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Monrovia High Junior, Ravyn Bradford, Wins Club's Youth of the Year Award

Ravyn Bradford (shown here), a junior at Monrovia High School, has won the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills (BGCF) Youth of the Year award for her strength, determination, and community service. She wins a $500 scholarship, and progresses to county competition. At the upcoming celebration, sponsored by Panda Express, Ravyn will be honored along with Monte Baier, a longtime board member, donor, and club advocate, who will receive the Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award; and Arlene Shirk, who will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award. BGCF Alumna Christen Austin will showcase selected works of her art representing the beauty of the black community. All proceeds from the event will support scholarships for students in BGCF's summer academic enrichment program.

Tickets for the celebration can be purchased at foothillsbgc.org/yoy or by calling 594-3258.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Lord Empanada


Dinner at Lord Empanada, on the east side of Myrtle just south of the freeway.  Got three empanadas at $3.75 apiece - Spinach and Cheese, Spicy Blackbean, and New York Cheesecake. All three were delicious. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Earth Day Celebration at Maryknoll Sisters

RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard

Earth Day/Arbor Day at Library Park April 22

- Brad Haugaard

Reception for New Artists at Community Center April 30

- Brad Haugaard

Happy-Go-Lucky Mello Loves Life and a Game of Fetch


Mello is a young Shepherd mix whose energy level may only be matched by his love of life! This happy-go-lucky pup loves nothing more than zooming around our play yard and trying out every toy he can get to find the best one. 

Once he’s decided on the best toy, it’s time for a game of fetch! He has been working on the “drop it” command and has become quite the master. He knows it’s just the way to get more fetch!

Mello was out with our mobile adoption team recently and had a great day. He learned how to sit politely for treats and started to work on “down”. Like many shepherds, he’s a quick study and loves to please!

Mello will benefit from a training class or two to polish his skills and learn more. If you’re an active home with just a pinch of patience, this guy will be a wonderful dog for you!

All dogs over 40 pounds like Mello have 50% reduced adoption fees through the end of April!

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

Monrovia Days Committee Giving Away More Than $12,000 to Monrovia Non-Profits

Local non-profits serving Monrovia can provide volunteers to work a game booth at Monrovia Days and earn $50 per booth per hour of service.  The Monrovia Days Committee will provide the game booths,  games, and prize. All organizations need to do is provide the volunteers. Limited opportunities are available and priority will be giving to organizations serving Monrovia youth. Applications must be received no later than Thursday, April 20 at 5 p.m. If space is available, a single organization may host more than one booth or more than one day.

For more information, contact the Community Center at 256-8246 or email Shirley Yanez syanez@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Thanksgiving with the Burr Family in 1889

Home of Dr. J.T. Stewart with F.W. Burr family, 1889. This home was built in 1887 at 117 N. Magnolia Ave., just north of the Aztec Hotel. The occasion pictured is the Burr Family's first Thanksgiving in Monrovia in 1889. The Burr's rented it from the Stewart estate until they were able to build their own home on N. Myrtle Ave. 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

Fitness Center Planned at Chestnut and Magnolia

A fitness training studio plans to open in the new light industrial building at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Chestnut. The proposal will be considered by the Development Review Committee at its next meeting. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Art Committee to Consider Utility Box Designs

At its Wednesday meeting the Art in Public Places Committee will consider a set of designs to be painted on public utility boxes on the theme, Be Water Wise. More designs...

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Third Grade News Reporter; Deaths In Monrovia Government Family; Jobs With Monrovia PD; Clifton Concert; Youth to be Honored


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

~ A Wild Rose Elementary third grader created a video news report (above) of the things she learned during her learning time with the Monrovia city government. She is under the instruction of Alison Meloserdoff,  recently named Teacher of the Year by the Monrovia Teachers Association.

~ Library Board Member Joel Angel Hernandez and former Planning Commissioner Robert McClellan both died recently. Hernandez passed away at the age of 25 after a sudden and unexpected illness. McClellan served on the Planning Commission until June 2022. Hernandez' family has set up a GoFundMe page (here) to help with unexpected funeral costs.

