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Easter Service Planned in Library Park

A previous Library Park service. 

This year, Calvary Chapel Monrovia plans to resume its tradition of holding Easter service in Library Park, a tradition that was interrupted by COVID. The service will be held Easter Sunday, April 9 at 10 a.m., and childcare will be available.

- Brad Haugaard 

Grand Reopening of Lucinda Garcia Park



Grand reopening ceremony today for Lucinda Garcia Park, at Olive and Mayflower. Lots of playground equipment for children, exercise equipment, a walking path, and drinking fountains.

- Brad Haugaard 

Lucinda Garcia Park Reopening; Calling Utility Box Artists; Easter Activities; After School Sports; Shoe Drive

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

~ Tomorrow, Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m., there will be a Lucinda Garcia Park Dedication and Grand Reopening Event to celebrate the improvements made to the park. The public is invited. The park is at the intersection of Olive and Mayflower.

~ Artists who want to paint one of five available Monrovia utility boxes - on the theme, "Be Water Wise" - need to apply by March 30. Selected artists will receive a $700 stipend. Contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us for questions. Apply here.

~ The Easter Bunny at Library Park April 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arts & crafts, lawn games, and library storytime. Activities will be canceled in the event of rain. For more information, contact Community Services at 256-8246. Details

~ Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day will be held on April 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Recreation Park. Arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Registration for the egg hunt will begin at 9 a.m. Activities will be canceled in the event of rain. Contact the Community Services Department at 256-8246 for more information. Details

~ Monrovia's After School Youth Sports Program is accepting registration for its Spring Co-ed Soccer Season. The program provides after-school supervision for fourth and fifth graders. Details

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is hosting a Solemates Shoe Drive to provide new socks and shoes to homeless service providers in the San Gabriel Valley. Donations can be sent to SGVCOG by April 24. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets Available for April 15 Monrovia Wine Walk

The Sixth Annual Wine Walk in Old Town Monrovia will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can sample different wines while strolling through Old Town Monrovia and visiting various businesses. Interested individuals must register and purchase tickets in advance. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Stabbed; Fights; Arrest on Murder Warrant; Employee Threatened With Knife; Stealing From Stores; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 16 – 22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 303 service events, resulting in 59 investigations. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 6:16 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of California called to report that her husband physically assaulted. Officers responded and located the husband. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 2:15 p.m., Arcadia PD initiated a vehicle pursuit and canceled shortly after. Moments after they canceled the pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed into five vehicles in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The driver fled on foot but was located shortly after. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 2:00 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Assault
March 17 at 3:27 p.m., a caller reported a male subject was stabbed near 1600 block of S. Myrtle. The victim was located and found to have several stab wounds. He was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Resist / Delay – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 3:51 p.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of E. Duarte called to report a male subject was on their property and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject who was refusing to leave. The officers attempted to place the subject under arrest for trespassing and the subject fought with officers. The officers managed to detain the suspect. Two officers sustained injuries, one of the officers was transported to a hospital for treatment. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
March 17 at 6:21 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Evergreen reported his mother was attempting to harm herself. Officers and MFD responded. She was transported to a hospital for treatment and a mental evaluation. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 9:45 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1900 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the car and discovered the driver not only was suspended from driving, but had a no bail probation warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence
March 17 at 10:02 p.m., the victim arrived at the MPD lobby to report her boyfriend had hit her and pushed her earlier in the day. She had minor visible injuries, so MFD responded to provide medical aid. The female was not cooperative. This investigation is continuing. 

Disturbing the Peace
March 17 at 11:06 p.m., a female subject in the 100 block of W. Palm reported loud music in the area. Officers responded to keep the peace. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 1:09 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and discovered the driver was heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Fight in Progress / Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 2:16 a.m., a caller reported several people fighting in the area of Myrtle and Colorado. Officers arrived and the fight was over. They located some of the subjects involved. One of them had a cut to her head and MFD responded to provide care. The person who hit her was not located, however, one of the subjects was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Battery
March 18 at 7:06 p.m., the manager of a restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported two of her employees were involved in a fist fight in the kitchen. Officers and MFD Paramedics responded. One female had been hit multiple times by another female requiring her to be transported to a nearby hospital. The other female was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 8:47 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting. Officers arrived and detained the suspect in the parking lot. The suspect was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Fight in Progress – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 11:16 p.m., an employee from a restaurant in the 100 block of E. Olive reported that two subjects were fighting in front of the restaurant. Officers arrived and detained the subjects. One of the subjects was arrested for public intoxication and was found to be in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Weapons Offense / Warrant arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 11:35 a.m., a witness reported male adult subjects were arguing with a store employees in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when one of the suspects pulled out a knife and threatened one of the employees. Both suspects fled as officers arrived. One suspect was located and detained. He was arrested for a warrant and narcotics that were found on him. The other suspect got away. This investigation is ongoing. 

