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Citrus College Named as 'Military Friendly'

For the ninth consecutive year, Citrus College has been designated a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY, an organization that connects the military community to educational opportunities and civilian employment. Citrus appears on MilitaryFriendly.com (here: https://goo.gl/hgtWEf) as well as in the "2019 Guide to Military Friendly Schools," published in G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines. Citrus serves the Monrovia area.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Brewery Holding Grand Opening

Monrovia has yet another micro-brewery, Wingwalker Brewing (celebrating "the Daredevil Barnstormers of the past and the Spirit of Adventure that drove them."). The new brewery will hold its grand opening this Saturday, Feb. 9, with food trucks, beer and rock and roll by The Freedom Ledges. The brewery is at 235 West Maple St., three blocks north of Huntington, and a half block east of Magnolia. https://goo.gl/G1RBTg

- Brad Haugaard

Jynx Would Love to Have a Cat Playmate

Jynx (A471061) is one beautiful cat! He’s a 5-year-old who was surrendered to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA in mid-January and was pretty shy. We thought he might come out of his shell if he was in one of our cat communal rooms, and be able to interact with other cats. Jynx is now doing so much better. He even has a best friend, Ralphie (A471298), a 2-year-old red tabby. They get along great except when Ralphie tries to eat Jynx’s treats. Jynx is also very sweet to people, and likes to be petted around his ears. He’ll even head bump and purr for more human affection. Because Jynx seems to like other cats, just as much as people, we recommend Jynx going to a home that already has a cat so he will have a guaranteed play mate.

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

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. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Trickle to Torrent

The stream in Canyon Park, which for years has been a trickle, has become a torrent. 

- Brad Haugaard 

City Council to Consider 5% Raise for City Manager; Will Receive Financial Report

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/etZvzT) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider bumping City Manager Oliver Chi's salary up 5%, to $19,282.69 per month, which the city attorney says is still 8 percent under the average for city managers in nearby cities. https://goo.gl/nEZZoc

~ Receive an "unqualified" (that's good) report from the city's financial auditor. Here's the whole monster report if you want to read it: https://goo.gl/ahKHhN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Too Close to Library Park; Drunks, Drugs and Shoplifting; Scratchers; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for January 24–30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 401 service events, resulting in 102 investigations.

Shoplifting
January 24 at 7:06 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that two male subjects entered the store, selected several tools and left without paying. Both suspects ran to a vehicle, which was occupied by a female driver. All of the suspects fled with the items. The vehicle license plate number was obtained by an employee. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:49 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in the 500 block of W. Huntington, when he stopped a subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. The subject was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest and was taken into custody per the authority of the warrants.

Grand Theft Auto
January 25 at 7:12 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of W. Walnut. The victim reported his green, 1998 Toyota Corolla was stolen sometime during the night while it was parked in front of his residence. Investigation continuing.

Violation of Court Order
January 25 at 8:15 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Palm when he observed a known subject who was recently placed on probation and issued a 100 yard stay-away order from Library Park. The subject was detained, a report was taken and a warrant will be requested.

Grand Theft Auto
January 25 at 3:54 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle in front of a business and left the keys on the front seat. She went into a business for a short time, and when she returned, she discovered her car had been stolen. Officers searched the area, but did not locate the suspect or vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 25 at 6:47 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked her vehicle in front of a business and went inside. She returned a short time later and discovered a window to her vehicle had been smashed and items were missing. Investigation continuing.

Bicycle Theft
January 25 at 7:22 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia called to report his bicycle was stolen from an unsecured carport area on the property. Investigation continuing.

Public Intoxication/Warrant – Suspects Arrested
January 25 at 9:51 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw two people walking who appeared to be intoxicated. The officer detained the subjects and determined they were unable to care for their own safety. They were arrested and held for a sobering period. One of the subjects also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 3:26 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Lime when he saw a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on a one-way street. A traffic stop was conducted. The driver was found to be intoxicated, and after field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 8:48 a.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code infraction and conducted a traffic stop. The subject consented to a search of his person and his backpack. The officer found drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in the subject's backpack. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 26 at 5:12 p.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding an injury traffic collision. The caller reported that a slow-speed traffic collision occurred between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 7:09 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a female walked into the store and concealed a bottle of perfume in her purse. She exited the store without paying for the merchandise and was detained by officers. The suspect was arrested, and during a search incident to arrest, she was in found to be in possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.

