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School Board to Evaluate Superintendent; Consider Paying Company to Get Rid of Furniture; Redesign Santa Fe Middle School; Etc.

At a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Monrovia Board of Education will evaluate Superintendent Ryan Smith in closed session following an open period for public comment. Details

At Wednesday's regular meeting (agenda here) the board will...

~  Consider paying $56,135 to Furniture Reuse Solutions to remove obsolete furniture at Monroe  (details)  and and Plymouth (details) elementary schools . Why not sell it the furniture? Because, "District staff, in consultation with legal counsel, has determined that the Furniture is of insufficient value to defray the costs of arranging for a sale of the Furniture because the Furniture is outdated, does not have a wide market of potentially interested parties, and the cost necessary to collect and prepare the Furniture for a sale would likely be higher than any payment the District would receive" (details). 

~ Consider paying Learner-Centered for Collaborative $60,000 to work with the school district to "redesign Santa Fe Middle School, with a focus on attracting and retaining students." Details

~  Consider approving a deal with Citrus College allowing Monrovia High students to earn college credit. Details

~  Consider naming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (here)  and Hispanic Heritage Month (here)  

- Brad Haugaard

Grand Avenue Park to Get New Sign; Veterans Meet-Up; Blood Drive; Tree Ornament Contest

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

~ Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue will get a new sign, like the design shown here. It will be installed this coming Monday, Sept. 11.

~ Monrovia Public Library's Veterans Resource Center will hold a Veterans Meetup at the Starbucks at Foothill and Magnolia this coming Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free coffee and treats and a representative of Veterans Peer Access Network will answer questions and share resources. For more information, contact the library at 256-8274.

~ The Monrovia Police Department is hosting a blood drive next Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.), from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "BOB23" or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

~ Monrovia's Art in Public Places program is accepting designs for the second annual Art in Public Places Tree Ornament Contest. More here.

- Brad Haugaard


Fall Edition of Monrovia Today Is Out

The fall edition of Monrovia Today is out. Here. Old Town Fall Festival, Halloween and trick-or-treat, Thanksgiving, etc.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Early Learning Center Students Get Free Dental Checkups

Monrovia's Canyon Early Learning Center (CELC) hosted dental students from Western University in Pomona for free dental check-ups for its students. The dental students conducted exams in multiple classrooms and communicated recommendations for additional dental care to families. Western University will continue offering free dental check-ups to CELC students in the coming months.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Show Tonight at D’Vine Restaurant

At D’Vine Mediterranean Express in the Vons shopping center. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Help Monrovia Name New Park Next to Chick-fil-A

Nominations are open from now to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 to help name the 8,600 square foot park that will be created just south of the new Chick-fil-A and Starbucks on Huntington located just west of the 210 Freeway.

More detail here.

Application forms here

For questions contact Heather Gibson at 303-6609 or at hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Person Defrauded of $87,000; Victim Locates Bike Thief; Ex-Girlfriend Chases Ex-Boyfriend, Crashes Into His Car; More ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 31 – September 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 341 service events, resulting in 56 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
August 30 at 3:29 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Magnolia reported that his vehicle’s window was smashed and his vehicle ignition ripped out. This investigation is continuing.

Criminal Threats
August 31 at 9:19 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Duarte came into the MPD Lobby to report that a former boyfriend known to carry weapons found out where she is currently living and proceeded to vandalize some of her property while also making threats via text message. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 31 at 3:21 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that her purse with all of its belongings were stolen out of her shopping cart while she was in the store. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 3:57 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Duarte and Alta Vista when they observed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and during the investigation the subject admitted to being in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene.

