Fundraiser to Support Monrovia Days Festival

Monrovia is hosting a community fundraiser to support the Monrovia Days Community Festival, ensuring a premier and affordable celebration. To donate or for more information, visit the site here or contact the Community Services department at 256-8232.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Coming Up May 16-19

Monrovia will celebrate its 138th anniversary with the Monrovia Days Parade on Myrtle Ave on May 16 at 7 p.m., highlighting Scholars and Champions. Then, on May 17-19, there will be a variety of events at Library Park, including a book sale, carnival rides, live shows, and a pie eating contest.
For a full list of events and times, please visit the Monrovia Day's website. To buy carnival wristbands, visit the event website. If you're interested in participating in the parade, complete an application and submit it to Eugene Suk at esuk@ci.monrovia.ca.us or contact him at 256-8281.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Health Group Must Pay $7 Million for False Medicare Claims

The United States and the State of California have reached a $7,084,000 civil settlement with Monrovia-based ReNew Health Group LLC, ReNew Health Consulting Services LLC, and two corporate executives for knowingly submitting false Medicare Part A claims for nursing home residents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, to conserve hospital beds, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services waived the requirement that a person must have had a hospital stay of at least three days (signaling an acute illness or injury) before reimbursing for skilled care in a nursing home. 

The United States and the State of California alleged that the defendants knowingly misused this waiver by routinely submitting claims for nursing home residents when they did not have COVID-19 or any other acute illness or injury, but merely had been near other people who had COVID-19.  Under the settlement, the defendants will pay $6,841,727 to the United States and $242,273 to the State of California, plus interest.

“False claims are anathema to the Medicare system, especially during a public health crisis,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada of the Central District of California. “This settlement agreement highlights my office’s determination to ensure our nation’s health care programs help those who actually need them.”

“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who sought to defraud such programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those who knowingly misused emergency waivers for personal gain.”

This investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government to redress false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery.  The settlement agreement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Bay Area Whistleblower Partners, to receive $1,204,280, plus interest, as its share of the settlement.  The case is captioned United States and State of California ex rel. Bay Area Whistleblower Partners v. ReNew Health Group LLC et al., No. 2:20-cv-09472 (C.D. Cal.).

Assistant United States Attorney Karen Y. Paik of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section are handling this matter with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

The claims settled by the United States and the State of California are allegations only, and there was no determination of liability.

Source: U.S. Justice Department press release 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: All Four Wheels Stolen; Woman With Axe; Plumbing Pipe Stolen; Bicycles Crash; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 18 – 24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 445 service events, resulting in 73 investigations. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 18 at 1:00 a.m., officers were patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when an 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. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 18 at 10:38 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain Ave regarding a vehicle burglary. Officers arrived and learned that the passenger door lock to a vehicle was broken and tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 18 at 8:37 p.m., graffiti was reported on walls in the area of Evergreen and Shamrock. Officers arrived and were unable to locate any suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 19 at 8:28 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock called to report four wheels were stolen off a parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
April 19 at 9:05 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Cherry called to report someone smashed a window to his vehicle. Officers arrived and determined that it was an attempt grand theft auto. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
April 19 at 9:42 a.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that three checks were forged. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
April 19 at 10:02 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a female subject with an ax. Officers arrived and located the female subject who was carrying a small hatchet. Officers determined she was a danger to others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Grand Theft
April 19 at 10:57 a.m., an employee from a business located in the 1800 block of S. Mountain called to report a grand theft. An investigation revealed the unknown suspect stole plumbing pipe from the exterior of the business. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 19 at 6:58 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a male subject he recognized from previous contacts. The officer made contact with the subject and a computer check revealed he had a no bail warrant for his arrest. A search determined he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 19 at 8:35 p.m., a witness in the area of California and Fig called to report that two male juvenile bicyclists crashed into one another. Officers and MFD paramedics responded and provided the bicyclists with medical treatment. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 20 at 8:33 a.m., officers responded to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a subject yelling and cursing. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Evading Police / Possession for sales – Suspects Arrested