Robbery
March 20 at 2:40 p.m., a caller reported two male adults entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and took items without paying for them. When he attempted to stop the suspects they pushed him down to the ground and got away. This investigation is ongoing. 

Traffic Collision
March 20 at 3:52 p.m., a driver was traveling in the area of Monterey and Huntington when they failed to stop. The driver collided into the rear of one vehicle, which then collided into the rear of another vehicle. Two people and a small child were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. 

Grand Theft
March 20 at 7:31 p.m., loss prevention in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft that occurred earlier in the day. The suspect stole merchandise and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 7:27 a.m., a male subject walked into a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain and took merchandise without paying. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect outside the store. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 21 at 2:00 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of Monrovista reported a vehicle was parked on the street for several days. A computer check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was reported stolen. The vehicle was recovered and the owner was contacted. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
March 21 at 2:37 p.m., a business owner in the 1800 block of S. California reported his business was broken into overnight. The suspects took property. This investigation is ongoing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 7:29 p.m., officers responded to a shoplifting in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Three subjects were detained as they left the store. The three subjects were arrested, cited and released in the field. 

Grand Theft in Progress – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 4:12 a.m., while on patrol in the area of 700 block of E. Central, an officer saw a subject loading a truck with tires. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. An investigation revealed the tires were stolen. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
March 22 at 3:02 p.m., a vehicle collision was reported in the area of Peck and Live Oak. One person was transported to the hospital due to minor injuries. 

Residential Burglary
March 22 at 8:37 p.m., a caller reported that her home in the 200 block of Canyon Crest had been burglarized and jewelry was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 11:23 p.m., while on patrol an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the area of Mountain and Huntington. The male passenger gave officers a false name, however, this subject is known from multiple prior arrests. A computer check revealed the subject had a million dollar attempt murder warrant. CHP responded to the traffic stop and took custody of the subject. 

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches Now Open


Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, a San Francisco sandwich brand, has opened in Monrovia at 606 W. Huntington Dr., next to Chipotle. A grand opening is scheduled for April 13. The first 50 customers will receive a free sandwich, a t-shirt, and a chance to win free sandwiches for a year. Ike Shehadeh, the founder of Ike’s, will be on-site for the event. The Monrovia location will offer meat, vegetarian, vegan, and halal sandwich options.

- Brad Haugaard 

Students Creating 3D Walkthrough of Historic Anderson House

Tafoya demonstrating the Matterport camera to the students. 

Students from Monrovia High School game  design and engineering classes are working today with Dionisio Tafoya of Dionysus Creative, LLC, to create a 3D digital walk-through of the historic Anderson House.

There is also post-filming work that needs to be done before the walk-through will be available online. Tafoya estimated that could take a few weeks.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Baja Mar


Dinner at Baja Mar Fish Taco, in the little shopping center at the corner of Foothill and May. Got the Fish Taco Combo, which included a drink, for $8.49. Very tasty, filling, and great price!

- Brad Haugaard 

Antique Vehicle Show April 1

True Pride Car Club will hold its annual fundraiser on April 1 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1333 S. Mayflower, the Webasto Charging Systems site. Live band, raffles, food vendors, antique vehicles, trophies. Webasto will donate to a local charity.

- Brad Haugaard 

School District Musicians Earn High Ratings


The Monrovia High School Chamber Strings and the Clifton Orchestra each earned ratings of Superior at the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Festival, according to a post on the MHS Wildcats Band and Colorguard Facebook page.

- Brad Haugaard 

Mountains or Beach, Jett is Up for Adventure ... And a Snuggle


Who can say no to this smile? Charming Jett is about as fun as they come. He is always up for an adventure, whether it be a hike in the mountains, a trip to the beach or a stroll around town. Afterwards, he never turns down a snuggle!

Jett has been spending time with a foster family and they absolutely rave about him. They’ve shared that he gets along well with their dog and likes everyone he meets. Jett is described as “easy-going and affectionate.” At only 50 pounds, Jett is big enough to hang with the big dogs and small enough to curl up next to you on the loveseat!

Jett is a young six years old, which makes him eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program; his adoption fee is waived for an adopter over 60.

