Monrovia Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of 'Inappropriate Contact With a Minor'

Following is a statement from School Superintendent Ryan D. Smith regarding the arrest of a Monrovia Unified teacher.

Dear Monrovia Unified School District Families:

This morning, law enforcement officials notified the district that Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School teacher Chad Miller was arrested at approximately 7:30 am by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on suspicion of making inappropriate contact with a minor with the intent of committing a sex crime and sexual contact with a minor.

Law enforcement has informed us that the minor allegedly involved is not a Monrovia Unified School District student. However, the District is, and shall continue to, cooperate fully with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's investigation. The teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and is not allowed on a school campus at this time.

We strongly encourage anyone with any information that might be helpful to the detectives to please contact them at 909-477-2893.

Learning that an adult trusted to work with children may have violated an important trust is unsettling. To support our school community, the District's crisis response team is available to support any students, families, or staff that is in need.

Sincerely,

Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Monrovian Heads Up Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival

Monrovian Carole Anne Kaufman, known as the Whistling Diva, is the Event Producer for The Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival, happening in Hollywood from September 22 to 24 at Barnsdall Gallery Theater (tickets and information here).  This event showcases whistlers from around the world. Kaufman owns Monrovia's Studio C Hair Artistry, is involved in producing the Monrovia Music Fest and can be spotted whistling in local parades. 

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Burger Basket

Lunch today at Burger Basket, at the northwest corner of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Got a Chicken Sandwich for $4.95 and a soda for $2.10. Good taste and good retro price.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Schools Win Silver Medals In PBIS Program

Monrovia's Bradoaks Elementary, Monroe Elementary, Plymouth Elementary, Wild Rose Creative School, Clifton Middle, and Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet all earned silver medals from California PBIS for their "exceptional implementation of the framework during the 2022-2023 school year." PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports - focuses on positive behavior and learning environments. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

A Samson Bear Honoring Former City Historian Steve Baker Will Be Unveiled Sept. 14

A new bear statue, honoring former City Historian Steve Baker, will be unveiled at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at the southeast corner of Foothill and Myrtle. RSVP at monroviacc.com/events.

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet and Calm Lilac is a Model Citzen

Gentle Lilac is ready to become someone’s BFF. Lilac is a four-year-old pit bull mix who is as sweet as they come! She has a calm energy and likes to take it easy.

Lilac has been out for a number of outings, and she has been a model citizen. She has represented the shelter at a mobile event where she met tons of people and showed off her training. She’s also been on a field trip and had a wonderful time- nothing seems to faze this sweet girl.

Lilac the social butterfly is always excited to meet people to get pets, and she likes it even more when they want to give her a belly rub. She is a world-class snuggler and is very happy to let you give her attention until she blissfully falls asleep.

Lilac and all other animals at Pasadena Humane can be adopted at no charge on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the shelter’s Free Adoption Day!

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: K-C Barbecue Restaurant

K-C BBQ restaurant, in 1937, at the corner of Myrtle and Huntington. 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

Family Feud Night at Library This Friday, Sept. 8

Family Feud at Monrovia Public Library on Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Teens and adults, ages 16+, welcome. Register by Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m. Limited seats. Test your knowledge in a fun game show night. Monrovia Public Library, 321 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016. Contact: cescobedo@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8265. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

September Workshops: Garden Design and Gardening for Shade

 Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will conduct two gardening workshops in September:

- Garden Design, on Sept. 12, 6 p.m. on Zoom.  Learn watershed-wise landscaping for turf replacement rebates. Details.

~ Gardening for Shade on Sept. 23, 9 a.m., in person at the new Upper District headquarters at 248 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia. Topics: working with limited space, hillsides, creating cool retreats, question and answer time. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Temporary Location for Community Center During Renovation

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Negotiating to lease the one-story building at 324-328 South Myrtle, on the east side of the street, as a temporary Community Center during the 24 months it is expected to take to renovate the existing Community Center. Details.

~ Proclaiming September as National Suicide Prevention Month (details), and  September 10-26 as National Patriotism Week (details).

~ Also, there will be a 5 p.m. meeting to discuss, the "State of the City’s Finances: Past, Present, and Future." Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Audition for Little Mermaid Production Sept. 8-9

Audition with Centre Stage and IFGF for a production of Little Mermaid on  Sept. 8 and 9 at the Centre Stage Studios at 2640 S Myrtle Ave. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Kiwanis Cornhole Competition Sept. 16

Kiwanis Club of Monrovia will hold its third annual Cornhole Competition September 16 from 2 to 8 p.m. at 212 W Foothill Blvd.  $40 for admission, $80 for a team of two for tournament play. Tacos, beer, margaritas, and non-alcoholic beverages included in ticket price. Each entry includes a giveaway bag with t-shirt. First place team will win $250, second place $150, and third place $100. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Gardening Tips Seminar Saturday, Sept. 23

Food Ed will hold a gardening seminar at the Community Garden (corner of Magnolia and Colorado) on Saturday Sept. 23, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The seminar, Confessions of a Master Gardener & Tips from a Frugal Gardener, will cover tips and tricks from Monrovia Master Gardener Judy Gomez and low-cost gardening tips from Rebecca Takahashi. This session is for all learning levels and is free and open to all. For information, email info@monroviacommunitygarden.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Department Honors Outstanding Officers

Monrovia Police Department celebrated outstanding officers at its annual recognition ceremony. During the event, Chief Alan Sanvictores bestowed the prestigious Medal of Merit upon Sergeant Adam Villalobos and Officer Grace Aparicio.

Villalobos demonstrated courage when responding to a call in Arcadia, where an Arcadia Police Officer was shot. He secured the area and ensured the safety of trapped civilians, including grandparents and a 4-month-old child.

Aparicio displayed bravery when she responded to an attempted suicide on the Metro Line train tracks. Despite the man's attempting to flee, and engaging in a physical altercation, Aparicio pursued and helped subdue him until additional officers arrived. She also facilitated his transportation for care, ultimately saving a life.

Sanvictores also recognized with Distinguished Service Medals, Officer Grace Aparicio, Community Service Officer Evelyn Ruedas, Police Service Representative Lucy Liou, Dispatcher Anne Viramontes, and Chaplain Terrence Brown. 

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - September

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

There is also a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.

- Brad Haugaard