Teen Game Night at Library Friday, April 19

Teen Game Hangout at Library April 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Community Room. For teens in grades 6-12, features Nintendo Switch games like Mario Kart and Smash Ultimate, along with board games. No registration required; participants can drop in anytime. Snacks will be provided. Contact 256-8274 or acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Innovation Lab for Kids at Library April 17

Innovation Lab at Library. STEAM-related activities for children aged 6-11 on April 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. Accompanying adults must be present. Contact 256-8274 or jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Committee to Select Bridge Artist Finalists, Utility Box Designs

Previous work of one artist applying to decorate Huntington Drive Pedestrian Bridge.

At its next meeting (agenda here) Monrovia's Art in Public Places Committee will select five finalists for the Huntington Drive Pedestrian Bridge (just a bit east of Myrtle). Here are all the artists applying to decorate the bridge:

Chelsea Hart

Cheyne Ellett

Donna Hargett 

Hannah Maximova

Jaylin Walker 

Joy Bushmeyer 

Katie McGuire

Kenny McBride

Marmalade Mural Company

Ryan Burch

Victor Fung 

The committee will also select five utility box designs. Here's one example:

See the full selection of utility box submissions on this page.

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Anita 210 West On-ramp Closures

I have several times been prevented from getting on the 210 Freeway going west from the southbound Santa Anita Avenue onramp in Arcadia because of road work. It appears the work may be completed on April 19 since nothing is scheduled thereafter, but here are the days and times that ramp will be closed between now and then. Source. 

Monday
04/15/24 08:01 AM to 03:59 PM
04/15/24 07:01 PM to 04/16/24 05:59 AM

Tuesday
04/16/24 08:01 AM to 03:59 PM
04/16/24 07:01 PM to 04/17/24 05:59 AM

Wednesday
04/17/24 08:01 AM to 03:59 PM
04/17/24 07:01 PM to 04/18/24 05:59 AM

Thursday
04/18/24 08:01 AM to 03:59 PM
04/18/24 07:01 PM to 04/19/24 05:59 AM

Friday
04/19/24 08:01 AM to 03:59 PM
04/19/24 07:01 PM to 04/20/24 12:59 PM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Board of Education May Go to Elections by District Instead of At-Large; New High School Courses; Etc.

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

~ Consider switching to have School Board members elected by districts (or, "trustee areas" as the district calls them), rather than at-large, and to have the process ready for the November 2024 election. This would involve dividing the area covered by the school district into smaller sections, each of which would elect its own school board member. Details. 

~ Consider approving new high school courses:  Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Physical Anthropology, Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab, Motion Picture Appreciation, Physical Geography, Introduction to Psychology, and Marriage, Family, and Intimate Relationships. See here.  And  Entrepreneurship 2 and Personal Finance 

~ Receive a presentation from PBK Architects for the fencing design for three school sites, and receive a presentation on the upcoming summer school program.

~ Consider recognizing April 21-27 as "Administrative Professionals Week," and Wednesday, April 24, as "Administrative Professionals Day."

~ Recognize April "Employees of the Month": Lorena Loera and Lydia Sanchez from Monroe Elementary School, serving as a teacher and instructional aide, respectively. From Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School, Heather Gac has been recognized as a teacher and Mildred Ramos as the Food Services Manager. 

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Discuss Mental Health at Study Session

The City Council will get an update on the city's mental health programs at a study session at City Hall this Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. This is an open meeting; the public may attend. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

City May Institute New Rules for Auto Repair Businesses; Developer Fees; Contract to Manage Farmers' Market

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

 ~ Establishing new rules for auto repair businesses. The city may allow some exceptions by permit, but basically the rules are:

A. All repair activities must be conducted inside an enclosed building; new outdoor hoists are not allowed.

B. Vehicles awaiting repair must be parked out of public view on the repair facility's property, not stored for over 60 days, and not parked on public streets overnight or near residential areas.

C. Wrecked and dismantled vehicles must not be parked on public streets.

D. Repairing vehicles on public streets is forbidden.

E. Designated exterior parking areas are for employee and customer parking only, not for vehicle repair, finishing, or long-term storage.

F. Vehicle hoods must be kept closed when parked outside awaiting repair.

G. The repair facility must be maintained in a neat, orderly, and reasonably good fashion.

H. Signs about private parking must be posted as required by the Development Review Committee.

I. Storing equipment, vehicle parts, and machinery in public view outside an enclosed building is prohibited.

Details. 

~ Consider establishing fees for developers to reimburse costs directly incurred by the city. Details. 

~  Consider approving an exclusive franchise with Raw Inspiration to manage the Monrovia Farmers Market at Station Square. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Free Neighborhood Conference April 27 - Workshops, Meals, Raffle, Yoga, Etc.