Driving Under the Influence/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 9:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of W. Duarte for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the officer could smell alcohol emitting from the driver. The driver was intoxicated, and after field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 12:49 a.m., a caller reported a loud argument coming from a residence in the 700 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and spoke with a male and female subject, who are boyfriend and girlfriend. They were at local bar drinking with friends and they got into an argument. When they returned home, the argument escalated into a physical altercation and the female scratched the male subject’s face, causing physical injury. She was arrested for domestic violence.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 9:18 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a subject known for shoplifting at nearly a dozen other locations was in the store with an accomplice and hiding merchandise. Officers responded and coordinated a perimeter in the parking lot, and when the subjects tried to flee in a vehicle, they were detained safely. The known suspect was arrested for shoplifting.

Warrants/Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 9:44 a.m., a resident in the 100 of N. Alta Vista reported a suspicious male subject looking around the area. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject provided his identifying information and police dispatch discovered he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. During a search of the subject, he was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 8:51 p.m., a caller reported a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of Linwood. Officers arrived and spoke with the family. The investigation revealed the wife came home intoxicated and started arguing with the husband. During the argument, the wife began hitting the husband and grabbed a kitchen knife. He ran into the bedroom and closed the door. The wife dropped the knife and the husband came out of the room. When the husband attempted to leave the house, the wife started pushing him and the mother-in-law intervened and started fighting with the wife. The wife was arrested for domestic battery and brandishing a knife.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
January 28 at 9:33 a.m., a motorist reported his vehicle had just been struck by another motorist in the 700 block of W. Walnut. The other motorist failed to stop and fled the area. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The victim was not injured. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 28 at 12:09 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Greystone and Canyon, which has a four way stop. Officers responded to investigate. No one was injured in the collision. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Telephone Fraud
January 28 at 1:37 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Scenic reported he had been receiving several calls from various people claiming he owed them money. The resident believed he had provided one of the callers his bank account information to cover the cost of what he thought he owed; however, no money had been taken from the account. Officers advised the resident to change his bank account numbers, which he did.

Shoplifting/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 29 at 1:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male subject was cutting security tags off of items. As the subject tried to leave, a loss prevention employee stopped him and escorted him to their office. Officers arrived and arrested the subject for shoplifting. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Warrants/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
January 29 at 5:04 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill called police to report a female subject that entered the store, concealed items and left without paying. Officers responded and saw a female matching the description and a male subject. The two were detained, but no theft could be established. A computer check revealed both subjects had outstanding warrants for their arrest, and the female had syringes in her possession. Both subjects were arrested.

Attempt Robbery
January 29 at 9:19 p.m., an attempt robbery was reported in the 100 block of W. Cherry. The victim called to report that while he was sitting in his vehicle with his girlfriend, a male subject in dark clothing approached them and demanded their phones and wallets. The male victim exited his vehicle and was scratched on the face with an unknown object. The suspect fled on foot without any property. Investigation continuing.

Commerical Burglary
January 30 at 1:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Maple reported a burglary to the business. An unknown suspect entered the business through a broken window from a previous burglary during closing hours. The suspect stole items and fled on a scooter, wearing a red ball cap with a white logo on the bill. Investigation continuing.

Should Monrovia Raise Its Sales Tax?

In his State of the City speech, Mayor Tom Adams proposed a sales tax increase for the city to preempt what he thinks the county will do.

The idea as I understand it is this: There is a legal limit on how much sales tax can be collected - 10.25% max I believe - so if the County approves another sales tax - which Adams believes is likely - then the money will go to LA County instead of to Monrovia, and the city will get very little of it back. However, if the city maxes out its tax rate first, then the city would get 100% of the new tax and the county would get zip.

Currently, I understand, the total sales tax in Monrovia is 9.5%.

Hmm. What do you think?

- Brad Haugaard

Save a Buck on Water

With the chance of rain high later this week i think I’ll switch off our sprinklers. Save a bit of water and maybe a few bucks.

