Dinner from Altalia Pizzeria

Dinner from Altalia Pizzeria, in the little shopping center at the corner of Madison and Foothill. Got a medium Spinach White Pizza for the happy hour price of $18.86 and a half order of antipasto salad for $8.05. Plenty for two people and we had both pizza and salad left over. Very good pizza! By the way, this is strictly a takeout place; there’s no seating.

- Brad Haugaard 

Shooting Victim Identified as Ahmed Marwan Najjar, 27, of Glendora

The man who was shot to death in the parking lot behind the businesses at the northeast corner of Olive and Myrtle was Ahmed Marwan Najjar, 27, of Glendora, according to MyNewsLA.com. If you have any information about the shooting, call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers (800-222-8477) or lacrimestoppers.org. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Utility Box Artists Needed

The City of Monrovia has five utility boxes that need painting - artistically. Artists can apply for the Art on the Box program, which will pay artists $700 to enhance utility boxes.

Requirements:

• Design must reflect My Monrovia theme.
• Design must be submitted on the template provided.
• Colors on the rendering should be representative of the final colors.
• Design must be original and cannot infringe upon any copyright or trademark.
• Design must be family friendly.

Box Locations:

• 1005 S. Myrtle Ave.
• 110 E. Olive Ave.
• 198 S. Primrose Ave.
• 111 W. Colorado Blvd.
• 100 W. Lemon Ave.

Submittal Requirements:

• Open to residents and non-residents of all ages.
• Email completed application to Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us with the subject line reading "2024 Art on the Box Application."
• Artists may submit up to two designs.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the due date will be disqualified.

Design Selection:

• The Art in Public Places Committee will review and select the designs.
• Artists will be notified on April 18, 2024 if their design was selected.
• Designs will be evaluated on originality, creativity, quality and relativity in reflecting this year’s theme.

To download the PDF Application Form, click here.  For questions, contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Candidate Forum Tomorrow at 6:30 PM

Tomorrow, Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., there will be mayoral and city council candidate forums in the City Council Chambers at Monrovia City Hall, 415 S Ivy Ave, Monrovia. The public is invited to attend and submit written questions for the candidates. The forum will be aired by KGEM. The forum is being hosted by the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by the League of Women Voters. For questions call 358-1159 ext. 11 or write jo@monroviacc.com

- Brad Haugaard

Delilah - 60 Pound Snuggler Lap Dog

Beautiful Delilah is a two-year-old Shepherd mix who is ready to provide all the cuddles you can handle! She may weigh sixty pounds, but she thinks she’s still a lap dog!

Delilah was quite nervous when she arrived to the shelter, but she has absolutely thrived in her foster home. Her foster family reports that she is so much fun! She’s an amazing snuggler- that seems to be her favorite thing to do. She’s also an avid hiker- she loves getting out and exploring the world.

Delilah is also very smart- she has learned many training cues and really seems to enjoy learning new ones- she's a people-pleaser who will be a star in a training class.

Delilah has even gotten to know a few cats and seems to enjoy their company. With a gradual introduction, she can get along with most anyone!

Delilah is ready to find her forever snuggle-buddy- maybe that’s you?

Sir Patrick and all other animals over 6 months old can be adopted for only $14 from February 8 – 18, during Pasadena Humane’s Make Your Heart Happy-Adopt A Pet promotion!

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 at pasadenahumane.org. Daily adoption appointments can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in appointments are available daily from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Check website for details. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

African American Artists at Community Center

- Brad Haugaard

Overturned Big Rig Blocks Eastbound 210 in Monrovia

An overturned big rig blocked three eastbound 210 lanes near Huntington Drive in Monrovia this morning. Six vehicles, including three big rigs, were involved in the crash, according to news reports. The accident apparently happened when one truck hit a freeway wall, knocking cement onto the road. Details. More details. 

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Asks Community For Help in Selecting a New School Superintendent

In a letter to the community, Monrovia School Board President Jennifer Anderson asks people to "attend a meeting to assist us in the selection of our new superintendent. It is really important for us to hear from parents, students, employees, members of the community, and representatives from local agencies. We hope you will be able to attend the following meeting with consultants Ms. Pat Puleo and Mr. Joel Shapiro of The Cosca Group."

She adds that, "The purpose of the meeting is to inform you of the process, identify the strengths and needs of the district, and receive input regarding the desired characteristics of our new superintendent."

Meetings are ...

AM Meeting:
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: District Office Board Room

PM Meeting:
Date: Friday, Feb. 9
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: District Office Board Room

You may also submit written comments to The Cosca Group here (in English) and here (en Español).

- Brad Haugaard

Job and Resource Fair Feb. 29

Monrovia Community Job and Resource Fair at Monrovia Adult School, 920 S. Mountain, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information email Armenag.chemsian@edd.ca.gov or call 304-7919.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1900 Monrovia High Football Team

1900 Monrovia High School football team. Tough looking guys, and is that the coach riding a donkey? Taken on south side of Keefer Building at Myrtle and Lemon. 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

Gem City Grill Co-Owner Posts About Shooting Behind Bar

Posted by Tricia Brown Hobbs on the Monrovia Messenger Facebook page:

Dear Monrovia,

My name is Tricia and I am one of the owners of Gem City Grill at 115-117 East Olive.

