Boys & Girls Club Open Celebration June 26-30
The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will celebrate National Boys & Girls Club Week from June 26-30 with these activities:
Monday (June 26) - "Off to a Great Start": Pep rally to build excitement for the upcoming activities.
Tuesday (June 27) - "Great Moments with BGC": Wear Boys & Girls Club blue and join Club alumni for a special reception in the evening.
Wednesday (June 28) - "Great Outdoors": Outdoor time playing sports and water games.
Thursday (June 29) - "Great Futures": Career panel focusing on workforce readiness and a community open house. Facility tours available 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. RSVP by emailing pmejia@foothillsbgc.org or sign up here.
Friday (June 30) - "Feel Good Friday": Wellness and mental health.
These events aim to showcase the club's commitment to fostering academic support, workforce readiness, good character, and health and wellness among youth.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Cafe X2O
Dinner at Cafe X20, on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Got the chicken kebab plate for $17 and a beer for $7. Fresh and tasty.
- Brad Haugaard
School Superintendent Reflects on District's Accomplishments
- Measure MM passes with strong support
- Inaugural Monrovia School Showcase highlights what we have to offer students and families
- Clifton was re-designated as a “National School to Watch”
- Monrovia's Legacy art exhibit with the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society
- Family Paint Nights showcased arts integration in elementary schools
- Black History Month Art Festival with Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association
- More than 400 parents graduate from FACTOR parent academy
- First Femineers Summit
- Inaugural STAR Awards event recognizing employee excellence
- Celebrating the Class of 2023 graduations.
Adventure Dog Eli Loves Mountains and Beach
Three-year-old Doberman Pinscher Eli is always up for an adventure! He’s a SoCal dog for sure - one minute he’s hiking in the mountains, the next he’s frolicking in the ocean!
Eli recently took a field trip with some of his friends at Pasadena Humane. He went to the beach and had a blast! He loved the surf, the smell of the ocean air and chasing crabs! He met lots of new friends, human and canine, and was a perfect gentleman to everyone.
Eli is ready to be your copilot on your next outing!
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
Schedule of Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park
Here are the schedules for concerts and movies in the parks . Bring a chair or blanket!
Concerts (All are 7-8:30 p.m.)
Saturdays
Station Square Park • 1629 S. Myrtle Ave.
July 8 - Pop Vision: Top 40
July 15 - Bumptown: Old School
July 22 - Skinng Ties: 80s
July 29 - Country Nation: Country
August 5 - Soto Band Latin
August 12 - Blue Breeze Band: Motown
Sundays
Library Park • 321 5. Myrtle Ave, July 9 - Suave the Band Latin
July 15 - Smokin Cobras: 50s/Oldies
July 23 - OC Groove: Funk
July 30 - Cold Duck: Old School
August 6 - Stone Soul Classic Soul
August 13 - The Todd Stanford Country Band
Movies (begin at sunset)
At Library Park, in Rotary Club BandshellAugust 4 - Turning Red
August 11 - Minions, the Rise of Gru
For more information, please call the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246.
- Brad Haugaard
First of Three Art Walks This Saturday in Old Town
- Brad Haugaard
Inside Duarte-Monrovia Fruit Exchange in 1896-7
"The Duarte-Monrovia Fruit Exchange was organized for the purpose of packing and selling the citrus fruits of its members. The Exchange has two packing houses as shown in the illustrations. One on the Southern California railroad built by that company for use of the Exchange. Another on the Southern Pacific railroad, the company making a liberal cash donation. These houses are well furnished with all facilities for the proper and convenient handling of fruit. In the upper house the grader is run by water power, from a reservoir nearby. During the busy season there is no more interesting sight than the operations in these houses. The ripe golden and silver fruit is received at the door, weighed, trucked to its place, and labeled to owner. When ready, the fruit passes to the experts who carefully grade it as to quality. It is then turned into the grader, which separates it as to size. At the various spouts of the grader, are the busy packers. See how their hands fly! By practice they become very expert, and seem to enjoy their work. Many are women. Now the packed boxes pass on to be covered, labeled, etc., thence out to the car which is to carry it to its destination, perhaps across the continent, or perhaps to some intermediate city". Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897. At Santa Fe railroad at Myrtle & Duarte Road. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.
Residents Protest School Superintendent at Evaluation Meeting
- Brad Haugaard
City Council to Consider Budget, Auto Repair, Assessment Districts, Etc.
At its next meeting the Monrovia City Council (agenda here) will ...