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

Groundwater Climbing Towards Safe Level

The water table from which Monrovia draws has risen to 194.61 feet above sea level as of March 17, less than six feet below the 200-to-250 feet that the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District considers a safe level. The water level has increased almost 16 feet since early January, from 178.9 feet then to 194.61 feet now. More...

- Brad Haugaard

Proposed Improvements to Recreation Park

Monrovia will hold two meetings for residents to discuss proposed improvements at Recreation Park, the cities largest park. The city is considering vagrancy behavior and homeless camping, and also improving some of the park’s facilities, specifically:
  • Fitness Area
  • Park Monument Sign
  • Olive Avenue Redesign
  • Oak Grove Educational Forest
  • Playground Renovation
  • ADA Access to the Museum
  • Enhance Trash Enclosures and Parking at the Museum
  • Constitution Circle Redesign
  • New Picnic Area
  • Study the Relocation of the Anderson House
  • Walking / Running Loop
  • Barney Glenn Field Enhancements
  • Skate Park Shade
  • Basketball Courts
  • Interpretive Garden / Monument Sign
  • Barney Glenn Field Enhancements
  • Tennis Courts
  • Restrooms
  • Barney Glenn Field Parking Lot
  • Enhancements
  • Barney Glenn Field Enhancements
  • Pickleball Courts
  • Renovate Picnic Shelter 
The meetings will be held at Recreation Park, in the Mary Wilcox Youth Center (843 E. Olive Avenue) on Wednesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m. For questions contact Community Services at 303-6609 or hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard 

Hillsides Slipping in North Monrovia

On Cloverleaf. 

In Canyon Park. 

City manager, Dylan Feick reports there has been new damage to Canyon Park, a mudslide on Cloverleaf, and the threat of mudslides in upper Monrovia. He writes:

“I am growing more concerned about the saturation of our hillsides and their propensity for flooding. Earlier today, we experienced a significant mudslide on Cloverleaf Drive just before Hidden Valley. The debris blocked the roadway and gas service had to be shut off for the debris removal. We will be covering the exposed hillside and placing k-rails in case more hillside comes down, which is quite likely. City crews are reporting more flood damage within Canyon Park and along Lower Clamshell Trail, as well as falling trees throughout the community.”

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia's Gold Hill in Film History

February 11, 1916. This is Henry Kabierskie, director of the Monrovia Feature Film Company. John H. Bartle and H. J. Cornes sold 154 acres on Gold Hill to the company for $34,000. "Henry Kabierski, an experienced director attached to the company, had pronounced the location as one of the best in Southern California for the purpose of filming pictures, the air, light, and altitude being ideal for the purpose." A set representing San Francisco was built and burned in a scene. Locals acted in the productions and their homesand other buildings in Monrovia were used as sets. "A large platform was first built on Gold Hill to be used for inside scenes and a number of the old mining camps were reconstructed, such as Hangtown, Sutter's Mill and Sutter's Fort." See John L. Wiley, History of Monrovia, p 150-155. 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

Teens - Use Sun to Decorate Tote Bag

Teens create art using the sun using UV sensitive dyes to make tote bags and zipper pouches. All materials will be provided. Grades 6-12. Registration required. For questions email acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8253. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Meetings to Discuss Proposed Improvements at Recreation Park

Monrovia will hold two meetings for residents to discuss proposed improvements at Recreation Park. They will be held at Recreation Park, in the Mary Wilcox Youth Center (843 E. Olive Avenue) on Wednesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m. For questions contact Community Services at 303-6609 or hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 

- Brad Haugaard

13th Annual Neighborhood Conference on April 29


13th Annual Neighborhood Conference on Saturday, April 29 at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock Ave) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about Landlord Tenant Rights and Active Shooter Training, plus information booths, free health screenings, raffle prizes. Breakfast and lunch provided. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Council Will Proclaim Suicide Prevention Month and Vietnam Vets Day


At its next meeting (agenda: ) the Monrovia City Council will consider proclaiming March as "March 4 Balance: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month" and March 29  as "National Vietnam War Veteran's Day."

- Brad Haugaard

Event Set to Raise Funds to Stop Bradbury Street Widening


A fundraising event will take place on March 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1034 Wildrose Ave. to raise awareness and funds to save oaks on the border of Monrovia and Bradbury, which are threatened by a road-widening project. The event is organized by Grow Monrovia, along with neighbors from Bradbury and Monrovia and will feature environmental speakers, live music, food and drinks, and a silent auction with donated items. All proceeds will go to stop the project. The event is free and food tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information,  contact Grow Monrovia at info@growmonrovia.org or visit its GoFundMe site here.

- Brad Haugaard