Monrovia Expects New City Manager Decision in Week or Two

In his weekly report City Manager Oliver Chi reports (here) that...

~ Monrovia expects to have a candidate to be the new city manager in the next week or two.

Chi writes that, ”In addition to a full battery of internal reviews and candidate background checks, the City Council also engaged three in-depth reviews of city manager candidates.”

~ The Monrovia Public Library Foundation Will hold its fifth annual Team Up! Dream Up! For Literacy fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Monrovia Public Library. Adult learner-turned-author, Mabel Ngo, will be signing copies of her book and all proceeds will go to the library's Literacy Services program.  Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased at monrovialibraryfoundation.org.  You can also purchase $10 Dining for Literacy raffle tickets at the Friends Book Store in the library and enter for a chance to win over $1,000 in gift cards to Monrovia eateries.  To learn more about the library’s Literacy Services, visit monrovialibrary.org or call 626-256-8273.

- Brad Haugaard 

Gracie: She's All Ears; Good at Nosework, Too

Gracie, a precious 7-year-old Bluetick Hound, has lots of things to tell you! Stories, advice, opinions...and you’ll want to listen, she’s very funny! Gracie’s a great sounding board too! Just look at those adorably long, floppy ears! She’s ALL ears! Gracie’s a smart, friendly girl and like all good hounds she’s very nosy! The key to “happily ever after” with Gracie would be, consistent companionship, nosework activities and an abundance of love.

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

A Bear in a Car in North Monrovia

Jen Wang, posting on the Nextdoor social media site, tells about a bear that got stuck in a car in north Monrovia:

“Went to visit family on northern Norumbega tonight, and since they have a long driveway with a gate, we left our car unlocked when we went inside. A while later, we heard our car horn blaring, and came outside to find a bear in our car!”

The bear, she wrote, had opened the car door and gotten in, but because they were parked on a hillside, the door shut behind the bear, which was leaning on the horn.

"My father-in-law calmly opened a door and backed away, and the bear ran away, no harm done.

"There's only minimal damage to the car, but just FYI, if you're hanging out near the foothills, it might be best to treat your car like you're camping! My advice would be to keep your food, trash and snacks in the car to a minimum (we had a bit of both in the car and the bear definitely investigated them), and lock your car, even if you're in a spot where you're not worried about break-ins. The bear didn't seem threatening at all, but be safe!

(Bear picture is of a Monrovia bear, not necessarily this Monrovia bear... but who knows.)

- Brad Haugaard

Arts Show and Chalk Fest Oct. 5 at Station Square

- Brad Haugaard

T-Pumps Opening Sept. 10

T-Pumps - a boba tea kinda place on Myrtle in Old Town - is opening Tuesday Sept 10. Also, they’re hiring if you need a job. 

Thanks to Kelly Moran for tip!

- Brad Haugaard

T-Phillips Changes Ownership

T. Phillips restaurant, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado, to be under new ownership.

Thanks to Kelly Moran for tip!

- Brad Haugaard

Cars on Myrtle - New and Old

The Monrovia Soapbox Derby has been revived. And is going on right now. 

And lots and lots of classic cars. Here’s former Monrovia School Board member, Chris Rich, with his 1959 Devin, a kit car made next door in El Monte. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police to Participate in Pink Patch Project

Monrovia Police Department employees will be wearing these pink patches on their uniforms during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" this October. The patches are intended to stimulate conversations and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.

The Pink Patch Project is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association and more than 175 public safety agencies throughout the nation.

The Monrovia Police Department is selling commemorative pink patches to the community, along with Pink Patch Project T-shirts, challenge coins and other items. Beginning September 3, these items will be sold at the Monrovia street fair, in our lobby, and on the City of Hope website (https://is.gd/SBAjs7). Proceeds from the sale of Monrovia's commemorative Pink Patch Project items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment at the City of Hope. For more information visit the Pink Patch Project website: https://pinkpatchproject.com/

- Brad Haugaard

KGEM May Broadcast Monrovia High Varsity Games

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/X9nhjq) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ A deal for KGEM to broadcast Monrovia High varsity athletic games. The school will pay Community Media of the Foothills $800 per game to broadcast the games live and archive them. KGEM will offer two to four sponsor announcements per game at $200 each, which it will use to reduce the $800 being charged to the District. https://is.gd/xHonZB

~ A memorandum of understanding to provide students of La Sierra University, of Riverside, teaching, administration, and pupil services (special education, counseling and school psychology). https://is.gd/4BOOXw

~ Hiring Terra Pave, Inc. for $14,600 to remove and replace approximately 1,700 square feet of failed asphalt at the Colorado driveway of Monrovia High. https://is.gd/QUv9Ke

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at T-Burgers

Lunch at T-Burgers, on the south side of Foothill a block east of Magnolia. Got the Chef’s Salad for $8.99 and an iced tea for $1.98. Nice. Veggies were fresh and service quick. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Repeated Rock Attack’s; Drugs; Burglaries; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 29 - September 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 384 service events, resulting in 87 investigations. 