April 20 at 9:18 a.m., while patrolling the area of Central and Mountain an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in violation of the vehicle code. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end in Pasadena where the driver fled from the vehicle on foot. A foot pursuit was initiated and the driver was apprehended quickly. Two passengers were located in the vehicle. A computer check revealed that the driver had a warrant for his arrest. A vehicle search revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention to sell. A passenger was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention to sell. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. The passenger was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 21 at 10:46 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of S. Fifth when he saw a parked motorcycle without a license plate. A DMV check revealed the motorcycle had been reported stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Tampering / Possession of Meth – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 7:55 p.m., a witness in the 800 block of W. Walnut called to report a female subject was breaking into a vehicle. Officers responded and located the female subject who was being detained by a witness. A computer check revealed she had warrants for her arrest. A search determined that she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 8:30 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Olive called to report that her child’s father threatened her. Officers arrived and made contact with the caller. The male subject was located in the area and a computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
April 21 at 9:33 p.m., officers were flagged down in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft in progress. The officers made contact with two subjects. One of the subjects was arrested for shoplifting and the other was arrested for being in possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Assault
April 21 at 9:41 p.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 100 block of E. Lime called to report subjects fighting and bleeding from their injuries. Officers arrived and located the victim who had an argument with several subjects that escalated to a physical altercation. The suspects fled prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 10:58 p.m., while patrolling the 100 block of N. Myrtle an officer saw a subject who appeared to be having difficulty walking. The officer made contact with the subject who was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 22 at 7:19 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Los Angeles reported that his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 9:20 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Pomona witnessed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. The officer made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 11:24 a.m., a passerby in the area of Evergreen and Myrtle called to report that a suspect was standing near the roadway and smoking an illegal substance. Officers arrived, located the suspect, and found him to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Bicycle Theft
April 22 at 7:16 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported his bicycle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collison
April 22 at 11:05 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of S. Canyon. The driver collided into two parked vehicles. No injuries were reported. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 12:59 a.m., while patrolling the 300 block of W. Huntington officers saw a suspicious person in the area. They stopped to talk to him. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 2:17 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a female walked in with injuries on her face. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who reported that her boyfriend had battered her and she had fled to the location. The suspect was located by the Pasadena Police Department. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 7:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding two male subjects involved in a verbal dispute. Officers contacted both subjects and discovered that one of the subjects had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 23 at 11:55 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called to report that her vehicle had been burglarized. This investigation is continuing. 

Outside Assist
April 23 at 6:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Maple regarding suspicious circumstances. A business owner advised a subject was pouring gasoline down a drain. Officers arrived and contacted two subjects. MFD, code enforcement and LA County HazMat were all dispatched to the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
April 23 at 7:13 p.m., while patrolling the 200 block of E. Huntington officers made contact with a subject who was on the property after hours. A search of the subject revealed he was in possession of multiple credit cards, driver licenses and social security cards not belonging to him. The suspect was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 24 at 4:31 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks reported her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 24 at 10:12 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Peck and Avora. The driver collided into a parked vehicle and suffered a hand injury. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 24 at 1:55 p.m., a caller in the 200 block N. Mayflower reported an electric scooter crashed into a student in a parking lot. The student sustained a laceration to his leg. 

Theft
April 24 at 4:13 p.m., a victim in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported multiple tools were stolen from his truck. This investigation is continuing. 

Day of Prayer in Monrovia

Prayer for city, schools, community, nation, family and friends. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Arbor Day at Aztec Hotel

 

Also celebrating the settlement with the City of Bradbury over the widening of Bradbury Road. RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Café X20

Had dinner recently at Café X20, on the north side of Foothill just west of Melrose. Got the falafel plate for $17 and a beer for $5. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Free Neighborhood Conference Saturday

The free 14th Annual Neighborhood Conference, hosted by Monrovia Area Partnership, will take place on April 27, at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock). The theme is, "Have an Idea? Make it Happen." Free meals, workshops, and activities, including leadership training and local development discussions. Engage, learn, and participate in various sessions designed to enhance community involvement and personal development. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Zoom Seminar for Parents on Vaping April 30

On Tuesday, April 30, Terrence Brown, Police Chaplain of Monrovia Police Department and founder of Impact Community United (ICU), along with Azusa Pacific University, will host a Parent Workshop on Teen Vaping via Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. as part of Operation True, a project started in 2022 by the Monrovia Police Department and ICU to educate youth on the dangers of tobacco, including health risks like cancer and addiction. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Love Life Celebration at Second Baptist Church, May 4

SET for LIFE will host the 2nd Love LIFE Celebration, a free family fun day, on May 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 South Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia. The event features food trucks such as DD’s Catfish, Taco Papas, Tommy’s Burgers, Philly Gourmet Ice, a rock-climbing wall, mini jet rides, games like chess and mini-golf, and zones for arts, crafts, and robotics.

Live entertainment includes performances by the LA Chargers and Kings Drumline, vocalists Brooke Benton and Jae Stephens, dance performances from Ballet Folklorico Azteca and the Marshall Smith Dance Team, and new dance moves from the Chicago Steppers, and DJ Perry playing Motown hits. More than 20 local resource booths will be available, and free parking is nearby.

- Brad Haugaard

Pint-Size Dewdrop Has a World of Smiles

Look at that smile! Dewdrop might be the happiest dog at Pasadena Humane, and she is bound to bring a world of smiles to the family who brings her home. This sweetheart is a three-year-old Rottweiler mix. She only weighs about 65 pounds, so she’s like a pint-sized Rottie.

