Monrovia Schools Win Silver Medals In PBIS Program

Monrovia's Bradoaks Elementary, Monroe Elementary, Plymouth Elementary, Wild Rose Creative School, Clifton Middle, and Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet all earned silver medals from California PBIS for their "exceptional implementation of the framework during the 2022-2023 school year." PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports - focuses on positive behavior and learning environments. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

A Samson Bear Honoring Former City Historian Steve Baker Will Be Unveiled Sept. 14

A new bear statue, honoring former City Historian Steve Baker, will be unveiled at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at the southeast corner of Foothill and Myrtle. RSVP at monroviacc.com/events.

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet and Calm Lilac is a Model Citzen

Gentle Lilac is ready to become someone’s BFF. Lilac is a four-year-old pit bull mix who is as sweet as they come! She has a calm energy and likes to take it easy.

Lilac has been out for a number of outings, and she has been a model citizen. She has represented the shelter at a mobile event where she met tons of people and showed off her training. She’s also been on a field trip and had a wonderful time- nothing seems to faze this sweet girl.

Lilac the social butterfly is always excited to meet people to get pets, and she likes it even more when they want to give her a belly rub. She is a world-class snuggler and is very happy to let you give her attention until she blissfully falls asleep.

Lilac and all other animals at Pasadena Humane can be adopted at no charge on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the shelter’s Free Adoption Day!

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: K-C Barbecue Restaurant

K-C BBQ restaurant, in 1937, at the corner of Myrtle and Huntington. 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

Family Feud Night at Library This Friday, Sept. 8

Family Feud at Monrovia Public Library on Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Teens and adults, ages 16+, welcome. Register by Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m. Limited seats. Test your knowledge in a fun game show night. Monrovia Public Library, 321 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016. Contact: cescobedo@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8265. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

September Workshops: Garden Design and Gardening for Shade

 Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will conduct two gardening workshops in September:

- Garden Design, on Sept. 12, 6 p.m. on Zoom.  Learn watershed-wise landscaping for turf replacement rebates. Details.

~ Gardening for Shade on Sept. 23, 9 a.m., in person at the new Upper District headquarters at 248 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia. Topics: working with limited space, hillsides, creating cool retreats, question and answer time. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Temporary Location for Community Center During Renovation

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

~ Negotiating to lease the one-story building at 324-328 South Myrtle, on the east side of the street, as a temporary Community Center during the 24 months it is expected to take to renovate the existing Community Center. Details.

~ Proclaiming September as National Suicide Prevention Month (details), and  September 10-26 as National Patriotism Week (details).

~ Also, there will be a 5 p.m. meeting to discuss, the "State of the City’s Finances: Past, Present, and Future." Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Audition for Little Mermaid Production Sept. 8-9

Audition with Centre Stage and IFGF for a production of Little Mermaid on  Sept. 8 and 9 at the Centre Stage Studios at 2640 S Myrtle Ave. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Kiwanis Cornhole Competition Sept. 16

Kiwanis Club of Monrovia will hold its third annual Cornhole Competition September 16 from 2 to 8 p.m. at 212 W Foothill Blvd.  $40 for admission, $80 for a team of two for tournament play. Tacos, beer, margaritas, and non-alcoholic beverages included in ticket price. Each entry includes a giveaway bag with t-shirt. First place team will win $250, second place $150, and third place $100. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Gardening Tips Seminar Saturday, Sept. 23

Food Ed will hold a gardening seminar at the Community Garden (corner of Magnolia and Colorado) on Saturday Sept. 23, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The seminar, Confessions of a Master Gardener & Tips from a Frugal Gardener, will cover tips and tricks from Monrovia Master Gardener Judy Gomez and low-cost gardening tips from Rebecca Takahashi. This session is for all learning levels and is free and open to all. For information, email info@monroviacommunitygarden.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Department Honors Outstanding Officers

Monrovia Police Department celebrated outstanding officers at its annual recognition ceremony. During the event, Chief Alan Sanvictores bestowed the prestigious Medal of Merit upon Sergeant Adam Villalobos and Officer Grace Aparicio.

Villalobos demonstrated courage when responding to a call in Arcadia, where an Arcadia Police Officer was shot. He secured the area and ensured the safety of trapped civilians, including grandparents and a 4-month-old child.

Aparicio displayed bravery when she responded to an attempted suicide on the Metro Line train tracks. Despite the man's attempting to flee, and engaging in a physical altercation, Aparicio pursued and helped subdue him until additional officers arrived. She also facilitated his transportation for care, ultimately saving a life.

Sanvictores also recognized with Distinguished Service Medals, Officer Grace Aparicio, Community Service Officer Evelyn Ruedas, Police Service Representative Lucy Liou, Dispatcher Anne Viramontes, and Chaplain Terrence Brown. 

