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City to Consider 300-Foot-Long Mural For New Multi-Family Development

Click to enlarge.

At its next meeting (agenda: here) the Monrovia Art in Public Places Committee will consider two options for a mural design for the Alexan Foothills development at 1625 South Magnolia (on the west side of Magnolia just north of the railroad tracks). The 300-foot long, 8-foot high mural will be painted on the parking structure, visible to Metro riders. Details.

Comment: One of the designs includes the Colorado Street bridge in Pasadena - beautiful but what's it got to do with Monrovia? And I'm also not sure I understand the fish motif in both designs.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Jack and Marion Zelkowitz at Their Store

The haberdashery that Jack and Marion Zelkowitz ran when they first moved to Monrovia. At the site that became Jack's Quality Shoes (southeast corner of Myrtle and Lemon). Jack and Marion were the parents of Betty Sandford. From the Betty Sandford 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

Community Hike Saturday, Aug. 19

RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Calvary Chapel Monrovia to Add Third Sunday Morning Service

Because of continued growth, Calvary Chapel Monrovia will add a third Sunday morning service, at 8 a.m., beginning on Sept. 10. The other two services will be moved to 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. The early service will not have childcare.

The church, at the corner of Myrtle and Cherry, recently started a new church, Calvary New Song, in Duarte, which temporarily reduced the size of the Monrovia congregation as some members began attending the Duarte church.

However, Pastor Richard Schork said in this video that Calvary Chapel Monrovia has still been growing, even during the summertime when churches generally have low attendance, so it has decided to add the extra service to accommodate additional people in the fall.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association Night of Appreciation

The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association is inviting everyone to its Jazz Night of Appreciation to be held on Saturday, August 19,  from 6-10 p.m. at the Rancho Duarte Golf Course. The event honors  the contributions of several past board members. Live jazz, food and drinks, raffles. Tickets  available on Eventbrite (click here) or at the door. Proceeds help fund MDBAA's annual scholarships.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police DUI Checkpoint

The Monrovia Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Saturday, August 19th, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within Monrovia city limits.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Sgt. Gerald Dehart said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The Monrovia Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol.

Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press releases

- Brad Haugaard 

School District to Consider Buying Vape Detectors, Etc.

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

~  Buying Verkada vape detectors for Monrovia High School for $22,962. Verkada has an "integrated system of Cameras, Air Quality Sensors and more" for detecting vaping. Details

~  Hire a company called Communicaid to do translation work. Details

~ Agreements to provide internships for Azusa Pacific and Grand Canyon University students.

~ Buying educational software from Imagine Learning for $44,000 (details) and agreeing to a three year contract for more educational software from IXL Learning (details) for $21,725.

~ A one-year contract with Teachers Development Group for $21,400 to provide "professional development services". Details

~ Entering into an internship agreement with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity that will allow Monrovia Community Adult School students on-the-job construction training. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Make a Difference Day Scheduled for Oct. 28


Volunteer for Make a Difference Day at Library Park, Monrovia, on Oct. 28, 8 a.m. - noon. Help with home improvements, park beautification, food sorting, and more. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Pilot Program to Offer 24/7 Access to Monrovia Transit


Monrovia has launched a pilot program to expand Monrovia Transit, allowing 24/7 access, including holidays, for disabled riders and those aged 62 and older. Use Lyft app for on-demand service or call the dedicated number to pre-schedule rides. Join our workshop on Aug. 26, 11:30 a.m., at Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) for more info. Details and registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fire Extinguisher Thrown Through Window; Not Sick, Just Drunk; Girlfriend Slashes His Hand With Knife; Mail Truck Broken Into; Man Stabs Wall; Overdoses; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 27 – August 2. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 335 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 12:46 a.m., an alarm company for a car dealership in the 700 block of E. Central called to report a suspicious subject loitering around vehicles. The subject was seen walking around and entering an unlocked vehicle. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Vandalism
July 27 at 8:14 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of S. Ivy reported that a subject threw a fire extinguisher through a window. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 10:14 a.m., an employee from a retail business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that they had detained a shoplifter. Officers responded and contacted all involved parties. The suspect was placed under citizen's arrest, cited, and released at the scene.