~  Monrovia Police Department will hold its first recruitment event of the year tomorrow, Saturday, April 15, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UltraFlex Gym (204 W. Foothill). Officers will be present to answer questions, there will be a push-up challenge, and $400 of gift cards donated by Ultra Flex Fitness.

~ Clifton Middle School (226 S. Ivy) students' Spring Concert will be Thursday, April 27. Early admission at 6 p.m., general seating at 6:30 and concert at 7 p.m., at the school. The students received "superior" and "excellent" scores at the annual Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Festival in San Juan Capistrano. 

~  Boys & Girls Clubs of America will honor Monrovia High School Student, Ravyn Braford as its Youth of the Year. It will also honor runner up, Brieana Pettway, and Distinguished Alumna, Christen Austin (Monrovia High School Class of 2011). Monrovia resident, Arlene Shirk, will be presented with the volunteer of the year award. For more information, contact Amanda Navar at navar@foothillsbgc.org or 594-3258. 

- Brad Haugaared

Clifton Middle School Concert



Clifton Middle School (226 S. Ivy) students' Spring Concert will be Thursday, April 27. Early admission at 6 p.m., general seating at 6:30 and concert at 7 p.m., at the school. The students received "superior" and "excellent" scores at the annual Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Festival in San Juan Capistrano. Donate to Clifton Band Boosters HERE.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council May... Allow Smaller Historic Preservation Commission; Approve Repaving Part of Mountain Ave.; Hire CPA Firm to Audit Finances

At its next meeting the Monrovia City Council (agenda here) will consider ...

~ Amending rules regarding the Historic Preservation Commission to allow either five or seven members, rather than seven only, and  to require that members have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of historic preservation and the historic and cultural resources of the city. Details

~ Hiring Pokrajac Corporation for $97,284 (plus a $10,000 contingency fee) to repave Mountain Avenue between just north of Royal Oaks Drive to just south of Royal Oaks. The city withheld payment for the previous work on Mountain  due to unsatisfactory workmanship. This is just Phase One. Details

~ Proclaiming April 22, as Earth Day/Arbor Day, April 23-29 as National Library Week, April 26 as Denim Day, the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and April 30-May 6, 2023 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week.

~ Hiring Lance, Soll & Lunghard, CPAs, for up to $200,893 through June 30, 2025 for auditing city finances. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Mother and Son Fist Fight in the Street; Cyclists Busted with Drug Paraphernalia; Man Caught Printing Copies of Driver's Licenses; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 74 investigations. 

Trespassing
April 6 at 12:35 a.m., the owner of a business in the 1600 block of California reported an unknown male subject lingering in the exterior of a warehouse. Officers arrived and while approaching the location saw the suspect run away out of sight. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested
April 6 at 1:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Duarte and Peck regarding the earlier trespassing call. An officer saw three suspicious subjects on bicycles. He attempted to stop them but they separated in three different directions. Officers located the three subjects, two were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subjects in possession of drug paraphernalia were arrested, issued citations, and released at the scene with citations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 6 at 10:57 a.m. a caller reported a suspicious subject in the 600 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and located the subject. They discovered the individual had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 6 at 7:02 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Primrose contacted a male adult subject. The subject had a felony warrant for his arrest. He was arrested without incident and transported for booking. 

Death Report
April 7 at 4:32 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Cypress regarding a medical assist. They arrived on scene and shortly after the subject stopped breathing. The subject was later pronounced at the scene. 

