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Dinner at Thai Divine Bistro

Dinner at Thai Divine Bistro, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the Kang Ka Ree curry with chicken for $10.95, rice for $3, and a beer for $6. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Sweet Zoey's Family Couldn't Take Her With Them - She's Looking for a New Home


Zoey was adopted from us five years ago when she was just a kitten. Her family was moving and couldn’t take her with them, so now this five-year-old cat is back with us and looking for her forever home. Zoey has been described as sweet and independent, likes to play, and even gets along with other cats and dogs. She’s ready for her second chance!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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

Clifton's Gina Ayala Named Public Health Teacher of the Year

EcoHealth Vector Education, a program of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, has named Gina Ayala of Clifton Middle School as its 2021 Public Health Teacher of the Year for using first-hand, real-world applications in her science teaching.

Teachers must "demonstrate how science is relevant in their daily life. If a student doesn't understand the 'why,' they won't be as engaged in the learning," said Mrs. Gina Ayala, who has been a teacher for 13 years.

Source: https://tny.im/VSpgR

- Brad Haugaard

Flint Fertig Taking Over as Interim Monrovia High Principal

Flint Fertig, Director of Adult Education and Alternative Programs, will serve as Interim Principal at Monrovia High School beginning on Monday, January 17, according to a report by Superintendent Ryan Smith.

Smith writes that, "Fertig will continue to oversee Canyon Oaks, Mountain Park, and Monrovia Community Adult School, just from afar. Directors Kimberly Cabrera and Catherine Real, both former high school principals, will provide additional support for these schools whenever needed."

The formal search process for a new principal at Monrovia High will begin later this week, he added. "Please know though that this is a difficult time of year for filling a position like this as it is not really 'hiring season', so to speak. I share this with you because I will not settle for anyone who is less than a perfect fit."

Source: https://tny.im/UnUN8

- Brad Haugaard

State of the City Meeting Jan. 24

Attend in person or on line here: cityofmonrovia.org/StateoftheCity

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Lucinda Garcia and Daughter

Clara Bracamonte and Lucinda Garcia. Clara Bracamonte (left) poses with her mother Lucinda Garcia near the house under construction next door to their home on Almond Avenue. From the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society collection. See full details here.

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

School COVID Testing For Students And Staff Only -- For Now

The Monrovia School District was providing a COVID Clinic to test people for the disease, but Superintendent Ryan Smith reports that, "Due to the high demand for testing in our community, county, and state, lines have been long, there have been limits to the number of tests available, and results are taking longer to receive. In order to help alleviate this, please note that we will be temporarily limiting access to our testing program to current students and staff only."

He added that the district is working with COVID Clinic to expand testing from three days per week to five. https://tny.im/ZVpOF

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Making Juneteenth a Paid School Holiday

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/BKWJ) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider (among other things) making Juneteenth (June 19) a paid school holiday. https://tny.im/xNC3c On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation establishing it as a federal holiday.  Wikipedia: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Army general Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas, the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. 

- Brad Haugaard

Fines For Those Who Don't Reduce Water Usage; Free Water-Saving Devices and Notebooks; Jobs With the City

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

~ Monrovians who fail to reduce water usage by at least 10% compared to their water usage for the same month in 2020 will now be fined two times the cost of a water billing unit (748 gallons of water) for each billing unit in excess what is permitted.

~  The Upper San Gabriel Water Municipal Water District has free water-saving devices for eligible residents (showerheads, meter monitors, smart irrigation controllers, etc.) that will be installed by a licensed contractor, while supplies last. Details: https://tny.im/CDfMg

~ Free planners filled with native plants and water conservation tips while supplies last. Application form:  https://tny.im/ateJI

~  The City of Monrovia is recruiting for: Director of Public Works, Senior Accounting Assistant, Fire Cadet (Volunteer).

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 607 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/05/2021. Changes since 12/29/2021.