Theft / Fraud
July 27 at 11:45 a.m., a caller reported that her wallet had been stolen at a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The suspect attempted to make charges on the victim’s credit card. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
July 27 at 1:36 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of S. Mayflower called to report that her husband had pushed and strangled her before fleeing the location. Officers searched the area but were not able to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 8:21 p.m., a passerby reported a male adult subject passed out on the ground in front of a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers responded and found the subject did not require medical attention, but was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
July 28 at 8:41 a.m., an officer was flagged down by employees of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a shoplifting. Nearby officers responded and located the suspect in the area. A search revealed the suspect was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Grand Theft Auto
July 28 at 9:33 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Winding Oak called to report that her vehicle had been stolen some time overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 28 at 9:41 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of S. Magnolia called to report that his vehicle’s catalytic converter was stolen overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
July 28 at 6:17 p.m., officers responded to the MPD lobby regarding a mental evaluation. A couple came to the police station seeking mental help for the husband, who was having suicidal thoughts. The officers interviewed the subject and determined he was a threat to himself and transported him to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 28 at 10:04 p.m., while patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington, officers contacted a suspicious person near a closed business. The subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and fentanyl. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Curfew Violation
July 28 at 11:40 p.m., an officer conducted a patrol check in a walkway in the 1600 block of S. Primrose where he saw eight juveniles loitering. The officer contacted the juveniles and determined they were in violation of the curfew ordinance. All of the juveniles were cited for their curfew violations and were released to their parents.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 2:02 a.m., officers were dispatched to a shopping center in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a possible DUI driver. Officers arrived and located the vehicle in question parked behind a business. Officers made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of 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.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 3:15 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of N. Magnolia reported a male hitting a female inside a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and subjects. The female victim told the officers that she and her boyfriend were arguing, the argument escalated and he strangled her. The victim had visible injuries to her neck. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 12:53 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive called to report a subject out on the street smoking narcotics. Officers arrived and saw the suspect smoking narcotics as they approached. The officers located more narcotics on a subject. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 4:57 p.m., a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a male subject was in the process of stealing items. Officers responded to the location and made contact with both the store employees and the subject. Because his identity could not be confirmed he was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 11:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1100 block of S. Fifth regarding a subject in the parking structure that was looking into parked vehicles. The subject was located and a computer check revealed the subject was on probation and had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Vandalism
July 30 at 10:55 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Olive reported people arguing. Officers spoke with the reporting party, who stated that sometime during the night, his vehicle was vandalized with spray paint while parked in front of his home. This investigation is continuing.

Assault / Theft of Firearm
July 30 at 3:51 p.m., officers responded to 800 block of Walnut regarding a theft of a firearm. The victim told officers that a female friend came to his house earlier and both started to argue. During the argument, the female pulled out a knife and slashed the victim on his hand. He also reported that his girlfriend stole his gun from his home. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 30 at 8:26 p.m., a caller in the 1300 block of Magnolia reported the theft of her vehicle’s catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense
July 30 at 10:45 p.m., officers responded to a restaurant in the 800 block of W. Huntington regarding a weapons offense. A victim was sitting in her vehicle in the restaurant’s parking lot when a male subject approached her. The subject asked her a question and then pulled a knife out on her and told her to leave. The suspect fled prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Drugs / Resisting – Suspects Arrested
July 31 at 11:16 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose, an officer observed several people in the park after hours. The group was detained and the officer found that one subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Another subject kept interfering and delaying the officer from performing his duties. Both were arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and run Traffic Collision
August 1 at 9:33 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Duarte and Mayflower. The suspect made an unsafe turn and hit another vehicle and fled the scene. The suspect was later contacted. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 1 at 11:30 a.m., a postal worker stated a parked mail truck was broken into in the 200 block of W. Walnut. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 1 at 11:30 a.m., a postal worker stated a parked mail truck was broken into in the 1700 block of Pilgrim Way. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 1 at 4:13 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that a customer was paying with a fake money. The customer left the location prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
August 1 at 2:42 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Duarte reported a disturbing subject. Officers contacted the parties involved and determined it was a verbal argument. The disturbing subject returned later and damaged a front door lock. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
August 1 at 8:29 p.m., officers were called to the 600 block of E. Olive regarding suspicious circumstance. Officers arrived and located a male adult who was stabbing a wall with a knife and had injured himself. MFD was called to the scene for treatment. Officers determined the male adult was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Fraud
August 2 at 11:07 a.m., a victim in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks reported that multiple checks were cashed in her name. This investigation is continuing.

Welfare Check
August 2 at 3:20 p.m., officers responded to the area of Primrose and Linwood regarding a subject who fell and hadn't moved in ten minutes. Upon arrival, the officer located a female on the ground who was unresponsive and appeared to be experiencing symptoms of an opiate overdose. The officer administered several Narcan doses. The subject became responsive and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Found Contraband
August 2 at 3:44 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called stating he located a bag with contraband inside. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
August 2 at 4:32 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject who stole items. An investigation revealed the subject stole merchandise and fled the store without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 2 at 5:37 p.m., a caller in a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that a subject entered and left without paying for the merchandise that he walked out with. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 2 at 6:44 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim said his vehicle was broken into at approximately 12:00 p.m. The suspect damaged both doors while trying to gain entry to the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 9:38 p.m., a security officer from a construction site in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia called to report a male subject spray painting a wall under the freeway overpass. Officers arrived, located and detained the suspect. While the suspect was seated on the curb, he abruptly jumped up and started running. He was located a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Overdose
August 2 at 10:04 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a female overdosing. The caller administered two doses of Narcan before officers arrived. Officers administered two additional doses upon arrive. MFD arrived and took over. The subject was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Dinner at Panda Express


