Methodist Hospital Becomes USC Arcadia Hospital

Arcadia's Methodist Hospital of Southern California has joined Keck Medicine of USC and has a new name: USC Arcadia Hospital. You may find us online at www.uscarcadiahospital.org.

In a letter to patients, the hospital wrote: "Over the coming years, Keck Medicine plans to invest in equipment, infrastructure and services at USC Arcadia Hospital, ensuring that residents of the San Gabriel Valley have local access to the best possible care for decades to come."

- Brad Haugaard

Cleaning Canyon Park Will Cost $1.17 Million Extra; Candidates for City Treasurer; Money to Install Neighborhood Treasure; Women's Equality Day

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/kt1zY) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Authorizing an additional $1.17 million - and a contingency amount of $80,000 - to finish cleaning out Canyon Park. The staff report says Pokrajac Corporation has completed 80 percent of what was initially agreed to, and spent $1.29 million of the contract budget of $1.62 million. But there was more debris than expected. The additional money would go to:

• Remove debris from culverts, stream beds, and hillsides which are sitting above public park areas and present an immediate health and safety hazard to downstream activities. The estimate for this item alone is approximately $800,000.
• Remove rocks, debris and fallen trees near the trailhead and ranger station.
• During rain in May and June 2022, existing debris flowed downstream and settled in areas previously cleared. Remove existing debris and erosion to prevent further downstream damage.
• Relocate boulders that can be used as natural erosion controls at key locations throughout the park.

Possible funding from FEMA, State of California, insurance, state or federal grants, and private contributions. Details: https://tny.im/SC8Kb

~  Consider four people as possible replacements for City Treasurer Steve Baker, who died during the election season. The four are:

• John Watson
• Janet Wall
• Edward Belden
• Brian Yamaguchi

Their applications are here: https://tny.im/YsNV9

~ Authorizing $15,500 to install a Neighborhood Treasure landmark honoring Josephine Anderson, who founded the Foothill Unity Center in 1980 in a borrowed church closet in Monrovia to provide food to hungry families. https://tny.im/YhMW9

~  Proclaiming August 2 as Women's Equality Day. https://tny.im/KgQUW

- Brad Haugaard

Welcome to Neighborhood Meeting Tomorrow

Register here: https://tny.im/bDVc

- Brad Haugaard

Footloose - This Sunday Only

- Brad Haugaard

Get City Rebate for Replacing Grass; Draft Tree Plan for South Monrovia; Grants for Home Repairs, Etc.

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

~  Monrovia is offering a $3 rebate per square foot of grass you replace with low water landscaping. Projects need to go through the application process to receive a rebate and you must apply prior to starting your project. https://tny.im/LxHiB

~ A draft tree planting plan for Monrovia south of the 210, where there are far fewer trees, is available here: https://tny.im/CAduO. The plan calls for: native trees first, then trees that thrive in this climate, those that increase shade, large trees where possible without creating maintenance or hazardous conditions. Avoid fruit, palm or other non-native trees.

~ A limited number of grants are available for home repairs. To be eligible you must live in Monrovia, meet income requirements, provide income documentation for all household residents with an income. Details: https://tny.im/MIWJ2

~ The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has relocated its offices to 248 E. Foothill Blvd. Three camphor trees there will be removed because the trees' roots have caused damage to the drainage channel. They will be replaced with trees that are as mature as available in the fall when temperatures are cooler.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: One More Death, 165 More Cases

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12 p.m., 07/27/2022. Changes since 07/20/2022.

City of Monrovia: 9,951 cases (up 165), 107 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,040 cases (up 10), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Is Modern Voice of Old Radio Program

Michael Khanchalian with an old 16-inch studio recording of the Old Fashioned Revival Hour, with the record player behind him. 

A Monrovian is the modern voice of a radio program that died in 1968... but has been revived.

The Old Fashioned Revival Hour began airing in 1937 and at one time was broadcast from the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium to a nationwide audience on the Mutual Broadcasting System, then ABC Radio Network, on more than 650 radio stations. Monrovian Michael Khanchalian said that the show was at one time better known than such popular radio adventures as The Lone Ranger and The Shadow. Then it faded, and finally died, in 1968, according to Wikipedia.

Khanchalian, the modern voice who makes brief announcements in the restored old recordings, was instrumental in reviving the Old Fashioned Revival Hour, which was started by preacher Charles Fuller, who used to fill the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium Sundays for nationwide broadcasts on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Fuller also founded Pasadena's Fuller Seminary and named it after his father, Henry.

Khanchalian's interest in old sound recordings (He restores old wax recording cylinders for archives), his interest in old radio, history, his acquaintance with a Fuller Seminary executive, and his being on the board of Christian Heritage Ministry, a group that was selling cassettes of Old Fashioned Revival Hour sermons, led the seminary to ask him to recreate the Old Fashioned Revival Hour for Fuller's fiftieth anniversary celebration.

He said a man who used to work at RCA (Radio Corporation of America) came up to him after the celebration and said, "Don't you want to get this back on the air, or what?" So, with some hesitancy, Christian Heritage Ministry decided to do just that and the program now airs on about 120 radio stations across the United States, none of which are in the Los Angeles area. Too expensive, Khanchalian said. Also, of course, it is on the Internet.

There are two versions of the program, Khanchalian said, an hour-long and half-hour version. The hour program is about two-thirds music and reading letters, and a third preaching by - mostly - Charles Fuller. In the half hour program the music and letter reading is trimmed but Fuller's message is uncut. As the program title says, it is old fashioned, and most of the audience members, Khanchalian estimates, are older people who fondly remember the broadcasts from their youth.

How long will the revived Revival Hour continue? He is not sure. His producer may retire in a few years. He said they'll just wait and find out.

If you'd like to listen to a program, here is the OFRH home page (https://www.ofrh.com/) and here are the audio recordings (https://www.ofrh.com/listen).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fraud; Drugs; DUIs; Man Robbed of Cellphone; Woman Fights Fingerprinting; Hiker Rescued; Arrested For Stealing Rental Equipment; Bear Cools in Pool; and Plenty More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 21 – 27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 375 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Fraud
July 21 at 5:55 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Pomona reported that he was the victim of fraud. He reported that he did online accounting work for an individual subject. The subject sent him two checks and asked him to keep his payment from the checks and forward the remaining balance to a third party. The victim sent the third party money via Zelle. When he attempted to cash the checks he received from the suspect, both were no good. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
July 21 at 10:36 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of N. Alta Vista advised that he had checked his video surveillance and saw two individuals climb over the fence of his neighbor’s house across the street. Officers responded and located a broken sliding glass door to the rear of the location. The house was ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 1:11 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Duarte and Alamitas observed a pedestrian walking in the roadway. The subject was stopped and later found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and later released with a citation.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 1:35 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of California and Shrode observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. The subject was stopped and later found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and later released with a citation.

Drug Activity / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 2:57 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Primrose and Pomona observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The vehicle was stopped and an investigation revealed that the passenger in the vehicle had two warrants for her arrest. The passenger was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery
July 22 at 1:20 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Lemon called to report that he had been robbed while standing outside the business. Several unknown male suspects stopped their vehicle alongside the victim and demanded he hand over his phone. When he refused, the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and wrestled it out of his hands causing the victim to fall and hit his head on the ground. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 22 at 5:34 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Central and Myrtle. Officers responded and checked on the well-being of the occupants. Both drivers sustained minor injuries.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 8:07 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Foothill and Primrose saw a vehicle with expired registration and conducted a traffic stop. The driver stated he had a BB handgun is his vehicle. The driver was removed from the vehicle and gave officers consent to search. The officer found drug paraphernalia. The driver was arrested and later released with a citation.

Missing Person – Located
July 22 at 10:39 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Royal Oaks and Mountain conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle violation. The driver was contacted and found to have a suspended license. The passenger was found to be a reported missing juvenile from Los Angeles. The vehicle was impounded and the driver was cited for the license violation. The juvenile was taken into protective custody and transported back to the Monrovia PD Station before being released to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 12:46 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious vehicle parked with its doors open for over an hour. Officers arrived and found a male adult passed out behind the wheel. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 2:05 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Spanner and Myrtle observed a vehicle commit several traffic violations. The vehicle was stopped and the driver displayed objective symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Battery on a Peace Officer
July 23 at 5:15 p.m. the jailer attempted to fingerprint an inmate, but she resisted. Officers attempted to bring her out of the cell, but she became immediately combative and struggled with them. During the struggle, she managed to kick and scratch officers. She was restrained and extracted from the cell for fingerprinting. While being fingerprinted she kicked the on duty Jailer. This case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Officer for filing consideration.

Medical Assist
July 23 at 5:51 p.m., several callers advised that there was an unconscious male subject on the ground at the metro platform. Officers arrived and located the male who was unresponsive. Drug paraphernalia was found near the subject and the officer administered Narcan. The subject gained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital by paramedics.

Hiker Rescued
July 23 at 6:44 p.m., a caller reported he had been hiking for twelve hours near the Clamshell trail. He advised he was out of water and not feeling well. Officers, paramedics, and the Pasadena PD airship responded. The airship located the hiker. Los Angeles County Fire Air11 was requested to respond. Air11 rescued the hiker. Paramedics then transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

Grand Theft Auto
July 23 at 8:13 p.m., a caller reported his vehicle had been stolen from the intersection of Peck and Longden some time over the last three days. The vehicle was placed into the stolen vehicle database. This investigations is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 10:05 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation near the intersection of Canyon and Lemon. The driver was contacted and found to be driving on a suspended license. Drug paraphernalia was seen in plain sight and the driver was taken out of the vehicle. The passenger admitted to being in possession of a controlled substance. The passenger was arrested and the driver was cited for the license violation.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 3:22 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was driving with no headlamps near the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. The female adult driver was contacted and displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was then conducted. The driver was ultimately arrested for DUI and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 2:25 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Genoa called to report that her ex-boyfriend grabbed her neck during an argument. Officers arrived and checked on the well being of all involved. It was determined that the adult male was in violation of misdemeanor domestic violence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 7:43 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle traveling in the 200 block of E. Chestnut hit a parked car. Officers arrived and upon contacting the driver observed signs of him being under the influence. He was arrested for DUI and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.

Battery
July 24 at 7:49 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported that his roommate had just struck him. Officers arrived and detained the roommate in the backyard as he was attempting to leave the location. The victim did not desire prosecution and had no injuries. The roommate agreed to leave the area.

Vandalism
July 24 at 8:14 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Huntington discovered that someone had slashed one of her tires while she was shopping. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / False Identification – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 8:17 p.m., employees reported two suspicious males in their business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and contacted them. One lied about his name and had drug paraphernalia in his possession. It was later learned that he also had a warrant for his arrest. That suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary / Identify Theft
July 24 at 10:25 p.m., a caller in the 1200 block of S. Fifth reported that someone broke into his vehicle while he was at work by prying open his car door. The victim's credit card was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft / Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
July 25 at 12:49 a.m., employees at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported multiple suspects attempting to steal rental equipment. Officers arrived as two of the suspects were fleeing, towing a track loader. The vehicle yielded and both suspects were identified by witnesses and arrested. Two other suspects fled in another vehicle and got away. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Person
July 25 at 6:53 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Cherry reported that her adult son was missing. The caller said her son left home for work on Saturday morning and had not returned. He was entered into the national missing person’s system.

Commercial Burglary
July 25 at 7:15 a.m., a delivery person phoned to say there were broken windows to the rear of a business in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and gained access into the business. The business was ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
July 25 at 7:38 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of S. Myrtle regarding a possible burglary. The window to the rear of the location was broken as well. Officers walked through and could see the business had been ransacked and nobody was inside the location. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 25 at 10:44 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia called to report that someone had stolen tools from the location. Officers arrived and learned suspect(s) stole approximately ten thousand dollars’ worth of tools. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
July 25 at 2:13 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of S. Fifth reported she had two thousand dollars deposited into her EBT account. When she recently checked her account she saw the money was now gone. Further investigation showed several unauthorized transactions in other cities. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
July 25 at 3:45 p.m., a caller reported two male subjects walked into a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington and left with five hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Theft / Fraud
July 25 at 5:43 p.m., a caller at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill advised that two female suspects distracted her and took her wallet. Before all the cards could be canceled the suspects accessed and removed money from her account. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 25 at 6:28 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision involving three vehicles in the area of Foothill and Sunset. Officers arrived and discovered it was a solo traffic collision into the rear of three parked vehicles. The driver complained of pain and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Arson / Making a False Police Report – Suspect Arrested
July 26 at 5:12 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of Sherman called to report someone set a tree in his front yard on fire. He said he extinguished the flames before riding his bicycle to a local business and calling the police. The resident gave officers a description, but there was no one matching that suspect in the area. Officers were able to view a surveillance camera on the street and discovered that the resident who had called in the report had actually been the one who lit the tree on fire. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 26 at 10:34 a.m., a subject came into the lobby after receiving a letter from the courts stating he had a warrant for his arrest. The warrant was confirmed, he was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court.

Theft
July 26 at 11:17 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a subject had stolen merchandise from the location and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
July 26 at 11:44 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Colorado checked her EBT account status and noticed money missing. She still has her card and didn't give anyone permission to use it. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
July 26 at 2:13 p.m., a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle advised that they had given an overseas company money for a product in April of 2021. They realized they hadn't received the product yet and became suspicious. The overseas company stated they never received any money. An investigation revealed the email sent with the routing numbers for the money went to a different company. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplift
July 27 at 1:19 p.m., an employee of a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft. The day prior a male subject walked into the business and took merchandise without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Bear
July 27 at 3:47 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Meadow Lane reported a bear in her pool. When officers arrived, the bear had cooled down and left the location.

Domestic Violence
July 27 at 4:11 p.m., a domestic violence was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported her ex-boyfriend put his hands on her face and pushed her, causing her to fall onto the bed. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
July 27 at 8:01 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. A computer check of the suspect revealed a warrant. The suspect was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and released with a citation.

Monrovia Schools Hiring Administrative Assistant for Special Ed

Monrovia School District is hiring an administrative assistant for its special ed program. Details: https://tny.im/izqDm

- Brad Haugaard

First Lutheran Preschool Re-opening

First Lutheran Preschool is re-opening. It is accepting enrollments for children from 2 to 5 years old.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Nano Cafe

Lunch at Nano Cafe, on the north side of Duarte Road just east of Mayflower. Got the Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich for $14.99 and an iced tea for $3.49. Really good, both sandwich and pasta salad  

- Brad Haugaard 

Sweet, Calm Gidget Searching for Forever Home

Six-year-old Gidget is a sweet and calm cat in search of her loving forever home. This beautiful girl loves being petted, and even allows baths and brushing! Gidget has gotten along with other cats before and would be a wonderful addition to your family.

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

School Board Member Travanti Receives 'Woman of Distinction' Award

Monrovia School Board member Maritza Travanti received her "Woman of Distinction" plaque from Assembly Member Chris Holden over the weekend. The award highlights women who significantly impacted the lives of individuals and organizations in the 41st Assembly District.

- Brad Haugaard

Auction to Benefit Parks - Jimi Hendrix Photo, Police and Fire Gift Baskets, and Lots More

Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation is holding an online auction today through July 31. A few items: dinner and cocktails at Caltech Athenaeum, bicycle-churned ice cream, laser teeth whitening, a Police Department Gift Basket,  and, not to be outdone, a Fire Department gift basket, a Jimi Hendrix Tribute 3D collage framed photo, and lots more. Here: https://tny.im/nmaPJ

- Brad Haugaard

Local Pastor Gives ‘Verse of the Day’ on Popular Bible App

Albert Tate, pastor of the very large Fellowship Church in Monrovia, that meets at Monrovia High, gave last Saturday's “Verse of the Day” video message on the very popular YouVersion Bible app, which has been downloaded by about 100 million people.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Christmas Parade

Christmas Parade. The reindeer entry. From the Kim Anderson 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 District Lists Possible Uses for Proposed $75 Million Bond It's Thinking of Issuing

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/9UPDh) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider putting a $75 million bond measure on the November ballot that will cost property owners approximately $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation (not market price), though Superintendent Ryan Smith notes that this information "is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. The actual tax rates, debt service and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated."

The district's staff report (here: https://tny.im/tWDes) includes a proposed ballot statement, which says the purpose of the bond is "to repair/upgrade classrooms, science labs, career-training facilities, and instructional technology to support student achievement and college/career readiness in math, science, technology, engineering, arts and skilled trades; fix deteriorating roofs, plumbing, electrical systems; and improve school safety/security systems..."

The report says work may be done at any school facility, owned or leased, including  district administrative and support facilities, in whatever order the Board of Education decides. In some cases the district "may proceed with new replacement construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the District determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost and other relevant factors."

Here is a more specific list of proposed projects:

• Replace outdated and inefficient irrigation, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, lighting and ventilation systems
• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs
• Upgrade older schools, buildings and restrooms to meet current health codes and building safety codes, and improve safety, accessibility and paths of travel for Americans with Disability Act compliance and disabled student access
• Update playgrounds, sports fields, athletic facilities, courts, pools and asphalt surfacing; install all-weather turf as needed on athletic fields
• Install fencing, gates, barriers and signage to improve controlled access to schools
• Renovate school points of entry to improve campus security
• Upgrade, replace or install communications systems, including intercom, emergency communications and/or master clock systems
• Upgrade fire alarms
• Install drought-tolerant landscape with efficient irrigation systems to save water and reduce utility costs
• Install door and window hardware, locks and/or safety treatments
• Install exterior security cameras
• Renovate, reconfigure, reconstruct or replace and furnish/equip aging classrooms, offices, buildings, labs and learning spaces with educational and functional, flexible spaces, learning studios and maker spaces to accommodate 21st century learning methods
• Construct, furnish and equip modern flexible classrooms and labs needed to support high quality instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
• Acquire, upgrade and repair technology and communication infrastructure, including, without limitation, cabling and wireless infrastructure, network hardware and software, servers, and other shared access equipment such as digital whiteboards, document cameras, projectors, and printers
• Acquire and upgrade software, computers, and other classroom instructional equipment
• Acquire and install energy efficiency systems to reduce energy/utility costs

- Brad Haugaard

Gas-Checking Helicopter to Fly Over South Monrovia; City Jobs; Rebates on Water-Saving Devices

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

~ SoCalGas will be flying a Bell JetRanger helicopter back and forth in a lawnmower pattern from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. over parts of south Monrovia during the week of July 25. The company is checking for possible methane emissions,  which can now be done with new technology from 500 feet up.

~ The city is hiring a full time Development Services Technician ​​​​​ at $53,170 - $71,253 a year, and a full time Recreation Coordinator at $55,882 - $74,887 a year. https://tny.im/OJDQS

~ Get rebates on various indoor and outdoor water-saving appliances. Details: https://tny.im/GF2WD

- Brad Haugaard

City Offering Free Tree-Watering Bags

Beginning August 1, the City of Monrovia will offer residents and businesses the opportunity to receive free tree watering bags. Tree watering bags are most effective on newly planted trees and help prevent under or over watering but can also be used on mature trees. The bags are easy to use and helps save money on your utility bill all while helping conserve water! To request a free tree watering bag, call the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Sergio Jimenez Selected to Fill Open City Council Seat

The Monrovia City Council on July 19 appointed Sergio Jimenez to fill the council seat vacated when Becky Shevlin was elected as Mayor. Jimenez placed fourth in the council election, after Larry Spicer, Tamala Kelly and Sashary Zaroyan.

- Brad Haugaard