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Clifton Middle School Honored as California Distinguished School


Monrovia's Clifton Middle School is one of 293 California middle schools and high schools named by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond as California Distinguished Schools. The award honors schools for either closing the achievement gap or demonstrating exceptional student performance. Schools will be honored at an event in Anaheim on May 3.

- Brad Haugaard

City Invites Comments on Planned Norumbega Home


The city is inviting residents with specific environmental concerns on a residential project planned for 545 Norumbega Drive, to submit them by 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, to  Planning Division Manager Sheri Bermejo at planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets on Sale for Monrovia Wine Walk April 13


The 7th Annual Wine Walk in Old Town will take place on Saturday, April 13, from 6 - 9 p.m. Participants will explore businesses and sample wines. Tickets required. Purchase here, at the Community Center or Charlie's House, 430 S. Myrtle Ave. Tickets are $45 pre-sale and $60 at the event if not sold out. Contact the Community Center for questions at 256-8246. 

- Brad Haugaard

Where to Drop Off Your Ballot; City Street Repaving; Historic Walking Tour

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

~ If you don't want to mail in your ballot, you can drop it off at the Library Community Room, open open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Or... you can drop it in the official ballot box on the north side of the Library, on Palm Ave.

~ The city is replacing  nearly 1.1 million square feet of roadway, 4,566 square feet of sidewalks and driveway approaches, nearly three quarters of a mile of water main, and cleaning over three miles of sewer mains, and is replacing two parking lots in Old Town. He said the current Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is an "incredible" 87, and will certainly improve after the current road work, and work scheduled for next year on Peck Road and South Myrtle. For comparison, he said the average California PCI is 66.

~ There will be a two-hour walking tour of historic Monrovia tomorrow, March 2, starting at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person with proceeds benefiting Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.

- Brad Haugaard

Spring Monrovia Today Magazine Is Out


The Spring 2024 Monrovia Today magazine is out, with information about Monrovia Days, Spring Bunny Photos and Egg Hunt, upcoming classes and more. Here

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - March

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 and Sierra Madre VFWs to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War


The Monrovia VFW post will provide the color guard - which posts the flags - and a rifle team to render the rifle salute at a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration on March 23, at 11 a.m. at Sierra Madre's Memorial Park (222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.). The public event, hosted by Sierra Madre VFW Post 3208, includes speakers, a POW/MIA tribute, and refreshments, and is part of a national commemoration honoring service members. For more information call call (626) 355-7016.

- Brad Haugaard

Three-House Development Planned for North Monrovia Hillside

Three houses and a debris basin are planned for a hillside development on Highland Place in north Monrovia. There will be a public meeting March 14, from 6-7 p.m. in the Library Community Room about the project.

- Brad Haugaard



Monrovia Police: Lots of Boys Fight in Parking Lot; Intoxicated Drivers; Three-Tire Car Hits and Runs; Man Threatens With Knife - Given Ticket; Woman Won't Leave Bathroom; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 22 – 28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 487 service events, resulting in 91 investigations. 

Public Intoxication / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 1:58 a.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and Huntington said that his date had walked away from the bar they were at and was possible intoxicated. Officers arrived and located the female subject who appeared to be intoxicated. A computer check revealed she had warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
February 22 at 7:51 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Magnolia and Cypress. One of the involved parties fled the scene after colliding into another vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest / Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 10:42 a.m., officers responded to a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a subject driving erratically. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed the driver had an outside warrant for his arrest. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrests – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 3:07 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Mountain an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver and passenger had outstanding warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Fraud
February 22 at 4:49 p.m., a caller from the 200 block of E. Walnut reported she was a victim of fraud totaling approximately $5,000. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 9:00 p.m., callers in the area of Ivy and Colorado reported a vehicle collided into a parked car and fled the area. Officers arrived and were able to locate the vehicle and driver. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 23 at 8:15 a.m., officers responded to the area of Central and Mountain regarding a traffic collision investigation. 

Injury Traffic Collision
February 23 at 8:37 a.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision in the area of Madison and Foothill. There was complain of pain only and the driver at-fault was issued a citation. 

