Monrovia Man Charged With Drug Trafficking in Maine

A 40-year-old Monrovia, California, man, Jose Verdugo, is facing felony drug trafficking charges in Maine after a sting operation led to the seizure of over a pound of methamphetamine, 446 Oxycodone pills, and 30 grams of fentanyl in the town of Caribou. The months-long investigation involved a controlled purchase of fentanyl by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Verdugo's bail is set at $30,000. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attempted Kidnapping Thwarted; Mountain Lion on Sidewalk; Illegal Texting; Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 7 - 13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 469 service events, resulting in 102 investigations.

Fraud
March 7 at 11:31 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of Bradbury came into the MPD lobby to report that they were scammed in an online vendor platform. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 7 at 2:36 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Madison called to report that his firearm holster and magazine containing bullets were stolen from his unlocked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
March 7 at 8:41 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Canyon Crest was home when she discovered her house had been burglarized while she was home. A glass door was shattered and a bedroom was ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 10:32 p.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon located an adult male subject camping in the park. He refused to leave the park. He was arrested and taken into custody for the violation.

Commercial Burglary
March 8 at 3:26 a.m., an alarm company for a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Huntington reported an alarm activation. Officers arrived and discovered the business was closed, but a window had been forced open. The suspects fled prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 8 at 9:19 a.m., a victim came into the MPD Lobby to report that her wallet was stolen while at a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington the prior day. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 1:31 p.m., while patrolling the area of Shamrock and Huntingtin an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. An investigation revealed that he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 2:55 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Shamrock and Huntington saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code and the driver appeared to be “huffing” from a balloon. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Runaway Juvenile – Located
March 8 at 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported her teenage daughter had just runaway after being told she could not go out. Officers searched for the teenager, and located her. She was returned home.

Violation of Court Order
March 8 at 8:58 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Montana reported her ex-boyfriend has been texting her, in violation of a court order. This investigation is continuing.

Mountain Lion
March 8 at 10:57 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Encinitas reported a mountain lion sitting on the sidewalk near his home. When officers arrived, the mountain lion was gone.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 1:20 a.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon observed a male subject camping in a park after hours, in violation of a municipal code. He was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 5:10 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of California regarding a vehicle on a sidewalk with an unconscious driver. Officers responded and made contact with the driver who did not appear injured, but displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 10:39 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Olive and Ivy saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code and a traffic stop was conducted. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
March 9 at 2:33 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Hacienda called to report that his residence was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 9:53 p.m., an employee from a retail business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived as the suspect was fleeing the business. Officers followed and the suspect surrendered. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
March 10 at 9:22 a.m. residents in the area of California and Monrovista called to report a female screaming standing outside of a parked car. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who was yelling incoherently. An investigation revealed she stopped her vehicle on a set of active railroad tracks while a train was coming. The officers determined the woman was a danger to herself and others and she was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 3:00 p.m. a caller in the 200 block of W. Evergreen reported two subjects attempting to gain access to a residence. Officers arrived and located two suspects inside the residence. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 12:23 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject in a park after hours. The officers made contact with the subject. The subject was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 12:49 a.m., a witness in the area of Pilgrim Way and Duarte reported a female inside a vehicle in possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers arrived and located the vehicle with the female inside. She was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 9:37 a.m., while patrolling the 3300 block of S. Peck an officer observed a vehicle in violation of a traffic code. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a controlled substance. The driver was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Commercial Burglary
March 11 at 10:06 a.m., a business in the 3200 block of S. Peck called to report that its fence had been cut and that unknown suspects had stolen merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 11 at 12:41 p.m., a grand theft was reported in a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
March 11 at 6:43 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Lemon called to report that someone hacked into their email system and requested payroll be deposited into different accounts. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation
March 11 at 11:37 p.m., an officer was extra patrolling a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon when he saw a subject camping after hours. The subject had been warned numerous times and refused to leave. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 6:05 a.m., an officer was flagged down by a witness in the 600 block of S. Myrtle who said a male subject was knocking over trash cans and had possibly broken the front door to a restaurant. Officers arrived and located the subject who was positively identified by the witness. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
March 12 at 7:01 a.m., a business in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported a window was shattered. Officers responded to the scene and determined it was connected to a vandalism that was reported earlier in the morning. This investigation is continuing.

