Lunch at Max’s Mexican Cuisine

Lunch today at Max’s Mexican Cuisine, on the north side of Huntington just across from Target. There’s a nice big tent set up in the back parking lot with a mister. Got the Chile Relleno from the Lunch Specials menu for $10.50 and a small beer for $6.  Yummy all around. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Canyon Park Will Be Closed at Least Six Months; Wilderness Preserve Should Open Soon

City Manager Dylan Feik reports:

"When the Bobcat Fire entered Monrovia Canyon Park, firefighters used a defensive approach to protect buildings and structures, including the Nature Center, Ranger Station, cabins, and restrooms. The fire suppression tactics, which included controlled burns, burned a significant amount of brush in the park but all buildings remain standing with only smoke damage. Some portions of the park remain with plentiful greenery and shrubs, while others are left burned to a crisp. Popular hiking trails are no longer accessible and debris from high above is already rolling down the hills and landing on park trails. In some cases, staff is already noticing trees falling over since the fire. In total, about 278 acres of Monrovia Canyon Park is damaged while much more land area is damaged above the park, but still within the watershed area. With the need for ongoing damage assessments, insurance reviews and repairs, we anticipate the park will be closed for at least six months and possibly longer. During this time, to secure Monrovia Canyon Park, a fence has been installed and a chain lock has been set to secure the gate. Additionally, signs are posted as the area remains very dangerous.

"The community will be relieved to know that the Hillside Wilderness Preserve suffered minimal burns and will be open to the public much sooner. Staff is installing replacement signage and fencing, where appropriate, but please know that popular trails within the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, including Lower Clamshell Trail, will soon be reopened."

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Movie Nights at Recreation Park

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Honor Teacher of the Year, Daniel Ray; Report on Start of School; Letting Boys & Girls Club Use Mayflower Campus

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/mSS7sE) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Congratulate Clifton Middle School teacher Daniel Ray on being named the "MUSD 2020-21 Teacher of the Year."

~ Hear a report by Superintendent Katherine Thorossian on the start of the school year, including an update on the COVID Exposure Management Plan.

~ Consider updating an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills to use the Mayflower Elementary School campus for a Learning Pod and After School Program during the 2020-21 school year.

- Brad Haugaard

Reservations Open to Get Free Compost

Reservations now open to get free compost and mulch at the Public Works Yard on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, 8 a.m. - noon. Face covering required. Bring gloves, a shovel, and a container no larger than 32 gallons. A drive up only event. For more information and to make a reservation, contact Jamie Bumia, at 932-5579.

- Brad Haugaard

Hazardous Waste Roundup in Monrovia Oct. 31

Household hazardous and electronic waste drive-thru collection Oct. 31, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Monrovia City Yard on Mountain. Waste materials must be in the trunk (or bed of pick-up in a sturdy box (you gotta leave the box) with no other items. No explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, controlled substances, trash, tires, or large appliances (like refrigerators, stoves and washing machines).

- Brad Haugaard

Paper Lantern Kits for Kids to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

Free paper lantern kits for children to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Pick up locations and times: 

• Wednesday, Sept. 30: Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Lucinda Garcia Park, 1 to 4 p.m. 

In Eastern cultures, Mid-Autumn Festival (or Lunar Festival) celebrates family, reunions, and gratitude. On this day, the Autumn moon is at its fullest and roundest, shining brightly in the night.

- Brad Haugaard

Helping Wildlife Injured in Bobcat Fire; Fountain Running; Higher Trash Bills Coming

 

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

~ Library Park fountain is back up and running. The City's maintenance contractor was able to locate the needed replacement part and install it sooner than anticipated.

~ In the wake of the Bobcat Fire residents have been reporting injured wildlife. The city is working with Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist injured animals. To report an an injured animal, call 255-6799. Include: specific location of animal, apparent health of the animal, any description of the animal and its species.

~ You'll be paying extra on your next trash bill. Athens will charge an extra 5.66 percent retroactive to July 1. That's because on Aug. 4 the Monrovia City Council approved a 5.66% rate increase for Athens Services, which includes costs related to Assembly Bill 1594, the Consumer Price Index, and wages. For more information, call Public Works at 932-5575. 

