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Dinner at Chronic Taco


Dinner at Chronic Taco, on the west side of Myrtle just north of Palm. Got the two taco plate for $9.95 and a beer. To get a beer you need to first buy a card for $2 and then put money on it. I put $8 on it then touched the card on the tap to get the beer, so the beer cost $8… or less. Or, if you just use the card once I guess it cost $10. Anyway, it was all tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dobby, Sweet and Sensitive Comedian

Dobby thinks it’s funny to stick out his tongue while getting his photo taken. He probably also likes to tell corny jokes, put a lampshade on his head or whatever it takes to get a laugh. Or at the very least, an eyeroll.

He may be a comedian at heart, but Dobby is also a sweet and sensitive dog. He’s just over a year old, and an active home would be ideal for this active border collie mix.

Pasadena Humane volunteers have taken him on several field trips, and they’ll attest to his love of the outdoors. He is an avid hiker and explores whatever stream he comes across. He is also thrilled to go hang out at Starbucks afterwards and enjoy a puppocino.

Dobby is ready for an open-mic night at your house!

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: 1887 Real Estate Office

Man seated at desk to right is John Wilde, who built the apartments and stores later known as the Harper block. W.H. Evans (Emporium of Fashion) was the first occupant of the north store that was where the Boxx Jewelry Store is now at 516 S Myrtle. Mr. Wilde also built two or three houses on Lemon Avenue east of Canyon. The MacNeale & Urban safe seen belonged at one time to the firm of Buck & Campbell. The man in the 'pork pie' hat may be Mr. Campbell. Photo by Shaffner's California Views, 500-590 Sixth Street, Los Angeles. 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

Last Summer Art Walk This Saturday

On Saturday, August 26, from 6-9 p.m., in Old Town will be the last Summer Art Walk of the season; sponsored by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.

- Brad Haugaard

Lego Free Play Saturday at Library


Lego Free Play on Aug 26, 1-3 p.m. in the library Story Room. Creative building with provided LEGO blocks for ages 2-12 and families. No registration needed.

- Brad Haugaard

Sensory Playtime Aug. 26 at Library

Sensory Playtime on Aug 26, 10-11 a.m. at library, for children with ASD and sensory disorders. Registration required, limited seats. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Dungeons and Dragons at Library Friday

 

There are 4 seats remaining for people 16 and older to play Dungeons and Dragons at the library this Friday, August 25,  at 5:30 p.m. Seats to play limited to eight but if you are waitlisted, feel free to watch and learn. Registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Remodel of Taqueria El Diablo

Taqueria El Diablo, at Myrtle and Olive, is proposing a facelift to the front of its building to tie together its original site and the unit next door to the north on Myrtle, the former Comic Cellar, which it now occupies (Details). The Historic Preservation Committee will consider the proposal at its next meeting. Its staff recommends approval. Agenda.

- Brad Haugaard

Classes on as Scheduled at Monrovia Schools Monday

Classes are on for tomorrow at Monrovia schools, but, Superintendent Ryan Smith writes, "District and site teams will inspect each of our schools and facilities Monday (8/21) morning to address any issues before students, teachers, and staff arrive."

- Brad Haugaard

Because of Hurricane Hilary, Fellowship Church Switches to Online Only this Sunday

Because of Hurricane Hilary and the tropical storm warning, Monrovia's large Fellowship Church has decided to cancel its in-person Sunday service and switch completely online this week. 

A letter to the congregation says: "Our highest priority is your safety and we encourage you to stay inside and avoid any unnecessary travel as the storm passes through Southern California. Throughout the weekend please monitor local government agencies and the National Weather Service for updated news about the storm and where you can acquire resources/help for any urgent needs."

Online services 9 and 11 a.m here.

- Brad Haugaard

Prep For Tropical Storm Hilary


In a special email to the community, City Manager Dylan Feik asked residents to be prepared for Tropical Storm Hilary, which should hit the area tomorrow, Sunday. He suggested:  

  • Inspect your vehicles and equipment are working properly. Check your windshield wipers, ensure your tires are not flat or balding, ensure all lights (headlights, emergency lights and brake lights) are functioning. 
  • Try to stay home and minimize travel to essential trips. 
  • If you need to travel, avoid flooded areas and drive carefully during rainfall or weather conditions affecting visibility. 
  • Clear  drains and gutters to prevent blockage and flooding.
  • Secure outdoor items like furniture and grills that may be affected by high winds.
  • Avoid downed power lines or downed trees blocking street traffic and call 911. 
  • For downed trees on sidewalks, call Monrovia Public Works at 932-5575. 
  • In case of power outages, charge your devices now, including external batteries.
  • Report any power outages to Southern California Edison. Call 800-611-1911. 

Because of the possibility of mud flows, bags and gravel are available in front of the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 Mountain) and at Recreation Park (847 E. Olive). Bring shovels, gloves, and eye protection and take only what you need. 

City staff will remain on standby and crews will be monitoring the conditions and impacts of the storm.

- Brad Haugaard

Redesigning Santa Fe Middle School; Special Ed Handbook Update; Get Rid of Old Furniture; Citrus College Credit for MHS Students

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

~ Consider contracting with Learner-Centered Collaborative  to help "redesign Santa Fe Middle School, with a focus on attracting and retaining students while fostering learner-centered experiences aligned to the Monrovia Strategic Plan." Cost: $60,000, plus transportation costs. Details.

~  Receive an update on the district's Special Education Procedural Handbook. More

~  Give away or dump old furniture and replace it with new.  More.

~ Sign a deal with Citrus College allowing Monrovia High students to earn college credit. More

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Museum and Historical Society's Anderson House Open This Sunday

This Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., both the Monrovia Historical Society's George H. Anderson House, and the Monrovia Historical Museum will be open.

The Anderson House (215 E. Lime) is open every third Sunday, from 1-4 p.m. See how Monrovians lived in the late 1800s. UPDATE: Canceled due to storm.

The Historical Museum (742 E. Lemon) is open Thursdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Exhibits on hospitals, schools, police and fire departments, and the airport. See how wars affected the community and why Monrovia became an All America City.

Dick Singer's book, People Like You and Me, about Monrovia and Monrovians during World War II, will be available for sale at both locations.

- Brad Haugaard

First Time Ever - National Hurricane Center Issues Warning for Southern California


For the first time ever, the National Hurricane Center has issued a warning (a Tropical Storm Watch) for the Southern California region. Hurricane Hilary is predicted to bring heavy rainfall to southern California from Sunday night into Tuesday morning. There is the potential for flash floods. Sandbags are available at the City Yard at 600 S Mountain Ave. More

- Brad Haugaard

S&P Raises Bond Rating for Monrovia Water and Sewer Bonds; New Rules for Candidates; Paid Media Internship for High School Students

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

~  S&P Global Ratings has boosted its bond rating from A- to A for Monrovia water and sewer revenue bonds. A higher rating generally means lower borrowing costs for the city. The A rating is S&P's sixth highest rating, behind AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, and A+. Details

~ Potential candidates for public office in the March 5, 2024, General Municipal Election may wish to attend  a presentation by Monrovia City Attorney Craig Steele (Sept. 5, 6 p.m., City Council Chambers), to understand the impact of Senate Bill 1439 on campaign contributions and disclosure requirements.  Details

~ Monrovia and Duarte high school juniors and seniors may apply for KGEM's Ralph Walker Paid Internship. A apply from Aug 16 - Sep 15. Interviews: Oct 2 - 16.  Details

- Brad Haugaard