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Lunch at Peach Cafe


Lunch at Peach Cafe, near the corner of Colorado and Ivy. Got the Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $13.95 and a coffee for $2.50. Very good.

- Brad Haugaard 

School Bond Measure MM Well Ahead in Voting

Although the vote has not been certified, Monrovia School District Measure MM is currently well ahead in the voting. The measure authorizes a $75 million bond for school maintenance and improvements. Voting results: t.ly/Hxam

- Brad Haugaard

No Flooding Apparent in North Monrovia at 5 PM

A flood warning watch that buzzed many Monrovians’ cell phones late this afternoon warned of possible mudflows below burned areas. The detailed warning indicated it was primarily talking about Duarte. Also, a check of the corner of Ridgeside and Oakglade at 5 p.m. showed no indication of flooding at this time.

- Brad Haugaard 

Low Water Landscaping Workshop Saturday

Grow Monrovia is inviting the public to participate in a working workshop to complete the transformation of 20,000 square feet of the Maryknoll Sisters property at 300 Norumbega Drive from a thirsty lawn to a meadow full of low water use plants. The workshop will be held  this Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

"In this workshop you will learn the benefits of native plants, how to use them in your landscape and you will help plant over 600 native plants to complete the meadow project." t.ly/atmN

Following the workshop there will be a native plant sale at the Monrovia Historic Museum at 742 E. Lemon.

- Brad Haugaard

Bucky is Everybody's Best Buddy


Bucky is a three-year old Siberian Husky who is ready to be your best buddy. His happy grin can’t help but make people smile, and he basks in all the attention he draws from everyone around. 

It is said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The way to Bucky’s heart is through butt scratches. It’s his favorite thing in the world! He is very content to be the recipient of all the scritches and scratches that you can manage. Of course, he’s also a fan of treats, so don’t forget about those!

Buddy recently got to be an office dog for one of our staff members, and he had a great time! He really enjoyed looking out the window and watching people walk down the sidewalk. He also enjoyed greeting everyone who walked down the hall in front of the office. Bucky probably has a future career in hospitality!

If you’re looking for an extrovert who is ready for any party, Bucky’s your guy.

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's Xencor Reports $32.8 Million Third Quarter Loss


Monrovia's Xencor Inc. has  reported a $32.8 million loss in its third quarter, or a loss of 55 cents per share. The company develops "engineered antibodies and cytokines for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases." t.ly/pI-k

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Interior of Elegant First National Bank

First National Bank interior.  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

Last Surviving Monrovia VFW Veteran to Have Served in World War II Has Died


A letter by Robert Parry in remembrance of Norman Ross.

"I learned this morning that Norman Ross passed away recently. Norman was, notably, the last surviving World War II vet in the Monrovia VFW. He was in his 90s and (until I lost touch with him a couple of years ago, at least) still driving and enjoying libations at the post regularly.

"Norm was black and had lived in Monrovia for at least 50 years. He told me of the era -- in my life time -- when the city pool was segregated and he could only swim one day a week.  This also means, of course, he served in the Navy when it was very segregated. Norm loathed false complaints of racism almost as much as actual racism.

"He was a character who will be missed."

Robert Parry


Possible Mudflows in North Monrovia; Sandbags Available

With the National Weather Service forecasting thunderstorms through Wednesday morning, L.A. County Department of Public Works issued a Phase 2 Debris and Mudflow Potential Forecast for the neighborhood of Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive. This means moderate debris and mudflows are possible. LA County Department of Public Works and the Monrovia Public Works Department will respond to any mud and debris flow.\

A limited number of prefilled gravel bags are available at the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 Mountain Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016). Gravel is also available at Recreation Park (847 E Olive Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016). Gravel at Recreation Park is self-serve. The city will provide bags and gravel; residents must bring their own shovels, gloves, and eye protection. For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Library Storytime at Rotary Park Nov. 12


