Monrovia Police seeking evidence on fatal hit and run at Duarte and Eighth

The Monrovia Police Department is seeking witnesses and anyone who may have residential or vehicle surveillance cameras that may have recorded information  about a felony hit-and-run at West Duarte Road and Eighth Avenue between 5:15 and 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. If you have such information, contact Detective Lopez at 626 258-8044 or at mlopez@monroviapd.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Update: The teenage girl who was struck has since died of her injuries.

- Brad Haugaard

Well-mannered Astro loves a dip in a kiddie pool

Astro is a handsome, 4-year-old black Siberian Husky at Pasadena Humane with a gentle soul and a playful side. While he can be a little shy at first, he warms up with calm energy, tasty treats, and a bit of patience - eventually leaning in for pets and affection.

Out on walks, Astro is well-mannered and curious. He rarely pulls and loves to take his time sniffing and observing the world around him. He's done great on field trips to local parks, car rides, and even short home visits where he enjoyed the pool, naps, and some indoor chill time. Though he's strong, he’s not reactive to dogs or people but definitely prefers calm environments where he can relax.

While he’s not super into toys, he loves a good splash in the kiddie pool and the occasional burst of zoomies once he’s comfortable.

Astro is available for a 10-day adoption trial, giving you a chance to get to know this sweet boy in your home. Come meet him today at Pasadena Humane!

Astro and all other available animals will have their adoption fees waived on Free Adoption Day, October 18th from 10am to 2pm.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

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.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Enjoying a swing ride

Jack Hosfield and woman on swing at a campsite, around 1910. From the photo album of May Baker, an avid photographer. From the Steve Baker 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

Beginner vocal class for 16 and up, Oct. 11 at the library

Introductory vocal workshop for ages 16 and up in the library Story Room from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Attendees will learn basic vocal exercises and simple songs. Instruction by Monrovia Music Academy. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Loteria for children, Oct. 9 at the library

Loteriafor children ages 6–11 on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the library Youth Services Area. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with games, prizes, and snacks. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Robotics for kids, Oct. 18 at the library

Gears & Gadgets: Exploring Robotics, for ages 6–12, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Presented by Monrovia High’s robotics team. Kids will learn how robots work, see student projects, and participate in hands-on activities. Register here. An adult must accompany each child.

- Brad Haugaard

Noche de Familia fun time planned for Oct. 15

Pacific Clinics will host a free, family-friendly "Noche de Familia" event with games, activities, and information on community resources on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 902 S Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Walk, Bike, Roll to school event see for Oct. 15

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day takes place Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Mayflower Elementary. Students are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to school alongside community members, with city officials and school leaders participating. Morning traffic will be slowed at key intersections, including Mayflower at Concord, Court, and Hillcrest, and Alta Vista at Hillcrest and Concord.

- Brad Haugaard

SCE to begin replacing streetlights with LEDs and will use helicopters and drones for inspections

Southern California Edison (SCE) will begin retrofitting streetlights with more efficient LED lights this month. Work for October 6–10 will take place  south of Colorado Blvd and north of El Sur Street, and also on streets south of Foothill and east of Mountain. Expect parking restrictions and noise during work hours. For information, contact SCE at 626 815-7256. Also, the company will conduct aerial inspections for wildfire prevention over the next several weeks using drones and helicopters.

- Brad Haugaard

EIR for planned 5-story project at Myrtle and Olive says no significant environmental impacts

The Final Environmental Impact Report for the proposed five-story mixed-use project at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Olive is now available, here. From the introduction: "... the EIR concludes that the Project will not result in any significant and unavoidable environmental impacts."

The document includes responses to public comments and an updated Water and Sewer Capacity Study. The Development Review Committee will consider the project October 15 at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers, with further hearings by Planning Commission and City Council to follow.

- Brad Haugaard

Safe Streets and Roads meeting set for Oct. 13

There will be a Safe Streets and Roads for All meeting on Monday, Oct. 13. from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Library Community Room. City staff will present survey results, recommended traffic safety projects, and proposed bike lane network expansion. Details and registration here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Fire station open house for Fire Prevention Week

Fire Station 101 (141 E Lemon Avenue) will be open to the public Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. Games, station tours, and fire safety education. For details, call 256-8181.

- Brad Haugaard

Donald Schweitzer appointed to board of Foothill Unity Center

Foothill Unity Center has appointed Donald Schweitzer to its board of directors. Schweitzer is a certified Family Law Specialist with more than 30 years of trial experience, and founder and managing partner of Schweitzer Law Partners. He has served as a Pasadena Bar Association president, Pasadena City College Foundation president, and Pasadena Chamber of Commerce chairman. He spent eight years as a deputy district attorney with a 95% conviction rate and prior to that was a police officer. 

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to consider mural for new Satoru Tsuneishi Park

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider hiring Trinity Rivard for up to $25,000 to paint a 100-foot mural on a block wall on the south side of the new Satoru Tsuneishi Park, just behind the Chick-fil-A. Details and close-ups of the mural here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Tacos & Papas

Had dinner at Tacos & Papas, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Got a pork birria burrito for $12.75 and a beer for $3.99. I thought birria was always goat, but not so. Tasty and filling.

- Brad Haugaard