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - September

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

Monrovia Police: Driver Hits Fire Hydrant, Parked Cars; Drunk Woman Bathes Half-Nude in Library Fountain; Woman Throws Knives at Husband; Jewelry Snatched from Woman; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 24 –30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 56 investigations.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 4:33 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a violation of a court order. Officers arrived and locate the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 8:49 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Cypress reported a violation of a court order. The suspect was in front of the residence in violation of the court order. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
August 24 at 9:28 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 1300 block of S. Primrose. A vehicle drove onto a sidewalk and collided into a fire hydrant and two parked vehicles. The driver displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication. The driver was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
August 24 at 10:27 p.m., a caller from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported two suspicious subjects inside the store. The reporting party stated the subjects were filling shopping carts with merchandise and were attempting to leave the business without paying. Officers arrived and located the subjects. One of the subjects were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subjects were arrested.

Grand Theft
August 25 at 9:37 a.m., a guest from a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report that her room was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 7:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a disturbed subject. The caller reported a female subject was inside a fountain partially nude. The female subject exited the fountain and ran a short distance until she was detained by arriving officers. The female exhibited signs and symptoms of intoxication and it was determined she was unable to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 1:57 a.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 100 block of W. Lime. The caller reported that a male subject was laying on the ground and yelling. Officers arrived and located the male subject who was exhibiting signs and symptoms of intoxication. It was determined he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

August 26 at 2:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a domestic violence report. LASO Deputies notified MPD that they had two subjects detained. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed the female subject was throwing knives at her husband. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery
August 26 at 9:53 a.m., a witness in the 200 block of E. Lemon called to report a robbery. Three unknown female subjects exited a vehicle driven by a male subject and snatched jewelry off of a victim. This investigation is continuing.

Shots Fired / Court Order Violation
August 26 at 1:41 p.m., multiple callers in the 200 block of E. Duarte called to report that shots were fired out of a vehicle. No one was hit by the gunfire. Officers responded to the scene and located the suspect vehicle. A traffic stop was attempted, but the suspect refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 7:59 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The caller reported that a female subject was yelling at people passing by. Officers arrived and determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 27 at 1:06 a.m., while patrolling the area of Ivy and Huntington officers saw a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. The driver exhibited signs and symptoms of intoxication. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 27 at 1:34 a.m., officers were dispatched to 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a disturbed subject. Officers arrived and contacted a male and female subjects. A records check for the male returned with a warrant for his arrest. The male was arrested and taken into custody.

Public intoxication – Suspect Arrested

August 27 at 3:36 a.m., while at a separate call for service in the 700 block of W. Foothill, officers saw a male subject in the middle of the street who was nearly struck by a passing vehicle. Officers contacted the subject the male subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Arson
August 28 at 2:49 a.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the area of Foothill and Mayflower. Officers and MFD arrived to extinguish the fire. It was determined that a couch was set on fire and the vehicle became engulfed in flames as a result. This investigation is continuing.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 1:37 p.m., employees from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle called to report a subject trespassing. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival, but was located nearby. The employee positively identified the subject. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
August 28 at 3:34 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Duarte called to report that someone etched his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
August 28 at 10:03 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Olive requested a welfare check. Officers arrived and contacted a male adult subject in the living room of the residence. The male adult kept telling officers that they were going to have to kill him and showed officers that he was concealing a large kitchen knife. Officers immediately grabbed the knife before the subject had a chance to reach for it. Officers continued talking to the subject and de-escalated the situation. They were able to detain the subject in handcuffs without further incident. It was determined her was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 7:43 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle, an officer saw an adult male subject sitting in the children's playground area smoking a cigarette, in violation of a Monrovia Municipal Code. The officer contacted the subject and while the subject was retrieving his identification, drug paraphernalia fell out. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Grand Theft Auto / Recovery
August 29 at 7:50 a.m., a victim reported that her vehicle was stolen from the 200 block of W. Cypress. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. At approximately 10:53 a.m., the vehicle was recovered a block away. The front passenger window had been smashed and the ignition was damaged. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
August 29 at 2:55 p.m., a stolen guitar pedal board was reported stolen from a garage in the 700 block of S. Ivy. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 3:03 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Foothill and Violet. A computer check of the driver revealed he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 29 at 3:37 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that during the early morning hours, a subject collided into the east wall of the building, causing damage to the women's locker room of the business. This investigation is continuing.

