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61st Annual Art In The Park Preview


Monrovia's KGEM-TV created this public service announcement to promote this Saturday's Art in the Park event.

- Brad Haugaard

McNugget Needs Time to Get Comfortable, But Then ... Fun Time!


When McNugget first arrived at Pasadena Humane, he was scared of his own shadow. This little guy would hide in the back of his kennel and break our hearts.

Thankfully, he has started to show us all the fun-loving dog he can be. He adores running around in the yard, jumping into the pool and then happily shaking off all the water on any unsuspecting staff and volunteers.

McNugget is also an exceptional student. He has mastered a few tricks and is eager to learn more. This guy just wants to please, but he’s also happy to get a treat for a reward.

This sweet boy will probably take a little time to get comfortable in his forever home, but once he does, McNugget will be the BEST!

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

Art in the Park Saturday at Library Park


The 2023 Art in the Park event at Library Park will have displays by more than 50 fine artists and  chalk artists in the region. Paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, digital arts, pottery and chalk art. October 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be live music, food trucks, and children's activities. For a preview, see here.

- Brad Haugaard

Pastor Albert Tate of Monrovia's Fellowship Church Given 'Leave of Absence' for Inappropriate Texting, Comments

Senior Pastor Albert Tate of Fellowship Church, which meets in the auditorium of Monrovia High School, has been given a leave of absence for "inappropriate text messages and questionable comments."

Church Chairman George Selah writes that "Senior Pastor Albert Tate, will be taking a leave of absence. This decision follows an initial review by the board and outside experts concerning inappropriate text messages and questionable comments he has made."

He added that the leave of absence is "a necessary time for Albert to engage in a period of reflection, spiritual guidance, and restoration.

"The Board and senior staff are committed to supporting Albert and his family through this season where we are all seeking clarity and the right steps forward."

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - October

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Market Day on Myrtle in 1890

Market Day at the General Store. Leonidas Barnes, a Confederate veteran, set up a general store at the corner of Lemon and Myrtle Avenues in 1886. The first mercantile building erected in Monrovia 1886. The ground floor contained Leonidas Barnes' General Store. The upper floor, "Barnes' Hall", served as a general meeting place where the early churches, the town council, the school and other groups met. The building still stands at the northeast corner of Myrtle and Lemon, although modified in external appearance. This photo and caption appeared in a history of the San Gabriel Valley. 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

Beginner Ukulele Class at Library on Oct. 7


Beginner Ukulele Class for Adults 18+ at Library on October 7, 2023, from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn easy chords and simple songs to get started. Library ukuleles available or bring your own. Details and registration

- Brad Haugaard

Jeopardy Night at Library on Oct. 6


Jeopardy Night at Library on Oct. 6, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Test your knowledge in various categories. For ages 16 and up. Limited seats available. Registration closes on Oct. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Details and registration

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Auctioning Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitar


The Rotary Club of Monrovia is hosting an online auction for a Fender Squier Guitar signed by all four members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The auction is live and will run until October 14, 2023, at 7:30 pm. The guitar must be picked up in Monrovia, CA, as shipping is not available.Rotary appreciates the band's generous donation.

Bid on the guitar here.

- Brad Haugaard

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Saturday


Monrovia Public Library will host a celebration of Hispanic heritage from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, at Library Park. There will be a variety of activities including a folclórico dance, performance tile painting, paper bag painting, making worry dolls, a Guatemalan tradition where tiny handmade dolls given to children to share their worries with and then hide under their pillow before going to sleep at night.  More about Hispanic heritage in Monrovia here.

- Brad Haugaard

VFW BBQ Oct. 14


Monrovia's VFW Post 2070 will host a BBQ at its hall in Monrovia (Chestnut and Magnolia) on Saturday, October 14, at 3 p.m. Food and raffles. To reserve a plate, purchase a $20 donation ticket by calling the VFW at 359-9998 directly or Floyd at 660-6823.

- Brad Haugaard

Art in the Park Saturday, Oct. 7: Displays by 50 Fine Artists, Chalk Artists, Music and Children's Activities


The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) will host the 61st Annual Art in the Park Show and Chalkfest on October 7 at Library Park. The event will showcase over 50 fine artists from Southern California, including both adults and students, along with 11 prize-winning chalk artists. There will be a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, digital arts, pottery, woodworking, and chalk art. A silent auction will support MAFA's art education initiatives, and the event will feature live music, food trucks, kids' art activities. Admission is free.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Meeting on Vacant Properties

A community meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Library Community Room to address vacant property concerns. The meeting is open to the public and includes complimentary food. For more information email map@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard


Halloween Spooktacular Oct. 31 in Library Park and Old Town

 

The 2023 Halloween Spooktacular & Trick-or-Treat Bash is set for Tuesday, October 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. in Old Town Monrovia and Library Park. Activities include trick-or-treating in Old Town, costume contests for various categories, library activities, activity booths, and a photo booth. Registration for the costume contest, taking place in Library Park, begins at 3 p.m. and is free of charge.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Fall Festival Oct. 14

- Brad Haugaard

Council Will Consider Bigger Christmas Tree In Library Park; More Money for Canyon Park; Etc.

Proposed new Christmas tree. View looking south.

Lighting on Myrtle. Right showing concept for new lighting.

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

~ Selecting a bigger tree in Library Park as the city's Christmas tree, and improve the tree lighting along Myrtle in Old Town. "Staff is recommending an alternative tree in Library Park to be lit and identified as the official Holiday Tree. The existing Deodar Cedar tree stretches 80-feet in the air and would be lit with well over 10,000 lights. In addition, a 4-foot tall starburst would top the tree and could be seen from blocks away. This new Holiday Tree would create a destination spot for visitors throughout the region to come to Old Town Monrovia for a holiday get together while taking in the holiday charm throughout Old Town and stopping to enjoy the festive Holiday Tree in Library Park." However, the existing tree will continue to be lit. The Council will consider hiring Innovative Light Designs to make it happen. Details.

~ Committing an additional $709,293 (and a contingency amount of $70,000) for restoration of Monrovia Canyon Park. The money would pay Pokrajac Corporation for construction and Merrell-Johnson Engineering for management. The work would be to repair a messed up trail section on the Bill Cull Trail, for the removal of debris, boulders, brush and dead trees at Check Dams 2 and 3, and to fortify sloped areas around Check Dams 1, 2 and 3. Details

~ Consolidating its municipal election to be on the same day as the statewide primary election, March 5, 2024. Details.

~  Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Craft Market by Local Artisans Sept. 30

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Assault With Coffee; Daughter Dies From Overdose; License Plates and Catalytic Converters Stolen; Woman Lights Fire, Punches Cop; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 21 – 27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 325 service events, resulting in 60 investigations. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 2:25 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block S. Myrtle, when she located a male subject who appeared to need assistance walking. When she contacted the subject, she discovered he 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.

Petty Theft
September 21 at 09:35 a.m., a mother came into the police station to report her sons backpack was stolen the day before between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. He had placed his backpack in the locker room while he went to football practice. When he returned, the backpack was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 21 at 12:09 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of Linwood reported that the catalytic converters from two of vehicles were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Accident
September 21 at 1:11 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Evergreen. The parties were treated at the scene by MFD.

Overdose
September 21 at 3:12 p.m., caller reported a male subject in the 900 block of W. Duarte was sleeping on the ground and he was not waking up. Officers arrived and determined the subject was overdosing on narcotics. Officers administered narcan and the male subject was revived. Paramedics arrived and he was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Runaway Juvenile
September 21 at 3:15 p.m., a female juvenile was reported as a runaway from the 100 block of N. Ivy. This investigation is continuing.

Assault / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 6:45 a.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject threw coffee at her. Officers arrived and located the female subject. The victim positively identified the female subject, but did not desire prosecution. A computer check revealed the female subject was in violation of parole. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Theft
September 22 at 8:15 a.m., a vehicle theft was reported in a parking lot in the 300 block of E. Foothill. The victim parked her vehicle and when she returned she realized her vehicle had been broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 22 at 10:42 a.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that the catalytic converter from their vehicle was stolen while parked in the 500 block of Bradbury. This investigation is continuing.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 2:53 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that a male subject walked into a business, took an item, and left without paying. Officers arrived and located the male subject and recovered the stolen item. The caller positively identified the suspect. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Fraud
September 22 at 3:53 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that he had been scammed. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 22 at 4:46 p.m., a victim reported that he parked his vehicle in the 100 block of W. Huntington. When he returned to his vehicle, his window was shattered and property was missing. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 7:35 p.m., an officer working on a DUI patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Myrtle and Longden. A computer check revealed that the driver was a wanted fugitive. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
September 22 at 9:52 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Primrose called to report suspicious subjects who looked like they were breaking into vehicles. Offices arrived and confirmed that a crime had occurred. The suspects were gone prior to officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 11:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Foothill regarding a possible drunk driver who exited his vehicle stumbling. Officers arrived and located the driver. 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.

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
September 22 at 10:55 p.m., a caller in the area of Monterey and Chestnut called to report a group of juveniles attempting to steal a vehicle. The suspects were gone prior to officers’ arrival.

Attempted Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 12:07 a.m., a new reporting party called to report the same juveniles from the previous call, had returned to the same vehicle and were once again attempting to steal it. Officers arrived and officers gave pursuit, eventually detaining four juvenile suspects. The juvenile suspects were positively identified by the caller. Three juvenile suspects were released to parents with citations. A records check of the fourth juvenile suspect revealed he was on probation for vehicle theft and was taken into custody.

Attempt Petty Theft
September 24 at 8:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male and female subject were attempting to conceal store items in their clothing. Officers arrived and spoke with store management, who requested officers contact the subjects and ask them to leave. Officers contacted the two inside the store. The items were returned to the store and were issued a no trespassing notice. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
September 25 at 2:50 a.m., officers responded to a business burglary alarm in the 300 block of Huntington. The officer arrived and saw the front glass doors were forced open. While searching the inside, officers saw the steel office door had been forced open. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose / Death Report
September 25 at 6:39 a.m., a parent in the 300 block of E. Palm reported that their daughter overdosed and was unresponsive. MPD and MFD responded and deployed lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, the subject had been deceased for a few hours. The coroner's office was notified.

Stolen License Plate
September 25 at 10:19 a.m., a caller in the 1400 block of Alamitas reported her license plate was stolen from her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 25 at 12:11 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported his credit cards were stolen from his mailbox and were being fraudulently used. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen License Plate
September 25 at 1:52 p.m., a caller in the 1400 block of Monterey reported their license plate was stolen from their vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft / Vandalism
September 25 at 2:41 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported their community mailbox was pried open and mail was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 25 at 4:20 p.m., a three vehicle traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks. One party complained of pain and was treated at the scene by MFD.

Battery on Officer Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 25 at 9:37 p.m., a passerby witnessed an adult female subject setting debris on fire in the area of Myrtle and California. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was next to burnt trash. When an officer attempted to search the female, she abruptly punched him on the face, causing him an injury. The suspect was positively identified by the witness. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
September 26 at 2:59 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Fano reported someone had broken her vehicle's fuel door. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
September 26 at 3:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported male and female subjects stole merchandise. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 7:07 p.m., a caller from a business 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a female adult left the store with merchandise she did not pay for. Officers responded and located the female. The stolen property was recovered and returned to the store. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
September 27 at 7:34 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported sometime overnight, his vehicle (left unlocked) was ransacked and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 27 at 4:20 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported that a suspect used a fraudulent credit card to rent a room. Officers arrived but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity
September 27 at 5:09 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Palm reported subjects possibly using drugs in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined one of the subjects was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Grand Theft
September 27 at 5:54 p.m., a business owner in the 900 block of S. Myrtle reported his money bag was stolen from his office. This investigation is continuing.

Rotary Club Casino Night Oct. 14

- Brad Haugaard 

State of the Schools Address Oct. 18

- Brad Haugaard