- Brad Haugaard
Learn Portrait Painting This Evening
Learn to draft a portrait using the same technique as Leonardo Da Vinci, Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. to Paint n Play Studio on Myrtle. Instructor will be Manuel Barillas, longtime commercial and fine artist based in Downey. For more information and to RSVP, please email christine@monroviafinearts.org. Free admission, refreshments served.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Bella Sera
Lunch recently at Bella Sera, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Got the Bacon Stacked Scallops for $26 and my wife and I shared a bottle of sparkling water for $7. Delicious!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Sentenced to Life for Multiple Rapes
Monrovian Jason Chung Chien Yu, 43, has been sentenced to life in state prison after being convicted of 12 felony charges Thursday for the kidnappings, assaults and rapes of four women over a five-year period. link
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Historian Steve Baker Wins Statewide Award
Monrovian Steve Baker has just been notified that he will receive the 2018-2019 Waddingham/Doctor Award by the Conference of California Historical Societies, awarded to an individual who has given 25 years or more of consistent and outstanding service to a local historic society.
In Steve’s case, his service has been to four such groups -- MOHPG (the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group), The Duarte Historical Society, the Monrovia Historical Museum and the Monrovia Historical Society.
Steve is a fifth-generation Monrovian who was appointed the Official Historian for the City of Monrovia in 1991, was elected Monrovia City Treasurer in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009, 2013, and 2017. He has been the Treasurer for the Duarte Historical Society and Museum for more than thirty years, he currently serves as President of the Citrus College Foundation Board of Directors, President of the Monrovia Historical Society, Treasurer of the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library, and as board member of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, ChangeMakers and the Santa Anita Family YMCA.
In the past he has served as chair of the Santa Anita YMCA Board of Managers, President of the Monrovia Historical Museum, Treasurer of the Friends of the Duarte Library, member of the Historic Preservation Commission, and Treasurer of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He was also the Executive Secretary of the Rotary Club of Monrovia for seventeen years.
Thanks to Sandy Burud for this information.
- Brad Haugaard
Thanks to Sandy Burud for this information.
- Brad Haugaard
New Starbucks Open
The new Starbucks at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia is open. Very open, lots of seating inside and out, plus a drive through lane. Very nice. The Starbucks further to the west on Huntington, next to Armstrong's, has closed, so this is not an increase in the number of Starbucks.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Car-Window Smashing Burglaries; Two Women Assault Boyfriends; Police Pursue Driver into El Monte; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 388 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.
Driving Without a License/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On May 16 at 9:01 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the 1400 block of S. Mountain. A computer check revealed the driver was driving without a license and, during a consent search, drug paraphernalia was found inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
On May 16 at 5:06 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Two suspects entered the business and asked questions about a new phone. Then they forcefully removed three phones from a display case and ran out of the store. They fled the area in a black BMW. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
On May 16 at 9:34 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Ivy called police to report a vandalism to his residence. He left for a short period of time, and when he returned, he saw a hole in the front window of his residence. He found a soccer ball inside his residence that appears to have caused the damage. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On May 17 at 2:22 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1200 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a female subject, walking alone, who appeared to be having difficulty maintaining her balance. The officer stopped and checked on the subject’s welfare. The subject was heavily intoxicated and could not care for her own safety or the safety of others. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.
Package Theft
On May 17 at 7:09 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Canyon walked outside his home and discovered a package that had been delivered that morning on his front porch had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Paraphernalia Found
On May 17 at 7:42 a.m., an employee of a store in the 700 block of W. Huntington found a used syringe in front of a neighboring store that is no longer open. The caller requested extra patrol. An officer responded, collected the syringe and disposed of it properly.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
On May 17 at 10:05 a.m., a caller reported that two motorists collided into one another in the 1200 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and found that no one was injured. Both parties did not want a police report filed, but instead only wanted to exchange information.
Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On May 17 at 7:15 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he saw a suspicious person in a hotel parking lot. The officer contacted the subject and a computer check revealed he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. A search incident to arrest located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in the subject’s possession. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On May 18 at 1:13 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject in a park after closing hours in violation of the City Municipal Code. The officer stopped the subject, and the subject consented to a search of his person. The officer located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in the subject’s possession. The subject was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On May 18 at 2:05 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Myrtle when he stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the subject was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Vehicle Burglary
On May 18 at 12:18 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of N. Canyon reported her vehicle had been burglarized. Her vehicle was parked on the street. She witnessed a male and female subject break her car window. The suspects stole her purse, which was on the front seat, and fled the area in their own vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
On May 18 at 6:25 p.m., officers responded to a residential burglary alarm call in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista and confirmed a burglary had occurred. Officers discovered the point of entry, which was an open second story window. No suspects were located and the investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On May 19 at 2:30 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the 1400 block of S. Myrtle. During the stop, the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the subject was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Traffic Violation/Vehicle Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
On May 20 at 6:38 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1500 block of S. Shamrock when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. He attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle continued onto the 210 Freeway. The vehicle failed to yield for several miles, so the officer initiated a pursuit. The pursuit continued into the City of El Monte. The vehicle eventually stopped and the driver was arrested.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On May 21 at 4:11 p.m., multiple callers reported a female subject hitting a male subject in the 900 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and detained both subjects. The investigation confirmed the female had assaulted her boyfriend, causing visible physical injuries. The female subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On May 21 at 10:01 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Myrtle called police to report his girlfriend was hitting him. He left the apartment and waited outside for the officers. The female subject retreated into the apartment and would not exit for some time. Officers were eventually able to convince the female to exit. The investigation revealed the female was the primary aggressor in the fight and she was arrested for domestic battery.
Vehicle Burglary
On May 22 at 7:14 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. The victim called to report his vehicle was broken into while he was eating at restaurant. The victim walked outside to return to his vehicle and found a window had been smashed and personal property was taken from inside. Investigation continuing.
Monrovia Transit Program Unpopular With Disabled; Upgrades to Lucinda Garcia Park?
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ In addition to its Lyft program, the city has a transportation program for the disabled, but they don't like it. Chi said the "surprising news" from users is that they don't like the smaller vans, though they're easier to get in and out of. So the city is thinking of "bringing in a different type of ADA accessible vehicle" and also addressing some "minor complaints regarding the dispatch operation," which he said, should be "fully resolved here within the next few weeks."
~ The state has $254.9 million available for park and recreation facilities in underserved communities and Monrovia's Lucinda Garcia Park (Olive just west of Mayflower) could qualify. Monrovia will apply for some of the money to: expand the park into adjacent open space, upgrade play equipment, add safety surfacing at the playground area, add exercise equipment, repair the pathway and upgrade the landscaping, among a few other things.
- Brad Haugaard
~ In addition to its Lyft program, the city has a transportation program for the disabled, but they don't like it. Chi said the "surprising news" from users is that they don't like the smaller vans, though they're easier to get in and out of. So the city is thinking of "bringing in a different type of ADA accessible vehicle" and also addressing some "minor complaints regarding the dispatch operation," which he said, should be "fully resolved here within the next few weeks."~ The state has $254.9 million available for park and recreation facilities in underserved communities and Monrovia's Lucinda Garcia Park (Olive just west of Mayflower) could qualify. Monrovia will apply for some of the money to: expand the park into adjacent open space, upgrade play equipment, add safety surfacing at the playground area, add exercise equipment, repair the pathway and upgrade the landscaping, among a few other things.
- Brad Haugaard
Officer Montes Appointed Monrovia Schools Resource Officer
Officer Thomas Montes, who has served the city of Monrovia since 2006, has been appointed as Monrovia's new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the 2019-20 school year.Montes is well-known at Monrovia Unified, having worked closely with many of the District's site administrators in the past, ensuring that Monrovia schools remain a safe and nurturing learning environment for students.
"Officer Montes has been a support to Monrovia Unified schools in his career as an officer, and he has responded to calls from various schools to provide support and guidance during difficult situations," said Jennifer Jackson, Clifton Middle School principal. "He is a professional, calm, and a asset to students and their families, and we are excited for him to serve as our new School Resource Officer."
Montes has a background in psychology and knowledge and experience working with individuals of all ages.
"We are excited to welcome Officer Thomas Montes to Monrovia Unified," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "We are positive that he will provide excellent support to our schools and to our students."
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Library Gets Worldwide Recognition
I think Africazine, which focuses on Africa news, thinks we're the Monrovia in Liberia, Africa. Well, nice to get worldwide publicity: https://is.gd/CRqw28
- Brad Haugaard
Free Monrovia Music Fest Returning Sunday, June 2
The event will feature a diverse mix of musical genres throughout the day. Artists will include: virtuosic Latin guitar duets with Carbe and Durand, space reggae with the Lowtops, The Eric Turner Band bringing electric blues, world-renown musical whistling with The Whistling Diva, plus an assortment of Alternative Rock, R&B, Indie, and more. Admission is free.
Festival-goers will love the wide selection of local craft beers from all four Monrovia craft brewers: Hop Secret, Over Town, Wingwalker, and Pacific Plate, as well as 38 Degrees Ale House and Congregation Ale. The craft beer garden also offers a VIP lounge, where you can enjoy preferred seating, an included beer, a commemorative cup, and beer service. VIP tickets are available on MonroviaMusicFest.com - $23 online or $25 at the door.
