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Speaker Ryan Ries Will Talk About Dangers of Drugs, Alcohol, and Depression


Guest speaker Ryan Ries will speak to youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings at Calvary Chapel Monrovia on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

Ries grew up in Southern California and made a name for himself in the skateboard industry, working for Circa Footwear, maker of skateboarding shoes. He later became involved in the rap and hip hop music industry.

He was making $300,000 a year and was traveling the world with rock bands, but began to struggle with drugs, which almost took his life. 

He has been sober for many years, is married with triplet girls and a son, and travels the world speaking to youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings. 

He and two rock musicians who had a similar story formed an organization called The Whosoevers, which brings a message of hope and love to young people -- and adults -- who are struggling.

He has written the book, "Kill the Noise: Finding Meaning Above the Madness," and is doing a book tour, speaking at churches, youth programs and to incarcerated juveniles. He also speaks at music festivals and skate parks across the nation.   

- Brad Haugaard

Senior Kitty Albert Wants to Be a Pampered Lap Cat


Senior kitty Albert is a former stray who’s ready to spend his golden years as a pampered lap cat! Albert is ten years young and has a curious spirit. He loves exploring, but will happily hang out with you for some petting and head scratches. He has a sweet and quiet meow that he uses to get your attention. Albert has surprisingly soft fur that you’ll love to pet!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All kitten 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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Make Reservations to Visit Canyon Park

File photo.

Monrovia Canyon Park will open Monday, August 30 for visitors with reservations. The Waterfall Trail, Nature Trail, Bill Cull Trail, and Cunningham Overlook Trail will all be open, but "the Ben Overturff Trial is closed per US Forest Service Dept."

Park hours are Sunday - Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. On Tuesdays people can walk or bike into the park, but it will be closed to vehicles for routine maintenance. Vehicle admission is $5 per vehicle, $10 on weekends. The park will also be closed if it is raining.

The city urges "extra caution when walking, hiking, or biking on our trails as we continue to have loose gravel and rocks along the trails." 

For reservations, go to https://is.gd/9aYoBY and click on "Trail Reservations".

- Brad Haugaard

What First Day Back to In-Person School Was Like


Monrovia Unified School District students received the red-carpet treatment on Aug. 18, welcomed with colorful balloons, inspirational banners, and exuberant school mascots as they returned to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year.

Wearing big smiles behind their face masks and chatting amiably with their classmates and teachers, more than 5,000 Monrovia students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade made their first appearances on campus for full-time instruction since March 2020.

“We are ecstatic to have our students back on campus. The first day of school is always exciting, but this year is extra special,” MUSD Board President Maritza Travanti said. “Seeing the students arrive on campus, hearing the spirit in their voices and watching them interact together makes me so happy. School Board members were at multiple school sites greeting students, families and staff throughout the week. We are looking forward to a wonderful and successful 2021-22 school year.”

At Monrovia High School, the new freshman class was greeted by a huge inflatable Wildcat, teachers wearing “The Wildcat Way” T-shirts, and mentors and representatives from Renaissance Club, Link Crew and Associated Student Body.

As part of the Monrovia High Passport to Success program, freshmen spent their first morning receiving a pep talk from principal Kirk McGinnis as well as learning tips on how to be a successful high school student. In keeping with Wildcat tradition, freshmen were asked to make a commitment pledge to graduate in 2025, signing their names to a ceremonial white commencement robe.

Monrovia High senior and Renaissance Club member Jackee Munoz is excited to be back at school and to be assisting the freshmen class as they acclimate to their new surroundings.

“This is my favorite part of school, being able to be a leader for the freshmen,” Munoz said. “It’s really important to be on campus because we all missed out on so much last year. It’s good to see my friends and everyone coming back together. I’m looking forward to a normal year, back to everyone being in the same place.”

Seniors, juniors, and sophomores arrived later in the day, receiving their schedules, and attending their first classes.

At Plymouth Elementary School, students sporting colorful backpacks and face masks walked a red carpet into school. Plymouth PTA members dressed in green dragon costumes provided entertainment and proud parents took pictures as students waited in line to receive their class assignments.

Plymouth students were assigned color codes that directed them to their new classroom and teacher. Principal Greg Gero assisted faculty and staff in greeting students and enthusiastically answering questions from parents.

“This is a much more exciting first day than usual,” Gero said. “We are thrilled to welcome back all of our students, many of whom we haven’t seen in a year and a half. Just to see all the new faces and the families, and how excited they are, the teachers and the staff. It’s very rewarding.”

Students will follow a full-time in-person schedule and adhere to all State of California health and safety protocols. Masks will be required indoors but are optional outdoors for students, faculty and staff. Physical distancing is not required but will be encouraged. Playgrounds will be open for all students, and they can spend their lunch indoors or outdoors. Information on COVID-19 screenings and vaccinations can be found on the District website.

