Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Basic Nintendo Switch for Adults Friday, April 26

This Friday, April 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Monrovia Public Library will host Nintendo Switch Basics and Open Gaming for Adults in the Community Room. Participants will learn the basics of operating a Nintendo Switch and can enjoy game play with others. Guided by staff member Angel Loera. Contact: aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8274.

Photo by Daniel Rykhev on Unsplash

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Hold Forums on Redistricting

Following is a letter from Interim Superintendent Flint Fertig on the plan to divide the district into distinct voting areas for electing members to the School Board.

Dear Monrovia Community Members,

The Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) is embarking on an important endeavor within our educational community. We're inviting you to participate in upcoming community forums dedicated to discussing the transition from at-large to area-based elections for our School Board.

The MUSD Board of Trustees recently passed a resolution, signaling the beginning of a process aimed at electing Trustees by specific areas within our district. This means that candidates must reside in and be registered voters of a designated area, and they will be elected solely by the voters within that same area. This transition is vital for ensuring compliance with the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), mitigating the risk of potential legal challenges.

The Board has directed the Superintendent to work with legal counsel and a demographer to prepare at least two draft map plans for review and input by the Board and members of the public at the subsequent board and community meetings.

MUSD will host a series of community forums to engage you in this significant change and gather valuable input. These forums will provide a presentation to inform everyone of the proposed changes, and there will be time for a Q&A at the end.

Here are the details for the upcoming forums:

Monday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
Location: MHS Room 210

Thursday, May 16 at 10 a.m.
Virtual Meeting: ZOOM (Link will be provided)

Monday, May 20 at 6 p.m.
Location: MHS Room 210

Your participation is essential in this journey, and we encourage you to attend these informative sessions. Thank you for your continued support and understanding!

Sincerely,

Flint Fertig
Interim Superintendent
Monrovia Unified School District

Reapers Baseball Team Needs Money for Cooperstown Competition

The SoCal Reapers, part of the Monrovia Youth Baseball League, is trying to raise $10,000 for a summer trip to compete in the world-class Cooperstown All-Star Village tournament near Cooperstown, New York. Funds will cover registration, travel, lodging, meals, and uniforms. Click here to support their fundraiser.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia - Tree City USA; South Monrovians, Get a Tree In Front of Your Property

Monrovia has again been recognized as a Tree City USA for 2023 by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking its 30th year receiving this distinction. Currently, the city is planting in the southern part of town. If you are a Monrovia resident living below the 210 freeway and would like a tree planted in the public right-of-way in front of your property, contact Brittany Jasso at bjasso@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 932-5562.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Thank You Dinner May 1

RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Will Be a Hub for Valley Food Distribution Program

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center will get one of three food recovery hubs being created by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. The FRESH SGV program, which involves 20 local cities and numerous non-profits, will collect and redistribute surplus food. The other two hubs will be at God’s Pantry in Pomona and Heart of Compassion in Montebello.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Flasher With Drugs; Money Vanishes With Monrovia Company; Drunks; Guitar Stolen; Drug Overdose; Assault With a Vehicle; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 11 – 17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 490 service events, resulting in 67 investigations.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 12:29 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when the officer noticed a subject loitering in a park after hours. The subject had been cited several times in the past. He was arrested and cited.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 3:36 a.m., while patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon an officer noticed a subject loitering in a park after hours. The subject was contacted and the officer determined he was the same subject from hours prior. He was again arrested and cited.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 11 at 5:48 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Primrose and Huntington. Officers arrived and determined that one of the vehicles failed to yield and caused the collision. No injuries were reported.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 10:52 a.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and California regarding a male subject exposing himself. Officers arrived and located the male subject. He dropped drug paraphernalia as officers approached him. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 11 at 11:57 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Peck and Jeffries. Officers arrived and determined who the party at fault was and issued them a citation.

Fraud
April 11 at 3:00 p.m., a victim reported he's been investing in a company located in the 100 block of W. Olive, but was now unable to get a response from them. An investigation determined the business no longer exists. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 3:21 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle regarding the theft of a guitar. Officers arrived and located the male suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
April 11 at 5:03 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that his watch was stolen from a locker. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 7:55 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Lime reported a male subject was attempting to get into her vehicle. Officers arrived and located the male subject who was very intoxicated and did not know where he was. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 12 at 12:03 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Cherry when she saw a bicyclist in violation of a traffic code. A traffic stop was conducted and discovered that the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
April 12 at 1:32 p.m., a grand theft of a vehicle was reported in the 300 block of W. Duarte. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 12 at 7:54 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Evergreen reported a male subject loitering in a vacant home. Officers arrived and located the subject inside the home. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Medical Assist
April 13 at 8:15 a.m., officers responded to the area of Primrose and Pomona regarding an unresponsive subject. Officers arrived and located a female who was breathing but unresponsive and it was apparent to the officers she was overdosing. The reporting party had already administered four doses of Narcan and when officers arrived, they administered a dose of Narcan. The female subject came to and she was ultimately transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Vandalism
April 13 at 2:02 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of E. Huntington reported the window to his vehicle was broken. An officer arrived and saw that one of the windows was shattered. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
April 14 at 10:24 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Central called to report that her mailbox had been broken. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 14 at 2:27 p.m., while patrolling the area of Mountain and Lemon an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and contacted the occupants. A computer search revealed the passenger was in violation of a restraining order where the driver was protected. The passenger was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 14 at 9:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Colorado witnessed a motorist collide into a city sign and the driver fled the scene. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 1:54 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1300 block of S. Mountain when he saw two subjects exit the display lot of a closed business. Officers stopped the two subjects to investigate if a crime had just occurred. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
April 15 at 8:49 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Bonita called to report that his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 2:55 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a male subject lying face down on the sidewalk. He stopped and contacted the subject, who was discovered to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and brought to MPD Jail for sobering.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 4:27 p.m., officers responded to the area of Mayflower and Evergreen regarding a hit and run. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim. An investigation revealed the suspect brandished a handgun. The suspect was located, he displayed sings of being under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
April 15 at 7:39 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Cherry reported a family disturbance. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed two brothers had an argument. It was determined that one of the brothers was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 8:01 p.m., a possible domestic disturbance was reported in the 800 block of E. Olive. Officers arrived and made contact with a female subject who had visible injuries. An investigation revealed a male subject caused the victim’s injuries. The male subject fled on foot but was located near the area. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
April 15 at 10:15 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject was concealing merchandise. Officers arrived and located the male subject outside the store. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