Since the city is particularly concerned about water usage perhaps it should post “Remember to turn off your sprinklers” reminders when rain is anticipated. Just a thought...

- Brad Haugaard 

Hidden Trail Above Monrovia

If you look at a map of the Hillside Wilderness Area it appears the short hike from the top of Highland Place does not connect with the rest of the preserve - but it does!

There is an unmarked walking trail (roughly where I’ve drawn the green line) connecting the two. Here’s how to find it. 

Entry point above Highland. 

If you enter on Highland, hike up the road until you get a peek at a section of k-rail on the left (that little white strip in the photo above). When you see the k-rail the trail is just a bit ahead of you on your left (marked by red arrow).

If you enter on Cloverleaf, follow the trail road (It is to your left just as you enter the gate) and when you get to the sign (below) take the "Experienced Trail Users" trail. 

Climb the hill and you’ll encounter a green bench (below). Just a few feet past the bench on the uphill side the trail branches off to your left (shown by red arrow).


There is one short but rather steep section on this connecting trail, so be prepared. There are always dangers in the mountains and I’m not recommending you take this hike so if you decide to do it it is entirely your decision. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Disco Fundraiser for Mayflower PTA

Get on your boogie shoes and bellbottoms and head to the disco to benefit the kids at Mayflower Elementary school. This adult only event will include dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. All are encouraged to dress the part, and to get in the groove, on April 27, from 6pm-10pm. The event will be held at the Santa Anita Golf Course at 405 South Anita Avenue.

All party lovers are invited to help celebrate with flashing lights and disco balls to raise funds to enhance children’s education at Mayflower Elementary School located in Monrovia, California. “Money from this event will assist with literacy programs, afford to send children on field trips and assist with ensuring classrooms have needed supplies” said Sarah Edgington, Mayflower PTA president.” We invite all the community to help their local school by joining us on this groovy night,” she added.

Ticket prices are $50 a person and $85 a couple and can be purchased at https://mayflowerdisco19.eventbrite.com. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, to give a donation or to learn more about how you can support Mayflower PTA, visit the Mayflower PTA Facebook page at Mayflower PTA, email mayflowerpta@gmail.com, or call 7609088058.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Koby is Always Ready for a Walk - and a Forever Home


This is Koby (A469484), a very sweet black and white Chihuahua. He is very eager to put on his leash and go for walks that he practically leashes himself! Koby likes spending time with people and enjoys showing and receiving affection. He is a good boy and knows his sit command well. Volunteers and staff say that Koby is an overall sweet dog who loves interacting with others. Everyone is rooting for this sweet boy to soon find the forever home that he deserves.

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

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. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

More Homeless - But a Few More or a Lot More? State of the Chamber

Preliminary homeless data.

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

~ Depending on how you look at it, Monrovia's preliminary homeless count shows the number of homeless in the city is up either a lot or a little - from 9 in 2018 to 18 in 2019, or from 14 in 2017 to 18 in 2019. Why discount 2018? Chi says it was "brutally cold" during the 2018 count, which "many experts have indicated depressed the numbers." Also, a lot fewer people living in RVs, from 33 in 2018 to 14 this year.

~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will hold it State of the Chamber event on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at the Wine of the Month Club to share what it has planned for 2019. It's free. Details: https://goo.gl/KmHanU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Pre-Valentine Buffet

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) invites the public to enjoy a pre-Valentine buffet supper, musical cabaret and art show on Feb. 10, 5 to 8 p.m. at Myrtle Tree Café, 405 S. Myrtle Ave in Old Town Monrovia.

MAFA's “Heart in the Arts” Cabaret & Art Show will feature live musical acts from Centre Stage Productions and an art display and sale from MAFA member artists.

The event will also feature MAFA’s annual awards presentation of the Heart in the Arts Award and the Renaissance Award, recognizing individuals within MAFA and in the community who have gone above and beyond in their arts leadership. In addition, the group will recognize its generous sponsors: Arcadia Association of Realtors Darrell Brooke at Monrovia Trust, Gentile McCloskey & Company, Monrovia Fellowship, Paint ‘n’ Play Art Studio and Pari Passu Café. Ticket sales and a 50/50 raffle will benefit MAFA’s kids art educational programs.