Monrovia Unified also launched Mountain Park Virtual Academy this school year, presenting students and families with an online option while still receiving a full, comprehensive curriculum.

“I have never looked forward to a first day of school more than this year,” MUSD Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith said. “I am so proud to welcome back our returning students, introduce new students and families to the District, and to be part of this amazing and vibrant community. On behalf of Monrovia Unified administrators, faculty and staff, we are ready to resume our mission to provide our children with a world class education that prepares them for success in college and career.”

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Inside Frank J. Cornes' Grocery Store

Frank J. Cornes' Grocery Store at 501 S Myrtle c. 1893.. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

Santa Anita Family YMCA Plans January Opening; Historic Monrovia Walking Tour


In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports: 

~ The Santa Anita Family YMCA plans to re-open in January 2022 and has opened a fundraising campaign to raise $90,000 to provide state of the art fitness equipment and "extended community resources."

The Y "plans to launch community programming focused on fighting food insecurity, providing equity in education, making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, ensuring kids and teens have a safe place to grow, and learn and live a healthy lifestyle." https://is.gd/tsWW7S

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct its third historic walking tour of the summer this Saturday, August 21. The cost is $5 per person and the tour lasts about 2 hours. Learn about the early history of Monrovia and how became the community it is today. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues at 10 a.m. Tour guides from the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will be walking slowly to Olive and back (8 city blocks total) during the tour.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Canyon Park to Reopen (by Reservation Only) on August 30


City Manager Dylan Feik reports that on August 30 "Monrovia Canyon Park will be open to visitors by reservations only. Reservations will be open on August 23, and in the upcoming week, we will be sharing information on how to make a reservation."

He adds:

"Since last September when the Bobcat Fire burned hundreds of acres in Monrovia, including Monrovia Canyon Park, the facility has been closed to the public. Staff and volunteers have contributed countless hours repairing trails, clearing fallen trees, painting facilities and aiding in regrowth. The community is invited to enjoy all hiking trails, including the Waterfall Trail, Nature Trail, Bill Cull Trail, Cunningham Overlook Trail, and the Ben Overturff Trail!"

At this time, - Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 82 More Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 08/18/2021. Changes since 08/11/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,561 cases (up 82), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 411 cases (up 7), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Back In Session - In Person!

Students at Plymouth School.

Monrovia schools are back in session. Drive carefully!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Intoxicated Drivers; More Intoxicated Drivers; Drunk Mom Bites Dad's Arm; Drunk Driver Loses a Wheel - Keeps Going; Gunshots; and More...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 12-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 12:34 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle saw a suspicious male subject sitting in a vehicle parked in the area. The officer contacted the subject and saw he had drug paraphernalia out in plain sight. The subject was detained and a search of the vehicle revealed multiple controlled substances. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 1:17 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Foothill and Mayflower. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. After a DUI investigation was conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 2:09 a.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of Laurel stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver was exhibiting signs and symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. After a drug evaluation was conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence / Child Endangerment – Suspect Wanted
August 13 at 8:00 p.m., officers responded to an apartment building in the 800 block of S. Myrtle regarding reports of a female screaming. Officers contacted the female, who was heavily intoxicated. She stated her ex-boyfriend, whom she has a child with, tried to kill her by putting his hand over her mouth and neck. The male subject already left the location with the child prior to officers arriving. The female was transported to a local hospital for further treatment because she stated she possibly lost consciousness. The male subject, who is the appointed foster parent, met with the officer at the station with the child. Further investigation revealed the father arrived at the apartment and found the mother was heavily intoxicated while caring for their daughter. They argued about her being intoxicated and the female started hitting the male on his head. When he raised his left arm up to block her, she bit his left wrist, causing it to bleed. The female subject was determined to be the primary aggressor in the incident. She is now wanted for further questioning regarding this case. The Department of Children and Family Services was also notified.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 9:39 p.m., two vehicles collided in the intersection of Peck and Armijo. Upon arrival, officers determined the party most at fault was intoxicated. A DUI investigation was conducted, and the driver was ultimately found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 13 at 11:19 p.m., officers responded to the area of Colorado and Ivy regarding a possible DUI driver. The caller stated the driver was driving erratically. An officer located the vehicle and saw it was weaving back and forth on the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted, and after a DUI investigation, the driver was arrested and held for and a sobering period.

