the Monrovia Public Library (as painted on the window). Overhead is Monrovia's first electric Street light. 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

Horse Carriage Rides on Valentine's Day; Blood Drive; Walking Trail Next to Monrovia; Finding Utility Box Artists

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

~ Private, 15-minute horse-drawn carriage rides on Valentine's Day, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $40 per carriage with a maximum of 4 adults or 6 riders for families with young children. Call 256-8246 for reservations. Full refunds if rain.

~ Blood Drive on Feb. 13, 1 to 7 p.m. at Xylem Salon and Spa at 198 S. Myrtle. Donors can help save up to three lives with a donation. Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

~ Bradbury is proposing a 5-foot wide decomposed granite walking trail along Lemon Ave from Winston Ave to Sombrero Road, near Monrovia. The trail will have a 5-foot tall fence. Bradbury City Council will discuss the project on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Questions or comments can be directed to Bradbury City Manager Kevin Kearney at 358-3218 or kkearney@cityofbradbury.org.

~ Monrovia's Art in Public Places program is hosting its annual Art on the Box Contest, with a theme of "Be Water Wise". Five utility boxes are available to paint. Selected artists receive a $700 stipend. Applications (t.ly/36qa) are due by March 30. For questions contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Robbery With Axe; Fake Boss Tells Employee to Buy Gift Cards and Send Him Their Numbers; Young Men Push Old Lady and Steal Her Purse; More...

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 2 – 8. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 344 service events, resulting in 57 investigations.

Robbery
February 2 at 4:13 p.m., a victim reported he was robbed in the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain. The known suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and pulled an axe from his backpack, told the victim to give him the car keys and exit the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Wanted Person / Felon with a Gun / Fraud – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 12:46 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Patrician Way reported a suspicious vehicle in the area. Officers responded and contacted two occupants inside the vehicle. One subject was found to be wanted by a local agency for felony offenses. Upon further investigation, it was discovered the vehicle was stolen from El Monte. During a search of the vehicle a loaded firearm was found along with several social security cards, credit cards, and driver's licenses. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 2:27 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of California and Myrtle when he observed a traffic violation. He conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver who showed signs of impairment. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
February 5 at 8:17 a.m., victims in the 800 block of W. Colorado reported fraudulent activity on a mobile account. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 5 at 10:03 a.m., an officer was in the 700 block of W. Huntington when he heard the sound of a traffic collision occur nearby. He searched the area and discovered the collision. Both drivers complained of pain due to the collision. The party at fault was cited.

Mental Evaluation
February 6 at 8:00 a.m., the resident in the 1200 block of Sherman stated her son took too many pills. Officers arrived and contacted the son, who admitted he took too many sleeping pills. The subject was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 6 at 8:18 a.m., a witness in the 100 block of S. Madison stated that a bus struck a parked vehicle inside a parking lot. A report was taken.

Fraud
February 6 at 8:28 a.m., the victim in the 400 block of S. Ivy reported check fraud. The victim paid a vendor with a check and an unauthorized person cashed the check.

Grand Theft Auto
February 6 at 10:45 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill reported his vehicle was stolen from a parking structure. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
February 6 at 11:44 a.m., the reporting party called from the 1000 block of Royal Oaks and stated that someone stole some of his belongings. He said he was hospitalized for three and a half months and upon returning home, he noticed items missing. There were no signs of forced entry. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
February 6 at 11:55 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Walnut reported his catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
February 6 at 11:59 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of N. Canyon regarding a male subject that inappropriately slapped a female subject. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
February 6 at 6:03 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding the theft of items. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Arrest
February 6 at 8:01 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle for a traffic violation. The driver was unlicensed and the vehicle registration was expired over six months. The driver admitted to having drugs in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed prescription drugs without a prescription. The driver was cited and the vehicle was towed.

Fraud
January 7 at 10:56 a.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported an employee received a call from a male subject pretending to be the owner. The caller told the employee to purchase gift cards and to call him with the numbers. She did what she was instructed to do by whom she thought was the owner. This investigation is continuing.

Lost / Stolen License Plates
January 7 at 11:23 a.m., the reporting party stated someone stole the license plates to his vehicle in the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. This investigation is continuing.