The buffet dinner menu will feature bruschetta appetizers, vegetable minestrone soup, mixed greens salad, penne pasta with chardonnay butter sauce, chicken marsala over rice, and organic iced tea and coffee. Guests can also enjoy a no-host wine and beer bar.

Tickets are $25.00 and available now at heartinthearts.eventbrite.com. Space is limited to 70 people so attendees should buy tickets as soon as possible. Ticket price at the door will be $35.00. For more information, call (626) 483-0560.

- Brad Haugaard

Wildcat Theater to Perform 'In the Heights'

Coming up at Monrovia High's Wildcat Theater will be "In the Heights,"  March 22, 23, and 29, 30, from 7-9 p.m.  "In the washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, a young store owner watches the joys and heartbreaks of this tight-knit community pass through his bodega." Bodega = little grocery store in Spanish speaking neighborhood. https://goo.gl/zd6M4Q

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at X2O Cafe

Lunch at X2O Cafe and Hookah Lounge, on the north side of Foothill just west of Melrose. Got the Chicken Schawarma Sandwich for $10 and an iced tea for $3. Delish! And friendly, prompt service. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunk Rolls Car; Drunk Mistakes Monrovia for Pasadena; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for January 17–23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 397 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
January 17 at 12:16 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of S. Myrtle when he stopped a bicyclist for vehicle code violations. The stop led to a search of the subject and the officer found methamphetamine, a methamphetamine smoking pipe and a throwing star in the subject’s possession. The subject was arrested and later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 17 at 11:39 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1500 block of S. Mayflower. Two motorists had collided into one another, which caused one of the vehicles to collide into two parked vehicles. Officers and paramedics arrived to treat the subjects with complaint of pain. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 18 at 11:12 a.m., a caller reported a subject in the 300 block of S. Primrose who was possibly urinating in the street. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. They found the subject was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Theft of Package
January 18 at 1:34 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of California called police to report that an unknown suspect stole a package from his front porch. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 18 at 6:11 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a female subject that concealed merchandise inside a backpack and left without paying. Officers arrived and located the subject. She was found to be in possession of the stolen property, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. A computer check revealed she also had a parole violation and warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
January 19 at 1:49 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill called to report that one of the windows to his apartment was smashed. The resident said an unknown subject threw eggs at his apartment window, which shattered the window. The subject left in a gray Honda prior to police arriving. Investigation continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 7:55 a.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifter was being detained by loss prevention. Officers arrived and located drug paraphernalia on the subject. A computer check also revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant. The subject was arrested.

Warrant / Burglary / Fraud – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 2:24 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject who shoplifted. Officers arrived and detained the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and found to be in possession of a wallet containing other people’s credit cards and identification. The officers were able to confirm the subject had committed a burglary in Arcadia, where he stole the wallet containing the credit cards and the victim’s identification. Investigation continuing.

Vandalism / Possession of Narcotics for Sale – Suspects Arrested
January 19 at 9:20 p.m., a passerby saw four male subjects in front of a business in the 100 block of W. Duarte, and one of the subjects wrote graffiti on the wall with a green marker. The passerby called the police, who responded and located one of the possible subjects. No marker was found, but the subject was in possession of narcotics for sales and a replica gun. He was arrested without incident. Officers went back to the business and viewed video surveillance. Officers located a second subject who matched the subject in the video. He was also arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 3:06 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Myrtle called police to report a motorist that had crashed and the vehicle had rolled over. The motorist was driving north on Myrtle and clipped a parked vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over. The driver was found to be intoxicated and had minor injuries. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 20 at 12:42 p.m., a caller reported two motorists that collided in the 300 block of W. Duarte at the intersection of Magnolia. Officers responded to investigate the collision and found that no one was injured. Both motorists chose to exchange information, but did not desire a police report.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 1:11 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a male subject passed out in a parked vehicle in the 100 block of N. Myrtle. The caller believed the subject may be in need of medical attention. Officers responded and found the subject was heavily intoxicated. He thought he was in Pasadena and did not know what day it was. The subject had a court ordered breath tester to start the vehicle. After it was determined that he did not need medical attention, he was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Stalking / Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 5:12 p.m., an officer was completing an investigation from a report of stalking that has been occurring primarily at a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. He called the victim to obtain further information and was told the suspect was in front of the business. Officers responded and took custody of the suspect, who has a restraining order against him that prohibits him from being near the victim. The suspect had violated the restraining order three times in the past few days. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
January 21 at 9:21 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. The victim rents a storage unit at the business and called to report the latch on her storage container was broken. It is unknown if anything was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 22 at 8:42 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Mountain called to report his vehicle was stolen. He parked his vehicle in front of his residence on the street the previous night. He locked the doors and rolled up all the windows. When he returned the next morning, he discovered his vehicle was gone. There was no glass on the ground and all keys were accounted for. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting
January 22 at 11:06 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male Hispanic suspect who came into the store and selected a power drill. He made no attempt to pay for the item as he left the location. He ran to a vehicle and fled the location, heading east through the parking lot. As he was leaving, the employee was able to get his license plate number. Investigation continuing.