Dinner at Panda Express, in the Huntington Oak Shopping Center. Got the two entrée plate for $9.90 with vegetables instead of rice or noodles, orange chicken, black pepper steak for an extra $1.25 and a small watermelon mango juice for $2.80. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Online Seminar on Hugelkultur Gardening

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will hold a Zoom seminar on Hugelkultur gardening at 6 p.m. on August 29. "This horticultural practice creates raised planting beds constructed of woody material and other compostable biomass." Free but registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Emily May Be Naughty at Times, But Makes Up For It With Love


Two-year-old Emily is one-of-a-kind! With her beautiful fur and unique eyes, she's sure to turn heads on your daily walks.

Emily isn't just a pretty pup - she's curious, intelligent, and active. She has mastered several commands and would love to learn more. She’s also a fan of toys- she gallops around the yard with a ball or rope toy hanging from her mouth, constantly entertaining the Pasadena Humane volunteers.

A husky like Emily can be a lot of work, and just as much fun! Emily is a people-pleaser, so even if she can be naughty at times, she is quick to make up for it by showering you with affection. This fun-loving gal can't wait to go on adventures with you!

Pasadena Humane is having a FREE adoption day on Saturday, 8/19 from 10:00 – 2:00. All dogs, cats and critters can be adopted for no charge, and no appointments are needed.

The normal 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

Current Local Job Opportunities - August

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

There is also a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.

- Brad Haugaard

Boys & Girls Club Honors Interns

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills celebrated 13 interns from the YES & WIN internship programs. (WIN interns are residents of the City of Duarte. and YES interns are students in the Monrovia Unified School District.) Collectively, they contributed 280 hours of service to the organization over the course of their internships. Both programs provide youth aged 14-17 years with employment and career readiness opportunities. Fall internship and volunteer opportunities with Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills are still available.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Davis Grocery Store at Myrtle and Colorado

J.R. Davis bought the grocery from G.H. Dingman in April 1888. Davis closed it in 1890 to return to Pennsylvania. (Monrovia Messenger 5/29/1890). SE corner Myrtle & Orange [now Colorado]. John H. Bartle on corner; J. R. Davis on walk. Bob Monheim on wagon. The OddFellows Lodge IOOF met on the second floor. 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

Column on Monrovia World Cup Player Ashley Sanchez

Here is an LA Times column about Monrovian Ashley Sanchez, on the US women’s World Cup soccer team.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Council: New Auto Repair Rules; Honoring Isaac Epperson; Fixing Roads and Parking South of Library

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

~ Rules for auto repair businesses that would regulate working on cars outside of bays, prohibit storing vehicles on-site for more than 14 days, regulate storing auto parts outside, and prohibit parking of vehicles on public streets or alleys. Details.

~ Up to $16,500 for a Neighborhood Treasure Landmark by Phillip Godinez (see sketch) to commemorate Isaac Epperson, first President of Monrovia's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - a position he held for more than 20 years. Under his leadership, the Monrovia NAACP integrated Monrovia's swimming pool, stores, and restaurants. He helped black women get jobs in retail stores, banks, the school district, and utility companies. Details.

~ $6,042,206 for roadway improvements. For fiscal 2022-2023 this will be for the area between Foothill and Huntington, and from the west city limits to Myrtle. This will include sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and improvements to the parking lots just south of the Library. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Going Green; Cooling Center Open; Youth Sports; Stay Safe From Mosquitoes

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

~ The Monrovia City Council has decided that, by default, all Monrovia electric power will be from renewable energy sources beginning in March 2024. Unless you decide on a different level of green-ness you will pay about $3 more per $100 of energy you use. However, you can select a lower level of renewable power, or opt out entirely. Details

~ Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.) cooling center has extended its hours until Aug. 3: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. All ages welcome, minors with guardians. Fans available for check out.

~  Fall season of After School Youth Sports for 4th and 5th graders will be held Aug. 16 to Dec. 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. Registration fee: $105/participant. Full scholarships available. Call 256-8246 for details. Includes transportation, team t-shirt, homework help, snack, sportsmanship lessons, and games on Wednesdays at Recreation Park.

~ There will be a meeting on mosquito health and safety tips Thursday, Aug. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Library. Learn from SGV Mosquito and Vector Control experts. Free admission, food (while supplies last). For questions, email map@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5563.

- Brad Haugaard

Meet Cops, Firefighters, and Others at National Night Out Aug. 1 at Library Park

Monrovia Police Department's National Night Out is on Aug. 1, 6-8 p.m., at Library Park. Music, food, games, raffle prizes, and meet personnel from local departments: Fire, Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Services, Pasadena Humane Society, and Foothill Air Support Team.

- Brad Haugaard