Weapons Offense / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 11:03 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Foothill regarding a subject knocking on various doors in the area. Upon arrival, they made contact with the subject, who was heavily intoxicated. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of a double edged knife and a replica firearm. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Pursuit / Non-Injury Traffic Collision / DUI – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 3:49 a.m., officers on patrol near the intersection of Foothill and Magnolia were handling a call and observed a speeding vehicle. After finishing their call for service, they observed the same vehicle driving by, now missing a wheel. The officers tried to stop the vehicle, but it sped away. After a short pursuit, the vehicle tried to make a turn and lost control, colliding into a parked vehicle. The driver was determined to be under the influence. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
August 15 at 6:19 a.m., an alarm company for a restaurant in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported an alarm activation had just occurred. Officers responded and found the backdoor had been forced open and two safes were stolen. The safes contained cash. There were no suspects located in the building. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Stolen Mail – Suspect Arrested
August 15 at 8:31 a.m., security for an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported a male subject sleeping in the building's stairwell. Officers arrived and located the subject, who was found to be in possession of mail and UPS packages belonging to residents of the building. The mail and packages were opened and some of the contents were found in the subject's backpack. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
August 15 at 10:31 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Sesmas walked outside her apartment and discovered someone had slashed two of her vehicle tires sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
August 15 at 11:17 a.m., a male subject walked into the Monrovia Police Department lobby and said he was depressed and wanted to kill himself. He let officers know he has a history of mental illness that requires medication, but he hasn't taken medication for an unknown length of time. The subject was transported to a nearby mental health hospital for care.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 16 at 3:28 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of S. Lincoln and Colorado regarding an injury traffic collision. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle in the middle of the street with major damage. During the investigation, officers discovered the driver was traveling east on Colorado at a high rate of speed, when he struck the dip at Colorado and Fifth. The driver lost control and struck several parked vehicles and damaged an Edison pole. This collision is still under investigation.

Commercial Burglary
August 16 at 8:05 a.m., employees of a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte arrived to work and discovered someone had forced entry into the building sometime during the night. The suspects rummaged through the cash registers and stole money and merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 16 at 12:37 p.m., a driver reported that he collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Myrtle and Los Angeles, but the other vehicle fled. Paramedics responded because the caller said he was injured, but had no visible injuries. While officers were speaking with the driver, the other motorist returned to inquire why the police had responded, stating that both parties had already exchanged information. After further investigation, the driver that called police admitted they had exchanged information, and he was found to be at fault. He was also found to be driving with a suspended license and was issued a citation at the scene.

Attempted Grand Theft
August 17 at 2:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of E. Colorado on the report of an attempted grand theft. The victim reported that someone tried to take his catalytic converter. He heard noises outside his residence and scared off the suspects. The suspects were last seen leaving eastbound on Colorado, out of sight. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 17 at 4:08 p.m., a traffic collision involving three motorists was reported in the 400 block of E. Duarte. One of the drivers was complaining of pain, so paramedics responded. The injured driver was not taken to a hospital. The party found to be at fault was issued a citation.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant
August 18 at 11:59 a.m., suspicious male subjects were reported in front of a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Foothill. An officer arrived and contacted both male subjects. The officer could see used drug paraphernalia in the hand of one of the subjects. As the officer was waiting for additional officers to arrive, the subject with the drug paraphernalia suddenly ran. The subject was not located. This subject is known to police and also has a warrant for his arrest.

Vehicle Burglary
August 18 at 8:04 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. The victim reported that she parked her vehicle to the rear of a restaurant. When she returned after dinner, she found the window to her vehicle had been smashed. A laptop and her wallet were taken from inside. Investigation continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 18 at 10:02 p.m., a caller reported a semi-truck tried to make a turn at California and Duarte and clipped the drop arm at the tracks. The drop arm was damaged and the driver fled the scene. Investigation continuing.

Shots Fired
August 18 at 11:11 p.m., a caller reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area of Alta Vista and Duarte Rd. Officers responded and located four spent casings in the roadway. The area was searched for victims, witnesses, and impact strikes, but none were located. Investigation continuing.

Dinner at Luscious Dumplings

Dinner at Luscious Dumplings, in the shopping area at Duarte and Sixth. Got the Steamed Soup Dumplings for $11 and a Diet Coke for $1.50. Very tasty! (By the way, the name is being changed to Mason’s Dumpling Shop.)

- Brad Haugaard 

Academic Elsa Loves Learning!


When three-year-old Elsa was found as a stray, she was very calm and friendly, giving licks and tail wags. Although she’s been more shy at the shelter, our behavior staff has started to see her come out of her shell. Elsa loves learning new things, such as sit and down, and gets so much more relaxed and happy when she’s learning! She also loves treats, and is very treat-motivated. Elsa would do best in a home without other dogs, with a patient adopter who can let her go at her own pace. She has lots of love to give!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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's Solar Heater Company

1923 advertisement for Day & Night Solar Heater Co., William J. Bailey owner. One of Monrovia's largest employers.. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

Free Concert Tonight: Night Owl Top 40 Band

 Free concert tonight, August 15, at Library Park bandshell. Night Owl, top 40 band. From 7-8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Plague rules apply.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Concert Tonight - The Answer Classic Rock

Free concert tonight, August 14, at Station Square Amphitheater. The Answer, Classic rock band. From 7-8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Plague rules apply.

- Brad Haugaard