Hit and Run Traffic
February 23 at 11:15 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Fifth. A vehicle collided with a traffic signal and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
February 23 at 4:04 p.m., a caller in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista reported a window to a vehicle was smashed. The owner was notified and the vehicle was locked and secured. No entry was made and nothing was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
February 23 at 4:12 p.m., a victim of fraud walked into the MPD lobby to make a report. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 23 at 4:48 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived and located the suspect. A computer search revealed she had warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 23 at 7:50 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Palm reported five juveniles burglarizing his neighbor's car. When the juveniles saw the resident, they all ran. Officers arrived and searched the area, but could not locate them. This investigation is continuing. 

Juvenile Fight in Public
February 23 at 8:00 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a large number of male juveniles fighting in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located the victim and made contact with the parents who refused prosecution. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
February 23 at 9:43 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Duarte. Officers arrived and located the parties involved. One of the drivers displayed signs of being intoxicated and complained of pain. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 23 at 9:46 p.m., a caller in the area of Mountain and Lemon reported two motorists had just collided. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. Both parties did not want a collision report taken, but chose only to exchange information. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
February 24 at 4:14 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. A caller reported seeing a motorist traveling with a missing tire. Officers arrived and found three parked cars had been broadsided. They searched for the suspect vehicle and located it two blocks away, damaged and unoccupied. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 24 at 2:23 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Lime reported a group of people in the 100 block of W. Lime who appeared to be "huffing" from balloons. When officers arrived a large group of males ran in different directions and two male subject were detained. An investigation determined they were too intoxicated to care for themselves. They were arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
February 24 at 9:30 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in a parking lot in the 900 block of E. Huntington. The caller reported that he was struck by a vehicle and the vehicle fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
February 24 at 11:45 a.m., a caller in a parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported that her vehicle was hit while parked. An investigation revealed the suspect was attempting to exit the parking lot, hit the victim’s vehicle, got out to look at the damage and fled the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Brandishing Weapon – Suspect Arrested
February 24 at 12:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject who brandished a knife at the victim. Officers arrived and made contact with the male subject. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Shoplifting
February 24 at 2:00 p.m., a theft was reported in a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and located the suspect vehicle nearby. The suspect wasn't inside the vehicle but the owner was. She stated she wasn't with the suspect during the theft and she had just entered the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
February 24 at 3:35 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived and made contact with juvenile subject. The stolen property was recovered. The juveniles were detained, cited and released to their parents. 

Battery
February 24 at 3:45 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of W. Duarte regarding two subjects arguing about a parking problem. The suspect, who was in a U-Haul truck, was blocking the driveway to the complex and when the reporting party told him to move, a verbal argument ensued. As the suspect got into the truck to leave, the RP got in front of the truck to prevent him from leaving so officers could speak with him. The suspect ended up punching the RP, and the passenger of the truck punched the RP's wife, who was inside of a vehicle. Both suspects fled the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 12:41 a.m., a disturbing subject was reported in a complex in the 800 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and located the female subject who appeared to be intoxicated. It was determined that she was unable to care for herself. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 11:09 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a disturbed subject was being aggressive towards patrons at a local business. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had outstanding warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
February 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject in the park after hours, in violation of a municipal code violation. The officer made contact with the male subject who had an open container of alcohol and refused to identify himself. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Commercial Burglary
February 26 at 2:41 a.m., an alarm company called to report glass was broken at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and discovered a shattered window. An investigation revealed that a weapon was taken from the business. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft from Vehicle
February 26 at 8:03 p.m., the victim called to report that she parked her vehicle in the 600 block of W. Duarte and when she came out she discovered it had been ransacked and property taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft of Mail
February 26 at 10:43 p.m., a witness in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported a subject stealing packages. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the subject but he fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 10:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a possible fire. Officers arrived and located two subject using the fire to cook. A computer search revealed the subjects had warrants. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
February 27 at 12:18 p.m., a victim came to the MPD lobby to report that tools were stolen from the bed of his truck. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 12:50 p.m., a restaurant in the 800 block of W. Huntington called regarding a female subject refusing to leave the bathroom. Officers convinced the woman to exit the bathroom and requested consent to search. The search yielded drug paraphernalia. The subject was issued a citation. 

