Council to Get Community Center Update, Etc.

The city council will get an update on the Community Center rehab project at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers this Tuesday, Oct. 15 (details), and at its regular meeting at 7:30 (agenda here) it will...

• Proclaim October 26 as Make A Difference Day.
• Honor retiring Community Development Director Craig Jimenez
• Introduce newly promoted Community Development Director Sheri Bermejo

- Brad Haugaard

Make a Difference Day Volunteers Needed

The 34th annual Make a Difference Day is Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon. The Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley seeks volunteers for projects such as home improvement, landscaping, and city beautification. Meet at Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave. Lunch is provided. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Youth Baseball League Spring Registration Open

Registration is open for the Monrovia Youth Baseball League's spring season. The first 100 to register before Oct. 15 get a discounted rate. Registration includes a hat, jersey, and photo package. For more information, visit MYBL website here or email myblpony@mybl.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Walking Tour of Monrovia on Oct. 12

Did you know there has been a Florsheim shoe store at the corner of Myrtle and Lemon for more than a century? Learn of that and more at an historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m. Led by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, the two-hour tour costs $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm.

- Brad Haugaard

Scholarship Gala Planned to Honor Community Heroes

The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will host its annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Monrovia DoubleTree. The theme is “Celebrating our Unsung Community Heroes.” Tickets here. Proceeds fund scholarships for local high school seniors. Email mdbaainfo@gmail.com or call 664-6537 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Night Tonight in Old Town

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts hosts Art Night tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Grey & Cash in Old Town, Grey & Cash, 425 S. Myrtle Ave. View and shop local art from MAFA artists.

- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOld Town Fall Festival on Oct. 12

Monrovia will host its Old Town Fall Festival tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include $5 hay wagon and trackless train rides, a pet costume contest at 12:30 p.m., and live music. The event is presented by the city and local merchants.

- Brad Haugaard

Coffee With a Cop, Oct. 23

That's the Starbucks at Foothill and Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car vs. Pedestrian; Vehicle Hit and Run ... Run Part On Foot; Car Crashes Into Tree; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 3 – 9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 528 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 9:25 a.m., a female subject walked in the MPD lobby to turn herself in. A computer check revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
October 3 at 9:25 a.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 2600 block of S. California. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. It was determined that she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Theft
October 3 at 11:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a theft in a store. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who reported that money was stolen from her purse while shopping. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 4 at 12:33 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Mayflower and Palm. Officers and paramedics arrived and discovered an occupant suffering from injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 4 at 1:46 p.m., a caller in the area of Mayflower and Diamond reported a traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Officers and paramedics arrived and discovered the pedestrian suffering from injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
October 4 at 8:02 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of N. Encinitas reported two suspicious male subjects running out of a neighbor’s home. Officers arrived and found that the home's rear door was forced open. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 11:49 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Foothill and Canyon saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
October 5 at 7:07 p.m., a victim in a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that someone stole money from her purse. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
October 5 at 8:27 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported that someone burglarized her vehicle while it was parked in a parking lot. Officers responded and were able to locate some of the stolen property. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
October 5 at 9:23 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Magnolia and Evergreen were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. The vehicle was located and stored. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 10:54 p.m., a passerby in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported that a vehicle collided with several parked vehicles. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the driver, but the driver fled on foot. He was detained a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 1:03 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Esplanade saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. 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.

Pursuit / Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 2:57 a.m., while patrolling the area of Evergreen and Mountain an officer saw a driver commit a vehicle code violation. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the driver did not yield and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit terminated minutes later when the driver decided to yield and exit the vehicle. An investigation determined the driver was a convicted felon and found to be in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
October 7 at 5:08 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Huntington reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Weapons Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 10:42 p.m., while patrolling the 200 block of W. Pomona an officer saw a vehicle parked illegally along a red curb. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A computer check revealed the driver was on probation for illegal possession of a firearm. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a handgun and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 8 at 1:26 a.m., several witnesses in the 100 block of S. Mountain reported a solo vehicle collided. Officers arrived and determined the vehicle hit a large tree in the front yard of a residence. Officers made contact with the driver who displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence. The driver became verbally aggressive and spat on an officer. He was transported to a hospital for a medical clearance and ultimately arrested and transported to the MPD jail.