April 15 at 11:22 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Lime regarding a hit and run traffic collision. One of the drivers was no longer at the location, but had left their vehicle behind. An investigation revealed that the subject who fled was known to the victims and he had purposely driven his vehicle into the victims. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 16 at 8:04 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Foothill reported he discovered a motorist collided into his parked company. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
April 16 at 9:06 p.m., a theft was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The male and female suspect were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 17 at 7:31 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mayflower regarding an injury traffic collision. The party at fault made an unsafe lane change and hit the victim. The driver at fault was cited and released at the scene.

Petty Theft
April 17 at 4:16 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle stated he left his backpack unattended at a park and it was gone when he returned. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
April 17 at 4:23 p.m., an attempt grand theft was reported in the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista. Officers arrived and made contact with the caller who reported that when he returned to his vehicle, he saw the driver's door was open and the ignition was tampered with. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
April 17 at 9:11 p.m., an employee from a residential complex in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported that a resident was causing a disturbance and attempting to batter people. Officers arrived and made contact with the resident. Officers determined the resident was a danger to others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Earth Day Celebration April 20

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Knightcap Monrovia

Dinner at Knightcap Monrovia, a Mexican restaurant on the east side of Myrtle just a few doors up from the theater. I got the happy hour quesadilla with asada for $8 and a beer for $5 Nice service and tasty quesadilla.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Gets Two New Basketball Coaches

Left, Alon Margalit; right, Remy Hare.

Monrovia High School has two new basketball coaches: Alon Margalit will lead Boys Basketball and Remy Hare will take charge of Girls Basketball.

Margalit previously served as Head Varsity Boys coach at Blair High School in Pasadena, Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary in Montebello, Renaissance Academy in Altadena, and Academy of Sports Science Prep in Corona. He has had two appearances as a CIF Southern Section Championship Finalist, clinching one CIF Southern Section Championship title, and led his team to one State CIF Division 1 Regional Final. Margalit has consistently delivered seasons marked by 20 or more victories.

Hare previously served as Junior Varsity and Varsity Assistant Coach at Monrovia High School. An MHS grad, she excelled in basketball at the collegiate level, competing for Mount San Antonio College, Westcliff University, and La Sierra University. She also has a teaching credential and is committed to a dual career path as educator and athletic coach.

- Brad Haugaard

Cuddle Dog Sir Henry - At 10 Years Still Full of Energy

Sir Henry is an adorable and cuddly guy who is looking for a nice lap or comfy bed to call his own. At 10 years young, he is still very much full of energy and fun.

He was found at the Rose Bowl, and while we have no idea how he managed to arrive there, he has quickly charmed everyone at Pasadena Humane with his good nature and constantly wagging tail. He immediately loves everyone he meets, and the feeling is definitely mutual!

Henry has been out on a few field trips with volunteers- they report that he is exceptionally cuddly and can usually narrow down the coziest blanket in the house with ease. He has also been exposed to other dogs and he seems to like them almost as much as he likes people!

Like any senior dog, Henry has some minor issues that will need to be managed. One thing that is still working perfectly is his exhuberant love of people!

Sir Henry is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program. This means his adoption is free to anyone over 60!

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

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from

10:30 – 1:30, and can be scheduled online. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

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.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Groundbreaking on Monrovia Canyon Park Enhancements

The city held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the upcoming work on Canyon Park. The plan is not just to restore the park, but to enhance it. Hopefully everything will be open by this December. Here are the planned enhancements:

More parking
Educational center with amphitheater style seating
Enclosed rangers’ kiosk at the park entrance
At the park entrance
Enhancing the space around the existing veterans memorial
Overlook with bench and telescope to view Monrovia
Rest area
Picnic benches
Drought, tolerant landscaping

- Brad Haugaard

Fruit Tree Expert to Address Garden Club

The next Monrovia Garden Club meeting will feature Gulliver Erickson, an expert in fruit tree and oak tree care. April 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church, at Myrtle and Foothill. Erickson, who has more than three decades as an arborist, will discuss selecting, planting, feeding, pruning, and troubleshooting common disorders and infestations with fruit trees.

- Brad Haugaard

STAR Awards Honor Top School District Employees

Monrovia School District recently celebrated its second annual STAR (Spectacular, Terrific, Amazing, and Remarkable") Awards on April 10, honoring more than 40 employees . One nominee from each category was named as the person of the year and will go on to represent the district in county-wide recognition events if applicable.

Videos of employees of the year:

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Police Chief Scott in 1927

Monrovia Chief of Police Frank L. Scott in 1927. 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

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:

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