City of Monrovia: 5,205 cases (up 607), 87 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 560 cases (up 56), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Sasha Zaroyan Announcement of Candidacy for Monrovia City Council

Following is the campaign announcement of Sasha Zaroyan, who is running for the Monrovia City Council. I will post - almost always unedited - a campaign announcement from any City Council candidate who submits one up to within seven days prior to the election. (That restriction because I don't want last-minute zingers that don't give adequate time for opponents to respond.) - Brad Haugaard


"My name is Sasha Zaroyan and I’m running for the Monrovia City Council to be a champion for small businesses, families, and individuals. I’m the only city council candidate that has the experience of pushing for funding for our community to state lawmakers, creating programs that have been proven to reduce inequities for disenfranchised families, and advocating for students and young adults to have a seat at the table. I’ve worked with Monrovian neighbors and public policy experts in creating a platform to solve our most pressing priorities as a community.

When I ran for the Monrovia School Board in 2020, I campaigned on addressing the mental health challenges our students faced and the educational inequities affecting our most disenfranchised communities. More than 7,000 Monrovian neighbors and families agreed: change can’t wait.

Since then, our community has experienced a rise in crime in every neighborhood, an outflow of small businesses leaving our corridors and shopping plazas, and some of the highest housing costs in the San Gabriel Valley. Our city continues to be categorized as a ‘high risk’ for financial distress by state agencies and public health and environmental initiatives that have garnered community support, such as Grow Monrovia and the Love Your Lungs Coalition, have been discarded by our city leaders. While other cities continue to garner awards for “Small Business Friendly”, Monrovia business owners have shared concerns of high business operating fees and regulations that limit their potential.

We can’t continue to elect and expect the same individuals to solve the issues that have been in front of them for years. We must provide an opportunity for a generational change of fresh and innovative ideas to tackle the concerns of our residents.

Monrovia, join me Saturday, January 22nd at 1:00pm at the Courtyard of the Monrovia Historical Museum to learn more about being a part of the solution, because change can’t wait. Visit https://votesasha.com/ to learn more about our campaign and RSVP to our campaign launch event. To watch our campaign launch trailer, visit https://youtu.be/DoKvPWixBlo.

Monrovia Police: Man Breaks Officer's Finger; Golf Clubs Stolen in Two Locations; Drunk Driver Stops to Sleep in Middle of Street; Indecent Exposure in Business; Cops Rescue Elderly Woman; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 30 – January 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 317 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.

Commercial Burglary
December 30 at 4:56 a.m., an employee reported that a grocery store in the 300 block of W. Huntington had been burglarized. Responding officers searched the interior and found that one of the entry doors and an interior office door had been pried open. Nothing reported to be stolen at this time. The store's alarm did not activate so it is unknown when the crime occurred during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 30 at 11:58 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 300 block of E. Foothill. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the drivers. No one was found to be injured. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Domestic Violence
December 30 at 4:17 p.m., a physical altercation between a male and female in front a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill was reported. The male subject left the scene prior to officers arriving. The female sustained injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
December 30 at 7:08 p.m., a driver was stopped on Mayflower at Foothill when she was rear ended by another vehicle. The other vehicle fled the scene. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect vehicle. The driver complained of pain. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary / Attempt Grand Theft Auto
December 30 at 11:05 p.m., an employee at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain returned to his vehicle and noticed the lock on the driver's door had been tampered with. The ignition for the vehicle was also tampered with and two sets of golf clubs were found to be missing. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence
December 31 at 2:32 a.m., a caller reported that a vehicle was stopped in a traffic lane near the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington. The male driver appeared to be passed out. Officers arrived and determined the man was too intoxicated to drive. He was transported by paramedics to a local hospital due to his intoxication. A blood sample was obtained. This case will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 4:39 a.m., an employee at a business in the 900 block of S. Fifth called and reported an unknown male subject was behind the counter. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He was given a trespass warning and released. He returned to the location shortly thereafter and was arrested for trespassing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 7:42 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle was stopped in the middle of the street near the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington. Officers arrived and discovered the driver was asleep behind the wheel. The officers were able to wake up the driver who displayed signs of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 11:29 a.m., a caller reported she was involved in a traffic collision at the intersection of Lime and Myrtle. Officers responded and checked on the well-being of the occupants. While talking with one of the drivers, the officer noticed she displayed signs intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Residential Burglary
December 31 at 1:47 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. El Norte returned home from the market to find a subject inside his home. When the intruder saw the homeowner he immediately ran out of the back of the house and out of sight. An investigation revealed the suspect had entered through an open window. Evidence was recovered at the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Indecent Exposure / Possession of Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 2:26 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male adult was exposing himself inside the business. Loss Prevention escorted the subject outside and the subject continued to expose himself. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The reporting party placed the subject under private person’s arrest. The officer accepted the arrest and taken into custody. While at the jail the suspect was also found to be in possession of stolen property.

