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Video Game Free Play at Library June 27


Video Game Free Play at the Library on Thursday, June 27, 3 to 4 p.m. in Story Room. Nintendo Switch with multiplayer games available. Open to all skill levels. No registration required. For ages 6-11. Contact: jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Former City Historian's Houses May Be Designated Historic


The Historic Preservation Commission (agenda here) will consider recommending that the two houses on former City Historian Steve Baker's property (508-512 South Ivy) be designated as an historic landmark. The Blair and Brossart houses were built by early Monrovians. The houses are being renovated to be a bed and breakfast. Details

- Brad Haugaard

School District: Less Income, More Expenses; Appeal for Exemption on Teacher Pay; Fencing for Elementary Schools


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

~ Adopting a 2024-25 budget that projects less money coming in and more money going out. Total general fund revenues are projected to decrease by $4,393,362 and total general fund expenditures to increase by $802,602. Details.

~ Appealing to the LA County Office of Education for an exemption from the required 55% minimum expenditure on classroom teacher salaries for the 2022-23 fiscal year. MUSD spent 52.9% on classroom compensation, resulting in a deficiency of $1,602,157. The district says spending an extra $1.6 million would place a significant hardship on the district, and that the problem was caused by extraordinary economic conditions. Details.

~ Hiring Red Hawk Services Inc. for $2,697,697 to put up security fencing at  Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, Mayflower Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Plymouth Elementary School, and the Wild Rose School of Creative Arts. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Rotary Park Gets New Sign, Playground


On Tuesday, a new monument sign will be installed at Rotary Park, at the corner of California and Lime. Also, over the next several months, the city will build a new playground with a playground surface and playground equipment, which will be delivered over the summer. For questions contact Public Works at 256-8224.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Car Overturned in Accident; Slapped on Bus; Robbery on Duarte Road; Threat to Kill; Girlfriend Hits Boyfriend, Gets Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 13 – June 19. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 543 service events, resulting in 107 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 11:25 a.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of W. Foothill saw a female he recognized from prior contacts and made contact with her. A computer check revealed she had a no bail warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 1:08 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Terrado regarding a disturbing subject screaming and pounding on the door of a residence. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. An investigation revealed he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
June 13 at 1:57 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Valle Vista called to report his catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
June 13 at 2:29 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Mayflower and Foothill. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. No injuries were reported.

Grand Theft Auto
June 14 at 7:11 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Walnut called to report that his work truck was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 14 at 6:25 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of California reported his catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 8:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Duarte and Myrtle regarding a solo injury traffic collision. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver and the passenger. They complained of pain, but refused medical treatment.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 8:33 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of S. Myrtle reported that an unknown male subject was sleeping on private property and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed he had multiple warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 5:32 p.m., while patrolling the area of Evergreen and Myrtle officers saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code and conducted a traffic stop. They contacted the occupants and a computer check revealed that two subjects had outstanding warrants. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 6:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of California and Huntington regarding a three vehicle traffic collision. An investigation revealed one vehicle was overturned and a traffic signal was knocked down. Parties involved complained of pain. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 12:17 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 2:37 a.m., while patrolling the 400 block of S. Myrtle an officer contacted a person in front of a closed business. The subject displayed symptoms of intoxication. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery
June 15 at 12:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Huntington and Shamrock regarding a subject that struck a passenger while in a bus. The victim stated the suspect slapped her but she did not desire prosecution. A refusal to prosecute form was completed.

Shoplifting
June 15 at 5:40 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a shoplifting incident. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 6:50 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Lime reported officers were dispatched to an argument among family members. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. A computer search revealed one of the parties involved had a bench warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 4:05 p.m., a victim in the area of Myrtle and Evergreen reported a vehicle collided into his car and fled. The suspect was located shortly after. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 16 at 9:01 p.m., officers were dispatched to a parking lot in the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding a hit and run traffic collision. Officers arrived and determined that a vehicle ran a red light, drove onto a restaurant drive-through and caused property damage. The driver had fled on foot prior to officers arriving. Officers were unable to locate the driver. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 9:39 p.m., while assisting on a hit and run traffic collision investigation, an officer contacted a subject in the 700 block of W. Chestnut who matched the description of the driver. It was determined that the subject was not the driver, but a computer search revealed he was on probation. A search revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery
June 16 at 9:42 p.m., an employee from a store in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report that he was robbed at gunpoint. An investigation revealed three unknown male subjects wearing masks entered the store, produced a weapon, pointed it at the employee, and demanded cash from the register. The three subjects fled from the store. This investigation is continuing.

Fire Assist
June 17 at 4:51 a.m., a security guard in a complex in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia called to report that he heard an explosion and could see smoke. Officers responded and found smoke in a small wash that runs through the city. Officers evacuated nearby residences as a precaution. MFD responded and extinguished the fire.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 17 at 9:19 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a suspicious subject. The officer made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Criminal Threat / Brandishing a Weapon – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 5:02 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive reported her boyfriend threatened to kill her and brandished a knife at her mom. Officers arrived and made contact with the male subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 12:21 p.m., while patrolling the 200 block of W. Pomona an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a parking code with the driver inside. The officer made contact with the driver. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a loaded handgun and fraudulent checks. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 1:27 p.m., a passerby in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject walking on the street who appeared to be intoxicated. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
June 18 at 3:00 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a passing vehicle threw something at the glass windows and shattered them. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Burglary
June 18 at 4:26 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Terrado reported an attempted burglary. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed there were marks on the exterior doors where someone tried to pry them open. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 8:38 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a male adult subject was making offensive comments at people passing by. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:50 a.m., while patrolling the area of Pomona and Myrtle an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation and a traffic stop was conducted. The officer made contact with the driver and a computer check of the driver revealed he had two warrants for his arrest. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 19 at 1:12 p.m., a victim in the area of Huntington and Mayflower reported a hit and run traffic collision. An investigation revealed two vehicles chasing each other drove by the victim at a high rate of speed and one of the vehicles hit her side view mirror. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 3:13 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Live Oak and Peck conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
June 19 at 3:14 pm, a victim walked into the MPD lobby and reported that a large amount of money was embezzled from her company. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 10:40 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Olive reported his girlfriend hit him and caused injuries. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. MFD responded and provided medical treatment to the victim. The girlfriend was arrested and taken into custody.