Vehicle Burglary
September 1 at 12:42 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that his car was burglarized while parked in a shopping center and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 1 at 2:27 p.m., a retail store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft where jewelry was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 12:04 a.m. while patrolling the 100 block of W. Lime an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and observed that the driver displayed signs and 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.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 2 at 11:47 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Colorado and Primrose, one of the parties sustained injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
September 2 at 11:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. Mountain regarding a mentally ill subject inside the building. Officers located the subject and were able to handcuff him. Once the officers attempted to put him in a patrol vehicle the subject kicked an officer. The subject was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Mental Evaluation
September 2 at 12:37 p.m., a business in the 800 block of W. Foothill requested officers remove a subject from the business. Officers arrived and located the subject who was unable to care for himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 2 at 2:33 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Colorado and Fifth. A motorcyclist was hit, lost control, and crashed into a fence. The motorcyclist was not injured. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
September 2 at 2:49 p.m., a vehicle reported stolen in La Puente was located in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
September 3 at 5:27 p.m., multiple callers in the 400 block of W. Lemon reported a woman acting erratically and battering neighbors. Officers arrived and where unable to locate the female subject. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 5:37 p.m., a victim staying at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington called to report that his wife had become intoxicated and battered him. Officers conducted an investigation and determined that the wife was the primary aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
September 3 at 4:12 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival officers observed the front door of the business forced open and the interior ransacked. The business owner responded to the location and could not immediately determine if any property was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 9:43 a.m., the victim came into the MPD lobby to report that her husband struck her on September 3. The victim had a visible mark on her chin. The suspect was contacted, arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 4 at 11:31 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 4 at 1:30 p.m., a victim in the 1100 block of Norumbega called to report that money was stolen from her and stole her niece’s purse. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 7:14 p.m., CHP called to report that they had conducted a traffic stop in the area of Live Oak and the 605 freeway on a suspect wanted for a warrant. Officer responded, arrested and took the subject into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 10:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 300 block of W. Evergreen regarding suspicious persons seen on security cameras loitering at the closed business. Officers arrived and contacted the suspects, one was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
September 5 at 1:36 a.m., a victim called in the 100 block of W. Duarte called to report that a known male subject had verbally assaulted him and his wife and threw a very large rock at the victim which made contact with the victim. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 3:47 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of E. Foothill called to report that his vehicle's catalytic converter had just been stolen. The suspect vehicle was described as a darker Toyota Camry. Officers conducted an area check and stopped a similar vehicle, but it was determined to be unrelated. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 5 at 6:13 a.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington advised that the glass to one of the doors was shattered. Officers arrived and cleared the interior. Surveillance video shows two male suspects breaking the window, going inside, using a power tool to open the safe and items were stolen from the safe. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 8:30 a.m., the reporting party called from the 100 block of N. Fifth and stated that sometime throughout the night, the catalytic converter to his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 9:09 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Huntington called to report that the catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 5 at 10:11 am, a caller in the 200 block of E. Olive stated that sometime over the weekend, someone stole the catalytic converter to his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 5 at 10:19 a.m., a victim came into the MPD lobby to file a fraud report. The victim was defrauded approximately $87,000. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 5 at 1:36 p.m., a victim came into the MPD lobby to report that someone intercepted her check and fraudulently cashed it. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery
September 5 at 2:17 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a robbery. The victim was sitting in his vehicle when a suspect approached him, pushed his head and stole his necklace. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 2:21 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report his electric bike stolen. Officers arrived and were unable to locate a suspect. Later that day, the victim called to report that he had located a suspect in possession of his bike. Officers arrived and located the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 5:03 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of W. Foothill regarding a possible domestic violence. Officers arrived and contacted a female subject who claimed her husband was mentally unstable and she was just trying to calm him down. The husband stated she struck him with a stand and showed officers videos. An investigation revealed the wife was the primary aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 2:14 p.m., officers were in the 800 block of W. Duarte when they witnessed a vehicle chasing another vehicle and colliding into it several times. Officers stopped both vehicles. Further investigation revealed an ex-girlfriend was chasing her ex-boyfriend and collided into his vehicle. The male subject complained of pain and was treated by paramedics. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
September 6 at 1:24 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that they had video surveillance of a subject stealing a $400 in tools. The subject was no longer in the store. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 6 at 2:26 p.m., officers responded to the area of California and Duarte regarding an injury traffic collision. A vehicle failed to stop at a red light and collided into a vehicle with three occupants. All occupants were transported to a hospital for treatment. The vehicle at fault was issued a citation.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 6 at 5:55 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Shamrock and Foothill. A party complained of pain and were treated at the scene.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 6 at 5:57 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian. An investigation revealed the driver did not see the pedestrian walking and struck her. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Vandalism / Assault
September 6 at 9:19 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect entered a business and started throwing and breaking items. The suspect also punched an employee as he walked out of the store. Officers with the assistance of the police helicopter searched the area, but were unable to locate a suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Teacher Arrested For Sex With 16-Year-Old Girl Taught at Canyon Oaks High School

Rancho Cucamonga Police Department reports on Nixle that:

"In April 2023, Chad Miller met the underage female victim on a social media application and corresponded with her over the past five months. Miller also met the victim in person and engaged in several illicit sexual acts with her.

"On September 6, 2023, Miller was arrested for PC 288.3(a) - Contact with a minor with the intent to commit sex offense; PC 289(h) - Sexual penetration with a minor; PC 287(h) - Oral copulation with a minor. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center. Miller's bail was set at $100,000 and his next court appreance is scheduled for September 8, 2023, in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. 

"Miller is a teacher at Canyon Oaks High School in the city of Monrovia. Investigators believe there may be additional victims. If anyone has information pertinent to this investigation, they are urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, Detective Bureau. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com."

(Photo of Chad Robert Miller, 38, from San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of 'Inappropriate Contact With a Minor'

Following is a statement from School Superintendent Ryan D. Smith regarding the arrest of a Monrovia Unified teacher.


Dear Monrovia Unified School District Families:

This morning, law enforcement officials notified the district that Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School teacher Chad Miller was arrested at approximately 7:30 am by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on suspicion of making inappropriate contact with a minor with the intent of committing a sex crime and sexual contact with a minor.

Law enforcement has informed us that the minor allegedly involved is not a Monrovia Unified School District student. However, the District is, and shall continue to, cooperate fully with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's investigation. The teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and is not allowed on a school campus at this time.

We strongly encourage anyone with any information that might be helpful to the detectives to please contact them at 909-477-2893.

Learning that an adult trusted to work with children may have violated an important trust is unsettling. To support our school community, the District's crisis response team is available to support any students, families, or staff that is in need.

Sincerely,

Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Monrovian Heads Up Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival


Monrovian Carole Anne Kaufman, known as the Whistling Diva, is the Event Producer for The Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival, happening in Hollywood from September 22 to 24 at Barnsdall Gallery Theater (tickets and information here).  This event showcases whistlers from around the world. Kaufman owns Monrovia's Studio C Hair Artistry, is involved in producing the Monrovia Music Fest and can be spotted whistling in local parades. 

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Burger Basket


Lunch today at Burger Basket, at the northwest corner of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Got a Chicken Sandwich for $4.95 and a soda for $2.10. Good taste and good retro price.

- Brad Haugaard 

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