Burglary
April 7 at 5:56 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of N. Madison reported their vehicle was broken into sometime during the night and items were taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 7 at 1:53 p.m. a witness reported a traffic collision in the area of Eighth and Duarte. Officers and Paramedics responded to check on the well-being of the occupants. One of the drivers was transported to a local hospital for injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Fight in Progress
April 7 at 6:36 p.m., a caller reported seeing two male adult subjects fighting in the 900 block of S. Monterey. Officers responded, but were unable to locate the subjects. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
April 7 at 7:13 p.m., loss prevention for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a customer shoplifted from the store three hours prior to him calling us. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 11:52 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 600 block of S. Mountain when she saw a motorist traveling at a high rate of speed. After stopping the driver, she discovered he was heavily intoxicated. A DUI investigation was conducted and he was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Battery
April 8 at 2:46 a.m., residents in the 200 block of E. Cherry reported two adult males had been fighting outside. Officers arrived and found both subjects were brothers. The victim refused to prosecute and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for minor facial injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Structure Fire
April 8 at 7:21 p.m., a witness in the 400 block of Linwood reported seeing smoke coming from an apartment building. Officers and MFD responded and located the smoke. The apartment was unoccupied. The fire was quickly extinguished by MFD without incident. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / False ID / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 8 at 7:31 p.m., employees of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject put on new clothes, and locked himself in their bathroom. Officers arrived and were able to convince the subject to exit the bathroom. The store refused to prosecute for trespassing, however, the subject had a warrant for his arrest and provided false personal identifying information to officers. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Fraud / Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
April 8 at 9:44 p.m., employees of a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject who was not a guest of the hotel was using their guest computer room to print copies of people’s driver's licenses. Officers responded and located the male with a female subject in the parking lot. The photocopies of various driver's licenses were located along with drug paraphernalia. The subjects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
April 8 at 10:41 p.m., a caller reported a male and female fist fighting in the 500 block of California. Officers arrived and found the two adult subjects, a mom and her son, had stopped fighting. Both refused prosecution against the other and refused to be treated by paramedics for minor visible injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 9 at 9:01 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of E. Cherry regarding a family dispute. The wife was upset with her husband and started throwing items out of the house. When the husband started retrieving his property, the wife punched him. The wife was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
April 9 at 2:49 p.m., a theft of a wallet was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. The victim received information that her credit cards were used at a nearby business. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 9 at 5:49 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of California and Duarte. One of the parties fled the scene, leaving their license plate behind. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 9 at 10:00 p.m., a victim in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported someone damaged his apartment door. Officers arrived and checked the area for the suspect but he was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Missing Juvenile
April 10 at 2:44 a.m., a father in the 200 block of E. Cherry called to report that his juvenile son left the home with a backpack. The area was checked but he was not located. He was entered into the Missing Person System. 

Returned Missing Juveniles
April 10 at 8:14 a.m., officers responded to 200 block of E. Cherry regarding a returned missing juvenile. When officers arrived at the residence, there were three additional juveniles. One of the juveniles was a previously reported missing juvenile. Both juveniles were removed from the Missing Person System. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 10 at 10:42 a.m., an officer was extra patrolling a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. when she saw a subject wanted for making criminal threats. He was arrested, issued a citation and released at the scene. 

Drug Arrest
April 10 at 1:31 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block S. Mountain officers when they stopped to talk with one of our local transients. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a pipe used for smoking controlled substances. He was arrested for drug paraphernalia and released on a citation. 

