Water District to Host Webinar on Gardening With Less Water

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will host a free virtual class, "Maintaining a Great Garden on Minimal Water," on Thursday, June 16, from 6-7 p.m. Topics: Supporting gardens in times of drought

• Converting lawn areas to resilient and organically maintained polycultures
• Managing irrigation efficiently
• Protecting trees in times of drought

This live webinar will not be recorded.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Popeyes

Dinner tonight at Popeyes. Got the 2 piece combo with rice and beans and coleslaw for sides, plus a drink, for $10.49. Nice crisp fried chicken and I really liked the smoky flavor or the beans. 

- Brad Haugaard 

All Graduations and Promotions In Monrovia Schools

Here is a list of all the graduations taking place within Monrovia school district

Graduations

Monrovia Community Adult School
Wednesday, June 1 - 6:00 p.m. @ Clifton Middle School

Mountain Park & Canyon Oaks High School
Tuesday, June 7 - 5:00 p.m. @ Clifton Middle School

Monrovia High School
Wednesday, June 8 - 5:00 p.m. @ MHS

Middle School Promotions

Clifton Middle School
Tuesday, June 7 - 9:00 a.m.

Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School
Tuesday, June 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Elementary School Promotions

Bradoaks - 5th Grade
Wednesday, June 8 - 8:00 a.m.

Mayflower
Wednesday, June 8 - 8:30 a.m.

Monroe - Kinder
Monday, June 6 - 8:15 a.m.

Monroe - 5th Grade
Wednesday, June 8 - 8:30 a.m.

Plymouth
Monday, June 6 - 8:30 a.m.

Wild Rose
Wednesday, June 8 - 9:00 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

A Guide to Monrovia City Candidates

Mayoral Race

Stephen Grollnek Statement
Further information: monroviashadow.com  monroviashadow@gmail.com

Becky Shevlin Statement
Further information: beckyshevlin@gmail.com - (626) 253-0072

City Council

Edward Belden Statement
Further information: EdwardBelden.com  ebelden@gmail.com

Sergio Jimenez No statement submitted
Further information: sergiojimenezforcitycouncil.com  sercharger@outlook.com

Dr. Tamala Kelly Statement
Further information: votetamalakelly.com tamalaformonrovia@gmail.com

Genia Mills Statement
Further information: votemills4monrovia.com mills4monrovia@gmail.com

Larry Spicer Statement
Further information: vote4spicer.com  ljspiceisnice@yahoo.com

Sashary Zaroyan Statement
Further information: votesasha.com sashary.zaroyan@gmail.com

 - Brad Haugaard

Super Friendly Junebug Can Purr Up a Storm

Two-year-old Junebug is a super friendly cat who not only loves being petted, but even loves being held! This sweet gal can often be seen “making biscuits” with her paws and purring up a storm. In addition to getting lots of attention, Junebug is a big fan of eating treats and playing with her feather wand toy.

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

Statement of City Council Candidate Dr. Tamala Kelly

I am Dr. Tamala Kelly, a proud Monrovian for over 15 years. I am an associate college professor, the president and founder of a local non-profit organization, a community advocate, a wife, and a mother.

For Monrovia to continue to thrive, we need to invest in working families, our youth, local businesses, and affordable housing. I’m running on several issues that are important to Monrovians:

• I want to ensure city leaders respond to the voices and the needs of the people: That is why I created and hope to continue City wide town hall meeting, where there is open dialogue where community members and City officials come together for information and collaboration. We have held three measure K Town Halls so far.

• I’m running to enhance Public Safety: Our amazing police department is overwhelmed with answering calls regarding societal issues that they are not trained to answer, taking them away from solving crime.  I want to create a community-based response team to address 911 calls for mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness. 

• I want to ensure people living here can continue to live here: We need affordable housing opportunities, particularly for our seniors, working families and other service workers.