Resist Delay / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
January 7 at 1:48 p.m., an officer saw a subject laying on the ground motionless and thought he might be under the influence or having a medical emergency. The officer requested another officer to assist and they contacted the subject. While attempting to pat the subject down after waking him up, he ran away from the officers. A short foot pursuit occurred and the subject was found and detained. The subject was found to be in possession of drugs and had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
February 7 at 2:25 p.m., the victim called saying he purchased a computer and had it shipped to a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. When he went in to pick it up, he was told he had already picked it up. The employee told him there was surveillance footage of whoever did come pick it up but he would need a police report. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person
February 7 at 2:36 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Magnolia reported her husband missing. The missing has a history of drug and alcohol abuse. He also suffers from mental disorders. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
February 7 at 7:23 p.m., employees from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft. The suspect fled in a vehicle. This investigation is ongoing.

Mental Evaluation
February 8 at 8:16 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of W. Foothill regarding a male subject checking car doors and kicking cars in the area. Officers arrived and located the subject and arrested him for an outstanding warrant. Officers transported him to MPD jail and once there the subject started saying he wanted to hurt himself. MFD responded and transported him to a local hospital for treatment and for a mental evaluation.

Robbery / Resist Delay an Officer
February 8 at 11:30 a.m., the reporting party stated three male subjects inside of a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington pushed an elderly female and stole her purse. Another suspect stole a phone from another person at the business. All three suspects fled the scene. The suspects were later located in Arcadia. When the suspects saw the officers, a foot pursuit ensued. All three suspects were apprehended and arrested. Two of the suspects were juveniles and one was an adult. The two juveniles were released on a citation to their parents. The adult was taken into custody.

Missing Person
February 8 at 2:00 p.m., a mother walked into the MPD lobby to report she had not seen or heard from her adult daughter in two weeks. The subject was entered as missing. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
February 8 at 5:29 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Maple reported his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
February 8 at 6:39 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of S. Mayflower regarding a possible battery. Officers arrived and contacted an intoxicated subject that had injuries to his face and legs. Witnesses said the suspect that assaulted him had fled the area. The victim was uncooperative, stating he was drunk and got into an altercation with his friends. The victim was transported to the hospital for his injuries. An officer went to the hospital to take pictures of his injuries and tried interviewing him, but he refused to cooperate. This investigation is continuing.

Get Designated Driver for Super Bowl Parties

The Monrovia Police Department is reminding football fans that there's no "DUI" in team. If you're heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan on drinking, make sure you stick to the "Go Safely game plan and choose a sober way to go.

During Super Bowl LVII weekend (Feb. 11 &12) the Monrovia Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"We want the football fans in our community to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads," Lt. Kevin Oberon said. "Before you grab a drink, make sure your game plan includes scheduling a ride-share or designating a sober driver. Choosing a safer way to go is something we can all root for."

Monrovia PD reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect you. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Pulled String Art for Teens

Register here

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Chili’s


Dinner at Chili’s, on Huntington. Got the chili and side salad for $10.39 and the beer for $6.69. Really like the chili. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Avalanche - Scary Name for a Gentle Dog


Don’t let the scary name fool you; the only threat this Avalanche poses is if you don’t like gentle kisses or petting this girl’s luxurious coat while she snuggles into you. Sweet Ava took some time to warm up to us, and what really helped bring her out of her shell were when the volunteers would sit and read to her.

Now that we can see the happy girl that was underneath the shyness, we could not be happier. When Avalanche gets the zoomies- her exuberance and joy is infectious! She runs around the yard with reckless abandon, happily squeaking on toys and smiling from ear to ear. When she slows down for a moment, it’s cuddle time- she leans into you for pets and gently nudges you for more if you stop for some reason.

Avalanche’s adoption fee is only $14 between February 9 – 15 as part of the Be Mine promotion. Read Avalanche (and other dogs’) “dating profile” on our website, then book a “first date” to meet 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, 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: 1897 View of Grand View Hotel

Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897: Colonel [Samuel] Keefer purchased a tract of land from Mr. Baldwin, and erected on the northwest corner of Lemon and Ivy La Vista Grande Hotel." History of Monrovia by John L. Wiley 1927 p 29. "For a few years the Vista Grande Hotel was known as The Antlers. It is variously referred to as La Vista Grande or Grand View, which is merely the anglicized form of its original Spanish name. 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

Free Train Rides Saturday

Metro is offering free bus, train and bike share rides on tomorrow in honor of Transit Equity Day, which commemorates Rosa Parks' birthday and her act of defiance against racial segregation on transit.