The free 14th Annual Neighborhood Conference, with workshops on such topics as organic waste, local development, and police etiquette; plus breakfast and lunch, a keynote speaker, a raffle, and yoga, will be held April 27 at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock). Hosted by Monrovia Area Partnership. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Walking Tour of Historic Monrovia Tomorrow, April 13

There will be a walking tour of historic downtown Monrovia tomorrow, April 13, at 10 a.m., starting at Myrtle and Palm Avenues. Cost, $5 per person. This two-hour tour offers a chance to explore a few city blocks and learn more about Monrovia's history. Sponsored by Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Blood Drive May 2 at Community Center

Monrovia Police will host a Red Cross blood drive on May 2 at the Community Center, 119 W. Palm. Donors will receive a free haircut coupon. Schedule an appointment here using the code "MonroviaPD."

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Wine Walk April 13

The 7th Annual Wine Walk in Old Town Monrovia is on April 13, from 6-9 p.m. Sample wines while exploring local businesses. Tickets are $45 pre-sale, $60 at the door. Purchase at the Community Center or Charlie’s House, 430 S. Myrtle Ave. For questions, call 256-8246. Registration required.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Compost, Mulch, Tomorrow, April 13

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunk Overturns Her Car; Bracelet Stolen From Wrist; Shoplifters; Robbery Suspect Arrested; Credit Card Skimmer Found; Indecent Exposure; Lots More ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 4 – 10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 503 service events, resulting in 78 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest
April 4 at 1:21 p.m., a male subject walked into the MPD lobby to turn himself in for domestic violence and robbery. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Runaway Juvenile
April 4 at 9:46 p.m., a male juvenile was reported as a runaway from the 800 block of Oceanview. Officers responded and searched the area but could not locate him. He was entered into the Missing Person System.

Mental Evaluation
April 4 at 10:09 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive reported her adult son was threatening to kill himself with a knife. Officers arrived and located the male standing in the middle of the street. He was cooperative and officers determined he was in need of a mental evaluation. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision
April 4 at 10:47 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Colorado when he saw a vehicle overturned. The driver had minor injuries and paramedics responded. An investigation revealed the driver crashed into two unoccupied parked vehicles. She was found to be heavily intoxicated, due to her injuries she was transported to a nearby hospital for medical care. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 5 at 8:45 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of E. Huntington reported a male subject sleeping in front of a business. An officer arrived and contacted the subject and he consented to a search of his person, the officer located drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
April 5 at 9:51 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported that an unknown female subject stole her bracelet from her wrist. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 6 at 5:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to a rollover traffic collision in the 200 block of E. Fig where a vehicle collided into a parked vehicle. The driver complained of pain and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 6 at 1:11 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported that he located his stolen vehicle, which he reported as stolen to Arcadia PD. The vehicle was recovered from a parking lot and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
April 6 at 7:10 p.m., an employee of a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male adult subject left the store with merchandise he did not pay for. When officers arrived they located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
April 6 at 8:46 p.m., an employee of the store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male entered, grabbed items, and left without paying. Officers arrived and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
April 7 at 10:48 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of N. Sunset regarding a subject experiencing a mental breakdown. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 12:26 p.m., a battery was reported in the 1100 block of Royal Oaks. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who stated that a subject walked up to him and punched him. Officers made contact with the suspect and conducted an investigation. The suspect was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Threatening
April 7 at 6:13 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a subject who threatened to harm employees. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed that a male subject entered the business, attempted to walk out without paying, and was stopped by employees. He threw the merchandise at the employees and threatened to harm them before leaving. He was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 7:55 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject who entered a business, stole items and left the business. He returned and was confronted by an employee. The male subject hit the employee and walked out. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 9:20 p.m., a witness in the area of Myrtle and Olive reported hearing glass breaking outside and noticed two subjects inside a vehicle. Officers arrived and located the juvenile subjects who were positively identified by the witness. The juvenile subjects were arrested, taken into custody, and released to their parents/guardians.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 11:57 p.m., a witness in the area of Myrtle and Huntington called to report a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road with their headlights off. The vehicle struck a center divider and continued to drive. Officers arrived and located the suspect vehicle parked in a nearby parking lot. The driver refused to speak to officers and attempted to drive away, but a police vehicle prevented her from leaving. Officers were able to gain access to the vehicle and turn off the vehicle. The driver was uncooperative and displayed signs of being intoxicated. As officers were attempting to take her into custody she spit at an officer’s face. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
April 8 at 1:07 p.m., an employee at a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report that he found a credit card skimming device attached to an ATM. Officers responded and collected evidence. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
April 8 at 2:33 p.m., a grand theft was reported in a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with two subjects who were reported to be concealing merchandise in their purses. The stolen property was located. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
April 8 at 7:58 p.m., a victim parked his vehicle in the 100 block of Violet in front. When he came out he noticed property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
April 8 at 8:32 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle called to report a female was outside and it looked like she might be intoxicated. Officers arrived and recognized the female from previous contacts. Officers determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 8 at 11:46 p.m., a caller in the area of Canyon and Walnut reported a solo vehicle collided into two parked vehicles and the driver was outside of the vehicle. Officers arrived and determined the driver was in need of medical attention. She was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft from Vehicle

