World Music Concert March 9 at Library

Family Music Concert on Thursday, March 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Story Room of the library. Musical genres and instruments from around the world. Dance and clap along and learn about different cultures. For more information email asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8269.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Open House Dates and Times

Here are the open house days and times for Monrovia schools. 

Preschool

• Canyon Early Learning Center (CELC), Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m.

Elementary School

• Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m.
• Mayflower Elementary, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
• Monroe Elementary, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
• Plymouth Elementary, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
• Wild Rose School of Creative Arts, Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m.

Middle School

• Clifton Middle, Tuesday, March 23 at 6 p.m.
• Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet, Wednesday, March 29 at 5 p.m.

High School / Alternative Ed

• Monrovia High School, Wednesday, March 15 at 6 p.m.
• Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School, Wednesday, March 29 at 5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia's Senator, Herbert Evans

Senator Herbert J. Evans was a state senator (1925-1929), orange grower and real estate and insurance broker. He was born in London where he became a lawyer at the age of 15, leaving to become a bookkeeper in Muskogee, Indian Territory, US. He married Jane Louise Berry; they had a son, Edward Arthur, and daughter, Caroline Margot. The family came to Monrovia on April 15, 1905 and bought an orange grove. H.J. served as a City Trustee off and on between 1908-1916. He was a member of the "Ten Thousand Club", whose purpose was to double the size of the city (in 1914 at 5,250). See John L. Wiley, History of Monrovia, 1927. Photo around 1916. 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

Children's Story Time With Park Naturalists

Storytime with Monrovia Park Naturalists on Saturday, March 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Station Square Park. For children with accompanying adult. Stories, music, movement, and fun facts. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn Dungeons and Dragons at Library

The Monrovia Public Library is hosting a Dungeons and Dragons event for teens and adults on Friday, March 10, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The library's Dungeon Master will teach players how to play the classic fantasy tabletop role-playing game. Registration for this event will close on March 10, 2023, at 12 p.m. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Paying Employees to Retire Early; New Principal Position; Members for Bond Oversight Committee

At its next meeting (agenda: link) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Approving a retirement incentive of $1,000, $500, or $250 for retirement age employees. link

~ Creating a new position, that of Alternative Education Principal, who will be the educational leader and chief administrator of Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study. link

~ Appointing Jason Willoughby, Albert Clegg, Gary Schaeffler, Carolyn Noonchester, James Mendez, Terrence Williams, and Janet Wall to the Citizens Oversight Committee to make sure the Measure MM bond money is properly spent. link

~ Approving a report that the school district will be able to meet its financial obligations for 2022-23 and the following two fiscal years. link

- Brad Haugaard

When Should City Hold Monrovia Days Parade? Monrovia Today Available; Be a Literacy Tutor; Lucinda Garcia Park Reopening

The city wants to ask you whether it should schedule the Monrovia Days Parade for Thursday, May 18 in the evening, or on Saturday morning, May 20. Here's a survey: t.ly/d8EP

~ The Spring edition of Monrovia Today is online now and will be delivered to your house shortly. It features recreation classes starting March 20, and events in March, April and May. Here's the online version: t.ly/STwN

~ Monrovia Public Library's Adult Literacy program needs tutors to help English-speaking adults improve reading and writing skills. You will be trained and provided with materials and support. For more information, email literacyservices@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8274.

~ Lucinda Garcia Park Dedication and Grand Reopening will be on Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. For questions, call 256-8246. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Tree Falls Across Street in Wind, Traps Residents; Three Mental Evaluations; Drugs; Etc...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 23 – March 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 307 service events, resulting in 61 investigations.

