Dinner at New Raising Cane’s

Dinner at the new Raising Cane’s, at Huntington and Fifth. You basically have your choice of chicken fingers or chicken fingers. I got chicken fingers, the 3 finger combo for $9.99 It’s a limited menu, but what they do they do very well. I especially liked the dipping sauce.

- Brad Haugaard 

Three Mental Health Events Planned for May 20, 21 and June 10

SET for LIFE, a non-profit organization focused on bringing communities and families together around mental health will host three free events at Second Baptist Church in Monrovia. The events are open to the public and will feature a activities and resources to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

• SALT Shakers is a free event for youth ages 12-17. The event will take place on Saturday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. SALT Shakers will provide a safe space for teens to express themselves through art, games, and icebreakers. There will also be pizza, wings, snacks, and soft drinks.
• ACTs is a free event for African American/Black church congregants. The event will take place on Sunday, May 21 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. ACTs will feature a moderated discussion about the stigma around mental health in ethnic and faith-based communities and will include lunch, giveaways, and prizes.
• Love L.I.F.E. (Living In Faith Everyday) Celebration is a free, family-friendly event that will take place on June 10 from 2 to 7 p.m. The event will feature live performances, music, dance, painting, games for children and adults, a kid zone, a teen zone, Southern and Caribbean food tastings, a popup roller skating rink, 9-hole miniature golf, and hands-on activities for all ages. Resource booths will provide information on mental health and access to care.

Space is limited for all events. To register, visit setforlifenews.org. For more information, email info@setforlifenews.org or call (626) 408-8245.

- Brad Haugaard

Book Sale May 19-21

Book sale at Monrovia Public Library, Friday - Sunday, May 19 - May 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Paperbacks 50 cents, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, DVDs $2. All proceeds benefit library programs, services and collections.

- Brad Haugaard

Arctic Is More Teddy Bear Than Polar Bear

This big ball of fluff might look like a polar bear, but he has the sweet disposition of a teddy bear. Meet Samoyed/Husky mix Arctic! This handsome guy is also a social butterfly. He adores everyone he meets and happily goes from person to person getting pets, scratches and whatever treats you happen to have ready.

Arctic has become quite a star at Pasadena Humane; he is a volunteer favorite, and the volunteers love taking him out to the play yard for games of fetch or frolicking in the kiddie pool. He also finds it hilarious to jump out of the pool and shake out his beautiful coat right next to you.

Arctic responds well to training- he knows some basic commands already and is ready to learn more. Come meet stunning Arctic 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

Workshop: Where Does Our Water Come From?

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will host a free workshop on May 16, 2023 at 6 p.m. at its Monrovia headquarters, at 248 E. Foothill Blvd.. The workshop will focus on where our local water comes. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Raising Cane's Grand Opening Tomorrow - Tuesday

Raising Cane's will open its newest chicken-finger restaurant, at the corner of Huntington and Fifth, in Monrovia tomorrow, Tuesday, May 2, with a grand opening ceremony from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The opening will include prizes, giveaways, and meals featuring the company's chicken fingers. Customers who arrive early will receive $50 gift baskets filled with Cane's merchandise. There will also be a chance to win free Canes for a Year for 20 customers aged 13 and up. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature members of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and will feature donations to Monrovia and Arcadia high schools. Regular hours for the restaurant will be Monday through Sunday from 9-1 a.m. Raising Cane's plans to open 100 new restaurants across several new markets in 2023.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Home of EF Spence, Monrovia - and Young Ladies College - Co-Founder

Home of E.F. Spence, circa 1887. The home, named "Laurel Bray" on Silverhill, Prospect Ave. was built for Anna Mariah and E.F. Spence, one of the founders of Monrovia. E.F. Spence came from Ireland during the gold rush, he tried mining, almost died from what it did to his health. He went into business in Nevada City. He married and had several children. His first wife died. He went back to Ireland and married his second wife, a cousin. They eventually came to L.A. He had a banking career with the First National Bank of Los Angeles and served on the LA City Council. He helped establish the Monrovia Young Ladies College, a branch of the University of Southern California. Mrs. E.S. Armstrong, who was a niece of Mr. E.F. Spence, gave the original print of which this is a copy, to Mrs. Rex Kramer who lives in the house on the same site as the Spence home. The house was built in 1887 and demolished in 1920. The Spence home was designed by the Newsom Brothers, famous architects, based primarily in San Francisco, who opened and Los Angeles office during the land boom. 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

Planned: Ceramics Workshop and Store on Myrtle; New Mausoleum at Live Oak Cemetery

The Monrovia Design Review Committee (agenda here) will consider:

~ Allowing a ceramics shop/workshop, Makers & Clay, to locate on Myrtle Avenue. "Our mission is to create a space that celebrates creativity, fosters a sense of community, and supports our local economy." Details

~ Letting Live Oak Cemetery put in a new mausoleum next to California Avenue. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Summit to Feature Girls in Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math

Monrovia School District will host its inaugural Femineers Summit on Monday, May 1st, 2023, from 6-7 pm at Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. The event will showcase the district's first students to complete the science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) based program. The Femineers program aims to inspire girls to pursue careers in STEAM. The summit is open to the public.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Schedule - May 19-21

Monrovia Days is back, Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21. Activities will include a parade (sign up here), live music, a beer garden, a pie eating contest (sign up here), a carnival (tickets here), and more. 