Residential Burglary
August 29 at 11:19 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Magnolia called to report his home was broken into and items were taken. The homeowner said he left his residence for approximately one hour. When he returned home, he saw the sliding door was open. The point of entry was a bathroom window that was forced open. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
August 29 at 4:39 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported in the 300 block of N. Mountain. The victim called to report his computer was taken sometime while his home was under construction. The investigation is continuing. 

Possession of Narcotics for Sales – Two Suspects Arrested
August 30 at 12:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1100 block of S. Magnolia when he saw a driver commit a traffic violation. The driver was stopped and two occupants in the vehicle were contacted. A computer check revealed the passenger had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. In addition, officers located over two ounces of methamphetamine in the vehicle, along with packaging materials. Both occupants were arrested for possession of narcotics for sales and transportation of methamphetamine. 

Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 7:47 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Pomona when he saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist and explained the reason for the stop. A computer check revealed she had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. The subject was searched incident to arrest and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vandalism
August 30 at 9:19 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lime called police to report an unknown subject threw a large rock through one of the windows on his home. Investigation continuing. 

Vandalism
August 30 at 10:52 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 200 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported that an unknown suspect threw a large rock through the front window of his home. This is the third time in the last several months that an incident similar to this has happened. The investigations are continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 5:40 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Duarte and Magnolia when he saw a subject he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had several outstanding warrants for her arrest. The officer detained the subject and arrested her for the warrants. 

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
August 31 at 9:44 a.m., a petty theft was reported in the 500 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle and took items. The vehicle was parked in front of his house. The resident returned to his vehicle in the morning and discovered the interior was ransacked and his registration tab was stolen. The investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
August 31 at 11:12 a.m., a victim visited a business in the 500 block of S. Mountain and parked her vehicle in the parking lot. She went into the business and when she returned to her vehicle, she saw a window had been smashed and her cell phone had been taken. Investigation continuing. 

Drug Activity / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 1:30 p.m., a female subject called police to report possible drug activity she witnessed in the 300 block of W. Huntington. She was at a business and said she saw two male subjects possibly using drugs. She provided a description of the subjects to dispatch. Officers responded and located the two subjects in question. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 7:51 a.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported parked to the rear of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. An officer responded and contacted the solo occupant, which was a female adult. The subject consented to a search, which led to the discovery of a small amount of methamphetamine. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 12:40 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Cypress and Shamrock when he saw a driver commit a traffic violation. A computer check revealed the male subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. 

Mail Theft
September 2 at 7:49 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of S. Mayflower called to report her mail was taken from her mailbox. The resident reviewed her Ring camera and discovered her mail was stolen at 2:51 p.m. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 20's, wearing dark sunglasses, a gray baseball cap, a black Clippers t-shirt with the number 13 on it, black shorts and white shoes. Mail was taken from the mailbox and a package with two headlamps was taken from the porch. The investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
September 3 at 9:53 a.m., a grand theft was reported by a resident in the 200 block of W. Colorado. The victim called police to report a tankless water heater was taken from an apartment unit. The investigation is continuing. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
September 3 at 12:20 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 2400 block of S. Peck when he saw a parked vehicle that appeared to have been stripped. A computer check of the license plate revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Bell Gardens. The vehicle was recovered and the registered owner was notified. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 8:02 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a male subject had entered the business, concealed merchandise, and then exited the business without making any attempts to pay for the items. The suspect was detained by officers and arrested for shoplifting. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 11:07 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a subject was disturbing customers. Officers arrived and located the subject. The officer determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Monrovian Charged in Death of Amanda Custer

A Monrovia man, Robert Anthony Camou, 27, has been charged with murder in the suspected death of Amanda Kathleen Custer, 31, also of Monrovia. https://shrtm.nu/3pgB

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Market May Become Auto Museum; Monrovia 39th Safest City in State; Library Receives Grant

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

~ The former Monrovia Market (which housed the much-lamented Market Grill) at Shamrock and Colorado, may be turned into an automobile museum, with two residential units on the to-be-added second floor. The city's Development Review Committee considered an application by Bowden Development to change the building into a Route 66 Automotive Museum / Special Event Venue.  The museum would showcase several 1950 classic cars and memorabilia owned by the late Fred Bowden, and could be rented out for private parties and gatherings on a limited basis. The application will be considered by the Planning Commission on September 11.

~  An organization called Backgroundchecks.org has listed Monrovia as the 39th safest city in California and the fifth safest in the San Gabriel Valley, ranking only behind Sierra Madre (7th), San Marino (12th), South Pasadena (24th), and Glendale (32nd).

~ Monrovia Public Library is one of 26 recipients of the 2020 Book To Action Grant awarded by the California Center for the Book. This grant lets Monrovia's Adult Services Team collaborate with community partners to create a dynamic series of events for adults and intergenerational groups across Monrovia. The program will revolve around The Hidden Life of Trees, by Peter Wohlleben, a New York Times Bestseller.