Residential Burglary
December 31 at 3:26 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called to report that their storage unit was broken into. The locking mechanism was broken and items were removed from the unit. A second resident at the location called at 4:04 p.m., and reported similar circumstances at their storage unit. This investigation is continuing.

Welfare Check
December 31 at 8:26 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of W. Palm regarding a welfare check of an elderly female. The reporting party stated she last spoke with her friend on Wednesday and has not been able to get in contact with her since. When officers arrived, they were able to speak with the female through the kitchen window. Officers made entry into the home to check on her well-being. The female had fallen and was laying in the corner of the dining room. She had open sores on her legs and was in need of medical attention. The female was transported to a local hospital.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 31 at 8:49 p.m., an officer witnessed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Colorado and Mayflower. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver exhibited signs of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was subsequently arrested for DUI. He was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 1 at 1:02 p.m., a motorist called and reported she was involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle near the intersection of Parker and Mayflower. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the drivers. Officers determined a traffic collision did not occur because neither vehicle sustained any damage. While talking with one of the drivers, the officer noticed he displayed signs intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Wanted
January 2 at 1:34 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Violet reported her separated husband was at her house when they began arguing. He struck her face causing a visible injury, then left the residence. Officers searched for the suspect, but couldn't locate him. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Vandalism
January 2 at 6:03 p.m., an employee at an auto dealership in the 1300 block of S. Mountain reported that a customer used an airsoft gun to shoot out a window and damage a side panel of one of their vehicles before leaving. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Burglary
January 3 at 7:03 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Bradoaks reported she had heard noises in her backyard the previous night, but did not call the police. In the morning she walked outside and discovered someone had been in her backyard. The suspect(s) had unscrewed her backyard security lights and attempted to force entry through her sliding glass door. This investigation is continuing.

Reckless Driving / Battery on an Officer – Suspect Arrested
January 3 at 8:40 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Cypress when he saw a vehicle spinning its rear tires so fast smoke rose into the air, then the vehicle sped along Cypress on the wrong side the road. The officer stopped the motorist, who immediately began verbally assaulting the officer. During a pat-down search of the suspect, he began fighting the officer and two backing officers, breaking one of the officer's fingers. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Vehicle Burglary
January 3 at 8:45 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Terrado walked outside to her vehicle and discovered someone had recently burglarized it. The suspect forced entry into the vehicle and took a purse, wallet, and money. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 3 at 1:49 p.m., a caller reported seeing a male adult subject in the 300 block of S. Myrtle, who was intoxicated and harassing women. Officers arrived and located the subject, who was found to be heavily intoxicated and angry. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public, and was transported to Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 3 at 8:14 pm, an intoxicated male called dispatch to report an argument he was involved in with his girlfriend. Officers arrived and located the male in the street in front of a residence in the 700 block of Monterey. The male was extremely intoxicated and was having a hard time standing on his own. The girlfriend contacted officers and refused to take care of the male, but offered to buy the male a ride to his home in Rialto. The male refused to leave when the ride arrived. Officers were forced to arrest the male for public intoxication and transported him to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
January 4 at 7:07 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Granite walked outside his house and discovered someone had forced entry into both of his parked cars sometime during the night. Personal property was stolen from inside his vehicles. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 4 at 8:34 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of N. Primrose reported that his golf clubs were stolen out of his unlocked vehicle sometime between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. the day prior. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
January 4 at 8:35 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Duarte reported that someone tried to break into her car sometime between 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., by tampering with the door’s lock. Nothing appears to have been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Prowling / Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 4:34 a.m., the owner of a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill observed a male on a remote camera feed in the back lot of his business near his company trucks. Officers arrived in the area and detained the subject near the business. He claimed he was just "walking through" the area carrying a gas can. No signs of theft were found at the business, but additional follow up will be conducted. An investigation revealed the suspect had a large kitchen knife concealed on his person. He was arrested and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 5 at 8:36 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of California walked outside her home and discovered someone had forced entry into her locked vehicle sometime during the night and stole her personal property. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
January 5 at 6:59 p.m., a caller located an insurance card, DMV registration, and a vehicle owner’s manual at a parking lot in the 200 block of E. Foothill. Officers arrived and collected the property, which belonged to a subject who was living in the 100 block of N. Ivy. After returning the property to the subject, he learned that she was a theft victim. The property was stolen from her unlocked vehicle sometime the day prior. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 5 at 9:04 p.m., a resident from the 100 block of Rose, who was out of the country, was watching his surveillance system and saw someone break into his house at approximately 6:00 p.m. The resident contacted his neighbor who called the police. Officers arrived and confirmed that a residential burglary had occurred. A safe was moved from an upstairs bedroom to the living room downstairs, but was not stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Chronic Tacos

