Clothing Drive to Support Monrovia High Music

There will be a clothing drive at Monrovia High School to support the school's musical arts program. Gently used or new clothes, shoes, bedding, towels, and linens. Drop-off dates: August 24, September 7, and 14, 9 a.m. to noon. Clean, sellable items in 13-gallon trash bags only. Drop-off point is on the east side of the school, but enter on the west side, at Madison Ave. parking lot (484 S. Madison Ave).

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Stinkin Crawfish

Dinner at Stinkin Crawfish, on the north side of Colorado a half block east of Myrtle. Got the Catfish and Fries for $14.25 and a beer for $6.50. Nice. Also, they give you a free dessert - deep fried Oreo and ice cream. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Truck Tailgate Stolen; Free Phone Fraud; Sleeping Driver Rolls Car; Car Thieves Crash Their Own Car; Drunks and Stuff ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 15 – 21. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 496 service events, resulting in 85 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 11:35 a.m., while patrolling the 600 block of S. Shamrock officers made contact with a subject known to have outstanding warrants. A computer search confirmed the warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 8:36 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Chestnut saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. Officers contacted the driver and noticed he displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Missing Person
August 16 at 8:42 p.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report her adult daughter missing. She was entered into the system as missing. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 16 at 10:34 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported the tailgate of his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 16 at 10:57 a.m., a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that they were notified that a vehicle that was towed to their lot was actually stolen. The vehicle was recovered and the registered owner was notified. The vehicle was stored and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
August 16 at 1:04 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report her wallet stolen. She forgot her purse in a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington, when she returned to pick up her purse she noticed her wallet was gone. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 9:06 p.m., officers working a DUI checkpoint in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle observed a driver passing through who displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary / Curfew – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 11:22 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Walnut reported a subject broke a window to a parked car and fled. Officers arrived and located a group of juveniles. The group fled on foot when they saw the officers. One of the juveniles was located a short distance away. An investigation revealed that the suspect broke a window, ripped off the ignition cylinder, and tried to steal the car before being interrupted by the witness. The juvenile that was caught was not the suspect who caused the damage, however he was in violation of curfew. He was arrested and taken into custody to be released with a citation to his parent. This investigation is continuing.

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 11:49 p.m., a passerby in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject was passed out on the sidewalk. Officers arrived and located the male subject who was found to be so intoxicated that he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
August 17 at 11:18 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Encinitas called to report he was a victim of fraud. An unknown subject called him pretending to be a phone company employee stating that he won a free phone and all he had to pay was the shipping fee. The resident paid for shipping the phone and never received the phone. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 17 at 12:22 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that he was involved in a traffic collision in the parking lot of a business. As he was retrieving his insurance from inside of the vehicle the other driver fled. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 8:13 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report a domestic violence incident. The victim reported that she was battered at home by her boyfriend. While speaking with the victim the suspect called and spoke to officers. The suspect agreed to meet with officers in front of his residence. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 11:48 p.m., officers were patrolling the area of Myrtle and Huntington when they saw a motorist commit a violation. The motorist was pulled over and officers noticed he displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 17 at 11:49 p.m., a passerby in the area of Mountain and Evergreen reported a solo vehicle collision. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver who was determined to be a juvenile and displaying symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision
August 18 at 3:29 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of E. Olive regarding a vehicle collision. Officers arrived and determined a vehicle hit a parked vehicle and rolled over. The driver reportedly fell asleep while driving and collided with two parked vehicles.

Intoxication / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 6:36 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of 9th reported a subject knocked on his front door and went into his backyard. The resident told him to leave but he refused. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. An investigation determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 7:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to a shopping center in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a motorist driving erratically. Officers arrived and located the vehicle driving erratically. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver 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.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 9:25 p.m., while investigation a shoplifting incident in the 1600 block of S. Mountain, an officer was alerted of another shoplifting in progress. The officer was able to located the suspect and detain them. The suspect experienced a need for medical attention and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person
August 19 at 2:24 p.m., a resident in the 2700 block of S. Peck reported her son missing. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person
August 19 at 3:08 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Maple reported her sister missing. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 19 at 3:12 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of E. Huntington. The driver at fault was transported to the hospital for a complaint of pain.