~ With street paving completed, asphalt speed bumps will be placed in two locations along  Bradbury Road and Terrado Drive. The work will take place in the coming weeks and will take two days to complete.

- Brad Haugaard

Max: Full of Puppy Energy and Love for People

Four-year-old Max absolutely loves being around people! He has lots of exuberant puppy energy and loves walks, and he’s super smart and picks up on commands really quickly. With his happy smile and constantly wagging tail, Max is a joy to be around. Max would do best as your only pet, but he truly loves people and will give so much love to his forever family! 

If you’re wanting to spend some time with Max before you adopt, he’s eligible for a 30-day trial. Take him home for a month, get to know and love him, and we’ll provide all the supplies. At the end of 30 days, you can make your adoption official. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get your adoption trial started!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Opens Automotive and Diesel Tech to On-Site Training.

 

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has recently reopened labs for students in the Automotive and Diesel Technology programs to train essential workers for the Transportation and Logistics industry, according to Dr. Edward C. Ortell, Citrus governing board member. Labs and clinical training for several other essential worker programs requiring in-person hours are also available at Citrus College, or will be available soon, he said.

He added that the classes will require basic COVID-19 protections, such as temperature checks, mask-wearing, personal protective equipment, and distancing of work stations. The college has developed a detailed set of checklists for instructional labs that follow guidelines provided by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. These include specific protocols for parking, arrival and departure from campus, floor diagrams for standing and walking, the cleaning of classrooms and equipment and a great many other details. The limited number of students who are enrolled in these labs have been informed of the protocols and are also reminded of the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Hot This Week - To 105 Degrees

The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for the Monrovia area extending from Tuesday at 10 a.m. to Thursday at 8 p.m.- temperatures up to 105 degrees. https://is.gd/5rFj11

- Brad Haugaard

Dead of Night to Feature Murder of Monrovian LaJoya McCoy

David and Alicia Clark speak with Dateline this Monday about their niece, LaJoya.

Updated: Dateline's "The Dead of Night," on the murder of LaJoya McCoy, will now air this Friday, October 9 at 10 p.m. It was previously scheduled to air September 28 but was preempted due to sports. Includes interviews with LaJoya's Uncle David and Aunt Alicia Clark, LaJoya's best friend Eva Mendoza, Detective Eddie Brown and more. 

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 743, Up 13, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 9/23/2020. Changes since 9/16/2020.

City of Monrovia: 743 cases (up 13), 38 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 81 cases (up 1), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Refuses to be Released From Jail; Burglars Removed With Baseball Bat; Amazon Truck Stolen; Burglar Snags Loose Change; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 17-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 335 service events, resulting in 61 investigations. 

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 1:54 a.m., officers responded to a family disturbance in the 500 block of W. Duarte. A male and female couple had been arguing and the male subject slapped the female. When she tried to call the police, he broke her phone. Officers conducted an investigation and the male subject was arrested for domestic battery. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 12:41 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Lemon called police to report a male subject loitering at the location. The subject had already been advised of a no-trespass authorization against him. Officers arrived and located the subject inside the residence. Further investigation revealed he had been advised and knew he was not supposed to be at the location. The subject was arrested for trespassing. 

