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Happy Easter, Monrovia!





Comment: There’s an Easter service in Library Park at 10 a.m. today. Hope to see you there.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Looking for People Texting While Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Monrovia Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while diving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Lt Oberon said. "Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can't reach.” 

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021 the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver's record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor. putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

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

School District to Begin Issuing Bonds; Buying 1,750 Chromebooks; Hiring Company to Manage Rentals; Employees of the Month

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

~ Issuing $18,750,000 in general obligation bonds. This is from the $75,000,000 authorized by Monrovia voters during the last election. Details

~ Buying 1,750 Chromebooks for $781,677. Details

~ Contracting with Facilitron, Inc., to manage rental of school facilities. The company would get a 10% commission on rental fees. If fees over the course of a year are less than $100,000, the district would pay Facilitron 10% of the difference between the $100,000 and the actual income. Details

~ Honoring employees of the month for April: Sonia Rizo, Campus Assistant, Monroe Elementary; Karla Galindo, Teacher, Monroe Elementary; Natalie Ridley, Instructional Aide, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School; Dave Hart, Teacher, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School.

- Brad Haugaard

City Wants Ideas How to Showcase Monrovia to National Civic League


Monrovia has been named as one of 20 finalists for the 2023 All-America City Award by the National Civic League (NLC) in recognition of its efforts to engage residents in decision-making. The award acknowledges communities' efforts to improve young people's health and well-being by engaging them in programs and initiatives. The city previously received this award in 1995. Monrovia will present before NLC juries, which will announce the 10 winners in June.  If you have ideas how to showcase Monrovia to the juries, send them to City Manager Dylan Feik at dfeik@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Egg Hunts - At Street Fair Tonight, at Recreation Park Tomorrow


There will be an Easter egg hunt tonight at the Monrovia Street Fair. In Raw Inspiration's Egg Hunt there will be 100 plastic eggs hidden on each street (400 total). Each egg includes a prize, and for those who find the one Golden Egg on each street, there will be a special prize by redeeming the egg with the market manager.

There will be another Easter egg hunt at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue) tomorrow, Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities and a visit from the Spring Bunny. Details


- Brad Haugaard

Youth Can Spend a Day With Park Naturalists


Young people will have the opportunity to spend a day with Park Naturalists on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and to leave as Junior Park Naturalists. There will be crafts, games, lunch, and participants will receive a Junior Naturalist T-Shirt, and meet some of animal ambassadors. Participants will also help  in a celebratory tree planting for Arbor Day. Registration closes Monday, April 10. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Bench Honoring Ralph Walker to be Unveiled

 A bench in memory of local KGEM TV host, Ralph Walker, will be unveiled on Friday, April 14, at 6 p.m., in front of the Monrovia Public Library. Walker passed away late last year. He was best known for his program, "Conversations with Ralph Walker," in which he interviewed many leading Monrovians. For more information contact Community Media of the Foothills at Kgemtv@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Arbor Day and Earth Day at Library Park April 22


Arbor Day and Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, from 3-6 p.m. at Library Park. Free activities: information booths, arts & crafts, face painting, story times, giveaways, and more. For more information call Community Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

More Shades to be Installed at Library Park Playground

Three steel and fabric shades will be installed at the Library Park playground by USA Shade. The work is expected to last two to three weeks, starting in the fall.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Compost and Mulch April 15


Free compost and mulch next Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m.-noon, at the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 S. Mountain). Email Petra Beglarian at pbeglarian@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5562 if you want to make reservations

- Brad Haugaard

Planning Commission to Consider Auto Shop Regulations

The Monrovia Planning Commission will consider recommending to the City Council an ordinance regulating automobile repair facilities. The proposed ordinance would address working outside of bays, the storage of vehicles, outdoor storage of equipment, and parking on public streets. An operations permit process is also being proposed to allow deviations from the standards with a focus on outdoor operations, outside storage, and outside storage containers. The Design Review Committee would review each application to determine if such activity may be permitted. Details

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Police: Warrant Arrest of Woman Going Through Trash Cans; Man on School Roof Gets Mental Evaluation; Three Catalytic Converter Thefts; Vehicle Collides with Curb, Occupants Run Off; Etc.


[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 30 – April 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 311 service events, resulting in 65 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 31 at 11:37 a.m., a resident in the area of Foothill and Stedman called to report a female subject was going through trash cans and removing items. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was discovered she had multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Theft
March 31 at 8:09 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported theft. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
March 31 at 10:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to a school facility in the 200 block of S. Ivy regarding a person on the roof. Officers arrived and with assistance from a police helicopter and MFD the subject was located. It was determined that the subject was a danger to himself and he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 1:47 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the 200 block of E. Olive and conducted a traffic stop. The driver showed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol, so the officer began a DUI investigation. After standardized field sobriety tests were conducted the driver was arrested for DUI. 

Grand Theft
April 1 at 10:58 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Canyon called to report that her vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 1 at 1:12 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of S. Ivy reported that his vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 1 at 1:33 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Colorado called to report that his vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 12:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle in the middle of a parking lot with a driver that appeared unresponsive. Officers arrived, contacted the driver and determined he was under the influence of drugs. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Evasion
April 2 at 3:00 a.m., while patrolling the area of California and Palm officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle who was driving with the vehicle lights off. The vehicle yielded and as the officer exited his unit the vehicle fled. The officer pursued the vehicle and the vehicle collided with a curb, disabling it. The occupants fled on foot in the area of Myrtle and Cherry and were not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 2 at 7:47 a.m. an officer patrolling the 100 block of E. Olive and located a vehicle that was reported stolen. The vehicle was parked and unoccupied. The officer recovered the vehicle and notified the registered owner. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 2 at 9:32 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Lemon called to report that her vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 9:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Montana regarding a suspicious vehicle blocking the roadway. When they arrived, they contacted the vehicle's occupant who was intoxicated. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 12:00 a.m., an officer contacted a subject at a park in the 900 block of S. California after hours. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Mental Evaluation
April 4 at 1:13 a.m., a subject entered his neighbor's apartment through an unlocked door. The neighbor confronted the subject and held him on the floor until officers arrived. The subject, who appeared to be having a mental breakdown, was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Traffic Collision
April 4 at 1:46 p.m., a motorcycle collided into a vehicle while driving along the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and determined the driver of the motorcycle was at fault and was driving without a license. The driver was cited. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 2:13 p.m., officers saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. The subject was detained and he admitted to concealing narcotics in his clothing. Officers searched the subject and located several baggies of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Driving Under the Influence
April 5 at 1:32 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. 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. 

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