Monrovia Music Fest also features a curated artisan market, fun activities for the whole family, plus interactive areas with giant bubbles, KROQ, and KTLA. A tasty variety of food trucks are providing delicious sustenance from: Baby's Badass Burgers, Cousins Maine Lobster, Middle Feast (Food Truck Wars winner), LA Donut, and Dulce Europa Shaved Ice. The Metro Gold Line Monrovia Station on Myrtle Ave brings attendees just a mile down the street from the fun at Library Park.Monrovia Music Fest is produced by two entrepreneurs from Monrovia: Carole Anne Kaufman, a two-time world champion musical whistler known as “The Whistling Diva,” and Clara Mayer, who survived and is thriving after two massive strokes just two years ago. “We work straight from the heart, our whole objective is to bring communities together through music and art,” said Mayer.
What started as a small community fest in 2014 has grown to become one of the largest free music and art festivals in the San Gabriel Valley, drawing a crowd from all over Los Angeles County. Throughout the years, Monrovia Music Fest has championed regional indie talent, featured a Grammy Award winner and international musicians, promoted local businesses, and partnered with non-profit organizations such as Homeboy Industries and the Boys and Girls Club. This year the Fest has partnered with the Renal Support Network, a nonprofit which provides services for those with kidney disease.
The producers, Studio C Productions, have been awarded by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, the State Senate, and the Chamber of Commerce for their community contributions. The festival is possible thanks to the support of their Elite Sponsors: The Wizard of Bras, and Cacique, the leading brand of Mexican-style cheeses in the United States, both headquartered in Monrovia, CA.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Monrovia Music Fest at www.monroviamusicfest.com and follow Monrovia Music Fest on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, YouTube, and Instagram @MonroviaFest. Phone: 626-509-909.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Cheers for Monrovia Schools' Parade Participants
The three-day festival was hosted by the District, the City of Monrovia, Centre Stage, and the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley. The event featured entertainment by Monrovia scholars, food, games, and carnival rides.
"I am really proud to have performed during the Monrovia Days celebration," said Rhianne Weir, eighth-grader from Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. "I am happy to have shown the community all of the great things our band teacher, Tony Ellis, has taught us."
Guests enjoyed performances from Santa Fe's advanced band, Clifton Middle School's band, Monrovia High School's marching band, as well as Centre Stage, a theater company that includes many Monrovia Unified scholars.
"Monrovia Days is a celebration of the great things happening in our community and in our District," Board President Ed Gililland said. "It is a delight to see our students embrace this celebration and show their school pride."
In addition to the performances, the District showcased award-winning programs at a series of information booths, including robotics and performing arts.
"Monrovia Days is yet another event that distinguishes Monrovia from other cities," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "We come together to celebrate the City's birthday and showcase the many unique opportunities afforded through our schools."
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Public Library Building Celebrates 10th Anniversary
On May 16, the City of Monrovia celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Monrovia Public Library building.
The 28,000-square foot library held its grand opening on May 16, 2009. Placed in the heart of our community, the building is a welcoming space where our youth, adults and families gather to enjoy enriched experiences.
Originally conceived in 1895, the Monrovia Public Library was founded by a group of Monrovia women and was located in a room in the Granite Bank building. Throughout the century, as the collection of books expanded, the Library relocated and the building was reconstructed multiple times.
In 1997, it was clear that Monrovia had outgrown the small, outdated building. For more than a decade, Monrovians worked with the State to fund a modern library. When the State failed to fund the project after three separate attempts, Monrovians rolled up their sleeves, started over, and did it themselves. In March 2007, overwhelming voter approval of a bond provided the City with $16 million to fund the project and construction began later that year.
The new Monrovia Public Library building is Silver LEEDS certified to be environmentally friendly, and boasts adult, child and teen areas, a large community room, a heritage room and expanded technology. Year round, the Monrovia Public Library holds hundreds of events. In the Adult Services area, the Heritage Room hosts adults participating in Speak Easy, a program for non-native English speakers to learn in a friendly and relaxed environment. Additionally, the Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to assisting local veterans and their families by connecting them to benefits and resources they have earned through their years of service. Lastly, the Youth Services section offers regular Makerspace and SciLab programming, all designed for children.
The Monrovia Public Library building’s 10th Anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year through the sharing of fun tidbits and stories about the Library. To follow along with the celebration, those interested are encouraged to visit the website at www.monroviapubliclibrary.org, follow the Monrovia Public Library on Instagram at www.instagram.com/monrovialibrary or like the Library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonroviaLibrary.
