Dungeons and Dragons at Library Friday

 

There are 4 seats remaining for people 16 and older to play Dungeons and Dragons at the library this Friday, August 25,  at 5:30 p.m. Seats to play limited to eight but if you are waitlisted, feel free to watch and learn. Registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Remodel of Taqueria El Diablo

Taqueria El Diablo, at Myrtle and Olive, is proposing a facelift to the front of its building to tie together its original site and the unit next door to the north on Myrtle, the former Comic Cellar, which it now occupies (Details). The Historic Preservation Committee will consider the proposal at its next meeting. Its staff recommends approval. Agenda.

- Brad Haugaard

Classes on as Scheduled at Monrovia Schools Monday

Classes are on for tomorrow at Monrovia schools, but, Superintendent Ryan Smith writes, "District and site teams will inspect each of our schools and facilities Monday (8/21) morning to address any issues before students, teachers, and staff arrive."

- Brad Haugaard

Because of Hurricane Hilary, Fellowship Church Switches to Online Only this Sunday

Because of Hurricane Hilary and the tropical storm warning, Monrovia's large Fellowship Church has decided to cancel its in-person Sunday service and switch completely online this week. 

A letter to the congregation says: "Our highest priority is your safety and we encourage you to stay inside and avoid any unnecessary travel as the storm passes through Southern California. Throughout the weekend please monitor local government agencies and the National Weather Service for updated news about the storm and where you can acquire resources/help for any urgent needs."

Online services 9 and 11 a.m here.

- Brad Haugaard

Prep For Tropical Storm Hilary

In a special email to the community, City Manager Dylan Feik asked residents to be prepared for Tropical Storm Hilary, which should hit the area tomorrow, Sunday. He suggested:  

• Inspect your vehicles and equipment are working properly. Check your windshield wipers, ensure your tires are not flat or balding, ensure all lights (headlights, emergency lights and brake lights) are functioning. 
• Try to stay home and minimize travel to essential trips. 
• If you need to travel, avoid flooded areas and drive carefully during rainfall or weather conditions affecting visibility. 
• Clear  drains and gutters to prevent blockage and flooding.
• Secure outdoor items like furniture and grills that may be affected by high winds.
• Avoid downed power lines or downed trees blocking street traffic and call 911. 
• For downed trees on sidewalks, call Monrovia Public Works at 932-5575. 
• In case of power outages, charge your devices now, including external batteries.
• Report any power outages to Southern California Edison. Call 800-611-1911. 

Because of the possibility of mud flows, bags and gravel are available in front of the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 Mountain) and at Recreation Park (847 E. Olive). Bring shovels, gloves, and eye protection and take only what you need. 

City staff will remain on standby and crews will be monitoring the conditions and impacts of the storm.

- Brad Haugaard

Redesigning Santa Fe Middle School; Special Ed Handbook Update; Get Rid of Old Furniture; Citrus College Credit for MHS Students

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

~ Consider contracting with Learner-Centered Collaborative  to help "redesign Santa Fe Middle School, with a focus on attracting and retaining students while fostering learner-centered experiences aligned to the Monrovia Strategic Plan." Cost: $60,000, plus transportation costs. Details.

~  Receive an update on the district's Special Education Procedural Handbook. More. 

~  Give away or dump old furniture and replace it with new.  More.

~ Sign a deal with Citrus College allowing Monrovia High students to earn college credit. More. 

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Museum and Historical Society's Anderson House Open This Sunday

This Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., both the Monrovia Historical Society's George H. Anderson House, and the Monrovia Historical Museum will be open.

The Anderson House (215 E. Lime) is open every third Sunday, from 1-4 p.m. See how Monrovians lived in the late 1800s. UPDATE: Canceled due to storm.

The Historical Museum (742 E. Lemon) is open Thursdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Exhibits on hospitals, schools, police and fire departments, and the airport. See how wars affected the community and why Monrovia became an All America City.

Dick Singer's book, People Like You and Me, about Monrovia and Monrovians during World War II, will be available for sale at both locations.

- Brad Haugaard

First Time Ever - National Hurricane Center Issues Warning for Southern California

For the first time ever, the National Hurricane Center has issued a warning (a Tropical Storm Watch) for the Southern California region. Hurricane Hilary is predicted to bring heavy rainfall to southern California from Sunday night into Tuesday morning. There is the potential for flash floods. Sandbags are available at the City Yard at 600 S Mountain Ave. More. 

- Brad Haugaard

S&P Raises Bond Rating for Monrovia Water and Sewer Bonds; New Rules for Candidates; Paid Media Internship for High School Students

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

~  S&P Global Ratings has boosted its bond rating from A- to A for Monrovia water and sewer revenue bonds. A higher rating generally means lower borrowing costs for the city. The A rating is S&P's sixth highest rating, behind AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, and A+. Details. 