• Preserve and expand Monrovia's natural environment: We need a healthy environment throughout our city, including shade and tress in south Monrovia. We must reinstate Monrovia’s Environmental Accord — 21 action items focused on energy, waste reduction, transportation, environmental health, and water.

• I'm running because Fiscal Responsibility and transparency are important in any organization: Our city must take advantage of other funding, such as the additional $17 million in revenue from Measure K. The City Council decides it will be spent and I am committed to ensuring those funds are spent on programs and initiatives that the people of Monrovia care about.

Working together, we can protect the quality of life that Monrovians have worked so hard for — and ensure that ALL Monrovians have opportunities and a real say in the future of our city. If you care as passionately as I do and if you see a bright future for our city, I’m asking for your vote. Please visit my website www.votetamalakelly.com

Wild Rose Teacher Maria Lomelin Named District's 'Teacher of the Year'

Wild Rose teacher Maria Lomelin was recently named MUSD's Teacher of the Year for 2021-22. This award is voted on by staff at Monrovia Unified and it was clear that Ms. Lomelin was among the best the district has to offer.

"I feel humbled beyond words that I was nominated and selected for this recognition. I see my fellow teacher friends work hard everyday, so to actually be selected for this recognition has filled me with gratitude and joy," she said. 

Ms. Lomelin started out as an instructional aide with Monrovia Unified and now she is a 3rd grade teacher at Wild Rose School of Creative Arts. She said it was a surprise to hear her name called when the award was presented.

"Dr. Ryan Smith said 'The Teacher of the Year is in this room.'  I didn't think it was me.  So when he said my name, I felt shocked and I froze for a bit. The clapping and cheers from my amazing peers snapped me back into reality. It was a complete surprise."

Anyone that knows Ms. Lomelin, knows that she goes above and beyond for her students everyday. We are very proud to have her at Monrovia Unified School District. Even though she won the award, she said that every teacher within our district should be celebrated for what they do in the classroom.

"We have survived an extraordinary few years, and have evolved," Ms. Lomelin said. "This particular year started off with a lot of unknowns. It was important to navigate through it with love, patience, and flexibility. At Wild Rose School of Creative Arts, I am surrounded by high quality educators who work hard everyday to meet the emotional and academic needs of our students. They have done an amazing job despite all of the things that are happening in the world. Students are learning and happy to be at school. I feel every teacher deserves recognition!"

Source: Wild Rose school announcement

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Butcher Shop With Novel Refrigerated Display Case

Asa Casner's Butcher Shop. 619 S. Myrtle Ave. The use of a refrigerated display case was a novelty. 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

Jouyssance To Honor City Historian Steve Baker

The Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble will present two concerts, both honoring the late Steve Baker, Monrovia city historian and treasurer. Nicole Baker, who conducts the group, said Steve Baker was a longtime member, an excellent tenor, a member of the group’s board of directors, and its treasurer.

The concert, “The Glories of Venice,” will be on June 11 and 12, in Westwood and South Pasadena, respectively. For details and tickets: https://shrtm.nu/vA6L

- Brad Haugaard 

Memorial Day Ceremony

There will be a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony for all veterans who died in the service of their country on Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 E. Duarte Road.

- Brad Haugaard 

Get Free Pass to State Parks; City’s Buffy Bullis Wins Hero Award; Job Fair

City’s Buffy Bullis, Hero Award Winner

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

~ You can now get into more than 200 California State Parks for free with a pass you can borrow from the Monrovia Library. Use your library card to reserve a pass, good for 3 weeks and valid for entry of one passenger vehicle (with nine people or fewer) or one motorcycle. Visit the library’s website or call  256-8274 for more information.

