A Broadway play based on the books by P.L. Travers and one of the most popular Disney movies.
Tickets here: https://is.gd/9wiU8v
- Brad Haugaard
Mary Poppins Play at Monrovia's Taylor Performing Arts Center
A Broadway play based on the books by P.L. Travers and one of the most popular Disney movies.
Tickets here: https://is.gd/9wiU8v
- Brad Haugaard
School District to Adopt Local Accountability Plan, 2019-20 Budget
~ Adopting its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Here's what the board will be voting on (https://is.gd/0mSTsX) and here's an overview for parents: https://is.gd/JwwLBl
~ Adopting the district budget for 2019-20. It doesn't look as if there are any surprises, but you can look for yourself: https://is.gd/OeJwpr
- Brad Haugaard
Breakfast at Merengue
Breakfast at Merengue, on the west side of Myrtle just across from the theater. Got a Cuban Omelet for $8.75 and a coffee for $2.50. I was not expecting the omelet to come inside a sandwich, but it was a happy surprise. Very tasty. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Oops! Accelerator Instead of Brake; Red Light Runner Sends Woman to Hospital; Shoplifting; Drugs and Alcohol
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.
Petty Theft
June 13 at 3:52 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of S. Fifth called to report a theft from his vehicle. His vehicle’s catalytic converter was removed sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 9:49 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the bicyclist had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 2:10 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 3000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit numerous traffic violations. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. The subject was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Chestnut reported a motorist just collided into a garage door on private property. Officers responded to investigate and contacted the driver. The driver thought she was pushing the brakes but instead was pushing the gas pedal. The driver lived at the location, she was taken to a nearby hospital for complaint of pain.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 9:44 a.m., a caller reported three motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Officers responded and found one of the motorists was complaining of pain, she was taken to a nearby hospital. After an investigation, it was determined one of the drivers drove through a solid red light causing the collision. The motorist at fault was issued a citation.
Shoplifting
June 15 at 12:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting incident. The manager reported a male subject entered the store approximately an hour prior and took alcohol from the store without paying. This investigation is continuing.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 15 at 2:23 p.m., a caller reported two motorists just collided into one another at the intersection of Huntington and Monterey. Officers contacted the parties and found they were not injured. An investigation was conducted and the party at fault was issued a citation for a vehicle code violation.
Traffic Collision Hit & Run
June 15 at 4:11 p.m., a resident who was away from her home located in the 200 block of N. Mayflower called to report an unknown motorist had collided into one of her cars that was parked on the street in front of her house. The driver's side mirror was broken. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
June 15 at 5:40 p.m., the employee of a convenience store in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report a shoplifting. The employee reported two male subjects ran into the store, took some beer and ran out without paying. Officers arrived and searched for the subjects but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 1:12 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of E. Foothill and noticed a vehicle traveling with its lights off and speeding. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs. An investigation was conducted and the subject was found to be under the influence. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 2:31 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Lime when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs. An investigation revealed the subject was under the influence, he was arrested and taken into custody.
Petty Theft
June 16 at 9:15 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report a theft. The resident’s property was stolen from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The items taken were a green roadside emergency kit and a backpack. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 16 at 4:13 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lemon and spoke to the victim of a residential burglary. The victim stated he returned home from a two day trip and discovered his rear sliding door was smashed and the house was ransacked. The only item taken was a platinum wedding ring. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 17 at 10:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of Parker. The resident returned home around 10:00 p.m. and found a back window to his home was shattered. His residence was ransacked and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 10:56 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Palm noticed a subject drinking alcohol in public. The officer contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking and a sobering period.
Theft
June 18 at 7:46 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a theft. A male and female loaded two paint sprayers onto a cart and walked out of the store without paying for the items. The subjects left in a black, older Saturn vehicle with black rims. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:38 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Walnut when he noticed a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer check revealed he was unlicensed and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Fraud
June 19 at 2:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Olive called to report a fraud. The victim received a collections notice in the mail for an outstanding balance from Sprint. The victim claimed he never had a Sprint account. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 5:00 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident. The employee stated that a female subject entered the store, selected merchandise, concealed it and exited the store without paying. The subject was detained by Loss Prevention until the officers arrived. The officers responded, conducted an investigation and cited the subject for shoplifting.
Residential Burglary
June 19 at 5:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Madeline regarding a burglary. The resident came home and found her home’s rear sliding glass door was shattered and her home was ransacked. The loss was undetermined at the time of the report. This investigation is continuing.