~ Consider adopting a two-year deficit budget for fiscal years 2023-25. "Overall," the staff report says, "the city’s finances remain strong and continue to show growth and stability," and, "While deficits are proposed in both years, staff will closely monitor the budget and adjust accordingly throughout the year during quarterly budget updates, as needed." Some recent accomplishments:
- City's cash and investment balances grew by $18 million (55%) in the last fiscal year.
- Overall net position increased by $74 million, reaching approximately $61 million.
- City's credit rating upgraded from AA to AA+ in June 2022.
- Historically deficit funds, like Worker's Compensation Fund, now have a positive balance after 20 years.
- $5.3 million set aside in fiscal year 2022-23 to address CalPERS and OPEB obligations.
- Paying down employee leave liabilities reduces overall liabilities, reflects positively in financial statements, and saves money over time. Details.
~ Hold a study session on an "Auto Repair Operations Ordinance" Tuesday at 6 p.m. Details.
~ Hold a public hearing for property owners to comment on financing for the proposed 2023-2024 Citywide Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District (details) and the proposed 2023-2024 Park Maintenance District (details).
~ Consider proclaiming June 18-24 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (details) and July as Parks Make Life Better Month (details).
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Wins Two Video-Excellence Awards
- Brad Haugaard
Third Book in Monrovia History Trilogy by Author Richard Singer Coming This Summer
People Like You and Me: A History of Monrovia in World War II, by local author Richard Singer, will be available for purchase early this summer with all proceeds going to support Monrovia’s historical heritage.
The new book is the third in a trilogy of local histories by Singer, following Renaissance Years: A History of Modern Monrovia published in 2017, and 1887: A History of Early Monrovia in 2020. The new book covers the years of World War II, from late 1941 through 1945, detailing not only life in Monrovia during wartime but following scores of local men and women, in all branches of the service, as they experienced the war in every corner of the globe. It tells tales of heroism and sacrifice, of loss and exultation―some amusing, some tragic―in 484 pages and more than 130 photographs. More than 1,000 local individuals and families are highlighted in the process.
Covered as well are events and conflicts that redefined those years and set the stage for major changes to come, from local involvement in the Zoot Suit Riots and civil rights struggles to the transformation of what was a small agricultural town into a diverse suburban municipality. The book’s prologue, accompanied by a foldout map, paints a detailed picture of Monrovia in 1941 on the eve of America’s entry into the war. Readers will find stories of local families interned in relocation camps, of Monrovia streets teeming with 20,000 soldiers from a nearby army camp, of heroism in battle, death marches, rescues and tragic accidents along with tales of rationing, blackouts, victory gardens and social upheaval on the home front.
People Like You and Me: A History of Monrovia in World War II, will be available for purchase from the Monrovia Historical Society, at the Monrovia Historical Museum, and from Charlie’s House, 430 S. Myrtle Avenue. A talk by Singer to introduce the book is being scheduled for mid-summer, sponsored jointly by the Historical Society, the Museum and the Monrovia Public Library. All proceeds from the book’s sales go directly to the historical societies in support of their various projects.
Singer, who had a thirty-year career in community journalism, is former editor and associate publisher of the Foothill Intercity Newspapers, which included the Monrovia News-Post. He subsequently served as Executive Vice-President of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce from 1990 to 2000, then for a decade as the City of Monrovia’s Public Information Officer until his retirement in 2010.
MAP Wins Third Place in 'Best Neighborhood Program'; Registration Open for Leadership Training; And Business Emergency Training; Juneteenth Saturday; Food ED Auction
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) won third place for Best Neighborhood Program at a conference in Texas. The award recognizes MAPconnect, launched last September to honor volunteer MAP leaders. Other cities requested information to implement the program in their communities.
~ Registration is open for MAP's annual Youth & Adult Leadership Academies. Participants gain community education and network with civil, business, and educational leaders. Graduates have served on boards, commissions, and City Council. Limited to 25 individuals per class. Register (for youth) and for adult).
~ Monrovia Fire & Rescue presents Business Emergency Resiliency Training (BERT) in July. Join the session on July 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. to learn about emergency and continuity plans for your business. Topics include employee preparedness, fire safety, and more. Completion of all six seminars and plan development qualifies for the Monrovia Prepares Business designation. Register here.
~ Celebrate Juneteenth at Station Square Park on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live music, games, food, vendors, and dancing.
~ Food ED's charity auction, with more than 90 items, including Rose Parade tickets, wine tastings, relaxation baskets, sports tickets, closes at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, June 17. Auction is here.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Drunk Driver Sleeping in Road; Drugs and Alcohol; Mental Evaluations; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 8 – 14. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 58 investigations.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 1:24 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Madison and Foothill when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Grand Theft Auto
June 8 at 6:05 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Evergreen reported their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Burglary
June 8 at 6:23 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Duarte reported their vehicle was broken into. The suspects forced entry into the locked vehicle and stole property. This investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision
June 8 at 9:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Foothill and Mountain regarding a traffic accident. No injuries were reported.
