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Monrovia Council to Hire Former Calistoga City Manager

The Monrovia City Council plans to appoint Dylan Feik as its new city manager.

According to the staff report (https://is.gd/Afvfqz), "Feik was previously the City Manager of the City of Calistoga, in Northern California through April of 2019. From his time in Calistoga, Mr. Feik’s application highlights his work leading multiple initiatives of direct relevance to Monrovia, including the development of a 10 year Capital Infrastructure Plan, new initiatives to address pension costs, meeting the City’s goals for affordable housing development, and leading the City’s response to the Napa-Lake-Sonoma wildfire disaster in 2017. Prior to becoming City Manager in Calistoga, he was the Administrative Services Director in Auburn, California, Assistant City Manager in Knoxville, Iowa, and held various positions in the City of Olathe, Kansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Weber State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas."

The contract will be for three years and Feik will be paid a starting salary of $210,000, which is subject to adjustment yearly following the annual performance evaluation, with the amount of any such adjustment subject to negotiation and capped at 5% annually. The salary is approximately 9% less than what was paid to the previous city manager, Oliver Chi, as of his departure.

Feik is married to Kira, has two sons and a red '65 Mustang.

Here is a bio Feik wrote of himself: https://is.gd/YZruri

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Thorossian's September Schools Update

Dear Monrovia Unified School District community,

Monrovia Unified is committed to providing our students with opportunities to be successful academically and in their personal pursuits. Through our array of programs, our students are able to grow their skill sets and discover new passions.

Over the last month, our elementary students have been busy learning new coding components, advancing in their Dual-Language Immersion programs, and learning what it means to be part of a bully-free campus.

Our high school athletes have been enjoying their new Wildcat Stadium field and track, renovated this summer and celebrated with a grand re-opening on Aug. 30. We are excited for our students and community to have this new, upgraded field that they can use for 10 to 15 more years!

On Sept. 20, students from Monroe Elementary School participated in a march to express their opposition to bullying. Students marched and pledged to be bully-free and to continue the school’s dynamic of kindness and positive peer relationships. The event was publicized by Telemundo, which celebrated the school’s bullying prevention efforts! I am proud of our students and commend them for helping promote kindness not just at their school, but across the District.

At Monrovia High School, the WorkAbility and Transition Partnership programs have given our students with disabilities a wonderful opportunity! Students are now taking part in the Monrovia High Roasters program, which has allowed them to learn the responsibilities of being employed, all while selling hot beverages to our wonderful faculty and staff.

Lastly, I would like to thank our partner, Monrovia Reads, for continuing to provide our students with the opportunity to foster a love of reading and promoting literacy across our District!

The start of the school year has been productive and busy for our students, teachers, staff, and administrators and these wonderful programs for our students would not be possible without the amazing people who lead them. I look forward to hearing about our students’ success and achievements this year!

Monrovia Unified’s mission is to provide world-class schools for world-class students, and we invite our community to learn more about our extraordinary programs from the Board of Education during our State of the Schools Address on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Monrovia High School’s Performing Arts Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent


Source: Monrovia Schools

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Shrimp House

Dinner at Shrimp House, at Peck (Myrtle turns into Peck) and Live Oak. Got the Grilled Seafood Sampler for $16.79 and a draft beer for $4.88. Old style seafood restaurant, clean, homey, with very pleasant service. Also came with a salad, not shown because I ate it. Very nice meal, and filling. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: The Drunks and the Drugged; Vehicle Thefts; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 19-25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 391 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
September 19 at 7:17 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Monterey called to report her vehicle was taken sometime during the night. She parked her vehicle in her designated parking stall the night before. When she came out in the morning, she discovered it was missing. Investigation continuing.