Dinner at the new Chronic Tacos, on the west side of Myrtle at the east end of the Vons shopping area. It is organized very much like Chipotle - build your own tacos. I got the 2 Taco Plate for $8.95. It was very good!

I also got a beer (it’s “selfTAP,” aka self serve). To get the beer you have to get a “beer card,” which has a $2 activation fee, then you put money on the card (I put $8 on it) then you tap the card at the tap and pour your beer. I took the card to the cashier and asked what was left on it. I’ve got $3.11 left, and can reload the card if I want, so it either cost $4.89, or $6.89 if you count the activation fee. Okay, that’s different. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Hon Sushi Closed


Hon Sushi, on the north side of the Vons parking lot, has apparently closed for good. This sign appears on its door. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia-Based Habitat for Humanity Plans to Help 100 Families Over Three Years

Monrovia-based San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has committed to transforming the lives of 100 families in the San Gabriel Valley, the Philippines, and Haiti over three years through its $28 million Expanding the American Dream campaign. During the first year of the campaign it was able to serve 27 families.

Former Monrovia School Board member Bryan Wong, now Executive Director at SGV Habitat for Humanity, said, "Our goal is to dramatically increase the number of affordable home ownership opportunities in the San Gabriel Valley. The need for affordable housing in the area is overwhelming. We aim to make the world a place where all can afford to live-both first-time home buyers and long-time residents."

Habitat for Humanity's goal is to help more families achieve financial security and stability. It will provide critical home repair and home ownership to 100 families across the San Gabriel Valley and abroad. This is in addition to the nearly 290 families already served by since 1990.

Currently SGV Habitat for Humanity has two home repair projects planned for January and is working toward breaking ground on its next new home construction project in Pasadena.

You can donate or learn more at sgvhabitat.org/ead

- Brad Haugaard

Big Daisy Is Full of Puppy Energy


Daisy loves attention and loves her favorite people! At just one year old, Daisy still has a lot of that puppy energy and loves to play. She would do best as the only dog in the household, and because of her size and energy, should probably go to an adults-only home. Daisy is also looking for a home where she can be cared for in the safety of an enclosed yard with ample food, water, shelter, and love. Daisy has some special needs which would require her constant outdoor access. This sweet and playful girl can’t wait to go home with 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 Area Partnership Meeting on Budgets, Senior Care, Life Insurance


There will be a virtual  Monrovia Area Partnership community meeting on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on:

  • Creating a Budget
  • Caring for our Seniors
  • Benefits of Life Insurance

For questions email MAP@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

To register: https://tny.im/RWicX

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Walking Tour of Old Town Monrovia This Saturday

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host a historic walking tour this Saturday, January 8, at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person and the tour lasts about two hours. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues at 10 am. The walk will be to Olive Avenue and back (eight city blocks total).

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Chief of Police for a Day

Steve Flannes was Police Chief for a Day. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

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

Happy New Year, Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard