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Dinner at Noodle Star


Dinner at Noodle Stars, in the Baja Ranch Market shopping center on Huntington. Got the Chicken Satay plate for $14.75 and a soda for $2.25. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Shevlin, Jimenez, Belden Ahead in Monrovia Race - Updated

Update March 8

Update March 7

Update March 6


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March 5 Results

Source here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Calvin McKendrick Named Principal of Bradoaks School

Calvin McKendrick has been appointed Principal of Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, returning to Monrovia where he previously served as an assistant principal at Canyon Oaks High School, Mountain Park School, and Monrovia High School. He holds a Master's in Education from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor's in Latin American Studies from Brigham Young University. McKendrick is fluent in Spanish and has spearheaded initiatives for English Language Learners. Most recently he was principal at San Antonio High School in Claremont. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Today Is Last Day to Vote


If you are planning to vote, today is the last day to do it. You can ...

  • Go to the Vote Center in the Library Community Room from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. today.
  • Drop your ballot in the Ballot Drop Box on Palm Avenue on the north side of the Library.
  • Mail it. It needs to be postmarked today!

- Brad Haugaard  

Silly Hermes Plays Fetch With Himself


Hermes is a young and playful two-year-old pit bull mix who can’t wait to meet you!

This handsome boy is fond of squeaky toys, treats, and sitting in the closest lap he can find. He’s a 50 pound lap-dog who is not afraid to use his powers of persuasion (puppy-dog eyes) to get the attention he so clearly deserves!

Hermes will keep everyone he meets entertained with his silliness. He plays a version of “fetch” with himself- tossing every toy he can find airborne and pouncing on it when it comes down. It’s like the canine equivalent of whac-a-mole.

Once he’s had enough playtime, Hermes will show off his repertoire of tricks. He’s very smart and enjoys performing for rewards; pets and treats.

One of the staff members at Pasadena Humane has sponsored the adoption fee for Hermes, so his lucky family can spend that saved cash on some more squeaky toys and treats!

The normal 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. View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Daily adoption appointments can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in appointments are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. 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: 1887 New Year's Day Celebration at Monroe and Pile Real Estate Office

"This cut represents the office of our worthy entrepreneurs. Monrovia aged one year. The boys are splendid young fellows. The gentleman on the left is W.E Pile. The gentleman standing with pitcher & glass in hand is M.S. Monroe of Monroe & Pile. The gentleman seated at the left of the table with glass in hand is W.N. Monroe, the founder of the town of Monrovia, founded May 1886. The gentleman on the right is C. O. Monroe." Photographer: Shaffner -- Grand View Hotel Series, Monrovia. The office was located at approximately 411 S. Myrtle Ave and lighted by gas, so there must have been a gas manufacturing plant on the premises. The date - Jan 1, 1887 - suggests this is a celebration of the New Year. 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

Tabletop Game Night at Library March 8

Tabletop Game Night for Adults at Library on March 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of new and social games from the library's collection. Contact: aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8254.

- Brad Haugaard

Rock Painting at Library March 5


Spring Crafternoon: Rock Painting for adults and teens (16+) at Library, tomorrow, March 5, 6 to 7 p.m. No registration required, supplies provided, but participants may bring their own rocks. Contact: abanuelos@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8272.

- Brad Haugaard

Line Dance With a Veteran

Line Dance with a Veteran at the Community Center, 119 W Palm, on March 9, 2 to 3 p.m. Open to all ages. For military members, veterans, and their families and friends. Instructors John and Katie Watson. No experience or partner required; soft sole shoes recommended. Contact: mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8294.

- Brad Haugaard 

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