Vandalism
September 19 at 9:50 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 300 block of Oakcliff. The resident called to report her boyfriend's vehicle had been vandalized sometime during the night. The suspect scratched the female residents name into the paint of the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 2:50 p.m., a caller reported a male subject lying on the sidewalk with an empty beer can next to him in the 400 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and conducted a welfare check on the individual. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 10:12 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of W. Duarte when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist and explained the reason for the stop. A computer check of the subject revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 12:07 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Live Oak when he saw two vehicles racing southbound at a high rate of speed. The officer radioed another officer who was blocks ahead of the racing vehicles. That officer observed the vehicles still traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
September 20 at 3:38 a.m., a driver was reported passed out behind the wheel in a parking lot in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located the vehicle. There were two occupants inside. The driver had not been drinking. The passenger was found to have a no-bail warrant and a consent search of the vehicle revealed a methamphetamine pipe belonging to the driver. Both subjects were arrested.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 8:46 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw two subjects, one of which he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The subjects were stopped. The other subject consented to a search and heroin was found in her possession. Both subjects were arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 12:48 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 1:03 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area near Peck and Longden when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist and explained the reason for the stop. A computer check revealed four narcotics related warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 8:48 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation. He contacted the driver and explained the reason he was stopped. A computer check revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 23 at 7:56 a.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision in the 100 block of W. Duarte. A motorist was traveling east on Duarte and stopped at a red light. Another motorist also traveling east did not stop in time and rear ended the vehicle in front of him. One of the drivers complained of pain. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto
September 23 at 12:38 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Montana called to report his vehicle was taken from the front of his residence. He last saw his vehicle on Saturday morning at his residence when he left for the weekend. When he returned, his vehicle was gone. All of the keys were accounted for and he didn't give anyone permission to take it. Investigation continuing.

Fraud
September 23 at 1:20 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock called police to report a subject that came into the business and produced a fraudulent check. It wasn’t learned until after the subject left that the check was fraudulent. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 24 at 7:25 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of S. Ivy. The caller told police that he loaded up a U-Haul truck for a local resident and left it parked overnight in front of the residence. He returned the next morning and the vehicle was not there. The truck was located later in East Los Angeles and the contents were gone. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 5:24 p.m., an intoxicated male subject was reported in the 100 block of W. Lemon. Officers responded and located the subject, who was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 5:51 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject had concealed merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. Officers arrived and located the subject. The property was recovered and the subject was placed under private person’s arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

In City Park After Closing Hours – Suspects Issued Citation
September 25 at 12:25 a.m., officers were on patrol near Library Park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle when they saw two subjects in the park after hours, which is a violation of the Monrovia Municipal Code. The two subjects were detained and issued citations.

Grand Theft Auto
September 25 at 5:42 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Shamrock called police to report his work truck had been stolen. The truck was taken sometime between 10:00 p.m. on September 24 and 5:40 a.m. on September 25. The investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
September 25 at 2:24 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Colorado called police to report a theft of mail from his porch. The suspect was captured on video by the victim’s RING video camera. The suspect is described as a male White, 30 to 35 years old, thin build, wearing a Broncos hat and baggy jeans. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 25 at 4:01 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision that occurred in the 300 block of W. Palm. A motorist was traveling west on Palm and stopped at the posted stop sign. Another motorist was traveling south on Magnolia, which has no posted stop signs. The motorist on Palm entered the intersection and was broadsided by the motorist traveling on Magnolia. One of the passengers complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The collision was captured on video and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

New Coffee and Art Shop Opens on Myrtle


Ribbon cutting at the new Espresso Mi Cultura coffee and art shop on Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

New City Manager Announcement Late Next Week? Coffee With a Cop; Measure K Outreach

In his first report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) Interim City Manager Brad Dover reports:

~ The latest Monrovia Today magazine is out: https://is.gd/pQQSXL

~ "If all goes according to plan, we should be ready to make an announcement [about the permanent city manager] toward the latter part of next week, and an employment agreement with the final selected candidate could make its way onto the October 1 City Council meeting agenda for formal consideration.  If that timeline holds, then Monrovia's next city manager should be on board no later than mid- to late-November."

~ Coffee With a Cop. The Monrovia Police Department will be at the Starbucks on the corner of Huntington and Magnolia on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m., for National Coffee with a Cop Day.  No agenda, no distractions, no barriers... just coffee and conversation with Monrovia police.

~  The city is planning an outreach to persuade Monrovians to vote for Measure K, on the November ballot. If passed, it would max out the sales tax for the city so that when the county passes another sales tax measure it won't have any affect on Monrovia since we'll already be paying the maximum, and the money will stay in Monrovia. Outreach will include a water bill insert, presentations to boards, commissions, and community groups, and two community meetings: Oct. 19, 11 a.m. at the Community Center, and Oct. 22, 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers.