Vehicle Pursuit
February 23 at 12:23 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Alta Vista and Colorado when they saw a vehicle speed by. The officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop. The vehicle slowed down and allow the passenger to exit the vehicle. The vehicle continued and the pursuit was canceled. The passenger was detained and advised that the driver was suffering from mental health. The driver and vehicle were entered into the system as endangered. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
February 24 at 5:27 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington for an alarm call. An investigation revealed that the front doors had been pried open, an office was ransacked, and money was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 24 at 6:21 a.m., a witness reported a vehicle crash in the 1000 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and checked on the wellbeing of the occupants. One motorist was transported to a local hospital for their injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 24 at 1:43 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Colorado called to report a suspicious person in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject had a no bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
February 25 at 12:32 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Pomona called to report his business was broken into sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Bicycle Theft
February 25 at 1:59 p.m., a caller reported his bicycle was taken from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 26 at 12:47 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a female subject outside passed out. Officers arrived and determined the female subject was intoxicated and could not care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
February 26 at 9:25 a.m., a resident from the 400 block of Linwood called to report his vehicle was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
February 26 at 3:02 p.m., a victim reported his vehicle was taken while he was inside a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. This investigation is continuing.

Trespass Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 26 at 8:46 p.m., a caller from the 200 block of W. Huntington reported a subject, who had been escorted off the property earlier by MPD, was back again. Officers arrived and the female subject refused to leave. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 12:36 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the area of Myrtle and Cypress. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver showed signs and symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was arrested. He was transported to the MPD jail to one held for a sobering period.

Mail Theft
February 27 at 11:35 a.m., the reporting party in the 500 block of S. Bradoaks called to state that she hadn't received any mail or packages in the last couple of weeks, and she learned that some of her mail had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
February 27 at 2:18 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Chestnut to report graffiti on his building. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
February 27 at 3:41 p.m., officers responded the 100 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject who said he wanted to harm himself. Upon arrival officers determined he was a danger to himself and he was transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Commercial Burglary
February 28 at 6:40 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that someone broke into the business. Officers arrived and noticed the rear door was locked but had pry marks. Suspects gained entry and once inside, the suspect's went into the room where the safe was kept and attempted to pry it. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
February 28 at 7:06 p.m., an officer responded to the 900 block of W. Huntington regarding the theft of property from a room. Employees reported a male subject entered the room and removed property. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
February 28 at 7:35 p.m., witnesses requested a welfare check for a female subject in 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers interviewed the subject and determined she was in need of a mental health evaluation. She was transported to a hospital for an evaluation.

Overdose
March 1 at 4:56 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of S. Violet regarding a possible overdose. MFD responded and transported the subject to the hospital.

Tree and Power Emergency
March 1 at 6:47 p.m., heavy winds took down a large tree and power lines in the 800 block of Norumbega. All residents north of this location were unable to leave or gain access to their homes. A tree removal company arrived and began to work on removing the tree. SoCal Edison arrived and began working on restoring power lines.

Four-Way Stops at Lime and Heliotrope, Lime and Magnolia; End COVID Emergency; Etc.

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

~ Hear reports about adding four way stops at the intersection of Heliotrope and Lime (t.ly/8dZ_r) and at the intersection of Magnolia and Lime (t.ly/q0gb).

~  Consider ending the local Coronavirus emergency proclaimed on March 13, 2020. t.ly/Eb87

~ Consider proclaiming March as Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month (t.ly/J5ZRv), Red Cross Month (t.ly/dNCv), and Women’s History Month (t.ly/xQQk).

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Pour House

Dinner at the Pour House, on the west side of Myrtle just below Lime. Got the French dip sliders (usually $12.50 but I got them for $7) and a beer for $5. Happy hour prices. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Zoom Workshops on 'Hugelkultur' and Leak Detection

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is hosting two virtual landscape classes this March.

On March 9, a free "Hugelkultur" workshop will be held via Zoom. Learn about creating raised planting beds using woody material and other compostable biomass, criteria for determining whether hugelkultur makes sense for your landscape, siting and sizing hugels, and maintenance and troubleshooting. Register: t.ly/P2ns

On March 21, the district will host a free "Outdoor Leak Detection" workshop via Zoom. How to detect if you have a leak, how to track down the source of the leak, preventive measures to avoid leaks, and whether to handle the issue yourself or hire a professional. Registration: t.ly/a4y1

- Brad Haugaard

Water Is Life Student Art Contest

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District's "Water is Life" art contest is open! The theme is "Being Water Wise Is..." and is open to students in grades K-12. The contest aims to promote water conservation and stewardship through student artwork. Details: t.ly/dbJ_

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia City Council Member John Nobrega Dies

John Nobrega (bottom right) with the rest of the 1985 Monrovia City Council.

Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik reports that former council member and long-time resident John Nobrega Jr. died  on February 9 at the age of 90. He writes that Nobrega's civic engagement began as a commissioner, from 1972 to 1982, when he was elected to the City Council. He was re-elected in 1986 and 1990 and served multiple years as mayor pro tem, advocating for Monrovia Fire & Rescue and playing a significant role in keeping fire services under city control. Nobrega is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia, son, and daughters, and many grandchildren. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Graduate Ron Husband Honored as Unsung Hero of 41st Assembly District

San Dimas resident and Monrovia High School alumnus Ronald "Ron" Husband was recently recognized as the Unsung Hero for the 41st Assembly District by Assembly member Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) for his contributions to the community. The CLBC established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to acknowledge individuals who have made selfless and unrecognized contributions to their respective districts.

Mr. Husband, a 38-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, retired as a character artist from the Walt Disney Consumer Products Division. He was the first African American animator and supervising animator for Walt Disney Studios and has taught students across the nation the importance of imagination through his vision of art. He is a Monrovia High School graduate and holds an Associate's Degree in Art from Citrus College and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 2019, he was inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Mr. Husband expressed his gratitude for the award and thanked Assemblymember Holden and The California Legislative Black Caucus.

- Brad Haugaard

Rambo or Velcro? He Sticks Close

You might think with a name like Rambo that this dog should be an action hero. A more accurate name might be Velcro as this handsome boy’s idea of “action” revolves around being as close to his people as possible. He quickly bonds with you and once he’s by your side, he doesn’t want to be anywhere else!

Rambo is a whiz at several commands and is eager to show them off. He tries to even anticipate what you want- he's been known to patiently lie down next to the volunteers who are walking him when they stop to chat with someone. He doesn’t even need a treat, but he also doesn’t pass them up.

Rambo recently spent time in a foster home where he got to play with another dog, so we think a similar-sized playmate would suit him.

Since Rambo is five years old, he is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program. For any adopter over sixty, his adoption fee is waived!

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

Three Monrovia High Robotics Teams Advance to Regional Competition

Monrovia High School's robotics teams, Kings and Queens, Neptune, and Suit Bots, successfully competed in the First Tech Challenge Inter-League Tournament on February 18 and will move on to the Regional Championships on March 11. All three teams will compete against the top teams in Southern California to earn a chance to participate in the World Championships in Houston, in April.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Girls in 1900

A group of young Monrovian girls around 1900. 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

Not Quite Out of the Drought Yet

So are we out of the drought yet?

Well, the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District says, "It’s too early to conclude the drought is over," but the recent rain storms do show the water level rising. USGVMWD says (t.ly/jRs8) that the water level was ...

178.9 feet above sea level in early January

179.4 feet  on February 1

187.7 feet on February 24 (t.ly/C5A1)

So the water level has increased 8.8 feet in just under two months, but is still below the 200 to 250 feet the district considers to be a safe water level. This does does not, of course, take into consideration the storms of the past few days or the predicted storms in the next few days.

- Brad Haugaard

Storytelling Event at Library Park March 4

On Saturday, March 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the band shell at Library Park, there will be a multicultural storytelling event discussing pride in oneself through stories from three cultures. Games, crafts, and a performance of "Proud to be Me." For information email jmushisky@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8264.

- Brad Haugaard

The State Gastropub Coming In Spring

A restaurant called The State is coming to Monrovia in the spring. It will be on the east side of Myrtle just south of Lemon. It is a Gastropub that already has restaurants in Rancho Cucamonga and Redlands, and with others coming in Riverside and Monrovia. thestaterestaurant.com

- Brad Haugaard