- Brad Haugaard

Trouble Between Cities and Pasadena Humane Society

Trouble is apparently brewing between local cities and the Pasadena Humane Society (PHS), and local cities may form their own animal control service.

City Manager Oliver Chi, writing in his weekly newsletter, reports that PHS is telling Arcadia that it wants a 578 percent increase for its animal control services, from $90,000 to $525,000.

(Monrovia would not be immediately affected since its contract with PHS - for $120,000 a year - is locked in through 2021.)

Chi writes, "My understanding is that Arcadia has had two meetings with PHS which were both contentious, and in both instances, PHS had trouble addressing very basic questions related to significant planned cost increases." He said that other jurisdictions have also reported that the PHS "has been employing a negotiating approach that is short on details about why costs are increasing so dramatically."

In response, he said many cities are considering creating their own regional animal control service. He said "staff level conversations are being planned with several cities, including Arcadia, La Canada, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, San Marino, Pasadena, and Monrovia."

- Brad Haugaard

Farewell Ice Cream Social for City Manager Oliver Chi

There will be a free ice cream social in Library Park, Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5-8 p.m. to say good-by to City Manager Oliver Chi, who is moving on to take over as city manager of Huntington Beach. Farewell remarks begin at 6 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Celebrates Reopening of Wildcat Stadium

Monrovia High School’s Cat City student section – all sporting green to represent the school – cheered as the Monrovia Unified Board of Education kicked off a grand reopening for Wildcat Stadium on Aug. 30 during the Wildcat varsity football team’s first home game of the year.

Board Vice President Rob Hammond, Board Clerk Bryan Wong, and Board Members Maritza Travanti and Selene Lockerbie were joined by Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams, Councilmembers Becky Shevlin and Gloria Crudgington, Monrovia High Principal Kirk McGinnis, and students from the school’s band and football, track, cheer and soccer teams.

“It is an honor to be here today in front of all of you as we celebrate the grand reopening of Wildcat Stadium,” Board Vice President Rob Hammond said. “This is an effort that began a few years ago, and it has been exciting for us all to see it finally happen. It will benefit our athletes and scholars for many years to come.”

Field upgrades completed over summer included changing out an aging rubber pellet infill for a cool-fill product that decreases turf temperature and relocating communication boxes to outer parts of the field to ensure the continued safety of students.

“This is a great way to celebrate Monrovia High School’s 126 years of service to our families and community,” McGinnis said. “Thank you to our Board of Education for their support in making this new field become a reality for all Monrovia High Wildcats.”

Following the grand reopening, Monrovia’s community roared as the Wildcats made their way to the field to face Alta Loma High School and secure their first home victory, 34-7.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Carmel Aims to Please ... Especially in a Kiddie Pool

Get ready to fall in love! Carmel is that happy, joyful dog that reminds us, Life is Good! Fun lovin’, playful 2-year-old Carmel, is a “glass is half full” personality, eager to greet each day with excitement. Sweet and affectionate, she’s got laser focus and aims to please. She also has an infinite amount of love to give and dreams that her forever home might have a little “kiddie” pool. Happiness is seeing Carmel splash around! Grab your towel and dive into love with Carmel!

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 Wins Big Over Alta Loma at First Home Game

Monrovia football debuted its refurbished field at its first home game of the season with a decisive 34-7 win over Alta Loma High School of Rancho Cucamonga. https://shrtm.nu/S6Wm

- Brad Haugaard 

New Monrovia City Manager? South-Side Entry Point to Train Station; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/PxkNMU) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Maybe, maybe ... a new city manager to replace Oliver Chi? It is not certain but the council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4 p.m. in closed session. Topic: "Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code GC 54957: City Manager". https://is.gd/UBXKte

~  Build a south-side entryway to the train station. This would involve buying a strip of property (enough for a walkway) on the north side of the recycling facility on Duarte Road just south of the train station to build an access way so people can get to the tracks from the south side, rather than just the north side. The little stub of Peck Road above Duarte Road would be the south-side drop-off area. https://is.gd/ikcETF

~ Creating a five-member Board of Appeals to consider appeals to staff building code decisions. The board would be comprised of three Planning Commissioners and two Historic Preservation Commissioners. https://is.gd/14vFIQ

~ Designating the George H. Anderson House at 215  E. Lime Ave. as an historic landmark. The house is the home of the Monrovia Historical Society. https://is.gd/xQf2AP

- Brad Haugaard

Maryknoll Family Fun and Craft Fair

Family Fun and Craft Fair at Maryknoll Sisters, 300 Norumbega Drive, Sunday, Sept. 29, 1-5 p.m.. Raffle, first prize $1,000; quilt raffle, In-N-Out Burgers; children's fun zone; handmade items and plants. Call 358-1825 for information and tickets.

- Brad Haugaard