Monrovia Has Clean Water
It appears all monitored substances are well below permitted levels. The only thing that appears at all noteworthy - though the data on it is old, from 2011 - is dioxane, found in industrial solvents (Wikipedia: https://is.gd/bwmhvz), which averaged .24 parts per billion (ppb), well below the 1 ppb that requires notification, however the range from the samples went from undetectable to 1.2 ppb, somewhat exceeding the level requiring notification. But again, that number is from 2011.
The report explains that the state Department of Health Services "allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old."
- Brad Haugaard
Fourth of July Fireworks, Music, Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest
Spectators may reserve a park space beginning at 6 a.m. The space can be a maximum of 10 x 10 feet and must be supervised at all times. The city is once again encouraging spectators to participate in the Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest, where the most festive canopies will win prizes.
- Brad Haugaard
You May Be Paying an Extra $1.50 for Trash Pick-Up; Fixing Huntington and Mayflower; Etc.
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ The city and county have changes planned for the messy, clogged intersection at Huntington and Mayflower. Work on a new striping layout, signage, traffic signal timing, preventing left turns into the shopping center on the southeast corner, and allowing an additional northbound lane will take place on Sunday, June 23 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
~ Chi said he heard that a Café de Olla will likely move into the vacant storefront just north of Grey & Cash in Old Town. Looks like a hip Mexican style place: http://www.cafedeollarestaurant.com.
~ Athens is requesting a 4.77% increase for solid waste services effective July 1. This means an extra $1.50 a month (from $31.53 to $33.03) for a typical residential customer enrolled in the 90-gallon trash/recycling barrel program. Chi writes that this "takes into account both CPI and California State minimum wage cost increases," and are allowed in the city's contract with Athens.
~ The Summer 2019 Monrovia Today catalog of events is now out. It's on line here: https://is.gd/tb4GUL
~ the city has stopped street sweeping and parking enforcement in the road-construction areas in north Monrovia beginning this Monday, June 17 until construction is over. This is the area north of and including Hillcrest Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and Greystone Avenue.
However, do obey construction parking signs.
~ Each year in early June Monrovia Fire & Rescue spends the day transforming the pediatric clinic at City of Home into a place where young children can have fun, laugh, and take their minds off of their illness, allowing them to focus on being kids for the day.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Chi said he heard that a Café de Olla will likely move into the vacant storefront just north of Grey & Cash in Old Town. Looks like a hip Mexican style place: http://www.cafedeollarestaurant.com.
~ Athens is requesting a 4.77% increase for solid waste services effective July 1. This means an extra $1.50 a month (from $31.53 to $33.03) for a typical residential customer enrolled in the 90-gallon trash/recycling barrel program. Chi writes that this "takes into account both CPI and California State minimum wage cost increases," and are allowed in the city's contract with Athens.
~ The Summer 2019 Monrovia Today catalog of events is now out. It's on line here: https://is.gd/tb4GUL
~ the city has stopped street sweeping and parking enforcement in the road-construction areas in north Monrovia beginning this Monday, June 17 until construction is over. This is the area north of and including Hillcrest Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and Greystone Avenue.
However, do obey construction parking signs.
- Brad Haugaard
Baby Cakes - Most Relaxed Dog Ever!
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
Monrovia's Homeless Count Goes Down
- Brad Haugaard
Council to Consider $42 and $43 Million Budgets; Sully-Miller to Take Over South Monrovia Street Work
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/AGr3M7) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ A two-year budget for Fiscal Years 2019-21 of $42 and $43 million. The staff report says the money will be spent, "maintaining a high level of service to the community, striving to implement significant capital infrastructure and facility improvements, enhancing public safety initiatives, advancing historic preservation / neighborhood compatibility practices, facilitating appropriate new development activity, and addressing economic development priorities." https://is.gd/VNOUYQ
~ Having Sully-Miller, the contractor doing street and sewer repairs in north Monrovia, complete construction in the south part of town for an amount not to exceed $4.15 million. The staff report says the contractor that was doing the south end of town, and the city, "mutually agreed upon to reduce the scope of work that would be completed by due to a variety of coordination and scheduling issues." https://is.gd/GETWGk
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian to Run New York Marathon to Fight Cancer
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza Is Citrus College 'Service Leader of the Year'
Source: Citrus College press release
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Chicken King Express
Lunch at Chicken King Express, in the shopping area at the northeast corner of Foothill and Magnolia. Got the Roasted Chicken Wrap Combo with hummus and pickles for $7.95, and a drink for $2.25. Very good!By the way, the word “express” may suggest the food is ready right away. It’s not. I’d recommend calling in your order about 15 minutes before you want to eat.
