Hindu Festival at Library March 23

Holi celebration at library on March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. Cultural dancing, crafts, and learning about the Hindu festival of Holi, celebrating spring, love, and new life. For all ages. For more information, contact asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8269.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Celebrate Pi Day With Pie

Monrovia School District reports that Monrovia High School students threw more than 3.14 pies at their teachers to celebrate Pi Day.

- Brad Haugaard

Expect Smoke Next Week Above Bradbury

The LA County Fire Department Forestry Division will conduct a burn in Spinks Canyon, above Bradbury east of Monrovia, on March 20-21 to reduce wildfire risk. Visible smoke but no harm expected.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Jobs for Monrovia Youth

Monrovia is opening applications for its paid YES (Youth Employment Services) Summer Internship, designed to offer local youth an a mentorship from city staff and real-world work experience through partnerships with local businesses, including weekly professional development workshops. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Free Oil Recycling Kit from Public Works Yard

Monrovians can pick up a free used oil recycling kit at the Public Works Yard, 600 S. Mountain Avenue: Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, contact Public Works directly at 932-5575. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

 Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash. 

City Seeks Nominees for Older Monrovian of the Year

The City of Monrovia is accepting nominations for the "Older Monrovian of the Year" Award, aimed at residents 60 or older who showed community service in 2023, with a deadline on March 29 and the award presentation on April 25. For more information contact Lauren Pagliotti at LPagliotti@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8225. Application here. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30

Easter Bunny Pictures March 23 in Library Park

On Saturday, March 23, Easter Bunny photos at Library Park. For more information, call Community Services Department at 256-8246. Photos will be moved to the Community Center in the event of rain.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Consider Water/Sewer Rate increases; Renaming Wilderness Area Building as 'Crudgington Station'; More Money for Canyon Park; Etc.

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

~ Increasing water and sewer rates. Here are the estimated increases for residential homes:

There will be discounts available for seniors, vets, and low income households. Lots more detail here.

~ Recognizing outgoing City Councilmember Gloria Crudgington's preservation efforts, and particularly her work in creating the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, by consider renaming the small house in the preserve near the Cloverleaf entry point as "Crudgington Station," and put up a sign with the name on the building. The building is currently called Fire Station 103. Details. 

~ Awarding Pokrajac Corporation a contract of up to $12,095,217 for the Canyon Park Infrastructure Improvement Project, plus a contingency fund up to $1,209,522. Also, award Merrell Johnson Engineering a contract of $2,086,424 to manage the project. Total: $15,391,164. Details. 

~ Permitting the construction of four new two-story detached houses across two parcels at the property located at 619 East Walnut. The staff report says that "The proposed development will result in four new homes that will be an attractive addition to the neighborhood and community. " Details. 

~ Proclaiming March 24 as National Vietnam War Veterans' Day  and April as DMV/Donate Life Month. 

~ The council will also evaluate City Manager Dylan Feik in closed session. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

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