Vandalism
January 23 at 11:12 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Sombrero reported her granddaughter’s boyfriend had just shattered one of the house windows, and then ran. Officers responded and searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The granddaughter told officers that her now ex-boyfriend became upset over the telephone. He then showed up at the home and broke the window. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
January 23 at 12:42 p.m., a motorist called police to report he had just collided with another vehicle in the parking lot of a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill. He believed the other motorist did not have a license, because they refused to provide it. Officers responded and found that both parties had a license and insurance, and no one was injured. Officers facilitated the exchange of information.

Traffic Collision
January 23 at 2:34 p.m., a traffic collision was reported involving two motorists in the 3300 block of S. Peck. No one appeared injured. Officers responded and confirmed there were no injuries. Both drivers exchanged information with one another and did not desire a collision report to be filed.

Wounded Warrior Parking Spots; Homeless Prevention Program Working Well; State of City; Etc.


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

~ Monrovia is considering an American Legion suggestion request to install up to four Wounded Warrior Veteran parking spaces in Old Town, one on Palm between the Community Center and the Library, one of Lime between the Library and the Lime Parking Lot, one in front of City Hall, and one somewhere in the 400 block of Myrtle.

~ Initial results of Monrovia's Housing Displacement Response Program, designed to help prevent homelessness for existing Monrovia residents, "have exceeded every expectation that we had when the program was first launched." Twelve families have been helped since the program started in mid-2018. The city is partnering with Mountainside Communion Church, which runs the program, which only provides help "after a thorough review process."

~  You can attend the annual State of the City Address. It'll be on Monday, Jan. 28, at Studio Movie Grill, at 7 p.m.

~ Monrovia has won a 2018 California Park & Recreation Society Award for its Monrovia Today quarterly newsletter. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in multiple parks and recreation areas, including marketing and communication. The city will be recognized at the annual Recognition Banquet in March in Sacramento.

~  Scheduled for Black History Month: Jazz Brunch Featuring Nolan Shaheed Quintet, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Monrovia Community Center, Tickets: $32; Children's Art Festival & Dinner, Feb. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Monrovia High; Black History Luncheon, Feb. 23, 1 to 3 p.m., Monrovia Community Center, Tickets: $20. Tickets at Simply Divine Salon, 319 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia.

~ Caltrans will soon be cleaning up its property along Evergreen Avenue, mostly between Mayflower and Primrose avenues.

- Brad Haugaard

Hillside Areas Closed - Rain Damage

The Monrovia city web site is announcing that, “Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will remain closed until further notice.”

I spoke with a park volunteer today who told me the rains have messed up the trails and they’re unsafe. She guesstimated they’ll be open by next week, though I got the sense it might be earlier if all goes well.

UPDATE: I spoke to a city official this morning who said the city hopes to have the park and preserve open by tomorrow, Thursday.

- Brad Haugaard 

Plymouth Kindergarten Student Wins Make-A-Wish Trip to Disneyland

Make-A-Wish Foundation gives Plymouth Elementary kindergarten student Addison Iylah MacLellan a family trip to Disneyland. https://goo.gl/NhvuM8

- Brad Haugaard

Sawpit Dam - How Times Change


I just came across these December 2010 pictures of Monrovia's Sawpit Dam overflowing. Even with the recent rain, these days the dam is still virtually empty. Times have certainly changed.

- Brad Haugaard