- Brad Haugaard
Yet More Bears - These in the Sprinklers
TV news can't resist videos of Monrovia bears. Here's a momma bear and a couple cubs playing in the sprinkler. At ABC7: https://is.gd/akP8Ui
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Graduates 367; Honors Memory of Student Kelsey Meza and Teacher Tom Reale
Administrators, teachers, and family and friends celebrated 367 Class of 2019 graduates who said goodbye to Monrovia High School during an evening commencement ceremony on June 5. This year's commencement ceremony was dedicated in memory of senior Kelsey Meza and MHS teacher Tom Reale, who passed away this school year. Amongst the sea of graduates, an empty seat was set up next to Meza's best friends, and her diploma was presented to her family.
"Look at yourselves and look around you - 12 long years of education and I am proud to be representing this Class of 2019," valedictorian Penny Lan said. "I see in front of me such a variety of talent and limitless protentional, but don't forget where we came from. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat."
The 2019 Honor Guard was made up of more than 60 Monrovia Unified teachers, coaches, and counselors who applauded and cheered. The honor guard was nominated by the Class of 2019 for the continued inspiration and support members give to students.
"When I look at this group of graduates, I see many different stories and I see leaders," Principal Kirk McGinnis said. "These young adults are poised to change the world as we know it, and they will put a mark on humanity with both flair and purpose but - more importantly - with energy, intelligence, and a sense of service to something bigger than themselves."
The night of celebration continued as Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School Principal Geoff Zamarripa delivered a keynote address, inspiring students to continue following their dreams and take risks.
The 2019 graduating class includes 160 students recognized with special honors, 91 Golden State Merit Diploma graduates, 51 students who earned the State of California Seal of Biliteracy, 59 members of the ninth graduating class of the Math and Science Academy, and 14 members of the second graduating class of the Humanities Academy.
"It is my honor to receive and accept this graduation class of Monrovia High School," Board President Ed Gililland said. "We know that you have done the hard work to acquire the knowledge and the life skills to be successful wherever your next steps take you."
Ending the night, graduates walked on stage and were congratulated by MHS administrators, the Board of Education, and Superintendent Katherine Thorossian.
"Having hope and a plan will lead you to the most unexpected and remarkable places," Thorossian said. "Enjoy the journey and continue to give your family and friends reasons to be proud, celebrate, and take pride in you. Congratulations Wildcats."
Students turned their tassels from right to left, threw their caps in the air, and hugged each other as McGinnis acknowledged them as the new graduating class of MHS.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Officer Rosendo Ramos Awarded Distinguished Service Medal
On June 13, the Monrovia Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony. Officer Rosendo Ramos III was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional work and dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and the community of Monrovia.
Serving as a police officer for just over one year, Ramos has become a highly-valued employee of the department, consistently ranking as one of the most proactive officers in the Operations Division.
In addition to his on-duty work ethic, this past year, Ramos demonstrated his commitment to service by taking immediate action during two incidents while off duty. The first incident involved a motorcyclist who went down on the 210 Freeway in heavy traffic. Witnessing the incident while on the freeway, Ramos and his father stopped to divert traffic and render aid until paramedics responded. During the second incident, Ramos observed a deputy sheriff involved in a physical altercation with a suspect. Ramos, again, immediately responded professionally to assist the deputy with detaining the individual until backup units responded.
“Officer Ramos has developed an excellent reputation among his supervisors and peers. He maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help his fellow employees at a moment’s notice and without fail” said Alan SanVictores, Chief of Police. “His strong, unwavering work ethic has earned Officer Ramos the Monrovia Police Department Commendation Medal in the relatively short time he has been assigned to Patrol. This accomplishment is indicative of his steadfast and tenacious dedication to duty.”
Ramos has also expressed his dedication to the community through volunteerism. In November 2018, Ramos participated in the annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution, where he helped distribute food to families in need. He also participated in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run and the Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop event, both events help to raise money for Special Olympics.
For his professionalism, commitment to service, and dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and the community he serves, Officer Rosendo Ramos III was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and recognized as the Monrovia Police Department’s 2018 Officer of the Year.
Source: Monrovia City press release
- Brad Haugaard
LA Japanese Newspaper Reports on Monrovia Neighborhood Treasure Dedication
Rafu Shimpo, the Japanese daily newspaper for the Los Angeles area, carried a report on the dedication of Monrovia's latest Neighborhood Treasure, honoring early Japanese settlers in the city. https://is.gd/Ibs5R1
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Celebrate Mountain Park and Canyon Oaks High School Graduates
Monrovia Unified celebrated 270 students who graduated from the District’s Adult School, Canyon Oaks High School, and Mountain Park School during ceremonies that celebrated the achievements and successes of each student.
On May 30, Monrovia Community Adult School held its commencement ceremony for graduates who had completed the graduation requirements for the schools’ programs. Students graduated with certificates in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs such as medicine, computers, and construction. They were also recognized for completing the requirements to receive their high school diplomas.