Robbery
June 8 at 11:17 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of Genoa reported that his necklace was ripped from his neck the day prior. This investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 12:37 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a fight in progress. The suspect's wife and daughter were using a restroom and told him an unknown person was trying to get in the restroom. There was a male subject at the location that the suspect assumed was the person trying to enter the restroom. A confrontation ensued and the suspect pepper sprayed the male several times. The suspect was arrested, issued a citation and released at the scene.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 9:00 p.m., a shoplifting was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim stated approximately $500 worth of merchandise was stolen. The suspect’s vehicle was located and the stolen property was seen inside in plain sight. Two female adults and a male juvenile were determined to be associated with the suspect vehicle and were located inside of a nearby store. The juvenile admitted to committing the theft and said the two other adults did not have any knowledge of the theft. The adults were determined to be family members of the juvenile. The juvenile was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 1:06 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road in the 100 block of N. Grand. Since the vehicle was blocking the road, the officer approached the vehicle and found the driver asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle's engine was running with the driver's foot on the brake. The driver was contacted and displayed symptoms of being intoxication. 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.
Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
June 9 at 2:59 a.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a theft. The victim saw a female suspect steal items from his unlocked security vehicle via a surveillance camera. The female fled the area but was quickly located. The suspect was found to be in possession of the stolen property, drug paraphernalia, and identification documents belonging to others. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Theft by Pretense
June 9 at 6:47 a.m., an employee from a business in the 3200 block of S. Peck called to report a grand theft. Two days prior an unknown suspect entered the location and claimed to be from a roofing company and was there to pick up an order. The suspect left the location with the order. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
June 9 at 3:16 p.m., a business owner in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle reported that the catalytic converter was stolen from a work truck. This investigation is continuing.
Theft
June 9 at 4:35 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Parkrose reported a package was stolen from their front porch. This investigation is continuing.
Theft
June 9 at 4:37 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of Valley View walked into the MPD Lobby to report a package stolen from their front porch. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery
June 9 at 5:17 p.m. a resident from the 800 block of W. Duarte walked into the MPD Lobby to report a domestic battery that occurred days prior. She was involve in an argument with her live-in boyfriend. In the course of the argument the boyfriend grabbed her by her hair, dragged her outside, and then locked her out of the house. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
June 9 at 8:24 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of S. Shamrock reported that he wanted to harm himself. An officer responded, located the subject and contacted him. It was determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 12:58 a.m., an officer saw a male subject in the area of Ivy and Walnut who seemed to display symptoms of being intoxicated. The officer contacted the subject and determined that he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 4:29 a.m., while patrolling the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista an officer saw a suspicious vehicle parked facing the wrong way in front of a house that is being remodeled. As he was about to contact the driver, the officer saw bolt cutters and a pry bar on the rear passenger seat. The driver was pretending to be asleep. Additional officers responded to assist. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 5:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Primrose and Greystone regarding a subject passed out at the corner. Upon arrival, the officers determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety or for the safety of others and arrested him for public intoxication. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Fraud
June 10 at 8:36 a.m., a victim in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks called to report ongoing fraud on his credit card. This investigation is continuing.
Assault
June 10 at 2:48 p.m., an employee at a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Duarte Rd. called to report that he was assaulted after a verbal argument. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
June 10 at 3:02 p.m., a manager of a retail pharmacy in the 400 block of W. Huntington called to make a delayed report of a theft that occurred several days prior. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 3:07 p.m., a caller in a business in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle reported a possible prowler. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. A computer check showed he had multiple warrants from various jurisdictions, and was also in possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Suspicious Person – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 9:00 p.m., an officer conducting extra patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle contacted a suspicious person near the children's play area. The subject consented to a search and was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a counterfeit identification card. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 11:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Cherry regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in the area. The officers located the vehicle and contacted a subject. The subject was determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety or for the safety of others. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence / Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested
June 11 at 1:06 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the vehicle did not immediately yield. The vehicle finally stopped and the officer contacted the two occupants. The officer observed an open alcoholic beverage in plain sight. A computer check revealed the subjects both had suspended driver's licenses. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver and the passenger were both found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 11:14 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Lime observed a vehicle commit several traffic violations. The officer initiated a traffic stop near Myrtle and Palm and contacted the driver, who had a suspended driver's license and a warrant for child abuse. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 12:57 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Lime reported a suspicious person acting erratically. Officers located the subject nearby. A computer check showed he had a warrant for a court order violation. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Storage Burglary
June 12 at 1:24 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported seeing a male adult attempting to force open one of the resident storage units. The suspect was able to force open the locked storage unit door, but as soon as the door opened, a very loud alarm activated and the suspect ran. Officers searched the area for the suspect, with the help of Arcadia PD, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 2:54 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported hearing loud yelling and pots breaking as if people were fighting. Officers responded and found two adult male subjects and one adult female subject who had been yelling at one another. One male subject was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his safety. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Grand Theft
June 12 at 2:33 p.m., a theft was reported in the 700 block of E. Foothill. The victim reported she returned to her parked vehicle and noticed the catalytic converter had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
June 12 at 3:58 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Walnut reported a female adult subject attempting to harm herself. Her husband was able to get the weapon away from her and restrain her until officers arrived. She was taken transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Mental Evaluation
June 12 at 4:36 p.m., staff from a business in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject threatening them and being violent toward other residents. Officers arrived along with MFD. It was determined that he was a treat to others and he was transported to a medical facility for medical treatment.