~ Potential candidates for public office in the March 5, 2024, General Municipal Election may wish to attend  a presentation by Monrovia City Attorney Craig Steele (Sept. 5, 6 p.m., City Council Chambers), to understand the impact of Senate Bill 1439 on campaign contributions and disclosure requirements.  Details. 

~ Monrovia and Duarte high school juniors and seniors may apply for KGEM's Ralph Walker Paid Internship. A apply from Aug 16 - Sep 15. Interviews: Oct 2 - 16.  Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: On Probation for Homicide; Gunpoint Robbery; Drugs and Intoxication; Girl Punches Girl; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 10 – 16. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 354 service events, resulting in 47 investigations.

Outside Assist – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 12:17 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Chestnut reported a vehicle collision. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed the driver who caused the traffic collision fled on foot. It was determined the driver was wanted by Arcadia PD for domestic battery. The suspect was located in a steep embankment, hiding. He was arrested and taken into custody by Arcadia PD. 

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 12:00 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose when she stopped a subject. The subject was found to be in possession of fentanyl. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene. 

Theft
August 10 at 2:58 p.m., the victim's wallet was stolen from her purse in the 700 block of E. Huntington while she was shopping in a store. Her credit cards were later used at a store in Duarte. This investigation is continuing. 

Robbery
August 10 at 3:35 p.m., officers responded to a robbery in the 600 block of Diamond. The suspect approached the victim with a gun and demanded money. After receiving the money, the suspect fled in a vehicle with other occupants. This investigation is continuing. 

Robbery
August 10 at 3:41 p.m., a robbery was reported in the 800 block of W. Colorado. The suspect demanded money while showing he was in possession of a handgun. He fled in a vehicle with occupants. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Possession
August 10 at 7:09 p.m., a caller in a restaurant in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a disturbed subject in a restroom. Officers contacted the suspect who was on probation for Homicide and in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 10:31 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington. She contacted a subject loitering in the area after hours. She initiated a consensual encounter and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 11:06 p.m., while patrolling the 1300 block of S. Mayflower an officer noticed a suspicious suspect near a closed business. The officer stopped to contact the subject, the subject fled and was located a short distance away. A search of the subject revealed he/she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 12:53 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Evergreen conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. A consent search of the suspect revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. An investigation revealed the suspect had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 2:18 a.m., while patrolling the 100 block of California an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. A search of the suspect revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary tools. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 4:51 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious person in the area. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 11:32 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of W. Duarte when she observed a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Structure Fire
August 11 at 12:58 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 600 block of W. Lime. Officers and MFD responded and determined no one was inside the home. The fire was extinguished. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
August 11 at 10:55 p.m., officers responded to a battery report in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The reporting party advised a female juvenile was punched multiple times by another female juvenile. MFD Paramedics evaluated the victim for injuries and she was later released to her guardian. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 12:13 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the 800 block of S. Myrtle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver displayed objective signs and symptoms of intoxication. An 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. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 1:12 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Colorado an officer observed a male subject laying between a sidewalk and a gutter. The subject was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant Arrest / Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 12 at 1:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a male subject sleeping on the property. A computer check of the subject revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
August 12 at 12:11 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that a male subject slapped a female subject in the face. Officers arrived and the subject was gone. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 12 at 10:25 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Terrace reported their entry gate was damaged and not opening. Officers responded and discovered the gate had been damaged by a vehicle intentionally ramming into it and forcing it open. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 14 at 5:32 a.m., a passerby saw the front window of a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle shattered. Officers searched the inside of the business and nothing appeared to be tampered with. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 14 at 10:23 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported that someone hit his parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 14 at 3:43 p.m., a resident in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that they were notified by DMV that a vehicle they purchased came back as stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism / Criminal Threats
August 14 at 11:19 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Duarte regarding a customer causing a disturbance. The suspect fled in a vehicle before officers arrived. Employees said the suspect became upset and started yelling at employees and walked outside. He attempted to get back inside by shaking the locked doors, which caused one of the glass doors to break. The suspect threatened to return and kill employees. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
August 15 at 7:27 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of S. Violet reported a female subject laying on the floor of her home. The female had been drinking. She told officers she wanted to harm herself. She was taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. 

Mental Evaluation
August 15 at 7:54 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of E. Huntington regarding a male subject stating he was depressed. Officers determined he was a danger to himself and was taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. 

