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Parking Enforcement Resumes in Monrovia

Beginning on Friday, Aug. 6, the Monrovia Police Department will resume parking enforcement for Timed Parking. Please pay attention to all posted signs when choosing your next parking spot, especially noting the time allocated for parking.

 The City has ample free parking, including on-street parking, ten designated public parking lots, and two public parking garages in Old Town. View a full list of parking locations in Old Town Monrovia here: https://is.gd/H6a2ie

If you have any questions, contact the Parking Enforcement Office at 256-8083.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fifth Neighborhood Treasure Unveiling August 7 - Airman Leroy Criss

Neighborhood Treasure unveiling and block party celebration for Tuskegee Airman, Leroy "Buster" Criss at the corner of Maple and Ivy Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Criss is the fifth Neighborhood Treasure honoree. There will be an art unveiling and a block party celebration to follow. The event is free and open to the public. For questions email map@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5525. https://is.gd/F9PNby

- Brad Haugaard

Free Back-To-School Backpacks


The Eta Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will give away backpacks to local school children at Assemblymember Chris Holden's 41st Assembly District Office at 600 N. Rosemead Blvd. in Pasadena on Saturday, July 31, from 9 - 11 a.m. RSVP here: https://is.gd/OWdX5z

- Brad Haugaard

Energetic Penelope Loves Her Doggy Pool


Penelope is an energetic dog who loves being outside and splashing around in her doggy pool! This beautiful dog is one year old and would do best in active home that can provide her with lots of fun and enrichment. Penelope is specifically looking for a home where she can be cared for in the safety of an enclosed yard with ample food, water, shelter, and love. If you can provide Penelope with a safe outdoor home and all the attention and care she needs, she may be the ideal dog for you!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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 and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Superintendent Reports On His First Two Weeks

My first two weeks serving as your superintendent have been fantastic! I have truly enjoyed visiting each of our schools, meeting students, teachers and staff, community members, and attending community events.


Our summer programs have gone extremely well, and it has been great seeing our students have fun while learning. Thanks to our teachers, staff, and partners at the Boys and Girls Club, for working hard to make these programs possible. As we move closer to the official start of the school year on Wednesday, August 18, I want to share some information about some important topics that we are working to address.

 
AB 104: Retention, Grade Changes, and Exemptions
Assembly Bill 104, now law, creates a range of options to accommodate K-12 students who struggled during the 2020-21 academic year when distance learning disrupted classroom routines. These include allowing students to retake their grade level under certain circumstances and the ability for high school students to change letter grades to “pass” or “no pass.” High school juniors and seniors in 2020-2021 not on track for graduation, may also be exempt from certain graduation requirements or have the option to complete coursework through credit recovery, a fifth year of high school, or other means.
 
Independent Study
Governor Newsom recently signed legislation requiring districts to offer independent study as an educational option for parents who prefer this kind of learning model or who are uncomfortable with sending their students back to school due to concerns about COVID-19. Mountain Park School continues to serve MUSD students and families who are interested in an independent study program.
 
Updated COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for Schools
The California Department of Public Health recently released its latest guidelines for COVID-19 prevention in schools. Some key takeaways from the new guidelines are: 1) masks do not need to be worn outside, 2) students must wear masks when indoors, 3) adults must wear masks indoors with students regardless of vaccination status, and 4) previous physical distancing requirements have been removed. Throughout the pandemic, MUSD has always followed public health guidelines and will continue to do so.
 
Chromebooks for Students
We are also finalizing plans to ensure that every student in grades TK-12 has a Chromebook for the start of the school year that can be used both at school and at home. Integrating Chromebooks into our classrooms presents an opportunity for us to continue to personalize and accelerate learning. Providing access to Chromebooks also allows for learning to continue beyond classroom walls.
 
At the July 28 meeting of the Board of Education at 7:00 pm, additional information about all these topics will be shared. For information about how to watch the meeting, please click here.
 
Wishing you all a safe and great summer,
 
 
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent - Monrovia Unified School District

A Moment in Monrovia History: Real Estate Office in 1887

Monroe & Pile Real Estate Office January 1, 1887. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Report on Fatal Crash on Magnolia

Monrovia Police press release on fatal crash at the north end of Magnolia Ave.:

"On Sunday, July 18, at 6:51 a.m., a male adult motorist was traveling alone, north in the 400 – 500 blocks of N. Magnolia. According to witnesses the driver was traveling approximately 100 MPH. The posted speed limit is 25 MPH. The vehicle struck a curb, then overturned and caught fire. The driver did not survive the collision. No other persons were injured from this collision. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia PD responded to assist with the investigation. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Investigators also responded. The investigation will determine if other associated factors were present other than speed."

- Brad Haugaard

Pickup Truck Hits Wall and Burns


According to early information, A pick up truck traveling at a high rate of speed up Magnolia Avenue about 7 a.m. today ran directly into a wall at the north end of the street and exploded, sending a cloud of smoke into the air and drawing police and firefighters from Monrovia and Arcadia to the scene.