~ Buffy Bullis, Monrovia's Administrative Services Director, has received the Government Finance Officers Association Hero Award. Feik writes that: “Over the past few years, Monrovia has experienced a series of emergencies including the Bobcat Fire, rainstorms, pandemic and drought. Buffy has been a critical behind-the-scenes team member when it comes to ensuring that financial operations for the City continued without delays no matter the situation.” https://shrtm.nu/LHSM

~ Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will host a Skilled Trades Career Fair on Thursday, June 16, 2-6 p.m., at the DoubleTree Hotel Monrovia. Details: https://shrtm.nu/Ixgj

- Brad Haugaard 

Jeremy Sanchez Named Monrovia Fire Chief

Manager Dylan Feik named Jeremy Sanchez as the next Fire Chief of the Monrovia Fire & Rescue Department (MFD). Jeremy will succeed Fire Chief Brad Dover who is retiring on June 24. He will officially assume the role as Monrovia’s next Fire Chief on June 25, becoming the first Latino Fire Chief for the City of Monrovia. 

“When searching for Monrovia’s next Chief, I knew I did not have to look far as we had exceptional talent within the department. Jeremy, who currently serves as a Division Chief, demonstrated his natural leadership ability, immense technical expertise, excellent communication and interpersonal skills. He has worked hard to prepare himself for this opportunity and he is ready to become a Fire Chief,” said Dylan Feik, City Manager. “He will bring professionalism and innovative ideas not only to the department, but to the entire community.”

In 2001, Jeremy began his career when he joined MFD as a Fire Cadet. As a 21-year veteran of the department, he has transitioned upward within the department and held positions including  F.S.C./Brush Chipper Inspector, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain and Division Chief. 

As 1 of 3 Division Chiefs, he was responsible for the Community Risk Reduction and Disaster Preparedness Division where he maintained citywide disaster plans, trained city staff and residents in emergency preparedness and managed annual brush clearance programs. In 2019, Jeremy became responsible for the Training and Emergency Medical Services Division, overseeing all aspects of department training and recruitments, paramedic training and certification, equipment management, quality improvement and legal aspects for all basic and advanced emergency medical services.

“Throughout the 20 years that I’ve worked alongside Chief Sanchez, he has demonstrated that he is hardworking, resourceful and committed to helping anyone in need,” said Fire Chief Brad Dover. “His love of the fire service runs deep and I am confident he will lead the Department successfully.”   

During the Bobcat Fire in September 2020, Chief Sanchez was a key member of the Incident Command Team and assisted in making vital decisions to keep Monrovia residents safe, homes untouched and the fire contained.   

“It has been an absolute honor to serve the Monrovia community over the last 20 years,” said Chief Sanchez. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to continue to serve in this new capacity.” 

As a graduate of Waldorf College, Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration. He is also certified as a Chief Fire Officer from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal. In 2023, he will also graduate from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland.   

Jeremy and his wife, Hazel, are proud parents of their three children, Mia, Lucas and Siena.

Monrovia Fire & Rescue operates out of two strategically placed stations. The Fire Chief and three Division Chiefs are supported by 47 personnel. The Department has a total operating budget of $11.6 million and responds to over 4,600 emergency calls for service annually.

Source: City of Monrovia press release 

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 95 More Cases, No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 05/25/2022. Changes since 05/18/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,641 cases (up 95), 104 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 902 cases (up 10), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Thief Buys New Vehicle With Fake ID; Woman Tracks Her Stolen Car With Phone; Stolen Water Bill Check Cashed for Almost $6,000; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 19 – 25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 371 service events, resulting in 54 investigations. 

Fraud
May 19 at 12:13 p.m., a caller reported three personal checks were stolen from the 200 block of S. Ivy and were cashed by the suspect(s). This investigation is continuing. 

Death Report
May 19 at 1:46 p.m., a resident reported his neighbor in the 700 block of W. Walnut had collapsed and was unresponsive. Officers responded to the location and began CPR. Despite life saving measures, the elderly female passed at the scene. A local mortuary responded. Friends and family were at the scene. 

Theft
May 19 at 8:21 p.m., officers were flagged down by a female victim in the 700 block of S. Myrtle stating that a male suspect had just stolen her electric bicycle. The victim had unlocked her bicycle from outside of the business, when the suspect approached her and asked to see her bike. She let him see it, and he then got on the motorized bike and fled the area. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
May 20 at 12:40 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of Highland Place called to report that his ex-girlfriend had keyed both the hood and driver's side door of his vehicle. This investigation is continuing 

Drug Activity / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 20 at 1:05 a.m., officers responded to a parking structure in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival officers contacted a male and female subject sitting inside of the vehicle. An investigation revealed the female had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested and taken into custody. The male subject had medical issues and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Vandalism
May 20 at 12:07 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of N. Encinitas reported their vehicle had been keyed while parked in a local business parking lot. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation – Subject Evaluated
May 20 at 2:47 p.m., a caller in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower reported her roommate was experiencing mental health issues. Officers arrived and determined the female adult was a danger to herself and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was transported to a local facility for treatment. 

Mental Evaluation – Subject Evaluated
May 20 at 3:27 p.m., a fight between two males was reported in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. It was determined one of the subjects was having mental issues and needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment. 

Fraud
May 20 at 5:27 p.m., a caller in the 1400 block of S. Mountain reported a subject bought a new vehicle under a false identify. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 20 at 6:43 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a male subject who may have passed out in a restroom. Upon arrival they found him awake in the restroom. He was positively identified and an investigation revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft / Burglary
May 20 at 7:32 p.m., an employee at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington advised that a suspect had taken thousands of dollars in merchandise from the location the previous day. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 21 at 12:25 a.m., officers patrolling the 100 block of W. Lemon saw a male subject lying on the ground. They contacted him and discovered he was highly intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 21 at 1:06 a.m., while on patrol in the 200 block of E. Lemon an officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver showed signs of intoxication. Sobriety tests were performed and the driver was ultimately arrested for DUI. He was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Attempt Grand Theft Auto / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
May 21 at 2:19 a.m., multiple callers reported two subjects tampering with a vehicle in the 200 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and were able to locate both subjects hiding in the area. An investigation was conducted and a vehicle in the area was found to have been tampered with. One of the suspects was found to have a no bail warrant for his arrest. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Burglary
May 21 at 4:57 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding an audible alarm. Upon arrival they saw that the front window had been shattered and that a suspect had entered the business through that window. The suspect fled the area prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 21 at 12:52 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a grand theft had occurred thirty minutes prior. Officers arrived and collected evidence of the crime. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 21 at 1:54 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called and reported her vehicle was taken sometime during the night. She notified the officer that she was able to track the car using her cell phone. The vehicle was tracking to a residential street in Pasadena. Pasadena PD responded to the location and was able to recover the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 1:55 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Fifth and Huntington saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver showed signs of intoxication. An investigation revealed that he had been driving under the influence of alcohol and was also on probation for a prior DUI. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Robbery
May 22 at 5:40 p.m., a robbery was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The caller reported that the victim was approached by two subjects who brandished pistols and demanded his cell phone. The suspects left the location prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Resisting – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 10:43 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he was flagged down by an employee of a local gas station. The employee pointed out two male suspects and advised that they were tampering with the gas pumps. Officers made contact with the suspects, but one of them became uncooperative during the detention and refused a lawful search. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 12:36 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a male suspect tampering with vehicles. They located the suspect and he was positively identified. An investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Fraud
May 23 at 11:40 a.m., a resident discovered someone had stolen a check from the 200 block of S. Ivy which she had written to pay her water bill. The person who stole the check, altered the check and cashed it for almost $6,000. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity / Weapon Offense – Suspects Arrested
May 23 at 4:24 p.m., a security guard for a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported two customers had entered the business through the safety security checkpoint. One of the male subjects was found to be in possession of a firearm that had the serial number shaved off. The firearm was retained by security. Officers arrived and after an investigation arrested the suspect. A second subject was arrested after a controlled substance was found to be in his possession. Both suspects were taken into custody and transported to MPD. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 23 at 4:27 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of W. Huntington walked outside to her vehicle and discovered someone had shattered one of her vehicle windows. Officers arrived and determined that her purse had been left in the front seat and stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 5:19 p.m., a customer at a coin laundry business in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported seeing a male subject enter a vehicle with a gun exposed in his waistband. Officers located the subject and determined he was carrying a firearm unlawfully. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Mayflower regarding a subject reportedly checking mailboxes and looking into parked vehicles. The subject was located and found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and released with a citation. 

