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The Drought Is Over

The drought is over, according to the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.

In its Pipeline News the district says that, “While the most recent drought is effectively over, we must remember we live in a region where most years are dry, where drought will return and where climate change makes the work of water planning and delivery challenging. The reality remains that if we’re not in a drought, we are probably either getting into one or recovering from one.”

The report adds that as of April 1, the water level has increased to 204.9 feet above mean sea level, compared to 189.7 feet in March, 179.4 feet in February and 179.2 feet in January. A level between 200 and 250 feet is considered healthy.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Saigon Avenue


Dinner at Saigon Avenue, on the south side of Lemon half a block east of Myrtle. Got the sautéed chicken sandwich for $11 and a beer for $6. Nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Service 10 a.m. at Library Park

- Brad Haugaard

Muñeco: Paparazzi Don’t Bother This Dog

Muñeco is a handsome Husky who is sure to turn heads wherever he goes. This beautiful boy loves being the center of attention, so the double-takes and stares don’t bother him at all. Paparazzi are just part of the game for this dude.

Thankfully, Muñeco is more than just a pretty face. His name translates to “Sweetie”, and it’s perfect for him. He loves everyone he meets and soaks in the pets and scratches. His easy-going demeanor and laid-back attitude also vibe well with the So Cal lifestyle that he deserves.

All large dogs’ adoption fee is reduced by 50% until April 11th. Come meet the movie star Muñeco today!

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

- Brad Haugaard 



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.

Water District Art Contest Deadline May 1


The Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District is accepting artwork until 5 p.m. May 1 for its annual "Water is Life" art contest on the theme, "Being Water Wise Is...". Students in grades K-12 are eligible to participate. Submissions are due by May 1st at 5 p.m. Details

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 'Neat and Attractive Cottage' of Dr. R.D. Adams

Home of Dr. R.D. Adams, circa 1896. 201 W. White Oak (Foothill) now 113 N Primrose. The women may be Dr. Adams' wife Callie and daughter. "Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897 writes: The neat and attractive cottage home of Dr. R.D. Adams is to be found at the corner of White Oak and Primrose avenues. Dr. Adams came to California from Kansas in 1888, and four years later took up his residence in Monrovia, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Stewart. His office is located on Myrtle Avenue near the post office. The doctor is a member of the School Board and is greatly interested in the education of the youth of the community." 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

Workshops on Shade Gardening; Birds, Bees, and Other Pollinators

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is offering two free online workshops in April, "Gardening in the Shade" and "Birds, Bees, and other Pollinators."

Gardening in the Shade will take place on Thursday, April 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will cover topics such as designing for dry shade gardens, creating cool retreats, adding color, landscaping on hillsides, working under/near trees, and irrigation considerations. Register here.

Birds, Bees, and other Pollinators will be held on Tuesday, April 25, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will cover topics such as creating a pollinator oasis, attracting pollinators with plants, the role of native plants in supporting wildlife, and factors that threaten pollinator health. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Website Recomends: ‘Consider Monrovia’

A website called california.com writes: “If you're looking for a quiet and friendly community to call home, consider Monrovia.” The article

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Battle of Bands April 14

Monrovia High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association will host the 17th annual Battle of the Bands on April 14 from 6-10 p.m. The event will feature 14 teen bands from Southern California. Attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes such as spa treatments from Park Place Medi Spa, a signed Eric Nash skateboard deck, and a Michael Anthony signed Fender bass. More here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Eastertime in Monrovia

Easter Activities in Monrovia:

~ Get your picture with the Easter Bunny (or "Spring Bunny," if you prefer) tomorrow, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Library Park. Plus arts and crafts, lawn games, and Storytime.

~ And the following Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. an Easter egg hunt at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue). Arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

~ And the next day, Easter, Calvary Chapel Monrovia will hold a service in Library Park at 10 a.m. Childcare available.

- Brad Haugaard

Support Monrovia Youth Baseball at the Carnival


Support the Monrovia Youth Baseball League by purchasing an MYBL wristband at the Santa Anita Park Spring Carnival this weekend and next. $20 gets you an unlimited ride wristband, and $5 goes to MYBL. Use code MYBL23. Get tickets online (here) or pay $30 on-site.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider: Opposing Tax- and Fee-Limitation Measure; Resolution Condemning Antisemitism

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ A resolution opposing an upcoming statewide ballot measure, the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act," filed by the California Business Roundtable. The initiative would expand restrictions on local governments' revenue-raising authority regarding taxes and fees. It would also introduce more restrictive standards and heightened legal challenges to fees and charges imposed by local agencies, affecting an estimated $2 billion per year of local government fee and charge revenue, according to the League of California Cities. More...

~ A resolution "Condemning and Rejecting Antisemitism and supporting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance by Affirming Monrovia's Commitment to Ensuring our Community is a Safe and Welcoming Place." Details

~ Proclaiming April DMV/Donate Life Month (here) and  Oral Cancer Awareness Month (here).