Battery on Peace Officer
August 19 at 3:47 p.m., a passersby in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported a subject laying in the bushes and passed out. Officers and MFD responded and made contact with the subject. The subject was awake but having difficulty responding to questions. The subject attempted to hit a firefighter. He later hit an officer in the face. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Vandalism
August 19 at 8:20 p.m., a caller in the area of Huntington and Myrtle reported a vehicle vandalism. Officers arrived and detained a suspect who was identified by the victim. The suspect was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
August 19 at 9:29 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported the tired of her vehicle were slashed. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto / Felony Evading – Suspects Arrested
August 20 at 2:57 a.m., a witness in the area of Mayflower and Diamond reported four male subjects were attempting to steal a vehicle. Officers arrived and the suspects fled on foot to a parked car. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to a stop in a nearby city after the suspects crashed into a wall. All four suspects fled on foot. Two suspects were located. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Trespass Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 8:00 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 1100 block of E. Huntington reported a trespassing. Officers arrived and located a male adult subject who had entered a room unlawfully. The owner completed a private person's arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Evading
August 21 at 3:22 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Walnut and Myrtle saw a vehicle who was in violation of several vehicle codes. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop and a short pursuit ensued. The pursuit was terminated. This investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Circumstances
August 21 at 4:53 p.m., an employee from a storage facility in the 100 block of E. Lime reported locating a box of mail belonging to multiple individuals in a storage unit. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 21 at 7:30 p.m., a caller in the area of Shamrock and Fig reported a male adult riding a bicycle fell into bushes. Officers arrived and determined the male adult was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Monrovian Gustavo Menezes Named Outstanding Professor at Cal State LA

Monrovian Gustavo Menezes, a professor of civil engineering in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST) at Cal State LA, was recognized for excellence in teaching and outstanding achievements during University Convocation 2024.

Menezes, who also serves as chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, was presented an Outstanding Professor Award on Aug. 19 for his achievements in scholarly inquiry or creativity, as well as professional activities and community service.

Menezes’ research has focused on subsurface water quality and availability. He is interested in investigating the physicochemical processes related to water infiltration through the vadose zone using lab experiments and computer models. His research uses the steady-state centrifugation method to simulate and investigate flow conditions in unsaturated soils.

Most recently, Menezes has worked with a group of faculty members on a National Science Foundation-funded curriculum for sophomores, a service-learning summer bridge program for rising sophomores, and the First Year Experience @ ECST, which focuses on supporting students throughout their first year at the college.

Currently, he leads a team of faculty working on the NSF-funded Eco-STEM project that focuses on “Transforming STEM Education using an Asset-Based Ecosystem Model.” The goal of the project is to create a supportive and culturally responsive learning and working environment for all members of the ECST community.

Since 2009, Menezes has taught courses in environmental engineering and water resources at Cal State LA. He has published his research in peer-reviewed journals and presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences.

Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Menezes received his Ph.D. in infrastructures and environmental systems from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He resides in the city of Monrovia.

Source: Cal State LA press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Meat and Potatoes - 25 Cents

Monrovia Restaurant around 1887. Map drawn on back shows on NE side of Orange (Colorado) from Myrtle -- Bank, Seymore Grocery, Joseph Jubile's Pool Hall, John Isaac Wesley Fisher's Blacksmith Shop (at 109 E. Orange), vacant, Central House (rooming house run by the McAlonan family). If the small boy in the front row on the bottom step at right is Julian Fisher, that may indicate the date to be around 1905. 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

Baylie the Boxer - a Spry 13 Years Old, and Gentle

Baylie thinks that age is just a number, and we couldn’t agree more! This darling boxer may be 13, but she acts (and feels) much younger!

This spry thing loves going for walks and will even run alongside you if you let her. She is always calm and quiet and makes fast friends with everyone who stops to say hello.

Baylie has lived with other animals - she is cat-friendly and has also shared space with rabbits and birds- she's been very gentle with everyone she’s met.

Baylie has been described as very demure and very mindful. She thinks that she’s not like other senior dogs and can literally run circles around them. Come meet this demure diva today!

Baylie and all other pets over 5 years old can be adopted at no charge for anyone over the age of 60, thanks to Pasadena Humane’s Seniors for Seniors program!

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.