Grand Theft Auto
September 17 at 8:09 p.m., an Amazon driver left his keys inside his vehicle as he dropped off a package in the 700 block of W. Duarte. As he was dropping off the package, a suspect entered his vehicle and fled the scene. The vehicle was then entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapons Offense
September 17 at 8:27 p.m., a male subject inside a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington threatened to stab a security guard with a pocket knife after being told to leave the store. Officers arrived at the location, but the suspect had already left the area and could not be located. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
September 18 at 10:29 a.m., a customer at a restaurant in the 400 block of S. Myrtle called police to report an employee hit him. Officers responded along with paramedics. The suspect had left the scene before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
September 18 at 12:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Walnut discovered someone had forced entry into his garage and took tools and a bicycle. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The investigation is continuing. 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 12:45 p.m., an employee of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject inside the hotel behaving erratically. Officers responded and determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 2:36 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 200 block of E. Central when he saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of a lane. He contacted the driver, who displayed signs of intoxication. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and determined the subject was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Identity Theft – Suspects Arrested
September 19 at 2:47 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of E. Foothill and observed a vehicle commit multiple traffic offences. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was found to have a suspended license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver also admitted to being in possession of a controlled substance. The passenger consented to a search of her person and property. The driver was arrested for the warrant and was also found to be in possession of completed checks not issued to him, as well as other identity theft materials. The passenger was found to be in possession of identity theft materials and credit cards not issued to her. The passenger was also arrested for identity theft. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 7:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to a family dispute in the 100 block of N. Magnolia. A subject outside the location was found to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He did not live at the location and had arrived unannounced. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 8:08 p.m., a business owner in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a subject acting strangely and refusing to leave the location. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He was advised he could not stay at the location and a no-trespass authorization was completed. After the owner left, the subject told officers he was going to go back inside the location. He was told again by officers that he could not return to the location. At that point the subject ran to a side security door and attempted to get back inside. He was arrested and taken into custody for trespassing. 

Residential Burglary
September 19 at 8:16 p.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia was sitting on his couch when he heard someone breaking into his apartment through one of the windows. Two male suspects wearing all black clothing and carrying black backpacks entered. The resident grabbed a baseball bat and chased them out of the apartment. The suspects fled the location. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The investigation indicated that the suspects thought they were breaking into a vacant apartment. The suspects dropped items when they fled, which were collected as evidence. This investigation is continuing. 

Negligent Firearm Discharge
September 19 at 10:04 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W. Cypress regarding a report of shots fired in a condominium complex. The investigation determined a resident had negligently discharged his firearm while cleaning it inside his garage. Officers were able to locate the bullet impact point in a neighbor's garage door and confirmed there were no injuries as a result. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 11:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to a welfare check in the 100 block of W. Huntington. A subject was passed out in a vehicle on the side of the road. Officers arrived and determined the subject was not in need of medical care or assistance, but that his car was broken down. During a consensual search of the vehicle, drug paraphernalia was found, as well as a controlled substance. The subject was arrested. 

Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 2:22 a.m., a subject previously arrested for trespassing in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle was being released from custody and was refusing to leave the Monrovia Police Department Jail. He became argumentative and assumed a fighting stance. During the incident, the subject threw multiple punches at officers and bit one officer on the arm. He was arrested for battery and taken back into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
September 20 at 5:25 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Greystone reported that her uncle’s motorcycle had been stolen from the garage at the residence. Officers arrived and saw the lock to the garage had been cut. It had been a week or two since she had last seen the motorcycle in the garage. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 7:35 p.m., an officer patrolling a parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington saw a vehicle with no license plates. The vehicle was occupied by a female adult that was found to be on probation. Further investigation revealed she was also in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
September 20 at 11:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a disturbance involving a male and female near the intersection of Canyon and Greystone. Upon arrival, they stopped a vehicle matching the description given. Neither subject in the vehicle had a driver's license. The vehicle was searched and multiple controlled substances were found. The suspects were arrested. 

Brandishing a Firearm
September 21 at 1:31 p.m., multiple subjects at a memorial remembrance being held in the 700 block of E. Lemon advised police that they were approached by an adult male Hispanic subject in a black BMW with orange stripes on the side windows and on the front windshield. The subject got out of his vehicle holding a firearm with a high capacity magazine. The suspect never pointed the firearm at anyone, he just held it at his side. The suspect got back into the vehicle and drove around the park several times. Officers responded and checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 8:21 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive reported two subjects hiding in his backyard. Officers arrived and detained both subjects. One of the subjects was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant. 