Robbery
May 23 at 9:00 p.m., employees at a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington called to report that a subject in the area had just been assaulted. Officers arrived and discovered the subject was punched and "knocked out" by a male suspect on a bicycle. The suspect stole the victim’s phone. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
May 23 at 10:31 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of E. Lime regarding a family disturbance. An investigation revealed the disturbance was a verbal argument and no crime was committed. One of the involved parties advised that he wanted to hurt himself and it was determined he needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment. 

Vehicle Tampering
May 24 at 6:18 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Parkrose walked outside her home and discovered someone had entered her unlocked parked vehicle sometime during the night, but nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
May 24 at 7:01 a.m., employees of a business in the 200 block of Railroad reported a female adult had gained entry into their locked business. The suspect took one of the employee’s purses and ran out of the building. The suspect was apprehended by officers. The purse was returned to the employee and the suspect was arrested. 

Commercial Burglary
May 24 at 9:52 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The caller reported that money and a safe were missing. It is unknown how the suspect gained entry into the restaurant. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
May 24 at 7:56 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of El Norte and Walker saw fresh graffiti painted along a sidewalk. The graffiti was removed and this investigation is continuing. 

Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
May 25 at 12:42 a.m., a caller reported seeing a subject via surveillance cameras inside the rear lot of a business in the 1100 block of S. Mountain. He could see the subject taking items from the location and throwing them over the fence. Officers arrived and the suspect fled the area. He was quickly detained. An investigation determined he was in possession of stolen goods and burglary tools. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity / Grand Theft / Weapon Offence – Suspects Arrested
May 25 at 2:31 a.m., officers were canvasing the 1100 block of S. Mountain for evidence on a separate incident when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked behind a closed business. The vehicle attempted to leave the area, but was stopped by officers. An investigation revealed that both the driver and passenger had warrants for their arrest. Numerous stolen items, a controlled substance, burglary tools, and a ghost gun (unregulated and manufactured gun) were all found to be in their possession. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Mental Evaluation
May 25 at 8:28 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of E. Colorado regarding a female on the property that wouldn't leave. While officers were talking with her, they realized she had a mental disorder. A mental health worker was called and arrived to speak with her. She was ultimately placed on a mental evaluation and transported to a mental facility for treatment. 

Mental Evaluation
May 25 at 3:28 p.m., the resident in the 700 block of Mountain reported her sister was yelling and scratching herself. She was very upset and has some history of trying to harm herself. Officers arrived with a mental health worker. They evaluated the female and determined she needed to be transported to a medical facility for medical attention and later to a mental facility. 

Battery
May 25 at 10:58 p.m., officers responded to a neighbor dispute in the 400 block of Montana. The caller stated his neighbor was upset with him because he moves his trash cans too late. This investigation is continuing. 

Planned Apartment Complex Will Cost $64.4 Million

The multifamily development planned for 127 W. Pomona, just south of the freeway, will cost $64.4 million and take 33 months to build, according to a press release from Marcus & Millichap Capital Corp., which arranged the loan. The 252,100-square-foot community will feature 220 apartments, 7,050 square feet of commercial space and 357 parking spots. https://shrtm.nu/l3r9

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at JB Burger

Dinner recently at JB Burger, at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the Patty Melt for $5.25 and an Orange Bang for $2.25. Good and very reasonably priced. 

- Brad Haugaard  

School District Provides Resources Following Texas Shootings

In light of the shootings at the Texas elementary school in which children and adults were killed, the Monrovia School District has provided resources for parents and children who may have been affected by the killings. Superintendent Ryan Smith writes:

“Please know that safety at our schools is our highest priority. We would like to remind everyone that each of our schools have safety procedures in place that are reviewed and updated annually.”

Also, he said, the district maintains a close relationship with the Monrovia Police Department.

Here is a link to the resources the district recommends: https://shrtm.nu/rwPI

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of City Council Candidate Edward Belden

Hello Monrovia! I’m running for City Council because I care about Monrovia and the people who live here.  I am an experienced leader who was raised in Monrovia. I know how special its small-town charm is, and I want to give back to my community. My Grandmother was a school teacher in Monrovia, my grandfather ran a leprosy hospital in India, and my mother was nurse. My family fueled my passion to serve, and now I’m ready to put my education and 20+ years of diverse experience and results to work for our town.

I’ve started and run a successful small business, worked for local and national non-profits, and served in City Government at the executive level. I know when government can be effective and when it is inefficient. I’ve raised $40 million for projects and programs, restored our mountains, revitalized neighborhoods, encouraged business innovation, created jobs, provided opportunities for underserved youth, and built infrastructure projects. I am the current President of the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation, a Community Services Commissioner, a member of the Art in Public Places Committee, and a MAP leader. When I am not working and volunteering, I love spending time with my wonderful wife and dog, especially in our Monrovia Parks.

With so much at stake, Monrovia needs experienced leaders in City Council that can deliver results. I will listen to the diverse voices and perspectives of Monrovia and work toward a healthy, prosperous, and safe community to Keep Monrovia Moving Forward. I ask for your support and vote. Please find out more at www.EdwardBelden.com

New Music Academy Opening in Monrovia

Ulf Geist, professional musician and founder of Pasadena Music Academy (PMA), will open a new music school at 136 W. Lime in Monrovia.

Monrovia Music Academy (MMA) will celebrate its launch with a Grand Opening Weekend June 9-12 where students and parents can learn more about the academy's programs. Lessons will be offered in piano, guitar, voice, drums, bass, DJ, music production, ukulele, violin, viola, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and clarinet.

Geist founded PMA in 2011 to give students and their families a fun, safe, and supportive place where they could build confidence and explore their own creativity through music. Like PMA, MMA will offer unlimited make-up lessons, performance opportunities throughout the year, and free band workshops (Tomorrow’s Rockstars) for all students. PMA currently has more than 700 students.

Geist began his music career at the age of five, playing drums in his family band in his small hometown in Germany. He went on to play for bands like The Calling, Camila, and with Ricky Martin at the Grammys.

"With our Pasadena location growing to capacity we decided it’s time to open a new location," Geist says, "We wanted to find a city with families that appreciate and have a need for high- quality musical education. After a lot of research, we realized that Monrovia is perfect for us. We couldn’t be happier to join this community."

During COVID-19, a staggering one third of small businesses closed their doors across the country. Despite the challenges they faced, PMA saw  growth and success during this time, almost doubling in size.

Those interested in lessons at MMA can attend the Grand Opening Weekend or sign up for the wait list for a free trial lesson at monroviamusic.com Students who sign up will receive a $75 discount on their first month of lessons. For more information, visit monroviamusic.com or call (626) 408-8622.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Shadow Needs Owner Who Reads Dog Body Language

Eight-month-old Shadow is an energetic dog who loves getting belly rubs from those in his inner circle! Shadow would do best with an adopter who has experience reading dog body language, can give him time and patience to adjust to his new home, and is ready to teach him lots of new things using positive reinforcement (such as snacks and praise). Shadow would do best as the only pet in the home so he can get all your love.

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