Here's the schedule:

Friday, May 19 - 5 to 10 p.m.

• 12 to 5 p.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale
• 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Youth Performance by MUSD Students
• 5 to 10 p.m. - Carnival rides, food and games
• 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Live Entertainment, Bumptown - Top 40's Band

Saturday, May 20 - 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

• 9 a.m. - Opening Ceremony and Dignitary Welcome
• 10 a.m. - Monrovia Days Parade Celebrating our Scholars and Champions. on Myrtle Avenue at Olive Avenue, and will head north on Myrtle Avenue to Library Park.
• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale
• 11:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Youth Performances by Centre Stage and MUSD Students

Noon - 10 p.m. - Carnival rides, food and games

• 4:30 p.m. - Parade Awards Ceremony
• 5 p.m. - Merengue Bakery Pie Eating Contest
• 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - OC Groove - Blues, Rock & Funk Band

Sunday, May 21 - noon - 8 p.m.

• Noon - 5 p.m. - Youth Performances by Centre Stage
• 6 to 8 p.m. - Stone Soul - Classic Soul & Motown Band

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast May 13

Monrovia Fire Department will hold its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 13 from 7 to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 101 (141 E Lemon Avenue). There will be activities such as a Jr. Firefighter challenge, raffles, displays, and live demonstrations.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Blood Drive May 4

Monrovia Police Department will host a blood drive next Thursday, May 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Center (119 W Palm Avenue). Schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org with sponsor code "Monrovia" or call 1-800-red-cross.

- Brad Haugaard

Longer Hours for Veterans Center; Traffic Safety Meeting; New Art at Community Center; Immigration Center Fundraiser

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

~ Starting Monday, May 1, the Library's Veterans Resource Center will be extending office hours for appointments to meet with a L.A. County Veterans Services Officer: Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. To make an appointment, call 256-8294.

~ Monrovia Area Partnership will hold a community meeting Saturday, May 13, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Community Center's Monroe Room (119 W. Palm Avenue). The Traffic Safety Committee will discuss pedestrian safety tips, traffic sign installation guidelines, and more. Then there will be an opportunity to network. Lunch provided. This meeting is free and open to the community. Details

~ There will be a new art display by four Monrovia Association of Fine Arts artists this Sunday, April 30, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Monrovia Community Center. View the art and enjoy the String Quartet from the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra, and treats and beverages. Details

~  The Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley (here) is hosting "Cocktails for a Cause," a fundraiser, on Saturday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The organization provides low-cost immigration legal services, education events, and referral services. For questions about the event, call 209-9318.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider: Opposing Tax-Limitation Measure; Hiring Consultant for Hillside Restoration; Shade at Station Square Park

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

~ Consider opposing a statewide ballot measure, "The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act", which would limit cities' abilities to levy taxes and fees. Details 

~ Consider contracting with a company called Psomas for up to $65,366 to provide recovery services for parts of Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve following the Bobcat Fire. It would give advice on what to plant, trees that might fall and injure hikers, erosion control, invasive vegetation removal, temporary irrigation, native plant species, application methods, conceptual planting layouts, and long-term maintenance." Details

~ Hold a study session before the regular meeting on shade options for Station Square Park. Details 

~ Consider proclaiming May 2023 as Older Americans Month and recognize Older Monrovian of the Year Honoree Mark Harvis (Details); proclaiming May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month (Details); proclaiming May 2023 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (Details).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Rock-Throwing Juveniles; Motorcyclist Injured by Other Motorcyclists; Catalytic Converter Thefts; Woman Slaps Husband, Attempts to Slash His Tires; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 20 – 26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 375 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.

Traffic Collision
April 20 at 8:46 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 1100 block of S. Magnolia. Officers and paramedics arrived to check on the wellbeing of those involved. No injuries were reported. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft
April 20 at 3:40 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Olive called to report that the catalytic converter from his vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 20 at 9:33 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Duarte and California for a traffic violation. A computer check of the driver revealed an outstanding warrant. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
April 21 at 3:35 a.m., officers responded to a business burglary alarm in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw the rear window was broken. There were no vehicles or people around the restaurant when officers arrived. When officers reviewed the security cameras, it showed two suspects made entry and removed cash. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 21 at 9:29 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain. Officers arrived to check on the wellbeing of everyone involved. No injuries were reported.

