‘Dog Library’ now open in Monrovia

Someone with a practical sense of humor apparently decided to echo the Little Book libraries that you see around town, and created one for dogs. This “Dog Library” is on the path beside the wash where it crosses under Norumbega, a popular dog walking area. Take a stick, leave a stick.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Myrtle Avenue in the 1960s - I think

Looking north on Myrtle from Colorado. Though the picture is not dated, I'd guess from the cars that this photo is from the early 1960s. Can anyone make a better estimate? 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

Explaining how laser vision lets machines see

Monrovia's SiLC Technologies Inc. will host the February meeting of MADIA Tech Launch at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. If your car beeps when you edge too close to something, chances are it uses LiDAR. But LiDAR now goes beyond basic obstacle detection.

Dr. Mehdi Asghari, president and CEO of SiLC Technologies, will explain this laser-based system and its growing applications in robotics, industrial automation, and security. A tour of the facility at 181 W. Huntington Drive will include demonstrations.

Public welcome. Advance registration required. Tickets are $12 (includes pizza and soda) or $6 for students, available via Eventbrite at MADIAtech.org. Limited on-site tickets are $20. A no-cost Zoom link provides select coverage. MADIA Tech Launch is a nonprofit supported by local governments and industries.

- Brad Haugaard

Civic leaders to get seminar on ethics

This Wednesday Monrovia civic leaders will get a seminar on ethics in government, “AB-1234 Ethics Training – Principles of Ethics and the Law in Public Service”. Details.

Here is Assembly Bill 1234 as it pertains to local government.

- Brad Haugaard 

How to build a pollinator garden, Feb. 13

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Unity Center looking for more volunteers

Volunteers needed for weekly food distribution and warehouse support at Foothill Unity Center after the Eaton Fire. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. 790 W Chestnut Ave. Volunteer here or email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

City letter to EPA about fire waste

Here is the letter the city of Monrovia is sending to the Environmental Protection Agency expressing its concerns regarding the agency’s use of the Lario Staging Area in Azusa for temporary storage of waste taken from the Altadena fire.

- Brad Haugaard 

Police arrest driver after chase through north Monrovia

Monrovia police press release regarding pursuit in north Monrovia.

PRESS RELEASE: On Friday, January 31, 2025, at approximately 11:52 p.m., Monrovia Police Department officers attempted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle that had just been stolen from a residence in Monrovia. The driver failed to yield, leading officers on a pursuit throughout the north end of the city. The suspect drove recklessly, colliding with a parked vehicle and continuing to flee. The suspect swerved toward officers and later accelerated head-on into a marked patrol vehicle with an officer inside, causing non-life-threatening injuries.

 

The suspect continued fleeing until officers successfully disabled the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

 

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Monrovia Police Department at (626) 256-8000. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

 

No further details are available at this time.

- Brad Haugaard 

Missing person, Lisa Harell, last seen in Monrovia

Update: found and reunited with her family.

- Brad Haugaard 

Current Local Job Opportunities - February

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

There will also be a job fair this coming Wednesday (Feb. 5) at the Community Adult School. Details.

Finally, there is a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.

- Brad Haugaard

Adult craft night at Library, Feb. 4

Winter Adult Craft Night at the Library, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6 to 7 p.m. Ages 16+. Celebrate Black History Month by creating poetry wall hangings. Materials and African-American poetry books provided. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Register here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Trivia challenge at the library, Feb. 7

Trivia Challenge at the Library, Friday, Feb. 7, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ages 13+. Pop culture, history, science, movies and more. Snacks provided. Register here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Family literacy event at library, Feb. 8

Read, Write, Love: Family Literacy Event at the Library, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2 to 4 p.m. Children to age 8. Create Valentine’s Day cards, enjoy storytime and receive free books. Registration encouraged. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register here. 

- Brad Haugaard

State of the City event set for Tuesday, Feb. 11

The City Council will host its annual State of the City on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m., at LOOK Cinemas. A reception showcase featuring city department and community partner booths will precede the address, which will cover the Eaton Fire, recovery efforts, a recap of the past year and a preview of what’s ahead for 2025.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's concerns about EPA's parking Eaton Fire waste in Azusa - Communication, transportation, groundwater

Location of Lario Staging Area.

Monrovia is concerned that the Environmental Protection Agency did not inform or consult local cities on its plans to park the waste from the Altadena cleanup at the federal Lario Staging Area in Azusa. In addition to the lack of communication, the cities are concerned about groundwater and soil contamination as the site borders an aquifer that serves more than 1 million people. They were also concerned that waste trucks were told to use Huntington Drive, though that has since shifted to the 210 freeway.

- Brad Haugaard