Vehicle Tampering / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 10:42 p.m., an alarm monitoring company report a subject tampering with vehicles in the 700 block of E. Central. Officers arrived and located a male subject trying to hide in a vehicle. The subject was detained for investigation. While speaking to officers the intoxicated subject became upset and spit in the face of one of the officers. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
June 12 at 11:40 p.m., a caller reported a male subject was acting strange in the 600 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The subject matched the description of earlier calls of a subject asking people if he could enter their house. While speaking to the subject in was evident the he was suffering from mental illness and he was a threat to others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Drug Activity
June 13 at 4:00 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia called to report someone was on their construction lot. Officers arrived and detained a subject. A computer check revealed he was on probation for arson. The subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
June 14 at 8:33 a.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of S. Peck for a stolen vehicle report. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 6:59 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male hitting a female inside a vehicle. Officers arrived and detained the suspect and victim. The female denied being assaulted, but numerous witnesses confirmed she was punched numerous times. The male was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 11:54 p.m., officers were patrolling the area of Magnolia and Lime when they saw a male laying in the street. It was determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
June 14 at 9:59 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported his catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Picnic Celebrating Veterans at Library Park on June 24
There will be a Community Picnic Celebrating Veterans at the Library Park Fountain Area on June 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music, food, crafts, games, and get information about local resources for veterans. Contact mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8294 for details.
Lunch at Café on Lemon
Lunch at Café on Lemon, about a half block east of Myrtle on, of course, Lemon. Got the tuna salad sandwich with a salad for $12.95, and a cold brew coffee for $3.95. Very fresh and yummy!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Train Line Will Change Letter to 'A' and Color to Blue
This Friday, June 16, Monrovia's Metro Line will change from L to A and from gold to blue. LA Metro reports that the change will merge several lines, reduce transfers through Downtown LA and create a transfer-free ride from the Foothill stations all the way to Long Beach.
Adventurous Young Gardenia Dog Loves Attention - And Swimming
Gardenia is a young and adventurous girl who has been entertaining the volunteers and staff at Pasadena Humane with her silly antics. Initially shy, Gardenia is now in the running to be voted “most improved player”. She cannot get enough attention from everyone who spends time with her- she somehow manages to get the spot she wants scratched under your hand time and time again.
Like any athlete, Gardenia has been busy training for the 2024 Olympics. She wants to compete in her favorite sport- swimming! She absolutely adores going into the (kiddie) pool. She dives head-first into the water and will push herself around in circles over and over. She doesn’t seem to mind that she never really gets anywhere. When she stops, she has a joyful look that we’re pretty sure means she thinks she’s won a medal.
Gardenia is ready to take the podium in her forever home!
Pasadena Humane has a free adoption event on Saturday, 6/17, from 10:00 am. - 2:00 p.m. All adoption fees are waived and no appointment is necessary.
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
Measure MM Bonds Will Cost Less
Superintendent Ryan Smith reports that Monrovians will pay less interest than expected on the school district’s Measure MM bonds, 3.64% compared to the planned rate of 4.25%. He said the district’s strong financial position has attracted significant interest from major investment groups. Additionally, the district received a $541,000 grant from the California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program for upgrading school systems and fixtures to meet water efficiency standards. Measure MM-funded projects will begin this summer. A list of projects here.
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: The Waterfall in Monrovia Canyon in 1926
The waterfall in Monrovia Canyon, from an Anderson family outing in 1926. From the Kim Anderson collection. See full details here.