- Brad Haugaard

Marlene - Still a Puppy, Everything's a Game

Have you ever been told you have youthful energy? Marlene can relate! Although she’s four years old, she looks and acts like a puppy. Marlene loves to play, and can turn any activity into a game. She would do great with a person who has as much exuberance and energy as she does, and doesn’t mind her occasionally having the zoomies! After all, aren’t zoomies a sign of a life well-lived? If you’d love to make friends with a happy, lively pup, stop by and get to know Marlene.

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

Sister Act at Taylor Performing Arts Center in December

Sister Act, at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (AKA Monrovia High Auditorium). Details here (https://is.gd/uMlgXQ) and audition info here (https://is.gd/EPs0rv).

- Brad Haugaard

Saigon Avenue Changing Ownership


New owners for Saigon Avenue restaurant, Vietnamese food on the south side of Lemon just east of Myrtle. Thanks to Kelly Moran for photo.

Update: Craig writes that the restaurant is just changing from Sole Proprietorship to a Corporation.  


- Brad Haugaard

Providers Group Awards Dinner


 Video of Monrovia Providers Group Awards dinner. Courtesy of Monrovia Weekly.

 - Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Contract With Learning Genie

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/nay35z) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider approving a $2,200 contract (through June 2020) with Learning Genie, an online software system that provides a "flexible portfolio and assessment rating tools for child development observation, documentation, and assessment rating." It also lets teachers share what they're teaching with parents. https://is.gd/BHsxAQ

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Victor’s

Lunch at Los Victor’s, the Mexican food stand at Foothill and May. Got the carnitas burrito for $6.50 (took a bite so you can see inside) and a medium  horchata for $1.90. Both the burrito and the horchata were excellent!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: 'Major Prize' Actually a Fraud; Lots of Drugs and Alcohol; Vehicle Burglary Suspects Arrested

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 12-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 434 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 1:35 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Diamond and Mayflower when he observed a subject he believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was stopped and an investigation was conducted. The subject was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested.

Traffic Stop / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 4:06 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was contacted. A computer check revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 12:25 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1900 block of S. California stopped a driver for failing to stop at the stop light. When the officer contacted the driver, he displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication / Prowling / Possession of a Gun – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 3:11 a.m., a female resident in the 900 block of W. Olive called police to report her estranged husband was at the location and would not leave. The couple is separated and the husband was found sneaking around in the backyard and was intoxicated. The wife sat with her estranged husband for almost two hours talking with him, but could not get him to leave. Officers arrived and the subject was arrested for prowling and public intoxication.  While securing the subjects vehicle, an open handgun case was found on the front seat. Officers searched around the vehicle and found a loaded revolver nearby in the bushes. An emergency restraining order was issued.

Vandalism Incident
September 13 at 7:43 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Linwood called police to report a rock was thrown through the front window to his apartment. Investigation continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 11:56 p.m., an officer was patrolling Recreation Park in the 600 block of S. Shamrock when he saw a subject inside the park after closing hours, which is a violation of the local municipal code. The subject was detained, and the officer determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 12:44 p.m., a traffic collision was reported near Mountain and Royal Oaks. Officers responded and contacted both drivers. One of the drivers displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 2:06 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a bicyclist in the area of Shamrock and Maple for a traffic violation. An Investigation revealed the bicyclist was in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Resisting / Identity Theft / No Bail Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 2:50 a.m., an officer attempted to stop a bicyclist for a traffic violation in the 600 block of S. Shamrock. The bicyclist ignored the officer's commands and fled on his bicycle. The officer caught up to the subject and arrested him for resisting/delaying. The subject was later determined to have identified himself using someone else's personal information to avoid the discovery of a no-bail warrant. He was charged with resisting/delaying, identity theft, and a no-bail parole violation.

Fraud Incident
September 15 at 7:25 p.m., a resident in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a fraud incident. The resident attempted to purchase a vehicle online and sent a twelve hundred dollar credit card deposit to the seller. The resident never received the vehicle and was unable to get ahold of the seller again. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 15 at 7:53 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of Royal Oaks. The resident called police to report a pair of sunglasses and a checkbook were taken from his car. He notified his bank and closed his checking account. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 8:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision that occurred in the 200 block of W. Cypress. When they arrived and spoke with both drivers, they found one of the drivers displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Tampering
September 16 at 8:16 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Montana called police to report their vehicle was ransacked, but nothing was missing. There were surveillance cameras around the location. The suspect was described as a tall, thin, male African American. Investigation continuing.