All the volunteers at Pasadena Humane have fallen head-over-heels in love with her, so she gets lots of walks and trips to the yard every day.

She has started to learn some training cues, but it’s difficult for her to focus because she really just wants to cuddle and get lots of attention.

Dewdrop is an ideal size for an active family. She would love to go out hiking or camping or whatever other adventure comes her way. She’ll walk right by your side (like it or not!) and then sit as close as she can to you on the couch to recover.

This sweet girl will make her new family smile ear-to-ear just like she does. Make her (and your) day be bringing home Dewdrop!

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.

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.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Online Billing AND Phone System Are Down

Both the city's computer billing system and phone system are broken. Here's a letter from City Manager Dylan Feik explaining what's going on.

- Brad Haugaard

Hello Monrovians!

I want to provide this Special City Manager’s Update regarding two significant IT issues the City has been experiencing.

Utility Billing is Down

On March 17th, the City’s utility billing software has been down. During a planned equipment upgrade, the City lost its financial system data which includes utility billing but also payroll, accounts payable and financial reporting. Since that date, City staff and our contract partners have been working tirelessly to rebuild all systems and get them back online. First, we recreated payroll to ensure employees would be paid on time. Now, the priority is restoring our utility billing system.

What we are not doing

• We are not generating new utility bills at this time
• We are not sending bills to any water customer
• We are not applying late fees or penalties
• We are not shutting off water
• We are not accepting online bill payments as the online bill pay system is unavailable

What we are doing

• We have all staff/contractors working around the clock to restore utility billing
• We are reading water meters to collect accurate consumption data. The data will be used to prepare utility bills in the future
• We will communicate when the utility billing system is operational again
• We are accepting payments for those desiring to pay at this time. Here's how you can pay –In-person at Monrovia City Hall during business hours Mon-Thurs 7 am - 6 pm, Friday 7 am - 5:30 pm
• By phone calling 1-800-272-9829 (select option 3 and use Jurisdiction Code 1573)
• Drop your payment (non-cash only) in the drop box at the entrance to City Hall

Phone System is Experiencing Technical Problems

The City’s antiquated phone system is being upgraded by our network provider, Frontier Communications. All facilities have been experiencing higher than normal instances of “dead air,” which is when an external call to the City results in no sound being transmitted, although the call is connected. We have reported instances of this happening at City Hall, the Police Station, Public Works and even Community Center. We anticipate the phone repairs to be completed within the next few weeks.

In the meantime, if you have issues connecting or are looking for information on your utility bill or any other matter, please email my office with any requests at pio@ci.monrovia.ca.us. We will get you connected to the information you need as soon as we can.

I am sorry for the inconveniences caused by these disruptions. And while it’s hard to imagine they are both happening at the same time, I assure you we are working as hard as we can to get up and running as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

I've included a list of FAQs (below) to assist, but if you have further inquiries or require assistance, please get in touch with our utility billing customer service team at 626-932-5517. If you are having issues connecting with city staff over the phone, please email pio@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Of course you can always contact me directly as well.

FAQ’s

Why haven’t I received my utility bill? While the City’s utility billing system is currently being rebuilt, we do not have the ability to generate utility bills at this time. However, consumption data is still being accurately recorded and will be included when the next bills are generated.

Will I have late fees or water shut offs? During this time, there will be no late fees or water shut offs.

Can I prepay my utility bill? Yes, customers have the ability to prepay their utility bills. At this time, we cannot determine how much you owe. However, your last bill could be a good estimate of that amount. If you wish, you can make a prepayment using that estimate, and we will apply it to your bill once the system is back up. Please read through the options on how to pay on the next question.

Can I pay online? No. Until the system is rebuilt, the options to pay are to:

1) Pay in person at Monrovia City Hall during business hours

2) Pay by phone by calling 1-800-272-9829 (select option 3 and use Jurisdiction Code 1573)

3) Drop your non-cash payment in the drop box at the entrance to City Hall

Will I get one large catch-up bill? No. Once the system is up, separate monthly bills will be generated.

Was the City hacked? No. The City’s utility billing system, nor any other City systems, were NOT hacked. Customer data has not been compromised.

For more information on Municipal Utility Services, please visit our City website.

Sincerely,

Dylan

Email: dfeik@ci.monrovia.ca.us
Phone: (626) 932-5585

A Moment in Monrovia History: Cobbler Who Was Also a Pastor

Monrovia cobbler believed to be Owen Adams - also Pastor of the Holiness Church - later Assembly of God. Buried in Live Oak Cemetery. From around 1908. From the Steve Baker 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

Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration Saturday, April 27

Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration is scheduled for this Saturday, April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Monrovia Public Library, featuring performances by Aletheia's Hula Oia'i'o Dancers and various arts and crafts activities. Open to all age groups.

- Brad Haugaard

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