- Brad Haugaard

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Expo April 15

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Expects Mountain Park, Canyon Oaks, and Adult School Will be Accredited


Mountain Park School, Canyon Oaks High School, and Monrovia Community Adult School have completed the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation process. The process evaluates the schools' programs, learning outcomes, and performance to ensure they meet standards. Superintendent Ryan Smith said the visiting committee was impressed and he expects that all three schools will receive a full six-year accreditation term. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Institutes STAR Awards

Monrovia School District has instituted a new tradition called the STAR (spectacular, terrific, amazing, remarkable) Awards to recognize employees who have been nominated by their peers for excellence in their work. The awards will be held on April 11 at Monrovia High School in the Taylor Performing Arts Center, and one nominee from each category will be named as the person of the year. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Jewelry Heist on Huntington; Assault With TV Remote - Wife Arrested; Man Assaulted While Walking; Man Wandering in Traffic ; Etc…


[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 23 – 29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 71 investigations. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 23 at 4:02 p.m., the victim reported her vehicle had been stolen overnight from the 200 block of Los Angeles. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence
March 23 at 5:33 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a domestic incident. A female subject was located and stated she was slapped by her boyfriend. There were no injuries and the male subject was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 10:15 a.m., a security guard from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The subject had six outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
March 24 at 3:39 p.m., an employee in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject entered the business, smashed a jewelry display case and took merchandise. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
March 24 at 5:08 p.m., a motorist called to report a traffic collision in the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Officers and Paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. Three people were injured and one was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Weapon / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 4:11 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject was in her back yard. Officers responded and located the subject. He was in possession of a concealed dirk and dagger and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
March 25 at 4:53 a.m., a security guard in the 1600 block of California called and report there was an assault victim at the location. Officers arrived and found an adult male with injuries to his face. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The victim stated two male subjects assaulted him while he was walking. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
March 25 at 6:42 p.m., a caller reported a motorist collided into a parked vehicle in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Officers arrived and found the driver to be intoxicated, but was also complaining of pain. MFD responded and transported the driver to a nearby hospital. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 8:48 p.m., an officer working at a DUI Checkpoint in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle found one of the motorists to be intoxicated after speaking with him. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 11:16 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Shamrock an officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. After he stopped the bicyclist he found the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
March 26 at 5:12 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Benrud saw an adult male subject walking in traffic lanes. A vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed towards the subject so the officer positioned his vehicle between the man and the vehicle and activated his emergency lights. It was determined the man was a danger to himself, he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 26 at 10:25 p.m., a witness reported a hit and run traffic collision in the 800 block of Monterey where a vehicle hit multiple parked cars. The driver ran from the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 3:40 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington she was flagged down by a store security guard. The security guard reported three male suspects were taking items from the store and fled on foot. The officer was able to locate and detain one suspect. The suspect was arrested, cite, and released at the scene. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 27 at 5:02 p.m., domestic violence was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. A couple was arguing when the wife picked up the TV remote control and threw it at her husband hitting him in the mouth. The husband refused an Emergency Protective Order and prosecution. The female was arrested, cited and released. 

Grand Theft
March 27 at 8:40 p.m., a victim reported that the catalytic converter from his vehicle was stolen in the 200 block of N. Canyon. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
March 28 at 6:50 a.m., an officer responded to 2000 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject who was confused. He was not reported as a missing person. The subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Grand Theft
March 28 at 10:53 a.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of East Lemon regarding a theft of a catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius. The victim parked his vehicle last Saturday at his residence and discovered the catalytic converter missing this morning. The victim will review his Ring camera to see if the suspects were caught on video. The loss value is $ 1,400.00. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
March 28 at 2:17 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Lime reported a burglary in a commercial unit. An investigation revealed the suspects forced open the unit and took numerous items. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery Report – Suspect Arrested
March 28 at 3:47 p.m., a male subject walked into the MPD lobby reported he was robbed and battered by two male suspects in the 500 block of W. Huntington. MFD responded to the lobby and treated the male subject. An investigation revealed that the male subject was actually involved in a domestic fight with his partner. Officers responded and interviewed the partner and confirmed it was domestic violence and no robbery occurred. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
March 29 at 9:02 a.m., an officer responded to 200 block of N. Magnolia regarding a welfare check on a female subject. Upon arrival officers noticed food was delivered some time ago and appeared no one was home. Officers were able to locate the resident through a side door. MFD responded and transported her to a local hospital, where she was placed on a hold for being unable to care for herself. 

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
March 29 at 9:22 p.m., an employee from the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting in progress involving three suspects. Officers arrived as two of the suspects left the store and a foot pursuit ensued. Both suspects were located and detained. The third suspect fled as the two other suspects were being detained. The suspects were arrested, cited and released. 

Registration Open for 13th Annual Neighborhood Conference


Monrovia Area Partnership's 13th free Annual Neighborhood Conference will be held on April 29, with registration and a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. and workshops starting at 10:15 a.m. The conference will feature workshops, an information fair, health screenings, and food. The goal is to provide education, information, training, and resources for the community, and to encourage attendees to share what they have learned. The event features two workshop sessions, with topics including gardening, city resources, landlord-tenant rights, leadership, community projects, Monrovia history, active shooter training, and SB1383 (organic waste recycling). Workshops have limited capacity, so attendees should register as soon as possible. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Ike’s Love and Sandwiches


Dinner at the new “Ike‘s Love and Sandwiches,” in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got the Hunter Pence sandwich (turkey, bacon, avocado, and cheese,) combo for $18.95. The combo includes a drink and the bag of chips. Very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Mischievous Loki Can Play Catch Even By Himself


You can tell by the twinkle in his eye that Loki is aptly named. This mischievous little rascal is a laugh a minute and always has us shaking our heads. Loki is very playful and entertains himself by playing catch, even when no one else is playing!

Loki has been in a foster home for a few weeks now and he’s made great progress! He really likes a routine and learning new things. He’s a master at some tricks already and eager to learn more. Loki loves toys, kids, and he’s even made some dog friends!

Loki is on the smaller side- he has lovingly been described as a “pocket husky”. He won’t take up too much room on the couch when he’s getting his always-appreciated snuggles!

All dogs over 40 pounds at Pasadena Humane will have a reduced adoption fee of only $75 between 3/28 - 4/11!

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

Water Level Almost Up to Normal

As of March 24 the underground water table from which Monrovia draws is now just 14 inches below the 200-to-250 feet above sea level that the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District considers a safe level. The water level has increased almost 20 feet since early January, from 178.9 feet then to 198.8 feet now. Source  

- Brad Haugaard