“There is no shortcut or easy way at our Adult School or Alternative Schools,” Director of Alternative Schools Flint Fertig said. “These graduates did everything that was necessary and fulfilled all of the graduation requirements necessary to be here today. Congratulations to all of them for pushing through hardships and obstacles and achieving their goals.”
On June 4, family and friends, teachers, and administrators filled the auditorium at Clifton Middle School, cheering as 47 graduates from Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School made their way to the stage during the commencement ceremony.
Three graduates – Benjamin Cortez, Katherine Onofre, and Brandon Trujillo – graduated with California State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish – the first ever in the history of the District’s continuation high school. Additionally, Ariana Brooks, Grace Golden, and Rebecca Lauver graduated with Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas – also a first for the continuation school.
“It is my privilege to congratulate this group of graduates for their accomplishments,” Board President Ed Gililland said. “We know that each student has done the work necessary to be where they are today. We honor and wish them all continued success.”
During the ceremonies, scholarships were distributed to students by community groups such as Monrovia Rotary Club, Monrovia Kiwanis Club, Monrovia Latino Heritage Society, and Citrus College Bright Future. The scholarships totaled more than $15,000, a jump from the $8,000 distributed last year.
“Congratulations to all of our Adult School and Alternative Schools graduates,” Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. “Every single one of them is focused on the future and the promises it holds. They’ve shown that they have the will and will determine the way to achieve their goals following graduation.”
Source: Monrovia School District press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Fat Nude Guy; Police Double as Firefighters; Sneeze Makes Driver Hit Tree; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 6 – June 12. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 398 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.
Indecent Exposure
June 6 at 8:37 a.m., a motorist traveling in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported seeing a male subject completely naked standing next to a red Toyota 4-door SUV. She described the male as white, in his 30's, 5’8”, heavy-set with blonde hair and a hat. Officers responded but were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 9:13 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of S. Myrtle when he saw three male subjects he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was stopped and taken into custody.
Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order - Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 7:47 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Lime called the police to report that her son was in her backyard even though she had an active domestic violence restraining order against him. Officers responded and located the male subject and after confirming the order was valid took him into custody.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 7 at 3:56 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle just collided with hers at the intersection of Ivy and Palm. Officers responded and after conducting an investigation, issued a citation to the party found to be at fault.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 7 at 4:23 p.m., a caller reported two motorists just collided into one another in the 300 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and contacted both parties, they were not injured and did not desire a report. The parties exchanged personal information.
Fire Assist
June 8 at 1:06 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Lemon called to report a fire in a backyard behind a garage. Officers located the fire and used the garden hose to extinguish the fire. The Fire Department arrived shortly after. It is unknown what caused the fire. The items burning were some old chairs, a table, two televisions, and some yard waste (trimmings).
Battery / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
June 8 at 2:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report two subjects fighting at the location. When officers arrived the subjects were no longer involved in a physical altercation, just verbal. The involved parties had conflicting stories, further investigation revealed which person was the aggressor. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. Another female with the suspect had an outstanding warrant, she was arrested and taken into custody as well.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 8 at 3:23 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report a motorist collided into a tree in the area. An officer arrived and saw the vehicle had struck a tree on the north side of the street and it was partially blocking the roadway. The officer contacted the driver, he said that while he was driving he sneezed and "jerked" the wheel to the right causing him to collide with the tree. The driver's side airbag deployed and he had a complaint of pain to his chest but refused medical attention. Public works was notified to clear the tree out of roadway.
Attempt Commercial Burglary
June 9 at 9:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington on the report of an attempt burglary. An employee arrived to work and noticed the glass to the drive-thru window had been shattered. There were pry marks along one of the rear doors but there was no entry to the business and nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Theft (Follow-up) – Suspect Identified
June 10 at 11:00 a.m., an officer was conducting a follow-up investigation in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft that occurred earlier this month. As a result of the investigation, the officer was able to identify the suspect. A misdemeanor filing will be sought.
Vandalism
June 11 at 11:22 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Mayflower regarding a vandalism. The resident’s car was vandalized sometime during the night. The driver’s side window was shattered but nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 11:46 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of S. Myrtle when he noticed a vehicle make a vehicle code violation. He conducted a traffic stop and contacted the occupants. A computer check on a passenger in the vehicle revealed an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 5:39 p.m., a caller reported that a male and female where arguing in front of a business in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects. Further investigation revealed the two subjects were in a dating relationship and the female scratched and bit the male causing visible injuries. The female was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 9: 36 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Olive called to report two subjects sleeping in the park after closing hours. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects, both known to be drug offenders. The officers discovered that one of the subjects were in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
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