Fraud Incident
September 16 at 10:12 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks called police to report a fraud incident. The resident received a phone call stating she had won a major prize, and all she needed to do was give her personal information and $199.00. The caller asked for the money to be transferred through Venmo or another electronic banking service, but the victim didn't have any of those. She was then asked to get a money order and send it to an account, which she did. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
September 16 at 1:39 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista. The resident called police when he returned home and discovered his back door was forced open. It was unknown if anything was taken at the time of the report. Investigation continuing.

Drug Activity / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 9:05 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 700 block of W. Huntington. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 2:23 a.m., a caller reported two vehicles were involved in a traffic collision in the 400 block of Montana and one of the drivers was attempting to leave the scene. Officers responded and located the driver nearby. He was positively identified by a witness. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting
September 17 at 10:42 a.m., an adult male and female went into a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. They selected items and left the business without paying for them. They entered a black sedan and left the location. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 17 at 5:50 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Myrtle. The victim parked his vehicle and went inside a residence. When he returned to his vehicle, he discovered a window had been broken. He looked inside and discovered the tools he left in the vehicle were no longer there. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 17 at 9:10 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle in front of a business and went inside. When he returned, he discovered someone had broken into his vehicle. The rear passenger window was shattered. The victim's backpack containing a laptop and other items was stolen from the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 2:19 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he saw a subject he recognized from prior contacts. He knew the subject had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was detained and arrested for the warrant.

Vehicle Burglary – Suspects Arrested
September 18 at 6:42 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks called police to report two suspicious individuals in the area, both wearing dark clothing and carrying backpacks. The reporting party was aware of a vehicle burglary that occurred the day prior and called police. Officers responded, and as they arrived on scene, the reporting party pointed out the two subjects. The subjects ran when they saw the officers and a short foot pursuit took place, but the suspects were quickly located and detained. The suspects were positively identified by the resident, and the backpacks were found to contain stolen property from the vehicle burglary that occurred the day prior. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. The suspects admitted to committing several vehicle burglaries.

First Monrovia Scouting Day Coming Up Sept. 28

The First Annual Monrovia Scouting Day will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, in Library Park from noon until 6 p.m. Larn about the opportunities and experiences that Scouting offers for girls and boys of all ages.

- Brad Haugaard

College Fair at Monrovia High

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Roasters - Jobs for Special Education Students

Monrovia High School students from the MHS Roasters program put on their aprons and stock a coffee cart at 7 a.m. to begin selling cups of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to faculty and staff as part of Monrovia High's WorkAbility and Transition Partnership program for students.

The programs open doors to job opportunities from local business partners in the community. By going into the community and working for local businesses, students in special education classes learn independence and gain experience for life-skill development.

"Monrovia High's MHS Roasters program provides students with a chance to gain critical skills in academics, social interaction, communication, financial management, and job performance," Monrovia High Transition Coordinator Kymberly Hirst said.

Local business partners include Unleashed, Foothill Unity Center, REI, Grocery Outlet, Chuck E. Cheese, Wendy's, Walgreens, and Smart and Final.

"My son is very excited to get up in the morning now, and he shows up to school always ready to start working," said Leslie Hudspeth, mother of Monrovia High student Jason Travers. "This experience is going to give him the confidence he needs to go out to the community and hold his head up high because he will have the skills he needs to do the work."

Similar coffee cart programs are finding success in schools across the states, achieving a high degree of popularity on campuses and offering beneficial work experience, Hirst said. Students work alongside adults for support as they gain the skills they will need to be employed in the community.

"At Monrovia Unified, providing our students with the opportunities and experiences they need to be successful after graduation is one of our priorities," Board of Education President Ed Gililland said. "Our dedicated teachers and counselors at Monrovia High always ensure that our students have the opportunities they need to be successful not only academically, but in their personal goals as well."

Student training started with making hot chocolate for a friend and then providing complimentary drinks for teachers who visited the cart. Students learned how to use a cash register and how to manage a line of customers. Now they crisscross campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, selling coffee to faculty and staff.