Kidnapping – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 10:33 a.m., residents in the 100 block of E. Scenic called to report seeing a male subject force a female subject into the back seat of a vehicle. Officers responded to the area, located the suspect vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft / Fraud
March 13 at 8:53 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called to report that earlier in the day, a male subject went into the employee break room, stole two wallets, and made fraudulent charges. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 12:03 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon and saw a subject who has been cited several times before for the same violation. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Runaway Juvenile
March 14 at 12:23 am, a juvenile runaway was reported in the 800 block of Ocean View. The runaway did not have permission to leave. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate him. He was entered as a runaway. This investigation is continuing.

Trader Joe's Tote Bags Being Resold at Very High Prices

Mini tote bags from Monrovia-based Trader Joe's, which retailed for $2.99 in the stores, are being resold on eBay for as much as $999 for a four-pack. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Chronic Tacos

For dinner got a small burrito at Chronic Tacos, on the Myrtle side of the Vons shopping center, for $7.50 plus another 50 cents for carne asada. Also, got a beer for the happy hour price of $2.99, except I didn’t pay anything because the beer machine wasn’t working so they gave me a canned beer instead for free. Very generous. And the burrito was great.

- Brad Haugaard

Water District Offering Plant Vouchers

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District, which serves Monrovia, is offering vouchers up to $250 for climate-appropriate plants to eligible residents to promote water-efficient gardens on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must reside within the Upper District to qualify. Applications, due May 15, do not guarantee a voucher. Eligible registrants may also receive a free WaterSmart Home Kit. Details  and Qualifying Plants.

- Brad Haugaard

Michie - Special Cat for Special Person

Michie is a special cat who is looking for a special person. This sweet 4-year-old girl has tested positively for FELV and FIV.

Although FeLV and FIV infections can be associated with clinical disease, some infected cats can live for many years with a good quality of life. Michie is otherwise healthy, so with good care and guidance from your vet, she has a lot of life to live ahead of her.

Michie is gentle and loving - she purrs whenever she sees her friends at Pasadena Humane and nuzzles them for attention. She loves pets and treats. She especially loves to combine human attention and a meal- she's a social eater!

Due to her medical condition, Michie may need to be the only cat in the household. Her friends at Pasadena Humane will be happy to answer any questions you might have about this wonderful cat and how to care for her.

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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: A Postcard From Around 1913

A postcard from around 1913, showing the City Hall (replaced) and the Library (replaced). And the postage! One cent. Times have changed. Now it's 53 cents. From the Jim Frick 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

Teen Game Night March 15 at Library

Teen Game Hangout at Library on Friday, March 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. Open to grades 6-12, featuring Nintendo Switch games like Mario Kart & Smash Ultimate, and various board games. No registration required. For further information email acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us, or call 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School District Receives Two Awards for Its Video Productions

Monrovia School District  received two awards from the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) for outstanding in-house video productions during the 2023-24 school year. The videos, "Back-to-School Safe Driving Tips: Keeping Our Students Safe" and "Inspiring Students: The Impact of Teachers at Monrovia High School," earned an Award of Excellence and an Award of Merit, respectively. The awards were presented at CalSPRA's Annual Conference on March 1, in Sacramento. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

School District May Need To Cut $Millions in Expenditures Beginning in 2024-25 Fiscal Year

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider approving a resolution that while the district will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current (2023-24) fiscal year (details), BUT due to declining enrollment will likely have to cut millions of dollars starting in fiscal 2024-25. At this meeting the board will consider a resolution saying it "will implement at least $3,640,000 in expenditure reductions in 2024-25 and $2,547,203 reductions in 2025-26" The staff report adds that, "In order to remain fiscally solvent, the District must identify ways to increase revenue and decrease expenditures..." (details).

~ ADDED. Meet in closed session with Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik regarding, "Threat to Public Services or Facilities." No further details are available about this threat.

~ Consider paying PBK Architects $700,000 to "Provide architectural services for the design, approval, and construction administration of perimeter fencing at each of the elementary schools." Details. 