- Brad Haugaard 

State of City Meeting; Lead-Free Homes; Art on Utility Boxes; Youth Sports; Food Waste Champion Day

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

~ The State of the City meeting will be on Feb. 13 at LOOK Cinemas at 6 p.m. The City Council will provide the community with an update.

~ The Lead-Free Homes program offers free assessments and licensed contractors to eliminate lead paint hazards in homes in Monrovia built before 1951 with 4 units or fewer. Qualification is based on presence of a child under 6 or pregnant person. Apply at LeadFreeHomesLA.com or call 744-6027 for more information.

~ The Art on the Box Contest is a program to enhance the appearance of city-owned utility cabinets by sponsoring artists. The theme for 2023 is "Be Water Wise" and 5 boxes are available. Artists can apply by March 30, 2023 and receive a $700 stipend if selected. Contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us for more information.

~ The City of Monrovia is offering an After School Youth Sports Program for Winter 2023 Co-ed Basketball Season for 4th and 5th graders. The program runs from Jan 11 to March 24, Monday to Friday, and provides basketball practice, homework help, healthy snacks, character development and fun after school. The registration fee is $100 and includes a t-shirt. Scholarships are available. Contact the Community Center at 256-8246 for more information.

~ Food ED is hosting Food Waste Champion Day on Feb 25, 9am-2pm at Monrovia Community Garden to educate on food waste and SB1383 composting law. The event includes Q&A, kids' crafts, compost bin raffle, workshps on critters and cooking, and free compost for registered attendees. Register at explorefooded.org or email Kristin Ritzau at krisritzau@explorefooded.org for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Valentine's Day Romantic Carriage Ride

- Brad Haugaard

Company Offers Monrovians Discounts on EV Chargers

Webasto, a Monrovia-based manufacturer of electric vehicle chargers, is offering a 10% discount on charging systems equipment to Monrovia residents until Feb 28. Use coupon code Monrovia10 at checkout at store.evsolutions.com. Contact 652-7958 for questions.

- Brad Haugaard

Organizations Collecting Funds For a 'Steve Baker Bear,' With Baker's Signature Top Hat and Tails


If you'd like to contribute to the creation of a "Steve Baker Bear" to honor the late Steve Baker, Monrovia's City Treasurer and Historian, various local organizations have created a creating a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the installation and maintenance of the art piece, which will feature Baker's signature top hat and tails. Contribute here: t.ly/rnRYz. The location for the bear is still being decided.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Anderson House Reopening Feb. 19, 2-4 PM


The Monrovia Historical Society is hosting an open house and grand reopening of the newly restored George H. Anderson House on Feb 19 from 2-4 PM. The event includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:15 PM and free refreshments. No RSVP is needed to attend. Contact Sandy Burud at 675-8323 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Black History Month Events


The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association is hosting two events in February for Black History Month.

On Feb. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a kick-off event at the Duarte Monrovia Historical Museum. Monrovia Changemakers will share stories and the creation of its book, "Monrovia's Changemakers Combatting Bigotry and Segregation". More information: t.ly/mUpr.

On Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a Black History Month Health Fair & Workshop held at the Monrovia Community Center with workshops on various health topics. More information: t.ly/df1p. Both events are free, but reservations are required. Contact Barbara Gholar at 392-5512 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Guidelines for Spending Measure K Money; Making Rotary Bandshell Historic Landmark; Monrovia's Economy Is Good

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

~ A set of guidelines for spending Measure K sales tax funds as proposed by the Measure K Citizens Advisory Committee. The guidelines prioritize basic needs, completing one-time projects, leveraging Measure K funds for other funding sources, building reserves, funding ongoing capital improvement projects, and seeking projects with a "payback" or "return on investment". t.ly/Fi_W

~ Approving a local historic landmark designation for the Rotary Club Bandshell in Library Park. t.ly/MbtAJ

~ The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which shows that the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 was marked by growth, stability, and positive financial milestones, according to the report. The city received a credit rating upgrade from Standard and Poor's, its net financial position increased by $74.5 million, and the General Fund had a positive increase of $12.54 million. The city's cash and investment balances increased by 55% over the previous year, and its net liability for pensions decreased by 27%. tinyurl.com/2a8c6p7z

~ Because of what appears to be an improving economy, city staff is recommending to adjust its estimate of general fund revenues upward by $434,737 and expenditures upward by $55,803. t.ly/RBgv

- Brad Haugaard