Mental Evaluation
October 8 at 1:19 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of Valley View reported an intoxicated female subject saying she wanted to harm herself. Officers arrived and made contact with her. Officers determined that she was a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Vehicle Tampering
October 8 at 7:47 p.m., a caller in the 100 S. Mountain reported someone had been tampered with his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 9 at 3:31 a.m., a passerby in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported seeing broken windows to the front of a business. Officers responded and confirmed someone had broken the front glass to gain entry into the store. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 9 at 10:09 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Primrose reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 9 at 10:52 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported her purse was stolen while shopping in a store. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 9 at 3:25 p.m., several callers in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a vehicle crashed into a building. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver. No injuries were reported. The driver was transported to a hospital for medical attention. This investigation is continuing.

Lunch at Los Chiles Locos

Lunch at Los Chiles Locos, the food stand at the corner of Duarte Road and Myrtle. Got a carnitas burrito for $10.79 and a soda for $1.50. Was only planning to eat half… but it was very good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Tree Preservation Group to Meet Oct. 24

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Tour of Live Oak Cemetery

Friday tickets available. Saturday and Sunday sold out.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Marine in Search of Matching Bone Marrow

Monrovian Alexander Nadal, a 21 year old Marine and graduate of Monrovia High, is in need of bone marrow. Those who are between 18 and 35 may be a donor match. To determine that, there will be a mouth swab test administered on Saturday, October 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sealey Strength Gym, 202 S. Myrtle Ave. in Monrovia.

According to NMDP, a national cell therapy group, median full recovery time following the most commonly used marrow donating process (peripheral blood stem cell donation) is one week and can be as little as two days, and donors can often return to school or work after one day. 

More details.

- Brad Haugaard

Mellow Princess Leia Is Sweet and Friendly

You don’t have to go to galaxy far, far away to find this adorable Princess - she’s patiently waiting to meet you at Pasadena Humane!

Princess Leia is the sweetest, friendliest dog. She loves everyone she meets instantly, especially those who can be enticed into giving her a belly rub.

Leia is about 3 years old and has a mellow vibe. She likes going to walks and will walk right next to you on a loose leash. She knows some training cues and takes treats with a soft mouth.

Her favorite place is right by someone’s side, soaking up all the pets that they’re willing to dole out - no question - her love language is physical touch!

This lovely lady is ready to be your copilot!

Princess Leia and all other pets at Pasadena Humane will have their adoption fees waived on Saturday, October 12!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Colorful Cover of Monrovia Woman's Club Scrapbook

This is the hand-painted cover of the Monrovia Woman's Club Scrapbook for 1936-37, signed by E. Andrews. The book covers the year's activities, mostly through newspaper clippings. The club had quite a few colorfully painted scrapbook covers during the 1930s era. From the Monrovia Woman's Club 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

Toddler STEAM Activities at Library, Oct. 11

Toddlers explore STEAM subjects through hands-on activities. Ages 2 to 5. Registration required, here. One seat left. Friday, Oct. 11, 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Library Story Room. Contact Josh at 256-8274 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Advertising for New Members

The Monrovia Board of Education is advertising for a new member. Here is the board’s statement:

Vacancy on the Board of Education - Application for Trustee Areas 1 and 2

The Monrovia Unified School District is seeking qualified, interested individuals to fill the vacancy on the MUSD Board of Education for Trustee Areas 1 and 2 due to failure to elect. The term is for four (4) years and runs from December 2024 through December 2028.

The Governing Board is elected to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district’s schools. The Board shall work with the Superintendent to fulfill its major roles, which include:

1. Setting a direction for the district

2. Providing a basic organizational structure for the district by establishing policies

3. Ensuring accountability

4. Providing community leadership on behalf of the district and public education

5. Commit to attend regularly scheduled school board meetings, any special board meetings, annual board retreats, annual California School Board Association conference, and frequent school and community events pthroughout the year. This includes reading weekly staff updates and reviewing agendas prior to meetings.

Source here.

Application here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Changemakers Celebrates Legendary Monrovia Women

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Prevention Week Open House, Blood Drive, Set for Oct. 12

Monrovia Fire & Rescue will hold its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 101, 141 E. Lemon Ave. The event features fire safety demonstrations, games, and safety tips. Also, the department will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 101. To schedule an appointment, visit the Red Cross website. For more information, call (626) 256-8181.

- Brad Haugaard

One Earth Community Garden Open House, Workdays, Scheduled

Grow Monrovia will hold a One Earth Community Garden Open House on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 777 E. Greystone. Memberships and garden plots are available. It will also hold a Fall Garden Work Days at the Community Garden to do planting and building planter beds. For details on both events, contact Grow Monrovia at info@growmonrovia.org.

- Brad Haugaard