Fraud
August 15 at 11:47 a.m., a victim came to the MPD lobby to report that someone gained access to her bank account and made charges. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 15 at 12:07 p.m., a reporting party in the 3300 block of S. Peck stated that while he was parked outside of a business, another vehicle collided into him and that vehicle fled the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
August 15 at 12:50 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Palm regarding a male subject chasing another subject. It was determined that a mutual battery occurred. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 12:43 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject claimed he was on drugs and was having issues. Officers contacted the subject and determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Fraud
August 15 at 2:58 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Lincoln reported that someone gained access to their business account and purchased items. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 5:44 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Foothill called to report that a vehicle they had reported stolen was being tracked via GPS to a nearby location. Officers arrived and located the vehicle with a subject inside. A felony traffic stop was initiated. The suspect was refusing to comply and eventually he agreed to surrender. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 15 at 7:39 p.m., a victim in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called and said he reported his vehicle stolen to Alhambra PD, but he was able to track his vehicle to a nearby location. Officers responded and located the unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 15 at 8:23 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Palm called to report that her vehicle’s window was smashed. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest
August 16 at 12:49 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a male and female subjects sitting on a wall with drug paraphernalia between the two. The female subject admitted that it was hers. A records check of the female subject revealed she had two warrants for her arrest. The male subject was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene. The female subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Dinner at Red Lobster

Dinner at Red Lobster, on the south side of Huntington just east of Fifth. Got the half-size Salmon New Orleans for $26.99 and a beer for $8.49. Very tasty!

- Brad Haugaard 

Back-to-School Safe Driving Tips

 Monrovia Police Officer Thomas Montes shares safe driving tips when driving near schools. School starts tomorrow, August 16.

- Brad Haugaard

Watch Smiling Blair Do Her Full-Body Tail Wag

Two-year-old Blair has a smile that will light up a room. This playful boxer mix is so happy to meet people that she almost instantly will erupt into a full-bodied tail wag. Her adorable underbite will also melt your heart!

Blair loves exploring the play yard at Pasadena Humane. Her wrinkly forehead makes it seem like she’s deep in thought, but we suspect she’s really just focused on finding the treats that she adores. Even at the height of her exploring, she’s careful to always check in with the volunteers to make sure she’s not missing any butt scratches.

We think that Blair might do well with an equal-sized playmate who has the same enthusiasm for playing that she does. She’s also quite content to be your right-hand woman!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Japanese School in 1930s

Many Japanese American communities built Japanese language schools for Saturday classes. Monrovia had a one-room unit on Mayflower, 2 blocks south of Duarte Road where it dead-ended - probably at the Arcadia border. Names were identified by 93-year old Yosh Kuromiya and 92-year old Mary Sakatani in 2017. Back row left to right: George Mimaki, Yutaro Uyeda, Pete Mimaki, Hiroshi Kuromiya, Japanese language teacher, unknown young man. Middle row: Corki Kuromiya with glasses, Tashiro w/curly hair, Bobbi Mimaki, Toshiko Uyeda (with front buttons), Miharu Kawaguchi, unknown girl, Masao Morimoto, Tosh Asano, unknown boy. Front row: Mary Uyeda standing, Kim Kuromiya sitting, uk girl, uk girl, Marian Mimaki sitting, Warren Asano (1924-2014) barefoot, Yosh Kuromiya with belt. Note outhouse on left of photo. From the Susie Ling 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

Game Night for Adults at Library Aug. 18

Interactive games for adults on Nintendo Switch, such as Smash and Mario Kart, plus a range of tabletop games, 5:30-7:30 on August 19. Call the library at 256-8274 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Crunch Fitness and See's Candy Planned for Monrovia

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Development Review Committee will consider parking for a proposed Crunch Fitness in the southwest corner of the Huntington Oaks shopping center, next to Burlington (details), and will consider a proposed sign for See's Candy, that would replace the Starbucks on the north side of the Vons shopping area at Foothill and Myrtle (details).

- Brad Haugaard

Free Pet Adoption August 19 at Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane (361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, hours 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), which serves Monrovia, is offering some free pet-adoption options:

• Clear The Shelters day: Aug 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Waived fees for dogs, cats, critters. Walk-in event, no appointment needed. Regular screening applies. Dog license required for Monrovia.
• Seniors for Seniors: Seniors 60 and older can adopt pets 5 years old and older for free.
• Pets for Vets: Free adoptions, vaccines for military. Show military ID at adoption.

- Brad Haugaard

Wildcat Football Schedule

Here is the Monrovia High Wildcat Football schedule, all games at 7 p.m.:

Fri, 8/18 - Bonita, Home, Non-League

Fri, 8/25 - Palm Springs, Home, Non-League

Fri, 9/1 - El Rancho (Pico Rivera), (Home), Non-League

Thu, 9/1 - Northview (Covina), Away, Non-League

Fri, 9/22 - San Dimas, Away, Non-League

Fri, 9/29 - Temple City, Away, League

Fri, 10/6 - South Pasadena, Home, League

Fri, 10/13 - La Canada, Away, League

Fri, 10/20 - Polytechnic (Pasadena), Home, League

Thu, 10/26 - San Marino, Away, League

Source here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Woman Turning 110

Monrovian Caridad Papa will celebrate her 110th birthday on Monday, August 14. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Brian Salazar Rated Number One Quarterback

San Gabriel Valley Tribune sports reporter, Fred Robledo, ranks Monrovia's Brian Salazar as his number one pick in his top five quarterbacks for San Gabriel area football. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard