Crowd Gathers for Unveiling of Steve Baker Bear


A crowd gathered at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Foothill today for the unveiling of the Steve Baker bear, honoring former City Historian Steve Baker, who died last year. Mayor Becky Shevlin said the “irreplaceable” Baker knew more about Monrovia history “than all of us combined,” and was always ready to share his knowledge, often in the form of a humorous story. For more on Steve Baker, see SteveBakersMonrovia.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Ask for Help Investigating Fiery Car Crash

 Monrovia Police Department is asking that anyone who may have witnessed the Sept. 8 accident at the corner of Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue, in which a child died in a burning car, to please contact Monrovia PD Investigation Detective Travis Ortega (626) 256-8049. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

- Brad Haugaard 

New Restaurant to Replace Old Monrovian Restaurant

According to a report in the website, WhatNowLosAngeles, the owner of the now-closed Tang Gong restaurant in Monterey Park will open a new restaurant at the site of the old Monrovian restaurant on Myrtle. No indication of the name of the new restaurant or the cuisine. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Popeyes


Dinner at Popeyes, near the corner of Huntington and Magnolia. Got the three piece chicken combo with coleslaw and a drink for $11.99. Nice fast food with some different dipping sauces. I got Blackened Ranch.

- Brad Haugaard

More Arrestees Will Be Released Without Bail Starting Oct. 1

Beginning October 1, 2023, a greater number of people arrested in Monrovia -- and across LA County -- will be released without bail, due to a new set of bail schedules approved by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for suspects arrested in non-violent felonies and misdemeanor crimes.

The LA County Police Chief's Association released this press release:

On July 18, 2023, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County approved a new set of bail schedules for suspects arrested in non-violent felonies and misdemeanor crimes. The new bail schedule, slated to take effect in LA County on October 1, 2023, will dictate one of three possible actions by law enforcement for an arrestee's release: Cite and Release (CR), Book and Release (BR) or Magistrate Review (MR). Capital offenses such as murder with special circumstances and limited felonies are not eligible for pre-arraignment, zero bail release.

The Sheriff's Department and all Police Departments in the County must comply with this protocol.

The newly approved Release Protocols will replace the traditional bail schedules. Instead of assigning money bail amount to non-violent felonies and misdemeanors, a majority of arrestees will now be released at the location of the arrest (CR) or booked in jail, and then released on their own recognizance with a citation for a future court date (BR). In some cases, suspects arrested for certain crimes which pose an increased risk to the public will be referred to an on-call magistrate, who will have discretion to determine the appropriate release terms and conditions (MR). Some examples of release conditions by a magistrate may include prohibitions against committing crimes, sending text messages to remind the arrestee to appear in court and visits with court staff.

As a result of these new release terms, law enforcement must Cite and Release or Book and Release arrestees in nearly all theft offenses, vehicle code violations, and crimes against property such as petty theft, and vandalism. Offenses involving guns, sexual battery, crimes against children/ elders and contact with minors with intent to commit a sexual offense are examples of offenses subject to Magistrate Review. Magistrates will consider the crime, and a risk assessment report to determine whether the arrestee should be released with no conditions or determine the least restrictive, non-financial conditions intended to address whether the arrestee is likely to return to court. All offenses in the MR category are designated as zero bail offenses.

As an example of this change, a person arrested for False Imprisonment under this new protocol would be eligible for BR. Under the previous bail schedule, their bail amount would be $50,000. Likewise, a person arrested for theft of an automobile is eligible for BR, while under the previous bail schedule, their bail amount would be $35,000.

This represents a significant change in protocols for all law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association (LACPCA) remains committed to the safety and security of our communities. We will continue to work within the processes set forth by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, and as a profession, make recommendations for improvement at every opportunity.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Consider Employee 'Discipline/Dismissal/Release'

The Monrovia School Board will meet in special closed session tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss, "Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release." There will be an opportunity for public comment before the board goes into closed session, and the agenda says there will be a public report following the closed session. Details. This follows a Monday night meeting to evaluate school Superintendent, Ryan Smith. The board will then hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Adopt Frosty the Rabbit for Free on International Rabbit Day


Frosty is so excited that he just can’t hide it- International Rabbit Day is September 23! In honor of that landmark holiday, Frosty and all other critters at Pasadena Humane can be adopted for FREE during the “Hop Into Fall” adoption event- Saturday, 9/23 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. No adoption appointment is necessary.

Frosty is a sweet eight-month-old bunny who is very outgoing and adventurous. He happily greets people who visit by hopping over to get pets.

Frosty has been in a home and appears to be litter box trained. He’s also a big fan of treats, so he’ll likely bond very quickly with whomever is giving him something yummy.

This adorable little guy is very handsome and soft and will give you lots of love!

The normal adoption fee for rabbits is only $5.

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Judge John Dustin Bicknell, Cofounder of Monrovia

John Dustin Bicknell was a Los Angeles attorney and judge, who owned a considerable property in Monrovia, including on Prospect where he built a small cottage. Unlike the other founders of Monrovia, he never built a large home. He also owned property northeast of Grand Ave. After his death, his widow or his daughter Mary Cates, built a large house at 411 Prospect and his daughter Edna Baggs built a large home northeast of Grand Avenue. Presumably both were built on his original land. 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

Storytime With Park Naturalists This Saturday


Storytime with Park Naturalists, Saturday, September 16, from 10-10:45 a.m. at Lucinda Garcia Park, 502 W. Olive. For children to age 5 and will include stories, music, movement, and fun facts. Contact jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call  256-8274 for more information. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Child Dies in Fiery Crash on Duarte Road

A child died Friday night on Duarte Road near Fifth Avenue when a car crashed and burst into flames, according to The San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Details

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Evaluate Superintendent; Consider Paying Company to Get Rid of Furniture; Redesign Santa Fe Middle School; Etc.

At a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Monrovia Board of Education will evaluate Superintendent Ryan Smith in closed session following an open period for public comment. Details

At Wednesday's regular meeting (agenda here) the board will...

~  Consider paying $56,135 to Furniture Reuse Solutions to remove obsolete furniture at Monroe  (details)  and and Plymouth (details) elementary schools . Why not sell it the furniture? Because, "District staff, in consultation with legal counsel, has determined that the Furniture is of insufficient value to defray the costs of arranging for a sale of the Furniture because the Furniture is outdated, does not have a wide market of potentially interested parties, and the cost necessary to collect and prepare the Furniture for a sale would likely be higher than any payment the District would receive" (details). 

~ Consider paying Learner-Centered for Collaborative $60,000 to work with the school district to "redesign Santa Fe Middle School, with a focus on attracting and retaining students." Details

~  Consider approving a deal with Citrus College allowing Monrovia High students to earn college credit. Details

~  Consider naming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (here)  and Hispanic Heritage Month (here)  

- Brad Haugaard

Grand Avenue Park to Get New Sign; Veterans Meet-Up; Blood Drive; Tree Ornament Contest

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

~ Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue will get a new sign, like the design shown here. It will be installed this coming Monday, Sept. 11.

~ Monrovia Public Library's Veterans Resource Center will hold a Veterans Meetup at the Starbucks at Foothill and Magnolia this coming Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free coffee and treats and a representative of Veterans Peer Access Network will answer questions and share resources. For more information, contact the library at 256-8274.

~ The Monrovia Police Department is hosting a blood drive next Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.), from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "BOB23" or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

~ Monrovia's Art in Public Places program is accepting designs for the second annual Art in Public Places Tree Ornament Contest. More here.

- Brad Haugaard


Fall Edition of Monrovia Today Is Out

The fall edition of Monrovia Today is out. Here. Old Town Fall Festival, Halloween and trick-or-treat, Thanksgiving, etc.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Early Learning Center Students Get Free Dental Checkups

Monrovia's Canyon Early Learning Center (CELC) hosted dental students from Western University in Pomona for free dental check-ups for its students. The dental students conducted exams in multiple classrooms and communicated recommendations for additional dental care to families. Western University will continue offering free dental check-ups to CELC students in the coming months.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Show Tonight at D’Vine Restaurant

At D’Vine Mediterranean Express in the Vons shopping center. 

- Brad Haugaard 

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