- Brad Haugaard
Tulip: I'm Shy But I'd Love a Loving Home
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
Monrovia Unified Offers Students Alternative, Tuition-free Independent Study
Mountain Park exposes students to career pathways, extra-curricular programs, and early college opportunities that exist at Monrovia High School to help with college and career preparation. The school has a full curriculum that meets college admission requirements, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
“Our unique program provides solutions to the common concerns parents have about independent study such as cost, socialization, and college admittance,” Director of Alternative Schools Flint Fertig said. “At Mountain Park School, we are able to address our students’ needs and ensure they are successfully reaching their academic goals.”
The school’s highly-qualified teachers monitor student progress and meet with students weekly to provide on-campus instruction in subjects ranging from math and science to Spanish, drama, and video production. Electives, athletics, and clubs not offered on site – such as band, jazz ensemble, theater, computer coding, robotics, business clubs, and student government – can be taken at Monrovia High School.
“At Monrovia Unified, we strive to ensure all of our students have access to an educational path that works for them,” Board President Ed Gililland said. “Through Mountain Park School, we provide a window of opportunity for students who need a more flexible schedule to accommodate careers, family commitments, athletics, and other needs while in school.”
Mountain Park students include those who balance school with professional acting and athletic schedules, offering flexible options that allow accelerated learning or learning in a more intimate environment than a traditional classroom. For more information, visit: bit.ly/2KVRrqG.
“Monrovia Unified is proud to provide our students with innovative and challenging academic opportunities and offering an alternative to our comprehensive campuses,” Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. “The team at Mountain Park School is dedicated to student academic and personal success.”
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Will Check Your Seatbelt Starting Today
From May 20 to June 2, Monrovia Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up, including drivers who do not secure children in child safety seats. The enforcement effort is part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign focused on increasing seat belt use.“Seat belts have proven time and time again to be life-savers,” said Sergeant Chad Harvey of the Monrovia Police Department. “Buckling up should be second nature.” At 96.2%, California has one of the highest seat belt use rates in the nation. However, 532 people killed in crashes statewide last year were not wearing a seat belt.
“Putting on a seat belt takes a few seconds and is your best protection in a crash,” said Sergeant Harvey. “We want everyone to be as safe as possible when driving or riding in a car, and wearing a seat belt is the easiest way to do that.” In California, the fine for a seat belt violation is $162, and $490 for failing to secure a child in the proper safety seat. Under California law, children under two years old, 40 pounds and 40 inches are required to be in a rear- facing car seat. Children under the age of eight must be secured in a car or booster seat.
California has a primary seat belt law, which allows law enforcement officers to ticket someone for not wearing a seat belt without committing another traffic violation.
Funding for Click It or Ticket enforcement efforts is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police Department
- Brad Haugaard
Lyft Prices to Go Up Again; New Debris Basin; Landmark Commercial Building
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/xkupF4) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ Another round of price increases for Lyft to go into effect June 1. Lyft costs the city $177,387 per month, but it can't afford more than $100,000 a month, so here are the proposed price increases:
- $0.50 Shared ride for any ride to or from Old Town and the Gold Line Station.
- $2.50 for a shared ride anywhere else in the service area.
- $5.00 for a Classic ride anywhere in the service area.
Staff guesstimates monthly costs will drop down to around $92,000 a month, "which would be well within our transportation program budget." https://is.gd/zTKBh3
- Brad Haugaard
New Courses at Monrovia High; Replacing Defective Turf on Monrovia High Athletic Field
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/OC6Ykl) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider, among other things ...~ Starting several new high school courses: Advanced Dance, Advanced Graphic Design, Web Development, Computer Game Development and AP Psychology.
Comment: Well, this is good, but it doesn't give me much confidence that there is any follow-through on the discussion before the election about science and tech not being for everybody. How about adding some classes for the trades: auto mechanics, electricians, etc.?
~ Approve a contract with FieldTurf USA, Inc. to replace the defective artificial turf (Installed 2010 but wore out too soon) on the Monrovia High athletic field with upgraded turf for $210,077.97. https://is.gd/5xNKdk
- Brad Haugaard
Lists of All the Monrovia Graduates
Here are all the graduates this year for...
Monrovia High School: https://is.gd/9aijR1
Canyon Oaks High School: https://is.gd/4tp0Yv
Mountain Park School: https://is.gd/DNJCqg
Monrovia Community Adult School: https://is.gd/5M6kID
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High School: https://is.gd/9aijR1
Canyon Oaks High School: https://is.gd/4tp0Yv
Mountain Park School: https://is.gd/DNJCqg
Monrovia Community Adult School: https://is.gd/5M6kID
- Brad Haugaard
Memorial Service for Michael Clearman
The memorial service for Monrovian Michael M. Clearman, who died recently in Arizona following a motorcycle accident, will be held Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave., Monrovia.Clearman was a pilot, sailor, motorcyclist, president of Monrovia Kiwanis, and on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, among other activities.
- Brad Haugaard
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