Death Report
April 10 at 9:56 p.m., paramedics requested officers respond to the 800 block of W. Walnut regarding a deceased male subject. The next of kin coordinated with a mortuary to have the deceased male transported from the scene. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 7:57 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a group of subjects setting up camp. A computer check of one of the subjects revealed an outstanding warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
April 11 at 9:04 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Central regarding a fight between two roommates. One of the roommates accused the other of stealing his medications and punched him in the face. The victim roommate refused to prosecute. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 10:58 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Peck and Live Oak conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a red light violation. As he approached the driver, he saw a handgun case laying in the back seat. The driver admitted to having the gun on him. A search revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 11 at 12:23 p.m., officers responded to the area of Acacia and Oaks regarding a traffic collision. The vehicle collided with a power pole, causing it to lean and shut down traffic. A resident's water line was also broken and public works responded for the water shut off. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 12:24 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Huntington regarding an intoxicated subject. When they arrived, they saw it was a known subject that was intoxicated. The intoxicated subject assaulted a security guard at the location. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Attempt Residential Burglary
April 11 at 1:51 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Madison reported hearing her neighbor’s rear window being broken. The neighbor looked outside and saw broken glass, but no suspects. Officers arrived and checked the residence. The window screen was off and fresh pry marks were around the broken window. The suspects were unable to gain entry. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Shoplifting / Trespassing / Obstructing Officers – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 8:23 p.m., an employee of a clothing store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject was in their store who has been known to shoplift. The subject was walking toward the exit doors with merchandise he did not pay for. Officers contacted the subject and he swung his fist at one officer. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 12 at 8:05 a.m., an officer was patrolling a parking lot in the 300 block of S. Peck when he saw an unoccupied vehicle. A computer check of the license plate revealed it was reported stolen in Irwindale. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and the vehicle was stored. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 12 at 10:46 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Shamrock & Evergreen for a traffic violation. The driver told officers he was unlicensed and on parole for robbery. A computer check revealed a warrant for traffic violations. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
April 12 at 1:35 p.m., a caller reported a hit and run traffic collision in the area of Mountain & Evergreen. The suspect vehicle fled. After units arrived on scene, LASD advised they had a traffic collision at Buena Vista & Central and had the suspect vehicle stopped. The suspect was identified by the victims. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Arson
April 12 at 2:18 p.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the area of Pomona and Ivy. Officers arrived and saw a hole in the rear passenger window with smoke coming from the back seat. The vehicle abruptly burst into flames and was extinguished by MFD. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
April 13 at 2:48 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington due to an alarm activation. They arrived and found the front window shattered. The loss is to be determined. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
April 13 at 2:51 a.m., officers responded to a second business in the 900 block of W. Huntington due to an alarm activation. They arrived and found the side window shattered. An employee arrived and confirmed a burglary had occurred. This investigation is continuing 

Dinner at Mimi’s


Dinner at Mimi’s, at the corner of Huntington and Mayflower. Got the Beer Battered Fish and Chips for $18.99 and an iced tea or $3.49. All tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Prince Recovering From Being Hit By Truck, Needs a Home


Prince was brought to Pasadena Humane after being hit by a truck. He was in rough shape with a serious fracture to one of his legs. The veterinary team determined that the best course of action for this sweet boy was to amputate the limb. Now that he is on the mend, the next thing this sweet boy needs is a home!

Prince is about three years old and as nice as can be. He gets around quite well already, so we suspect he’ll be running at full speed soon.

He has a cheerful disposition and a tail that never stops wagging, making him a joy to be around.

With his playful nature and infectious spirit, Prince is a reminder that it's not about the number of legs you have, but rather the size of your heart.

For the month of April, all dogs over 40 pounds have their adoption fees reduced by 50%!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Captain A.H. Johnson's 1887 Home

Home of Captain A.H. Johnson circa 1896. The house was moved from Banana (Hillcrest) near Alta Vista to 210 W Orange (Colorado). Built in 1887. The Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897 wrote: "Capt. A.H. Johnson come from Ft. Dodge, Iowa, ten years ago to find a home in this land of sunshine. He selected Monrovia as the most desirable place to him, and built a cozy home at the corner of Orange and Magnolia Streets, where he resides with his wife and daughter. He has twenty acres of oranges and lemons in Duarte, and twelve in Monrovia, from which he receives a very comfortable revenue. Before coming to California, Capt. Johnson led a very active life, being for a number of years employed in railroad building and other public enterprises, and he is now enjoying a well-earned rest, while at the same time personally supervising the work on his fruit ranches in Monrovia and Duarte. 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

Missing Person: Joseph Sanford

Arcadia Police Department seeks your help in locating a missing  person: Joseph M. Sanford, Age 17, male black, 6'5", 180lbs, wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt, royal blue shorts and brown boots.   Last seen: Walking E/B in the 400 Blk of E. Santa Clara St on 4/9/23 at 1pm with another male subject.  Joseph does not have a cellular telephone with him, or any cash or credit cards. If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Joseph M. Sanford, please call 911or contact the Arcadia Police Department.

Source: Arcadia Police 

- Brad Haugaard 

Happy Easter, Monrovia!





Comment: There’s an Easter service in Library Park at 10 a.m. today. Hope to see you there.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Looking for People Texting While Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Monrovia Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while diving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Lt Oberon said. "Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can't reach.” 

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021 the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver's record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor. putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

~ Brad Haugaard