Grand Theft
April 21 at 10:26 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of E. Lime reported the catalytic converter of their vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Juvenile Problems
April 21 at 7:38 p.m., witnesses in the 200 block of W. Lime called to report that a group of juveniles where throwing rocks at homes. Officers responded and were unable to locate the juveniles. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
April 22 at 1:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 800 block of E. Huntington called to report that a subject was at the residence causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and determined the subject was a danger to himself. He was transported to a local hospital for mental evaluation.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 22 at 3:50 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the area of Duarte and Tenth. Officers and paramedics arrived and checked on the wellbeing of the occupants. One of the occupants was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Critical Missing
April 22 at 3:53 p.m., an employee from a facility in the 100 block of S. Myrtle called to report that two residents left and did not returned. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 22 at 5:38 p.m., an officer located a stolen vehicle in the 500 block of W. Huntington. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was arrested. A firearm was located inside the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 6:18 p.m., officers responded to 1100 block of Royal Oaks regarding a domestic violence incident. A married couple was arguing and the female subject slapped the male subject. She tried to prevent him leaving the location by attempting to slash his tires. Officers arrived and arrested the female suspect. She was transported to the MPD jail.

Theft
April 22 at 7:02 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim’s wallet was stolen while she was shopping at the location. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 22 at 7:06 p.m., officers responded to the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks regarding a hit and run traffic collision. A motorcyclist suffered an accident caused by a group of motorcyclists. He suffered minor injuries and was transported to local hospital for treatment.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 9:32 p.m., while on patrol in the area of Peck and Live Oak an officer saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. The vehicle was stopped and it was determined the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 23 at 12:31 a.m., officers responded to the area of Mountain and Central regarding two vehicles involved in a traffic collision. The suspect vehicle did not stay behind and fled the scene. The victim suffered injuries and had complaint of pain, but refused medical treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 2:08 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Longden saw a vehicle commit a traffic offense. A traffic stop was conducted and a DUI investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Under the Influence of Drugs – Suspects Arrested
April 23 at 2:13 a.m., while patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a female and male subject in the park after hours. The subjects were contacted and they showed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Both suspects were evaluated and found to be under the influence. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
April 23 at 2:41 p.m., witnesses in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a male adult causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and contacted a male adult who was visibly upset and made comments of hurting people in the park. It was determined he was a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Grand Theft Auto
April 23 at 6:45 p.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 300 block of W. Duarte. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 23 at 7:06 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Monterey and Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 23 at 7:20 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation
April 23 at 7:29 p.m., a court order violation was reported in the 200 block of Melrose. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
April 24 at 7:32 a.m., a caller reported her vehicle had been broken into during the night in the 100 block of W. Cypress. The suspects then used the victim's credit card at different locations. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft / Drugs / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 11:52 a.m., a female adult entered a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington and took multiple items without paying. Officers arrived and detained the suspect outside of the store along with the stolen items and drug paraphernalia. A computer check revealed she had a warrant. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
April 24 at 12:59 p.m., a resident from the 500 block of E. Cherry reported someone had stolen her identity. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
April 24 at 6:06 p.m., an employee from the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft that occurred earlier in the day and merchandise was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 24 at 6:16 p.m., a victim reported his vehicle was stolen from the 400 block of W. Duarte. This investigation is continuing.

Brandishing a Firearm
April 24 at 8:41 p.m., a witness reported that a male subject in the area of Mountain and Huntington brandished a firearm while in an argument with another male. The subject then left the scene. Officers located the vehicle at a residence nearby but the subject denied being involved. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen License Plate
April 24 at 9:08 p.m., a victim reported that someone stole the rear license plate from his vehicle in the 400 block of Genoa. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 9:00 a.m., an officer saw a male subject who was known to have warrants. A warrant check was conducted and the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 25 at 2:29 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Grand and Foothill. A vehicle rear ended a vehicle which caused a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 25 at 3:52 p.m., a caller from Royal Oaks and Bradbury reported a vehicle had collided into a bicyclist who received minor injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Located
April 25 at 6:24 p.m., a resident from a facility in the 100 block of S. Myrtle who had been reported missing was located.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 2:09 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of W. Olive reported that her ex-boyfriend slapped her multiple times. The victim sustained minor injuries. The ex-boyfriend was located, arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Tampering
April 26 at 3:10 p.m., a caller reported his vehicle was broken into while in a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and determined the vehicle's door lock had only been damaged. This investigation is continuing.

Give Your Advice on How School District Should Spend Its Money

Monrovia School District is asking for community input to help shape its Local Control and Accountability Plan, used to decide how to spend its money. Here are the surveys:

English
Spanish
Student

- Brad Haugaard

New Art Display at Community Center, Artist Reception, Sunday 2-5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at New Monrovia Chick-fil-A

Dinner at the new Chick-fil-A, on the south side of Huntington Drive just west of the freeway. Got a spicy deluxe chicken sandwich and a lemonade for $11.59. Very tasty! And the lemonade was real.

- Brad Haugaard 

Two Missing from Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard 

Big Blue - aka 'Big Goofball' - is a 5-Star Sweetheart

Big Blue the handsome husky mix is just waiting for his snuggle buddy! He has affectionately been described as a “big goofball” because he gets a little lost in the moment and trips over himself. He’s probably too busy pondering the mysteries of the universe to watch where he’s going. 

Blue recently was out on a field trip and he received a 5-star rating! He enjoyed meeting new people, seemed very interested in meeting other large dogs and was great at home. 

This sweet guy is just waiting for someone to say; “You’re my boy, Blue”! Is that you? 

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