~ Consider buying 1,185 Chromebooks for $518,757. Details. 

~ Honor March Employees of the Month: Hayde Chahla, Counselor, Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy; Adriana Florio, Custodian, Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy; Amanda Velez Buck, Teacher, Wild Rose School of Creative Arts; Jorge Acosta, Instructional Assistant SpEd, Wild Rose School of Creative Arts.

~ Open House Schedule:

• Canyon Early Learning Center - Thursday, March 28; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy - Tuesday, April 23; 6 to 7 p.m.
• Mayflower Elementary School - Tuesday, March 26; 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Plymouth Elementary School - Tuesday, March 19; 6 to 7 p.m.
• Wild Rose School of Creative Arts - Tuesday, April 16; 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Clifton Middle School - Thursday, March 21; 6 to 8 p.m.
• Santa Fe CSMS - Thursday, March 14; 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monrovia High School - Wednesday, March 20; 6 to 8 p.m.
• Canyon Oaks HS/Mt. Park School - Thursday, April 11; 6 to 7 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Lane Closures March 11-19

City contractor, Excel Paving Co., will be replacing water lines at the intersection of Foothill and Sunset Place from March 11-19. Avoid Foothill from Madison to Mayflower from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be lane closures (red highlighted area), increased traffic, and noise. For questions contact Monrovia Public Works at 256-8224.

- Brad Haugaard 

Family Garden Day March 9 - Free

Family Garden Day at Monrovia Community Garden: March 9, 9 a.m.-noon, corner of Colorado and Magnolia. Crafts, critter visits, and ladybug release, suitable for elementary-age children, free. Vegetable garden workshop: March 21, 7-8 p.m., learn garden layout and practices with free giveaways, open to all, free. Contact: info@monroviacommunitygarden.org.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Fire Starters; Man Kicked in Head by Coworker; Dog Owners Fight; Man Carries Off Cash Register; Girl Beaten at School; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 29 – March 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 450 service events, resulting in 78 investigations.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 29 at 5:20 a.m., a caller in the area of Hillcrest and Melrose reported a solo vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and located the driver who had collided into a curb. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 29 at 9:08 a.m., a witness reported a traffic collision in the area of Camino Real and Peck Rd.

Grand Theft
February 29 at 1:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a theft that had occurred the day prior. Two suspects entered the business and stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft from Vehicle

March 1 at 12:49 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte walked outside to his car and discovered someone had entered his unlocked vehicle, ransacked it, then took personal items. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 1 at 6:23 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported her vehicle was broken into overnight while parked in a parking lot. The window was smashed and her backpack and wallet were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 9:23 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. A male subject walked out of a business without paying for merchandise. Officers arrived and located the suspect. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Petty Theft
March 1 at 12:24 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 400 block of W. Huntington. A male subject stole a merchandise and fled the scene. Officers conducted an area check but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic
March 1 at 3:52 p.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and 5th regarding a non-injury traffic collision investigation.

Arson
March 1 at 4:11 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that a male subject started a fire. Officers arrived and made contact with a male subject in the area, but the caller was unable to identify him. This investigation is continuing.

Pursuit
March 1 at 5:14 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Myrtle and Palm attempted to pull over a subject on a moped for a traffic violation but the subject failed to yield and led officers on a brief pursuit. Due to the safety of the public, the pursuit was terminated. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 7:41 p.m., a witness reported a group of juveniles fighting two other males in the 100 block of W. Lime. Officers arrived and located a juvenile victim who had injuries to his face. The suspects had fled prior to officers’ arrival. The victim said he had been battered by multiple suspects, one of the suspects forced the victim's skateboard out of his hands, and they all fled the area. Officers located the juvenile suspect with the skateboard and positively identified him. Paramedics responded and treated the victim who was released to his family. His stolen skateboard was returned to him. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
March 1 at 8:07 p.m., a caller reported she was in a struggle with her adult son in the 100 block of W. Olive. When officers arrived, the male subject immediately ran into a crowd of people. While officers were talking with the caller, they saw the male running back toward them. A struggled ensued between the officers and the male. It was determined the male subject was in need of a mental health evaluation.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 1 at 9:26 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Chestnut. Officers arrived and after conducting an investigation, issued a citation to the driver found to be at fault.

Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
March 2 12:09 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a male adult in the bar was yelling at customers and trying to get behind the bar. When officers arrived, the male had already left, but was found banging on the front door of a home that did not belong to him. Officers arrived and located the subject. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of narcotics. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mental Evaluation
March 2 at 1:06 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of El Norte a male guest was in her home and she did not feel safe. Officers arrived and determined the male subject was in need of a mental health evaluation. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 10:37 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Duarte reported a subject had set something on fire and there was smoke. Officers arrived and located a subject who had started a fire near a gas line. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
March 2 at 10:41 a.m., a passerby in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a male subject yelling. Officers arrived and located the subject and ultimately transported him to a hospital for a mental evaluation due to the statements he was making.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 2 at 11:40 a.m., an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported in the area of Canyon and Foothill. The injured party refused medical attention.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 2 at 11:52 a.m., officers responded to the area of Duarte and Magnolia regarding a traffic collision where a vehicle struck a tree. No injuries were reported.

Mental Evaluation
March 2 at 4:53 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that her son, who suffers from mental health conditions was threatening to harm her. Officers arrived and made contact with the male subject. Officers determined he was a danger to others and transported him to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 3 at 3:32 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Encino an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted. A computer search revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Battery
March 3 at 4:35 pm., a caller in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported he was battered by a co-worker. The co-worker punched the victim and repeatedly kicked him in the head while the victim was on the ground. The victim sustained a broken nose and a contusion on his head. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Defraud Innkeeper – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 7:46 p.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a customer had finished his meal, but wasn’t able to pay. Officers arrived and found the customer was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. The restaurant refused to prosecute, but wanted him to leave. He was arrested and transported ot the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 2:32 p.m., an officer witnessed a pedestrian standing near the roadway in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle who was displaying signs of being under the influence. The officer made contact with the subject and determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Battery
March 5 at 7:13 p.m., a caller reported he had just been battered by an unknown male adult subject in the area of Mayflower and Genoa. He said the fight started while he was walking his dog and another dog walker became angry when their dogs passed one another and almost started fighting. The male subject hit the caller in the face and fled the area. The caller refused medical treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglaries
March 5 at 7:23 p.m., a customer of a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington walked out to her car and discovered someone had shattered one of her vehicle windows and took personal items. At the same time several others reported that their vehicle windows had been shattered and items taken from their vehicles. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
March 5 at 10:53 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported hearing glass breaking nearby, so he looked out his window and saw a male carrying something. Officers arrived and discovered the front glass window to a restaurant in the 600 block of S. Myrtle had been shattered and the cash register was stolen. The owner of the restaurant responded to board up the window. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
March 5 at 11:24 p.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported her car window was shattered. Officers arrived and searched the area, but could not locate a suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation
March 5 at 11:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when he saw a male adult in the park after the park had already been closed for almost 2 hours. He contacted the subject and issued him a citation for the violation then had him leave the park. This same subject has been issued several citations in the past for the same violation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 6 at 10:33 a.m., a driver said he was involved in a traffic collision on Huntington, east of Fifth, involving two other vehicles. Following the collision, one of the other vehicles, a black Nissan, fled the scene into Arcadia. Arcadia PD and Sierra Madre PD assisted in searching the area for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located. Investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 11:26 p.m., a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a person was walking around with an open container of alcohol. Officers responded and contacted the suspect. An investigation determined the suspect was also in possession of a weapon and in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
March 6 at 11:38 a.m., a school in the 100 block of Boley reported a theft. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 1:17 p.m., a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a person who has shoplifted in the past was inside and shoplifting. Officers arrived and located the suspect outside the store. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
March 6 at 3:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W Foothill reported a suspect entered the store, shattered a locked glass case, and stole merchandise. The suspect fled the store in a vehicle. Officers responded and searched the area but did not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
March 6 at 11:41 p.m., a nurse from a hospital reported a female juvenile was getting treatment for injuries suffered after being battered by another juvenile in a school in the 800 block of W. Colorado. The juvenile did not report the incident to staff. This investigation is continuing.

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

-----

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