Theft / Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 4:05 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a male subject who stole a torch and fled the scene. Officers located the suspect in the 100 block of E. Pomona. The caller positively identified the suspect. The suspect was found to also be in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
August 29 at 4:34 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a subject stole merchandise and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 5:18 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject drinking at a park. Officers contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto / Battery on Officer – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 11:22 p.m., an employee from business in the 100 block of W. Lime reported their car stolen. The juvenile suspects were tracked in Arcadia and Arcadia PD assisted in the search for the vehicle. An MPD officer located the suspects and as he stepped out of his vehicle door the juvenile suspect drove towards the officer and struck the officer’s door striking the officer. The suspect vehicle crashed into a residence and the juvenile suspects fled on foot. One of the suspects was later located in his mother’s vehicle fleeing the area. The juvenile was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
August 30 at 3:29 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of S. Magnolia called to report his vehicle’s window was shattered and his vehicle ignition was ripped out. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 30 at 7:18 am, a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported that her vehicle was stolen. The vehicle was entered into the system as stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 10:45a.m., a victim in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject ran up to her and threatened to kill her. The suspect fled prior to officers arriving. Later in the day, the victim called to say that the suspect was back in the area. Officers located the subject and the victim positively identified the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
August 30 at 12:22 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck called to report that the business purchased and they had just been informed that the vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
August 30 at 4:15 p.m., a vandalism in progress was reported in the area of Mayflower and Huntington. The reporting party saw a subject tagging under the bridge. A field showup was conducted and the suspect was positively identified. A computer check revealed the suspect had warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Monrovia High Ranked in Top 40 Percent of US High Schools

Monrovia High School has won a place on U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 list of Best High Schools, ranking in the top 40% nationally. The school ranked number 2,757 nationally, 417 in California, and 180 among Los Angeles area high schools. The ranking reflects performance in College Readiness, Curriculum Breadth, State Assessment Proficiency and Performance, Underserved Student Achievement, and Graduation Rate. 

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Noodle St.

Dinner at Noodle St., in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. Got the pork and cabbage dumplings for $12.80 and a Diet Coke for $2.80. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Miss Nola's Smile Will Brighten Your Day

Miss Nola is such a good girl! She is very smart, loves meeting people, and has a great smile that just brightens your day.

Nola has turned into a bit of a star at Pasadena Humane. She has gone on a number of field trips with the volunteers because she is so easy-going. She likes hiking, car rides and just hanging out in the park on a sunny day. She has also been put to work by one of the trainers to demonstrate how to teach training cues.

Nola is only three years old, which puts her right in that sweet spot of playful energy mixed with a nice calm demeanor. She can’t wait to be the star of your home!

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

Two Monrovia Students Receive National Hispanic Recognition Award

Monrovia High School senior Joaquin Gutierrez-Tunstad and early graduate Tiber Ray both received the National Hispanic Recognition Award from among 72,000 students nationwide . The award highlights underrepresented students' academic achievements. Requirements: GPA 3.5 or higher, being in the top 10 percent in state assessments, or 3 or higher on 2 or more AP exams.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: John B. Adams, Helped Found Shiloh AME Zion Church

John B. Adams was born a slave near 1856 named Hicks Bundy. He was a leader of the group recruited by Lucky Baldwin from Bennettsville, SC near 1886. John worked establishing citrus farms in Southern Calif. He was married to Adeline Morris Adams and had 6 living children" Elliot, Sally, Philip, Madie, Celia, and Frank. John bought the land for Shiloh AME Zion church in 1892. The Adams lived at at 228 E. Maple. From the Shiloh AME Zion Church 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

Craft-tastic, An Afternoon of Crafts for Children

Craft-tastic, an afternoon of arts and crafts for children up to age 11, Saturday, Sept. 2, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. Designed to inspire self-expression, boost confidence, and ignite imaginations. No reservations required. For more information call 256-8269 or email asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Call for Artists to Submit Christmas Ornament Designs

Monrovia is accepting designs for its second annual Art in Public Places Tree Ornament Contest. Artists may submit a design that will be transferred to a three-inch diameter ceramic ornament. The theme is A Merry Monrovia. The selected artist will receive $500 and have his or her name listed on the back of the ornament. Ornaments will be sold on Monrovia’s Online Store. Proceeds will support Monrovia’s Art in Public Places programs. Entries must be submitted by  6 p.m., September 28, 2023.

Design Requirements

• Reflect the theme, A Merry Monrovia
• Can be either be black and white or color
• Needs to include “Monrovia”
• Submitted in a PNG format (minimum 300 PSI)
• Be family friendly

Submission Requirements

• Open to artists of all ages
• Email complete application and image to Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
• Email subject line must read “2023 ORNAMENT CONTEST”
• Artist may submit up to two designs 
• Incomplete applications, or applications received after the due date, will be disqualified

Design Selection

• The Art in Public Places Committee will select the design
• Designs will be evaluated on capturing the spirit of the theme, artistic excellence, innovation and originality

To receive the Contest Application in PDF format, email christine@monroviafinearts.org.\

- Brad Haugaard