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Dinner at T Burger


Dinner at T Burger, on The south side of Foothill just east of Magnolia. I got a chicken gyro for $7.98 and a drink for $2.79. Very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dakota Loves Squeaky Toys and Games of Fetch


Two-year-old Dakota is a young and energetic dog who loves squeaky toys, going for walks, and long games of fetch. She’s very smart, and has lots of fun with enrichment toys (like egg cartons filled with treats). Dakota would do best in a home without children or other dogs, and hopes she can have lots of playtime with her new person!

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

Two Monrovians Join Foothill Unity Center Board of Directors

Two Monrovians have been named to the Foothill Unity Center's board of directors. They are Keisha Carter-Bowen, who owns Simply Divine Salon Barbershop, and Dr. Ryan Smith, Superintendent of Monrovia Schools. https://tny.im/ea96G  (Photo courtesy of PasadenaNow)

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Train at Depot

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe 1420 at Santa Fe depot in Monrovia.. 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

After 17 Years, Kirk McGinnis' Last Day at Monrovia High


Monrovia School District tweeted: After 17 years at Monrovia Unified, today is Kirk McGinnis' last day as Principal at Monrovia High School.  His final day was filled with bittersweet goodbyes, reminiscing with students and everyone wishing him good luck at his next job with El Monte Unified.

- Brad Haugaard

City to Consider: Switching Back to Rotating Mayor; Hiring Firm to Fix Canyon Park; Creating 'Inclusionary Housing Ordinance'; Etc.


At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/T7vS7) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider putting on the ballot a measure that would switch Monrovia back from having an elected mayor to simply rotating the office of mayor among the council members each year. https://tny.im/07okv

~ Consider consolidating its regular municipal elections with the statewide primary election (on June 7 this year). The consolidation is required by state law. https://tny.im/tWMVv

~  Consider hiring Merrell Johnson Engineering, Inc. for $679,139 to manage the Canyon Park restoration, and hire it for another $64,626 to manage work on the pumping station that fills the tank that supplies water to the park facilities. Total cost for the restoration work is estimated at a bit over $10 million. https://tny.im/t70iP

~ Consider hiring Sagecrest Planning and Environmental for up to $154,090 to help develop an "Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, a Density Bonus Ordinance, Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Guidelines, and Environmental Analysis." Inclusionary housing requires market-rate residential developments to include affordable housing. State Density Bonus law provides development waivers, concessions, reduced parking standards, and density increases to encourage the development of affordable and senior housing.  https://tny.im/AeHxL

- Brad Haugaard

Fixing and Upgrading Monrovia Parks, Garden Myths Workshop; Transportation Survey; Blood Donations Low

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

~ This year there will be major renovations to Monrovia parks, the park area around the library, and a big upgrade to the Community Center.

Repair of Canyon Park will cost just over $10 million and construction won't begin for a few months, but when it is done the park will have new roads, parking lots, trails, signs, etc. Most of the funds to repair the park will come from federal or state assistance, or from insurance.

Lucinda Garcia Park will be upgraded, Recreation Park will have its ball fields, parking areas, pathways, etc. worked on, and the exterior area around the library will be improved. Also, there will be a new park on land donated to the city by the developer of the Chick-fil-A/Starbucks project at the south end of the old Claimjumper restaurant site.

Also, the Community Center will be reworked. "We will have design and architectural renderings for upgrading the Community Center and in the near months."

~ The Monrovia Community Garden will hold a virtual workshop, "Debunking Garden Myths: Applying organic science-based principles in the garden," on January 29, from 10 to 11 a.m.  Gio Leos will discuss  garden myths and what the science behind them actually demonstrates. Chili flakes in the soil? Companion planting? Hugelkultur? Question/answer time from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Register here -  https://tny.im/HDoZ - or email info@monroviacommunitygarden.org for more information.

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and Metro have an online survey on local transportation. Participate here: https://tny.im/35Aos

~ Red Cross has experienced about a 10% decline in people donating blood since the pandemic began. In recent weeks it has less than a one-day supply of blood products - well below the ideal five-day supply. To give, go to RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 892 New Cases, One New Death

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

City of Monrovia: 6,097 cases (up 892), 88 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 654 cases (up 94), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Catalytic Converters Stolen from Motorhomes; Customer Shoves Restaurant Employee; Men With Hammers Steal Phones; Golf Clubs Stolen from Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 6 – January 12. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 331 service events, resulting in 56 investigations.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 9:14 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of S. Myrtle regarding unknown trouble between a male and female. Officers arrived and discovered the male had left the area, but the female was still at the location. Officers spoke with the female who was intoxicated and uncooperative. She was arrested and taken into custody for being drunk in public.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 6 at 11:12 p.m., an officer noticed a vehicle commit several vehicle code violations in the 600 block of S. Primrose. The driver was stopped and while officers spoke with the driver, they noticed he displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department for a sobering period.

Petty Theft
January 7 at 8:00 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Duarte called to report his coin machine was broken into sometime overnight. Video footage showed two suspects prying open the machine. The investigation is continuing.

Trespassing
January 7 at 9:05 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report a male subject was inside the business disturbing customers. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject. He was issued a citation for a related offense.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 8 at 3:05 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver struck the curb while pulling over, causing damage to his vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver and noticed he displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to Monrovia Police Department for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
January 8 at 10:12 a.m., a caller reported his motorhome was parked at a storage facility in the 3000 block of S. Peck and today he discovered the catalytic converter was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 8 at 12:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. El Norte called to report that her vehicle was broken into sometime overnight. Video footage of the crime was discovered. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 8 at 12:35 p.m., a caller reported his motorhome was parked at a storage facility in the 3000 block of S. Peck and today he discovered the catalytic converter was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Death Report
January 8 at 8:27 p.m., a reporting party called from the 200 block of Norumbega Drive to report that a male subject who lives in the home was found deceased on his bedroom floor. There was no evidence of foul play.

Fighting in Public
January 8 at 11:48 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of E. Colorado regarding two female subjects who had been drinking and began to fight. The female subjects did not desire prosecution. Officers assisted one of the parties with retrieving personal property from a residence.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 9 at 9:53 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle and bicyclist were involved in a traffic collision in the 500 block of E Colorado. Officers and paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the involved parties. The bicyclist was treated for their visible injuries. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Commercial Burglary
January 9 at 10:10 a.m., a business owner in the 300 block of W. Foothill called to report he was out of town, but he received a call informing him that the back door to his business was kicked in. Officers arrived and cleared the business. The investigation is continuing.

Structure Fire
January 10 at 12:28 a.m., officers were dispatched to a building in the 200 block of E. Chestnut regarding a structure fire. When officers arrived they discovered it was a kitchen fire, but it was extinguished prior to officers arriving. No injuries were reported.

Battery
January 10 at 2:53 p.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a customer became upset at their service, pushed one of the employees, and began yelling at customers and children. The suspect left the restaurant and was located nearby by officers. The suspect was placed under private persons arrest and taken into custody for battery.

Shoplifting
January 10 at 4:29 p.m., the manager of a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that the store was detaining a male adult subject for shoplifting. Officers arrived and after conducting an investigation they arrested the subject and issued him a citation.

Court Order Violation
January 10 at 10:58 pm, a neighbor in the 100 block of W. Olive called to report that a male subject she knew to be the restrained on a domestic violence restraining order, was at the location arguing with the protected female. The caller watched as the female allowed the male to enter her apartment. Officers arrived and heard the male and female talking inside and recognized their voices from prior contacts. The female refused to open the door. Based on previous contacts and witness statements charges will be deemed appropriate and will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.

Grand Theft Auto
January 11 at 9:51 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona, MODA Apartments, walked to his apartment building's parking garage and discovered someone had stolen his motorcycle sometime during the night. Building video shows a white SUV towing the motorcycle out of the parking garage. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
January 11 at 2:53 p.m., officers were patrolling the 700 block of E. Cypress when they saw a vehicle driven by a subject who was known to be wanted for domestic violence. The driver was stopped and was taken into custody for the wanted charge.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 3:56 p.m., a female resident in the 500 block of E. Olive reported her boyfriend had just battered her. The couple have a child together, who was also present during the fight. Officers arrived and after investigating the allegations, took the male subject into custody for domestic violence. The female subject sustained non-life threatening visible injuries. An Emergency Protective Order was granted.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 7:30 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Central reported that her computer and purse were stolen from her unlocked vehicle sometime between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The investigation is ongoing.

Commercial Burglary
January 11 at 7:43 p.m., two male subjects in hoodies entered a retail store in the 600 block of W. Huntington with hammers. The male subjects broke multiple display stands and stole phones. The male subjects fled the scene on foot. The investigation is continuing.

Trespassing
January 11 at 8:23 p.m., a caller observed a subject remotely via surveillance footage, on private property in the 200 block of S. Encinitas. This subject was advised previously regarding trespassing on the property. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The caller desired prosecution and the subject was issued a citation. The subject left the property.

Grand Theft
January 11 at 8:41 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of Hill St. reported a set of golf clubs was stolen from his unlocked vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery
January 12 at 9:41 pm, a caller reported that he saw a male and female arguing in the area of Foothill and Norumbega. Officers arrived in the area and located the female nearby. She said her boyfriend had slapped her in the face multiple times while at his home on Valle Vista. She last saw him near Norumbega. Officers went to the subject's home but he was not there and was not located in the area. The female did not desire prosecution. The investigation is continuing.

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.