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

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children, August 24

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children at the Library on Saturday, August 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. For children ages 2-15 with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, or ADHD. Includes book check-outs, sensory toys, and art supplies. Register here. Contact Cynthia Eschenfelder at 256-8274 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Barks and Books - Read to a Dog, Tomorrow at Library

 Barks and Books at the Library on Tuesday, August 20 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Children ages 6-11 can read to therapy dogs in the Story Room. Program aims to boost reading confidence in a relaxed environment. Sessions are 10 minutes long. Register here. Contact Allison Simpson at 256-8269 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Nintendo Switch for Adults Friday, August 23

Nintendo Switch Freeplay for Adults program at the Library on Friday, August 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults 18 and older can enjoy social gaming on Nintendo Switch consoles in the Community Room. Contact Angel Loera at 256-8274 or aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Gala Planned to Support Children’s Hospital LA

The Monrovia Guild for Children's Hospital LA will host a "Denim and Diamonds" fundraiser on Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Monrovia Historical Museum. The event, supporting pediatric research in ophthalmology and pulmonary infant healthcare, will feature live music by the R & J Band, entertainment by Theatre Americana, a no-host bar, raffles, and dinner by Jake's Roadhouse. Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase tickets or donate here.  For more information, contact Sandra Macis at sandrammacis@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard 

Crudgington Station to Be Visitor Center

Crudgington Station, the small building just inside the Cloverleaf entry point to the Wilderness Preserve, is being refurbished as a visitor center, according to rangers I have talked to. The porch outside has been given planters with native plants, and a bench has been added. Tipsy the cat (named, I was told, from the white tip of her otherwise black tail, not from over-indulging in alcoholic beverages) has worked on mouse-control at the station for years and has now been adopted by a friend of one of the rangers. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Earthquake Alerts And Workshop

The recent earthquake Monrovia experienced was a reminder to be prepared. Here are a few earthquake prep suggestions.

There will be an earthquake preparedness workshop on Sept. 14. Details here. 

Also, both Android phones and iPhones have free earthquake notification systems that can often let you know a few seconds in advance of a quake, according to City Manager Dylan Feik. Here are the details.

Android

Android phones have a built in quake notification system.

• Open Settings
• Tap Safety & emergency > Earthquake alerts
• Toggle Earthquake alerts on (or off) 

Or, you can install the MyShake app from Google Play. (See instructions for iPhone version.)

iPhone

• Download the free MyShake app from the App Store
• Open the app and set the HomeBase area (Monrovia)

You should be prompted to set your location services to "Always On" so the app can notify you even if the app is inactive.

To hear what the alert sounds like, go to Settings and click "Play the Alert Sound."

By default, neither app will notify you of quakes of a magnitude lower than 4.5, and both will limit their reports to quakes likely to shake your location.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Arrested Twice for Burglarizing Same House, Twice More for Trespassing; Loitering in the Middle of Huntington Drive; Peeing in Public; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 8 – 14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 496 service events, resulting in 86 investigations. 

Residential Burglary – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 7:19 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Pomona regarding a residential burglary in progress. They made contact with a female subject inside the residence. A computer search revealed she had been arrested earlier that week for burglarizing the same residence. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 9:30 a.m., an officer patrolling the 200 block of E. Chestnut observed a male subject on a scooter commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and a search revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 7:40 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Pomona reported a female subject trespassing. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject, who had already been arrested twice for trespassing at the same residence. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 11:56 p.m., officers were patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when they observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
August 9 at 1:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain reported that a customer used another person’s identifying information to purchase a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 6:35 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called to report a female subject trespassing at his neighbor's home. The same subject had been arrested for breaking into the home earlier in the week and for trespassing earlier the same day. Officers arrived, made contact with the female subject, and she was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
August 9 at 10:46 p.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Olive regarding the theft of a purse from a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violations – Suspects Arrested
August 10 at 1:48 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of Walnut Court reported suspicious subjects in the area. Officers arrived and made contact with two juveniles who were in violation of the city's curfew. They were both arrested and released to the care of their parents with citations.

Petty Theft
August 10 at 9:39 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Canyon reported his tricycle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 10 at 2:50 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report fraudulent charges on his account. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 10 at 7:02 p.m., a homeowner reported unknown subjects were entering his vacant property in the 200 block of E. Evergreen. The property had been fraudulently listed for rent by an unknown subject. This investigation is continuing.