Residential Burglary
September 23 at 6:37 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte returned home and found the residence and garage and been burglarized. Officers arrived and learned the only loss was an unknown amount of change taken from a large water bottle. The suspect gained entry by breaking the lock on a rear window to the home. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
September 23 at 9:37 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. The victim parked her vehicle and left it. Upon her return, she saw a window had been forced down and items were stolen from inside. Officers arrived and determined the loss included change, a phone charger and a credit card. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
September 23 at 10:14 p.m., a male subject parked his bicycle at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington and went inside. While inside, he saw a male suspect steal his bike. The suspect was wearing a green shirt and green hat. The bike is a green Cannondale with orange graphics that was just purchased. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at Basin 141

Lunch today at Basin 141, at the corner of Myrtle and Lime. Got the pork belly tacos for $12, plus $2 for black beans, and a very tasty beer for $6. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard 

Virtual Craft Beer and Music Festival Oct. 17

The Monrovia Chamber & Volunteer Center of the SGV have organized a Virtual Craft Beer & Music Festival for Saturday, October 17, from 6-8 p.m. The festival will last about an hour and twenty minutes and will include a showcase of craft beers from San Gabriel Valley breweries, and entertainment by the band LA Undercover.

Tickets are $50 each and each ticket includes a cooler bag filled with an 8-pack of craft beer, souvenir koozie and other items. Local brew masters will share information about their beers and participants will enjoy music by LA Under Cover.

Guests must be 21+ to purchase a ticket, pick up the variety pack and consume alcohol. Pick up location and time will be emailed to you.

You will also be emailed a YouTube link on the week of the event to log in.

Participating breweries include Monrovia's Hop Secret, Over Town, Pacific Plate, and Wingwalker; and Nova Brewing Co. of Covina.

For details and to purchase tickets: https://is.gd/8TRjoo

- Brad Haugaard

Lentil : With Patience He'll Love You.

How is such a cute kitten still waiting for his forever home? Five-month-old Lentil is as adorable as any kitten and loves to lounge around and show off his pink toe beans. He’s also a big fan of toys and is very active. When he first came to us he was a little shy, but now he enjoys petting and being around people. Although it might take him a little time to come out of his shell around new humans, with a little patience, this guy will love you! This handsome guy is a true undiscovered gem of Pasadena Humane, so adopt him before someone else does!

The adoption fee for cats is $90. 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 at pasadenahumane.org and make an appointment for a virtual adoption consultation. Adoptions are by appointment only.

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia State of Schools Address Postponed to Oct. 21

Monrovia School District has announced that ...

As a result of the Bobcat Fire, we have needed to postpone the event. The new date of our second annual State of the Schools Address is Oct. 21, 2020.

We look forward to sharing our 2020-21 journey with you at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 21 via Facebook and YouTube!

- Brad Haugaard

New Kind of BAER in Monrovia; Helicopters Fighting Blaze on Hwy 2; Painted 'Thank You' Rocks

Fire fighting helicopter refilling with water from a pool near Sawpit Debris Basin.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports a new kind of BAER in Monrovia.

~ The Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) is made up of specialists in hydrology, soil science, archeology, wildlife biology, forestry and plant biology. They'll be looking at the potential for accelerated erosion and runoff resulting from vegetation loss, as well as, identifying fire-weakened hazard trees. Throughout this period, Monrovia Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will remain closed

~ The helicopters you've heard, he said, are working to secure the line between Mt. Wilson and Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway). "These helicopters are utilizing the helipad, located near the Sawpit Dam, since it is the closest in proximity to their drop-off destinations for the south end of the fire."

~ Residents left a Thank You sign for Feik with a dozen painted rocks. He said, "While I certainly would never do this job for praise or accolades, these heartfelt messages mean the world to me. These past two weeks have brought me closer to this community and I can already feel a deeper, more meaningful connection to all of you. I am so proud to be a Monrovian."

- Brad Haugaard

Face Masks for Band and Colorguard

As a fundraiser, the Monrovia High Marching Band and Colorguard is selling spirit green 100% cotton face masks for $6 apiece or $10 for two. Payment options: Check to MHS Band Booster Club at P.O. Box 1122, Monrovia, CA 91016; PayPal at wildcatbandboosters@gmail.com; contact Karen Schultz at 808-7455 to pay by cash.

- Brad Haugaard