The Library will hold a special Storytime for children at  Rotary Park (401 S. California Ave.) on Saturday, November 12, at 10 a.m.  With city naturalists, there will be stories, music, dancing, singing and learning.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Code Enforcement One of Best in Country; Field of Flags for Veterans Day; Museum Holding 30th Anniversary Open House; History Tour; More Mulch

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

~ Monrovia became the first government agency in California to receive national accreditation for code enforcement. The accreditation is awarded by the American Association of Code Enforcement to agencies across the country that meet the strict and extensive requirements. Since 2018, there have only been seven other agencies in the country that have achieved this designation, none from California until now.

~ On Veterans Day, November 7, Monrovia will have its field of flags in Library Park to honor veterans. Residents may write a message of appreciation and tie it to a flag pole. City staff will be available to hand out tags for those wishing to thank veterans. For more information, contact Community Services at 256-8246.

~ Monrovia Historical Museum will hold its 30th Anniversary Open House On Saturday, November 13. A new exhibit, IDEAS, highlights individuals and organizations who fought bigotry and segregation throughout the city's history. Admission is free. RSVP at the museum website: t.ly/G2ET

~  The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will lead another two-hour journey tracing the town's history from its origins to the present day. $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm.

~ The Public Works Department and Athens Services biannual compost and mulch event is over but compost is still available. If you'd like some make a reservation to pick it up by calling 932-5562 or email pbeglarian@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Thanksgiving - and Christmas Tree Lighting - in Library Park November 17

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 26 More Cases, No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 11/02/2022. Changes since 10/26/2022.

City of Monrovia: 10,730 cases (up 26), 110 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,141 cases (up 2), 5 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Traffic Accidents; Drug Overdose; Shoplifting, Burglaries, Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 27 – November 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.

Commercial Burglary
October 27 at 4:07 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw the front doors had been forced open. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 27 at 7:21 a.m., the victim called stating there were two vehicles in the 100 block of W. Pomona that had the catalytic converters stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Accident
October 27 at 12:28 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reports in the 900 W. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined a party involved had to be transported to the hospital.

Injury Traffic Accident
October 27 at 1:02 p.m., officers responded to the area of Central and Magnolia regarding an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian complained of pain and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Residential Burglary
October 27 at 4:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 800 block of E. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined the point of entry. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 28 at 1:32 a.m., an alarm activation was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and found the front door of a business was open. Officers entered the location and determined the cash register had been ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 28 at 8:26 a.m., an officer responded to a report that the traffic signals at the intersection of Huntington and California were not functioning properly. As the officer arrived they saw a vehicle failed to stop and collide with another vehicle. One of the involved parties complained of pain. A citation was issued to the party at fault.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 7:19 p.m., a caller reported a fight in progress in the 300 block of S. California. Officers arrived and determined no fight had occurred, but an involved subject was extremely intoxicated. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. Once in the jail, MFD was called due to the subject's intoxication. MFD transported the subject to the hospital for treatment.

Traffic Collison
October 28 at 9:07 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of E. Lime. Officers arrived and determined a vehicle conducted an unsafe turning movement and collided into a vehicle. One of driver’s was transported to the hospital due to complaint of pain.

Death Report
October 29 at 2:36 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Alamitas regarding a caller that found a family member unconscious and not breathing. MPD and MFD responded and applied life saving measures, but unfortunately she passed away. No foul play was suspected and natural causes was possibly the cause of death. The deceased was later taken to a local mortuary.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 29 at 10:43 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 300 block of N. Grand between a vehicle and a bicyclist. The bicyclist had abrasions and was transported to a local hospital.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 7:08 p.m., a domestic violence was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined a female subject caused injury to her child's father over an argument. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting Report
October 29 at 9:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a female subject who stole items from a store and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 2:34 a.m., a battery was reported in the 200 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and determined a male subject assaulted two people. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
October 30 at 6:35 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 2600 block of Peck. Officers arrived and confirmed a burglary did occur. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 30 at 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the intersection of Foothill and Canyon. One party complained of pain, but refused treatment. There was conflicting witness statements at the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 31 at 7:40 am, a resident in the 300 block of Linwood reported their catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Stalking
October 31 at 2:13 pm, officers responded to the 700 block of Bonita regarding a victim reporting that a female he had a restraining order against, violated the order. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
October 31 at 6:57 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Lemon. The drivers complained of pain. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 3:02 a.m., officers made contact with two subjects for loitering in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle after hours. A computer check revealed warrants for both subjects. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
November 1 at 10:14 a.m., a theft was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The victim called to report property from his truck was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
November 1 at 3:58 p.m., officers were in the 100 block of E. Central when a subject walked up to them and stated he didn't want to live anymore and wanted to harm himself. He was detained and taken to a mental facility.

Commercial Burglary
November 2 at 5:14 a.m., an alarm activation was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and noticed the front glass window was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Overdose
November 2 at 1:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of E. Palm regarding a female at the location who had possibly overdosed. Officers responded and the female had a pulse but was not breathing. She was given Narcan and it revived her and started her breathing again. Paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
November 2 at 2:23 p.m., a battery was reported in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle. The owner of a business said a customer came in to pick up items that were left at the location. The customer became upset and hit the owner in the face. The suspect left the location before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 2 at 4:58 p.m., a loss prevention officer from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called stating three suspects came to the location and took merchandise and left without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Dinner at Bella Sera


Dinner at Bella Sera, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Ordered the Chicken Parmesan for $28 and a beer for $7. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

$50,000 Reward Extended for Information on Killing of 4-Year-Old Monrovian in 2016

The LA County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to extend the $50,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the murder of four-year-old Monrovian Salvador Esparza III in Pasadena in 2016. t.ly/Ngmo

- Brad Haugaard

O2Breathe Walk - Fundraiser To Find Cure for Pulmonary Hypertension

Monrovia's 9th Annual 02 Breathe PHun Run Walk  is a fundraiser to help find the cure for pulmonary hypertension, and is in memory of community leader Joannie Gholar Yullie. She established Monrovia's participation in this this event. Registration and donations can be made at: www.phaevents.org/monrovia2022.

- Brad Haugaard

Water Saving Devices for Disadvantaged Communities

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has adapted its Water Smart Home Program to reach residents living in disadvantaged communities. The district provides a free kit of indoor and outdoor devices to conserve up to 20 percent of water that can be  installed without a contractor.  The program is accepting applications. Call (866) 308-8391 to discuss eligibility and be placed on the distribution list. t.ly/G6bd

- Brad Haugaard

Water District Moving Headquarters to Foothill and Canyon

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will move its headquarters to the two-story office building at 248 E. Foothill in Monrovia. That's at the corner of Canyon. A small dedication ceremony will be held on November 28 with plans for a public open house in the First Quarter of 2023. The headquarters will include a demonstration garden to highlight drought tolerant options for landscaping.

- Brad Haugaard

Rock Star Luna Loves Toys, People, and Scratches


If you’ve seen our Wiggle Waggle Wagon around town lately, it’s likely that you’ve also seen rockstar Luna. She has a cult-like following amongst our staff and volunteers who have all fallen in love with this sweetheart. 

Here is just a sampling of their praise: “Luna is really great with people!” “She shows off her sit, shake, down & does auto sit for treats. She settles for long stretches, laying calmly & observing her surroundings.” “Super mellow and calm all day!” “She was surrounded by a middle school girl scout troop, and she loved the attention.” “What more wonderful things can I say about Luna?”

This seven-year-old pup is at the perfect age to be playful and adventurous, then chill out for a nice long nap. She LOVES toys, people and butt scratches. She’s also free for any adopter over 60 thanks to our seniors for seniors program!

Luna has been patiently waiting for her forever home- could that be yours?

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