Violation of Court Order
February 27 at 8:17 pm, a victim in the 500 block of Cloverleaf called to report a subject he has a restraining order against contacted him through social media. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
February 27 at 9:35 pm, a loss prevention officer from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male subject walked into the business grabbed merchandise and left without making payment. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
February 28 at 1:45 p.m., the owner of a business in the 1600 block of S. California called to report that an employee who was terminated at the end of January had apparently stolen plumbing supplies from the company. 

Grand Theft
February 28 at 4:41 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of S. Mountain called to report that his electric bicycle had been stolen from his residence. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
February 28 at 8:38 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington walked to her vehicle and discovered it had been burglarized. The suspect gained entry into the locked vehicle by shattering a window. The suspect took property and fled. Officers were able to locate the property taken, but items were still missing. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Chicken King Express


Dinner at Chicken King Express, in the little shopping center at the northeast corner of Foothill and Mayflower. Got the White Plate for $12.45, and a soda for $2. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Broadway Revue March 16 At St. Luke's Episcopal Church


The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company, led by Artistic Director and composer Drew Corey, will perform "Broadway Revue," featuring Broadway classics, on March 16, 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors/students, and $10 for children under 12, available online or at the door. Information and tickets at sgvccsingers.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Sadie: Calm and Smart People-Pleaser


Sadie is just over a year old, so she’s likely about full grown at 60 pounds. Despite her young age, she has a very calm energy and demeanor.  

Sadie is very smart and seems to truly enjoy learning new things. She is a master at “sit”, “down”, “touch”, and is even working on “play dead”. New things come very easily to her, and she is a people-pleaser, which will make it very easy for her adopters to get her used to her forever home and continue her training.  

One of the cutest things she does is to collect all her toys on her blanket. She happily chases any toy that’s available, then prances back to her blanket to lay down and give it a chew.  

Sadie will probably prefer a quieter home with not a whole lot of activity. She bonds very quickly with people, so she is likely to get attached to her new family and be the most loyal companion! 

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.  

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.  

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Looking for Professional to Create Artwork on Huntington Drive Pedestrian Bridge


Monrovia is seeking an artist to create an art installation on the overhead pedestrian bridge located on E. Huntington Drive between 602 and 605 Huntington Drive. The installation can be comprised of various art mediums including a mural, metal panels, etc. The theme of the art is Celebrating Route 66.

Goal of the Art

Route 66 has a rich history in Monrovia. With the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the goal of the project is to convey the historical and cultural significance of this roadway on one of Monrovia's primary thoroughfares. The concrete bridge is approximately 200 feet long though it's the artist's discretion to recommend the size and location of the art. The installation is anticipated to be completed by November 2024.

Eligibility

This project is open to professional artists who have experience with medium to large scale permanent public art projects. Artists need to provide examples of experience with similar types of art installations including images, project address and references.

This is a two-phase process:

Phase 1 - Qualification The submission of a Statement of Qualifications is the first step. At minimum, interested artists should submit:

  • Letter of interest that includes a) name, address and a brief description and examples of relevant art installations, b) brief description of initial concepts/ideas for this project and c) examples of applied knowledge, expertise and/or experience with similar types of installations, specifically your approach to the challenges of working over a city street.
  • Resume that includes a professional biography, work history involving medium to large scale art installations and references and images for each art installation.
  • Any other information that will assist in the selection based on the evaluation points below.

The Art in Public Places Committee will review the statements of qualification and invite up to three artists to move to Phase 2. Qualifications will be evaluated on the following:

  • Artist's qualifications, as demonstrated by the quality of their past work experience
  • Understanding of the project goal and requirements
  • Understanding and familiarity of the challenges specific to work being completed over a major street required for this installation
  • Capacity of artist to perform the work within time limitations.

Documentation can either be delivered no later than 6 p.m. on March 29 to Monrovia City Hall, Community Development Department, 415 S. Ivy Avenue, Monrovia CA 91016 or electronically to kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us with the subject line reading "HUNTINGTON DRIVE BRIDGE."

Phase 2 - Concept Development

The second phase will require artists to prepare a preliminary concept or concepts. Upon notification from the city, finalists will have six weeks to prepare their preliminary concepts. Artists will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon submittal of concepts to the City. Multiple concepts can be submitted for consideration, however, the total stipend will be limited to $1,000.

The concept(s) should be developed enough to provide a good understanding of how the art will look within the context of the location. At minimum, this should include:

  • Conceptual design with anticipated media to be used
  • Overview of installation process
  • Anticipated budget
  • Anticipated project completion
  • Selection Process

The Art in Public Places Committee will review the concepts and make a recommendation to the Monrovia City Council for their consideration. The City Council will make the final approval on the artist and design.

Budget

The Route 66 Art installation has a maximum budget of $60,000 which must cover all associated costs of the project including design, fabrication, material, labor, transportation, insurance and installation. A detailed project budget will be required.

Milestones

  • March 29 Artists qualifications due
  • April 17 Art in Public Places Committee review of qualifications and selection of finalists
  • April 18 Finalists notification
  • May 30 Design submittals due (Phase 2)
  • June 12 Art in Public Places Committee review and recommendation
  • July 2 City Council approval
  • July 17 Final concept reviewed by AIPP Committee

For more information about this project, contact Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 932-5564.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1912 Sports Yells - Rif Raf Rickety Row!

Monrovia High School sports yells from 1912. Rif Raf Rickety Row? 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

Information on Monrovia Mayoral and City Council Candidates

I invited all the candidates for Monrovia mayor and city council to submit statements, with a picture, about their candidacy for publication in MonroviaNow. Following the email invitation and two reminder emails, I received three statements, from mayoral candidate Becky Shevlin and council candidates Sergio Jimenez and Edward Belden by the Friday, Feb. 23, deadline. I did not receive statements from mayoral candidate Larry Spicer, or from council candidates Jesus Rojas or Antoinette Mushet. Voters can select one candidate for mayor and two candidates for city council.

Here are some links to candidate information:

Mayor

Becky Shevlin: Statement - Website

Larry Spicer Website


City Council

Edward Belden: Statement - Website

Sergio Jimenez: Statement - Website

Antoinette Mushet - Website 

Jesus Rojas: No statement, no website found


Also, here is a report on the candidates' forum in MonroviaNow

And an introduction to the candidates in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune


- Brad Haugaard

Play Jeopardy at Library March 1


Jeopardy Gameshow at Library on March 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Open to teens and adults (ages 13+), with 10 seats available. Register here. Features a variety of trivia categories.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Creating Internships With Pharmacies


 At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider creating two internship programs for students, one with CVS Pharmacy, and the other with Walgreens. It will also consider naming March 4-8 as National School Breakfast Week.

- Brad Haugaard

Chamber of Commerce to Honor Community Award Winners

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting and Awards Gala is on March 1st at DoubleTree by Hilton, Monrovia. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. The event will recognize the 2023 award recipients:

The Iris Award (Citizen of the Year) - Katie Gundersen

Monroe Award (Business of the Year) - Bowden Development, Inc.

Service to the Chamber Award - Brenda Trainor, Wonder Dog Ranch

Pam Fitzpatrick Award - Shawn Spencer, Girl Friday Solutions

Educator of the Year - Alison Meloserdoff, Wildrose School of Creative Arts

Firefighter of the Year - Hennessy Cabiles

Police Officer of the Year - Mike Garcia

Ambassador of the Year - Steve Bae, The Joint Chiropractic

Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Job Fair at Community Adult School Feb. 29

Monrovia Community Adult School is hosting a job fair on February 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., at 920 S. Mountain Avenue. The event includes education, job development, career assistance, mental health, social services, US Labor information, and more. Industries like health, finance, government, hospitality, law enforcement, and others will be present. First 100 attendees receive a free In-N-Out lunch. Registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Class of 1974 Reunion

Lynnette Wilmoth is trying to locate people who were in the Monrovia High School Class of 1974 for the 50th reunion. If you can help her, send her a note at Lynnettecnm@yahoo.com.

- Brad Haugaard