- Brad Haugaard 

View The Moon Tonight With Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers

Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be letting people peek through their telescopes at about 8 p.m. today in Library Park, at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. The group reports that, "We will mainly have the Moon tonight. Venus sets shortly after sunset, and Saturn rises about 9 p.m. (although it will take some time to clear the buildings)."

- Brad Haugaard

More Study on Starbucks/Chick-fil-A Project; Dog Park And Other Issues

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/WTT8t9) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Likely put off until later the main item on the agenda, granting a conditional use permit to construct a Starbucks and Chick-fil-A at the current Claim Jumper site. City staff is recommending waiting until the August 3 meeting "to allow the applicant and staff to submit additional information for City Council review" and because "the applicant is also exploring options to address concerns raised at the public hearing." That main concern seems to be the fate of an old sycamore (I think it was) tree on the site. An independent arborist will report on this. https://is.gd/zdDvU6

~ Review directives (https://is.gd/wTzrW3) the council has given staff:

  • Do outreach and planning related to a dog park.
  • Request a meeting with District Attorney Gascon to discuss his Special Directives. 
  • Place rotating mayor issue on June 2022 ballot.
  • Have staff "discourage" the use of non-native palm trees on development projects.
  • Find out what happens if the main San Gabriel Valley aquifer drops further.
  • Council to resume in-person meetings on September 7.
  • Consider a plaque in council chambers to honor Pam Fitzpatrick. 

- Brad Haugaard


Artist Alley Gallery Reopens With July 25 Artist Reception at Community Center


The public is invited to a free Artist Reception on Sunday, July 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. featuring works by four MAFA artists installed on the walls of the Monrovia Community Center:

Jarrett Camp - Pointilism and stipple art

Roy Chang - Photography

Sharon Romero - Mosaic

Keith Slover - Watercolor and ink illustration

Students from Clifton Middle School's Arts Academy have also been invited to display their art.

Rivanis Baking Company will provide a delicious spread of treats and hors d'oeuvres and Wine of the Month Club has donated the adult beverages.


Reception guests will enjoy the sounds of live music from Lobo Reese, a Monrovia-based musical ensemble playing rock, surf, jazz and bossa nova gems.


From July 25 until Oct. 23, the artwork will be on display and for sale on the walls during the Center's opening hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 119 W. Palm Ave.


Coming this fall: Join us for the next Artist Reception on Oct. 24 featuring these MAFA artists' work, displayed until Jan. 30, 2022:


Melissa Ahaus - Oil and acrylic painting

Jeni Bate - Mixed media painting

Traci Loving - Mixed media art

John Parker - Graphite and ink art


Source: Press release from Monrovia Association of Fine Arts


- Brad Haugaard

Where Did Orphan Bear Cub Go?

On the Nextdoor social media website, Monrovian Kim Collins reports that an apparently orphaned bear cub is wandering around the Lincoln/Madison/5th Avenue area. 

She adds that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that there is room for the cub at its rehab center, but where has the critter gotten to?

Collins says that if you see the cub send a text regarding its exact location and time to Rebecca Barboza, Biologist at Fish & Game: (562) 754-9741, letting her know it's an update regarding orphaned cub in North Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia To Help Pay For Bikes, Bike Parts; Also, Weekly Bike Rider Raffles

Using the bicycle route tracking map.

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

The city has launched a new GoMonrovia website, here: https://gomonrovia.com/

... and a new program - as part of GoMonrovia - to encourage bicycle use. It is called Biking for Bucks and provides reimbursements to those who live or work in Monrovia "for purchases related to bicycle transportation and accessories." There will also be weekly raffles to encourage people to ride their bikes and share their activity on a bicycling map, shown above.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Scene Program Is Back

- Brad Haugaard

Have Coffee With a Cop


(That's the Starbucks at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia.)

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Up 14, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/13/2021. Changes since 07/07/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,238 cases (up 14), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 377 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 51 Pounds of Meth; Woman Hits Bartender, Officer, Jailer; Car at Intersection Doesn't Move - Driver Sleeping; Drunks and Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 8-14. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
July 8 at 6:04 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Duarte regarding a hit and run traffic collision. Two vehicles were traveling north on California, when the driver of the first vehicle made an unsafe turning movement and collided into the center median, striking one of the railroad crossing arms. As a result, the crossing arm got stuck underneath the second vehicle as it approached. The driver that hit the center median left the scene, but shortly after, his daughter called the Police Department to report the incident. There were no injuries involved and the investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 8 at 8:21 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a suspicious, occupied vehicle that had covered windows. Officers located the vehicle and contacted the occupants. One of the subjects was found to be currently on parole and admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 12:07 a.m., officers located an occupied vehicle parked in a closed business area in the 800 block of Royal Oaks. They contacted the occupants and one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 9:06 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Pomona called police to report a male subject in their stairwell using illegal drugs. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of Heroin. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Grand Theft
July 9 at 11:43 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a customer that had rented equipment and failed to return it. A certified letter was delivered notifying the customer of potential criminal prosecution. The equipment was never returned. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 11:54 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle after it was seen driving without headlights and speeding near the intersection of Olive and Ivy. The officer contacted the driver and noticed the odor of alcohol and began a DUI investigation. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 10 at 3:21 p.m., a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of California and Myrtle. A motorist failed to yield to oncoming traffic on Myrtle and collided into another motorist. One of the drivers complained of neck pain and was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
July 10 at 4:18 p.m., a caller reported a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista. A motorist drove up a curb and struck a traffic sign. The driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Evidence was recovered inside the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