"The growth of the MHS Roasters program follows the same successful trajectory of our other unique programs," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "It begins with a great idea supported by an organization committed to creating opportunities for students. Our goal is to prepare students with the skills necessary to define their own future."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Chief Brad Dover Confirmed as Interim City Manager

At the regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Monrovia City Council confirmed Fire Chief Brad Dover as the Interim City Manager.

Brad began his career with Monrovia in 1994 as a fire cadet, and he was hired into a full-time firefighter role in 1998. Most recently, Brad was appointed the City’s Fire Chief in 2016, and since that time, he has been instrumental in advancing a variety of operational enhancements in both the Fire Department and throughout the City. Of particular note, one of the tangible results from all his efforts was the reclassification of the Monrovia Fire Department into a high class 2 rated operation by the Insurance Services Office, which ranks Monrovia Fire & Rescue in the top three percent of all fire departments across the United States.

“We are grateful that an individual of Brad’s quality and character is willing to step up and take on the additional responsibilities of serving as Monrovia’s Interim City Manager,” said Mayor Tom Adams. “The City Council has every confidence that Brad will be a terrific steward of our organization and community, and that Monrovia will have continued success during this transitional period.”

“I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to serve the City of Monrovia in this interim capacity,” said Brad. “What an honor it is to work with so many dedicated and hardworking people that are all committed to making Monrovia the best place that it can be.”

As one of the few completely full-service cities in the San Gabriel Valley, Brad will be supported in his new role by a staff of around 300 full-time employees.

Brad holds a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach. In addition, this November he will graduate as an Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy in Maryland. He has been married to his wife, Anne, for the past 21 years, and they have two 16-year old twins, Blake and Ella.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Samson the Fire Education Bear


The fire department introduced its new mascot, Samson the Fire Education Bear, to the Monrovia City Council Tuesday night. Samson will visit schools and be at fire department events, such as the pancake breakfast. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Friday Oliver Chi's Last Day; Brad Dover to be Interim City Manager; Read Across Monrovia; Get Your Home Restored; Etc.

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

~  City Manager Oliver Chi's Final Update:

"This is difficult message to write, but I wanted to share with everyone that this will be my final City Manager's Update message.  This coming Friday, September 20, will be my last day working in Monrovia, and more than anything, what I feel right now is a profound sense of gratefulness.

"Grateful that I had the chance to work for this amazing place called Monrovia during the past five years.  And grateful for your support as the team at the City worked to best serve you in our efforts to create a community that offers a premier quality of life.  Monrovia has been a central part to the story of my life, and looking back on all of it... words just fail me.  I feel such overwhelming appreciation that you allowed me the privilege of serving as your city manager, and I am so immensely proud of what we have been able to do collectively... together.

"With eternal gratitude,
Oliver Chi
(310) 663-9837
oliverchi@yahoo.com"

~ The City Council will consider naming Fire Chief Brad Dover as the city's interim city manager. Chi writes: "During the past five years, I've come to the realization that Brad is simply one of the best leaders - and best human beings - to have ever walked the planet.  And I'm so confident that Brad will do an amazing job as Monrovia's interim city manager!"

~ Volunteer to read to Monrovia students (K-5) during Read Across Monrovia on Thursday, Oct. 3.  Most visits start at 8 a.m. Fill out the form (https://is.gd/htq4Ol) and return it. For information, call Joanne Spring at 358-1952 or Diane Delmatoff at 388-4544.

~  The DIY Network TV program, "Restored," which documents the restoration of vintage homes, is looking for three Monrovia homes to be on the show. The home must be a vintage Craftsman, Victorian, Spanish Colonial Revival or similar period home and have many of its original features; likely work would include a kitchen remodel, front entry, exterior, maybe bathroom and fireplace; homeowner must contribute at least $60,000; occupants must move out during the project - typically eight weeks. If interested, contact Jeff at jeff.uncapher@essential.media.

- Brad Haugaard

Tofu - You Gotta Earn Her Love

Patience is the name of the game with Tofu, a gorgeous Tortie Point Siamese. Tofu is a discerning cat who doesn’t give her love to just anyone. So when she does love you, you’ll know it’s real! A few tips: she loves treats, and enjoys playing with toys. It may take a little time to gain her trust, but it’s worth it. Be the envy of all your friends when you become Tofu’s one and only!

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