Dinner at Dave’s Hot Chicken


Dinner at Dave’s Hot Chicken, in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Last time I was here I made the mistake of assuming that their spicy chicken was only spicy for someone from Iowa. Wrong! It’s hot! This time I got the two-piece meal with “medium” heat for $12.99 and a soda for $2.29. Very nice and I didn’t sweat. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovian Arrested in Connection with Irvine Burglaries

Marcus Allen Corner, 37, of Monrovia, has been arrested in connection with multiple burglaries in the city of Irvine. Authorities say that Corner carried a food bag, as if he was a food delivery driver. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High in Top 20% of High Schools in California and the Nation

Monrovia High School has been listed in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best High Schools list for the second year in a row, putting MHS in the top 20 percent of high schools in the US and in California.  It ranks  at number 2,987 nationally and at number 415 in California.

The ranking reflects the combined performance across these six  indicators:

  • College Readiness
  • College Curriculum Breadth
  • State Assessment Proficiency
  • State Assessment Performance
  • Underserved Student Performance
  • Graduation Rate
- Brad Haugaard

School Board Member Travanti Says Voting Districts Implemented, But She Doesn’t Like Them

In a post on X.com, School Board Member Maritza Travanti wrote that despite a tight schedule the new school voting districts, the "Maroon 2" option shown here, have been implemented, but clearly she's not happy about it. She wrote:

Throughout this process, not one community member has approached me and said, “Yeah, this is a good idea” or “I want this for our town.”  In fact, it’s been the opposite. Across all demographics, across all political affiliations, no one thinks it’s a good idea when an attorney who knows nothing about our community can demand that we go from at-large voting to 1 vote per every four years. Board Vice President Hammond said it best, “Your vote is now reverted to 20% instead of having 3 votes one election cycle and 2 votes the next election, thus allowing you to have a say for the entire board.” CVRA legislation allows an attorney to legally extort a school district of $30K and wreck havoc on a community. 

The Monrovia community has worked hard to break down barriers and boundaries but is now forced to create new boundaries and division. I stand by our diverse representation! 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Music Fest June 30

Monrovia Music Fest will be held this year on June 30 at Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Pinky Looking for Quiet Home With Snuggling Included


Six-year-old Pinky is the sweetest girl! This beautiful cat has the cutest cow coloring and signature pink nose. She loves getting head and neck scratches and will even lean into your hand to ask for more petting. Pinky is also a huge fan of crunchy treats – so if you’re looking for the key to her heart, it’s definitely a handful of snacks!

Pinky is looking for a quiet home where she can snuggle on the couch with you, nap in a warm sunbeam, or perch on top of a cat tree and watch birds out the window. She would prefer a home without dogs and with plenty of crunchy treats!

Pinky and all other cats over 6 months old can be adopted at no charge throughout June (Adopt a Cat Month)!

The regular adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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.

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

Monrovia Company Using AI to Create Therapeutic Drugs


Here is a New York Times article about the Monrovia company, Terray Therapeutics, which is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop new drugs for inflammatory diseases such as lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. The company, located at 750 Royal Oaks Drive, hopes to have drugs in clinical trials by early 2026.

- Brad Haugaard 




Sierra Subaru Donates to Arcadia Hospital for Young Blood Cancer Patients


Sierra Subaru of Monrovia partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to donate 80 blankets, patient care kits, and handwritten messages of hope to USC Arcadia Hospital as part of the Subaru Loves to Care initiative. Sierra Subaru also contributed $10,000 to LLS's fund supporting young blood cancer patients and their families. This is part of Subaru's nationwide partnership with LLS, where over 600 Subaru retailers have supported nearly 350,000 cancer patients through blanket donations, funding, and messages of hope. Subaru will match donations made to LLS during June 2024 up to $100,000.

- Brad Haugaard

Gunmen Reportedly Rob 7-Eleven on Duarte Road

Three masked gunmen reportedly robbed a 7-Eleven store at 922 W Duarte Road around 9:45 p.m. Sunday night, June 16. They fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Float in 1924 Rose Parade

Monrovia Float in 1924 Pasadena Rose Parade. It looks like a colonial scene. Maybe George Washington? From the Kim Anderson 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

Crafts for Children at Library Thursday


Craft-tastic: Weekly craft sessions for families at Library Youth Services Area during June and July. Thursday, June 20, 12 to 2 p.m. Children will create paper plate suns or yarn-woven flowers. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Dungeons and Dragons Tonight at Library


Dungeons and Dragons tonight at Library Community Room. Teens and adults to play classic fantasy tabletop role-playing game, Monday, June 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration required. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Sign to be Installed at Crudgington Station


The city is planning an 8-foot cedar sign for the building just inside the Wilderness Preserve near the Cloverleaf entry point. The building was called a "fire station," but is being renamed to "Crudgington Station" in honor of former City Council Member Gloria Crudgington. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Free Nutrition Class June 21

- Brad Haugaard 

'Music in Motion' Choir and Dancers June 22

 

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present a "Music in Motion" concert with choir and dance, Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m., at St Luke Episcopal Church. Silent auction, refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25 general, $15 for children under 12. Purchase online here or at the door.

- Brad Haugaard