DUI Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
July 10 at 5:25 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Foothill and Myrtle. One of the drivers displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was DUI. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Battery / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 1:18 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a business dispute. While they were investigating that event, a fight broke out inside and another patron was involved in a dispute with the bartender. The suspect struck the bartender, causing their lip to bleed. Four people restrained the suspect and notified the officers. The female suspect was arrested for battery. During the arrest, she kicked one of the officers, and later while she was going through the booking process, she also kicked one of the jailers. The suspect was held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 2:15 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle speeding and committing other traffic violations near the intersection of Myrtle and Camino Real. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. During the contact, he observed symptoms of intoxication and began a DUI Investigation. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 3:48 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling without headlights, heading east on Huntington, near Mountain, and he conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, he observed symptoms of the driver being under the influence. The officer conducted a DUI investigation and the driver was arrested for DUI. The driver also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
July 11 at 12:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. An unknown suspect broke a window on the victim’s vehicle and stole a purse from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 12:13 p.m., officers responded to a report of a subject throwing rocks and causing a disturbance near the intersection of Foothill and Primrose. Officers contacted the subject and determined he was unable to care for himself due to extreme alcohol intoxication. He was arrested and held for sobering.

Vandalism
July 11 at 4:03 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. An unknown suspect shattered a window on the victim’s vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 10:40 a.m., a male subject was reported yelling at customers and causing a disturbance in a business parking lot in the 900 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the subject. They determined the subject was under the influence of methamphetamine. The subject was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 12 at 11:39 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. Officers responded and found one of the drivers complaining of pain. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and treated the driver.

Vehicle Burglary
July 13 at 6:20 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Greystone walked outside her home and discovered someone had gained entry into her locked vehicle and took her cleaning supplies she needed for work. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose
July 13 at 12:17 p.m., a caller reported a guest at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth was found to have overdosed on Fentanyl and Xanax. Officers responded and administered Narcan to the unresponsive subject, who was revived. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital for additional care.

Grand Theft
July 13 at 1:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Walnut walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle, which was parked on the street in front of his house. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 3:58 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect had shoplifted from their store. Officers arrived, located the subject and arrested him. The stolen property was returned to the store.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 4:23 p.m., several callers reported a male driver asleep in his vehicle, which was stopped in the intersection of Huntington and California. Officers arrived and woke the subject, who was too tired to drive and had fallen asleep. The subject also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
July 13 at 8:00 p.m., an employee of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report two female subjects stole clothing items and were fleeing from the location. Officers responded, located the two female subjects nearby and detained them. The clothing items were recovered and returned to the store. The suspects were arrested for shoplifting and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 13 at 8:55 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Foothill and Primrose for traffic and equipment violations. Officers searched the vehicle and located 51 pounds of methamphetamine. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 2:43 a.m., a female subject called police to report her husband had just hit her in the face in the 1700 block of Alamitas. Officers arrived and detained both subjects, who were still arguing. The wife had visible injuries to her face, but refused medical attention. The husband was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 8:09 a.m., police dispatch received several calls reporting a male subject who was pacing back and forth and talking to himself in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was uncooperative and argumentative with the officers. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant.

Grand Theft Auto
July 14 at 8:32 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the in the 1100 block of E. Huntington. The vehicle was rented from the business and was not returned. Several registered letters were sent with no reply, and the company wanted to report it stolen by means of embezzlement. The investigation revealed the information the male subject gave at the time he rented the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was all fraudulent. The vehicle was reported as stolen and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 14 at 5:35 p.m., the manager of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject was placing items into his backpack. He feared the subject was going to take the items without paying for them. Officers arrived as the subject walked out without making any attempt to pay for the items in his backpack. He was stopped and detained. The items were recovered from his backpack. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Monrovia Area Partnership 15th Anniversary Block Party

Sign up here: https://is.gd/69aph1

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Kiku Sushi

Dinner from Kiku Sushi, at the west end of  the Huntington Oaks shopping center. I got the Udon and Spicy Tuna Roll for $12.99 and a beer for $5.99. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Mountain Lion Treated for Burned Paws Spotted - Doing Fine

Remember the mountain lion found in Monrovia that was treated for burned paws during the Bobcat Fire? Well, she was spotted on a wildlife-cam and appears to be doing just fine. Here's a video news report: https://is.gd/j0lTuU 

- Brad Haugaard