In the early morning of Saturday, February 3, 2024 a shooting occurred in the parking lot to the rear of our business. Unfortunately, we were sad to learn that the victim lost his life. I am heartbroken that this senseless violence has cut short a young man’s life and has also ruined another, the shooter’s. The victim was not a customer of our establishment, and this shooting did not occur inside our bar.

I myself am a lifelong Monrovian. I love our city and the wonderful people in our community. I am grateful to own a home here, and I am proud to have reopened a long standing business here after Covid shut our world down. Our establishment has a rich and long history in Monrovia, having been a bar since at least the early 50’s. In 2017 a shooting did occur inside of Gem City Grill, while it was under previous ownership. My partners and I have worked hard over the past three years to clean up Gem City Grill and repair its past reputation. We are proud of the relationships we have built with MPD, our residential neighbors, and our neighboring businesses. We will continue to strive for a safe, neighborhood bar.

For all patrons that are coming in to support us, please remember… we are 21+ only. Whether you are 21 or 101, you need to have a valid ID on your person and be prepared to have it scanned by our IDetect Scanner when asked.

I want to personally thank all of you that have supported our small business and will continue to support us. And if we haven’t met yet, I hope you stop by and give us a try. My amazing staff and I look forward to serving you soon!

- Brad Haugaard

Man Killed Saturday Morning in Parking Lot Behind 100 Block of East Olive

A man was shot and killed about 1:30 this morning during a fight in the parking lot behind the Gem City Grill, on the 100 block of East Olive. Sheriff’s officials said there were multiple calls of a fight at the location. If you have any information about the shooting, call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers (800-222-8477) or lacrimestoppers.org. Details.

City Manager Dylan Feik added: "As Monrovia PD was responding to this call, other area agencies helped ensure we had sufficient law enforcement throughout the rest of the City. I wish to give a special thanks to the police departments of Arcadia, Irwindale and Sierra Madre for their assistance. And of course, our amazing team of dispatchers, officers and MPD staff did a superb job and I can't thank them enough. " 

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager Reports on Bradoaks School Fire

Firefighters visited Bradoaks children following fire.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports a cause has not yet been determined for the Bradoaks School fire and the investigation could last for days or even months. The fire caused major damage to a couple classrooms and damaged several others. Staff, teachers and administrators reorganized six new classrooms and two instructional area rooms for the students, and classes were back in session the following day. On Thursday, firefighters hung out with the kids to make sure everyone felt safe. 

Bradoaks PTA will host "80s Glow in the Dark Family Dance," and all proceeds will go towards rebuilding their classrooms. Tickets here.  Or, you may donate directly using Venmo, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Black History Month Events

This month the city and Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will celebrate Black History Month.

 Events:

• Kick Off, Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Duarte Museum (777 Encanto Parkway, Duarte)
• Fit Fair and Clinic, Saturday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Community Center
• Youth Celebration Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Library
• Luncheon and Art Exhibit Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church (925 S Shamrock Ave.)

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Mayoral Candidate Becky Shevlin

Re-Elect Becky Shevlin for Monrovia Mayor

Vision, Commitment, Passion, and Accessibility are core values I bring in representing all Monrovians. Although a partial list, we can look forward to continued infrastructure maintenance; the reopening of an improved Canyon Park; exciting additions to our Library to provide innovative outdoor programming; and plans are progressing for much needed renovations to our Community Center. We are embarking on new green energy options through the Clean Power Alliance and have taken action to provide a mental health crisis mobile response team. There is much to look forward to and continued work is needed to begin, complete and sustain our goals; together we will be ready! I will continue to be accessible, to set a positive tone of inclusion and representation and promise to continue to lead by example to serve, educate, and engage all Monrovians and especially our most vulnerable. I will continue to work collaboratively as a team through City Council, City Staff and Commissions, constituents, local and regional representation for the betterment of all.

Community Involvement –

Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board Council Liaison

Monrovia Chamber Governing Board and Government Affairs Council Liaison

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Board Member Council Liaison

Clifton Middle School Adopt-A-School Council Liaison

Monrovia Community Coordinating Council – Past President and

current Secretary and Calendar Coordinator

Monrovia Reads Board Member (having also served in all Executive Board positions)

Monrovia Guild of Monrovia of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Parliamentarian (having also served

as President and Vice President)

Member of Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, Monrovia Historical Society, Monrovia

Historical Museum, Friends of the Monrovia Library, and Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni

Association


Regional Representation –

SGV Council of Governments Immediate Past President; Homelessness Committee

Chair; Capital Projects and Construction Committee Member

Los Angeles County Blue-Ribbon Commission on Homelessness Executive Committee

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts 15 and 22 Board of Directors Member

SGV Regional Housing Trust Vice Chair

SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees President

Foothill Transit Executive Board Vice President

Southern California Association of Governments Community, Economic & Human Development Committee Member

I humbly ask that you re-elect me as your Mayor on March 5, 2024. Let’s keep the momentum going! Thank You - Becky Shevlin (626)253-0072; beckyshevlin@gmail.com; www.vote4becky.com; https://www.facebook.com/vote4beckyshevlin/