April 9 at 3:19 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Lemon reported someone had entered his unlocked vehicle and took several items. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 9 at 5:54 p.m., an employee from a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject known for shoplifting from the business was inside. The employee requested that the subject be asked to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject outside of the store with stolen items in her possession. A computer check revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 9 at 6:42 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the vehicle parked and unoccupied. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
April 10 at 12:44 a.m., while patrolling the area of Mayflower and Duarte officers made contact with two suspicious subjects. A computer check revealed the female subject had a warrant for her arrest. The male subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. The female subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
April 10 at 6:46 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Primrose walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen his vehicle. Officers arrived and searched for the vehicle, but could not locate it. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 10 at 12:15 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle, and a computer check of the driver's license revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. Her passenger also had a warrant for his arrest. Both subjects were arrested for their warrants and transported to the Monrovia City Jail where they were booked.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 10 at 3:31 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill reported an unknown male adult subject sleeping on her front lawn. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Indecent Exposure and Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 10 at 3:55 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of E. Huntington reported seeing a male adult exposing himself. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
April 10 at 5:27 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Foothill and Madison. The driver found to be at fault was cited at the scene.

Grand Theft
April 10 at 6:47 p.m., a male subject entered a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington and stole several items. He exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. Officers arrived and checked the area but they were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
April 10 at 7:34 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of N. Primrose. A solo vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Arbor Day Celebration April 28 at Aztec Hotel

- Brad Haugaard

Grow Monrovia and Bradbury Reach Settlement in Road Widening

Grow Monrovia and the City of Bradbury have reached a settlement in the Bradbury Road Widening Project. (Bradbury Road borders Monrovia.)

According to Grow Monrovia, "The Settlement agreement ensures the preservation of the wildlife corridor and oak woodland threatened by the proposed road widening."

Specifically, it provides for:

• The preservation of the trees, including oak trees, along the Wildrose oak woodland area.
• Enforcement mechanisms to address potential disputes.
• Measures to address idling cars on Bradbury Road before 7 a.m.
• More signs and notices to enforce no parking in area.
• Ensuring the Wildrose bridge weight limit is being enforced.
• A reduction in the height and width of the proposed wall.
• Commitments to address flooding issues related to storm water draining off Deodar Lane and the Bradbury Estates.

- Brad Haugaard

Supervisors Extend $10,000 Reward in 2021 Monrovia Murder Case

The LA County Board of Supervisors has extended the $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the murder of Terry Alford, 46, who was shot multiple times on Jan. 29, 2021 as he was visiting family on Los Angeles Avenue in Monrovia. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at JB Burgers

Dinner at JB Burgers, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the double cheeseburger combo, which comes with soda and fries, for $11.99. There is no pretense of ambience, but the food is reasonably priced and the burger was fat, filling and tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Handsome Hawkeye Loves Walks, Trips in the Car, and Hiking

Handsome Hawkeye hopes he can be the apple of your eye. Hawkeye is two years old, weighs about 60 pounds and is such a good boy!

Hawkeye got to spend a few days in a foster home, and he was an ideal house guest. He is crate trained, house-trained and loved having someone to snuggle with on the couch. He walks well on a harness and seems interested in meeting similar-sized dogs.

He's also a ton of fun! He loves dissecting plush toys to uncover the squeaker, which he is convinced is the best part. He enjoys walks and trips in the car, so he would be a great hiking or maybe running buddy.

We have found that Hawkeye can be a bit shy with new people, but within a matter of minutes, he’ll attach his head to your lap for as many pets as he can get.

Hawkeye and all other dogs over 6 months old can be adopted for only $25 during the Love is Blooming adoption promotion at Pasadena Humane. The promotion ends on Sunday, April 14.

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. View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Daily adoption appointments can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are released every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in adoptions 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: Monrovia City Band in 1890

 

It is believed this photo was taken in 1890 as in June of 1889 The Messenger published the first list of band members"…Monrovia-Duarte Community Book. P. 46. The group is shown in front of the La Vista Grande Hotel. "The first Monrovia band was organized in June of 1889 by A. E. Cronenwett, and contained the following players and instruments: L. T. Graves, drum major Thomas Moore, piccolo; Lawrence Wheeler, B flat clarinet A. E. Cronenwett, E flat cornet; James A. Foshay, solo B flat cornet Sam Wilson, first B flat cornet Seth Hart, second B flat cornet Ralph Ward all, third B flat cornet Kenneth Bowerman, solo alto; Hal Slemmons, first alto Will Lamport, second alto Will Young, third alto; Harry Miller, first B flat tenor Than Johnson, second B flat tenor C. F. Cooke, baritone; Walter Monroe, B flat bass J. W. Harvey, E flat bass; D. A. Dingley, snare drum G. M. Cooper, bass drum Victor Cooper, cymbals. (John Wiley's "History of Monrovia" p 75.) Monrovia Messenger Sept 4, 1890 (p 386): "George King photographed the band in their new uniforms on Saturday last." The Monrovia City Band was engaged to furnish music for the Tournament of Roses at Pasadena on New Years Day (1891) p 401. A note in the Monrovia Messenger for 3/6/90 indicates that the band picture was taken on 3/5/90. 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 April 12

Tabletop Game Night for Adults at Library on April 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of new and social games. For more information email aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8254.

- Brad Haugaard