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 12:56 a.m., while patrolling the 600 block of S. Myrtle, officers observed a subject loitering near the entrance of a closed restaurant. Officers made contact with the subject, who was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Robbery – Suspects Arrested
August 11 at 3:27 a.m., officers responded to the area of Prospect and Grand regarding unknown trouble. They made contact with a victim of a robbery. A perimeter was established, and four suspects were located nearby. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Critical Missing Adult
August 11 at 3:58 p.m., a staff member at a senior living facility in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject left and had not returned. Surrounding agencies and the bus system were notified. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
August 12 at 4:16 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report fraud. The victim reported receiving a random text message from the suspect earlier in the year, and they developed a friendship over the phone. After several months, the victim was convinced by the suspect to make cryptocurrency investments online. The victim eventually discovered she had been scammed when she did not have access to the cryptocurrency she purchased. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
August 12 at 10:17 p.m., an employee from a gas station in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male adult standing in the middle of Huntington Drive. Officers arrived and located the subject, who would have been struck by a vehicle if officers had not arrived and intervened. Officers determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 11:02 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Pomona saw a male subject commit a bicycle violation. He conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting
August 13 at 7:33 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject fled the store with merchandise without paying. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
August 13 at 8:20 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Urinating in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 10:34 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Madison reported a male subject urinating in public at a coffee shop. Officers arrived and located the suspect. The caller identified him and placed him under private person’s arrest. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Burglary
August 14 at 6:39 a.m., a caller iEtc.n the 400 block of W. Foothill reported that several businesses in the area had their front windows shattered. Officers arrived and found three businesses had been burglarized overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Lin’s Club

Dinner at Lin’s Club, a little Chinese restaurant on the east side of the shopping center at Duarte Road and Sixth Avenue. Skipped over the Hot and Spicy Live Bullfrog and ordered the Hot and Spicy Beef for $15.99 and a Diet Pepsi for $2. And due to communication difficulties I also got the Hot and Spicy Fish Fillet.  Both very tasty and I barely dented either of them. Plenty to take home.

- Brad Haugaard 

Pedro Pascal - Friend to All, Fan of Birds on TV

Pedro Pascal is six years old and mostly responds to just “Pascal”, because he’s one of those cool cats who goes by their last name.

He likes following his favorite people around to supervise their activities, lounging on the floor, leaving his pawtograph on cardboard cat scratchers, and watching TV (usually any programs with birds).

Just like the real Pedro Pascal, this Pedro is a friend to all – he’s great with adults and children and doesn’t even mind being picked up!

Pedro is FIV-positive, but that doesn’t preclude him from living with other cats. Cats contract FIV through deep bite wounds or from the milk of their FIV-positive mother, so when kitties are living in harmony and everyone is spayed and neutered, the risk of transmission is very low.

In addition, although FIV-positive cats have a lowered immune system that make them more susceptible to infections, they can live long, happy lives when kept healthy through regular veterinary visits. So don’t let that stop you from meeting this sweet guy!

Come to Pasadena Humane on Saturday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Clear the Shelters! Adoption fees are waived for all available dogs, cats and critters.

The 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Planing Mill

The Monrovia Planing Mill many years ago at 114 E. Lemon, where the Historic Lighting building is now. A planing mill smooths rough-cut lumber. 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

4.4 Earthquake Felt Today in Monrovia

The earthquake felt in Monrovia at 12:20 p.m. today (Monday) was a 4.4 quake centered 3.4 miles west of Alhambra, according to the US Geological Survey. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Laser Tag at Library Friday, Aug. 16

Laser Tag at the Library. Friday, August 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Community Room. For grades 6-12. Registration required, here. Contact Amanda, Teen Services Librarian, at acarey@monroviaca.gov or 256-8274 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

School District May Have to Cut Budget If Finances Don't Improve; Elementary Schools Identify Areas to Improve

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

 ~ A resolution saying that if the district's finances don't improve, that the school board will cut $3.82 million from its budget for fiscal year 2025-26, and $6.2 million for 2026-27.  Details. 

~ Approving changes to the district's School Plan for Student Achievement for  elementary schools - Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, and Plymouth - which have identified areas in which they need improvement:

Bradoaks: Chronic absenteeism, suspensions, and English language learners performing lower in English and math.

Mayflower: High suspension rate; lower performance in English by English language learners, Hispanic students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities; lower math performance for socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

Monroe: High absenteeism, low performance in math and English.

Plymouth: Chronic absenteeism, low math and English performance, low student engagement and connectedness to the school.

Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Paragon Sells for $87.25 Million

The Paragon apartment complex at the corner of Myrtle and Olive just sold for $87.25 million, or more than $500,000 per unit. The buyer is SCS Development Company, Inc. Details.

- Brad Haugaard