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Proposal to Rename Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center After Former Board Member Betty Sandford Pulled


I just noticed an item that was pulled from the May 10 School Board agenda. A proposal was made to rename the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka "Monrovia High auditorium") after former School Board member and president Betty Sandford instead of former superintendent Louise Taylor. Although the name of the person making the request was not mentioned specifically in the minutes, they do record that, "Board Member Lockerbie shared for the record that a letter was written and submitted to her from Betty Sanford’s daughter." Taylor would instead have been recognized by a plaque. The rational for the change was Sandford's numerous contributions to the community, outlined on page 138-139 here. Two members of the audience, Karen K. Suarez and Debra E. Penzer spoke against renaming the Performing Arts Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Schools: Grad Lists; Re-Roofing Clifton and Wild Rose; New Job Positions


At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will ... 

~ Receive lists of graduates, here ...

Monrovia High School
Canyon Oaks High School
Mountain Park School
Community Adult School

~ Consider contracting with Best Contracting Services, Inc. for $3,327,663 to repair and restore the roofs at Clifton Middle School and Wild Rose School of Arts. Details

~ Create two new job positions: Special Education Coordinator, and Coordinator of Athletics and Student Support Services.

The Special Education Coordinator will be "responsible for assisting in the planning, implementation, administration, and maintenance of assigned special education programs."

"The Coordinator of Athletics and Student Support Services shall supervise and assist athletic coaches in the coordination of all athletic activities; schedule and coordinate athletic programs and events on campus; serve as the liaison between the school, Human Resources Dept., parents, students, and outside agencies; supervise and evaluate the performance of coaches and individual sports programs; assume responsibility for student discipline; supervise students during school and extracurricular activities; collaborates with the MUSD Middle School and Elementary School Athletics programs to ensure safe and engaging pathways to the MHS athletic program; advise students in a variety of areas; and perform related work as required."

- Brad Haugaard


School District Obtains Narcan In Case of Fentanyl Overdoes, and Defibrilators for All Schools


With the LA County Department of Public Health warning of the growing use of the deadly opioid fentanyl, Monrovia School District has obtained Naloxone (often referred to as Narcan) to be used in emergencies to treat opioid overdoses. All secondary administrators, nurses, and other staff have completed training, enabling them to administer Naloxone effectively. 

The district has also obtained 16 automated external defibrillators (AEDs), one for each elementary school and multiple units for secondary schools and the Learning Center. The AEDs will be installed over the summer in high student traffic areas to ensure they are accessible during the school day as well as after school in support of the various activities that take place on campuses. Training on how to use the devices will begin in a few weeks.

- Brad Haugaard

Carnival Rides Ready to Go at 5 PM



At 5 p.m. today the carnival rides will open the three-day Monrovia Days celebration. Here is the full schedule

- Brad Haugaard 

Chad Harvey Is New Police Sergeant for Community Activist Policing Program

Chad Harvey, who has been with Monrovia Police Department since 1998, has been appointed as the new police sergeant for the city's Community Activist Policing (CAP) program. Implemented in 1990, CAP addresses the underlying causes of crime by encouraging community-driven initiatives, facilitating problem-solving between public and private agencies, cleaning up neighborhoods, and supporting the development of family and support systems.

- Brad Haugaard

Job Openings With City of Monrovia

Monrovia is recruiting for the following positions: administrative assistant (multiple departments), library supervisor, police officer (lateral), police officer (recruit/entry-level). Details. Click here if you'd like to be notified about new job openings.

- Brad Haugaard

Compost Workshop Thursday, May 25


Email info@monroviacommunitygarden.org to register or for more information. The first 20 people to register will receive a free compost or worm bin.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Garden Club to Showcase Best Gardens in Town

Monrovia Garden Club will present its Annual Garden Awards on Tuesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church (Foothill and Myrtle). Social hour at 6 p.m. There will be a slideshow showcasing all 10 winning yards and gardens from across Monrovia. The club will provide chicken and lemonade from Raising Cains, as well as coffee and tea. Bring a dish to share with fellow attendees.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Person Threatens to Sexually Assault Employees; Drunk on Sidewalk Soits on Paramedic; Delivery Driver Punches Out Rear Window; More…

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 11 – 17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 344 service events, resulting in 55 investigations.

Grant Theft Auto
May 11 at 8:09 a.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 200 block of W. Chestnut. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 9:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject drinking alcohol in public and acting inappropriately. The subject was contacted and it was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Tampering
May 11 at 9:06 a.m., a vehicle tampering was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. The victim left her unlocked vehicle parked overnight and when she returned, she found her vehicle doors open and it had been ransacked. No property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 11 at 11:32 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of W. Duarte regarding a stolen vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
May 11 at 1:22 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a subject who entered a business and threatened to sexually assault the employees. The subject exited the business. The subject was located and detained by officers nearby. The subject was determined to be a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 12 at 2:09 a.m., while on patrol in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle, an officer saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and upon contact with the driver he noticed the driver displayed signs of being intoxicated. A field sobriety test confirmed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Attempt Grant Theft Auto
May 12 at 7:13 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of S. Primrose called to report that unknown suspect(s) attempted to steal his vehicle, which has been stored without use for years. This investigation is continuing. 

Grant Theft Auto Recovery
May 12 at 9:54 a.m., officers were patrolling the 2200 block of S. Peck when they saw a vehicle that appeared to be abandoned. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grant Theft Auto
May 13, at 2:10 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Genoa reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Tampering
May 13 at 9:30 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported his work vehicle had been broken into and merchandise and tools had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 13 at 1:16 p.m., a victim came into the MPD lobby to report that his vehicle was broken into the previous night in the 700 block of W. Huntington and tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grant Theft Auto
May 13 at 4:12 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported his vehicle had been stolen overnight. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication / Battery on Officers and Paramedics – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 7:03 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject laying across a sidewalk. Officers and paramedics arrived and found the subject to be heavily intoxicated. When officers attempted to arrest the subject, he physically resisted, and spit on a paramedic and on officers. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Attempt Strong arm Robbery
May 14 at 8:29 p.m., a guest of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington stepped outside the hotel and was confronted by her husband who had followed her from their home. There had been an unreported domestic violence incident that occurred in another city and she was attempting to get away from him. He grabbed her cellphone out of her hands and she screamed for help. He let go of her phone and left the area. He was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of N. Mayflower when he saw a suspicious vehicle. He stopped the motorist and the driver appeared to be heavily intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 15 at 9:10 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of W. Foothills reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
May 15 at 12:08 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Huntington regarding a traffic collision. A driver ran a red light and collided into another vehicle. 

Vandalism
May 15 at 12:46 p.m., a caller reported a disturbing subject in the 100 block of N. Myrtle. Officers arrived and determined a delivery driver became upset and punched the rear window of a vehicle, causing it to break. The driver had cuts on his hand that required him to be transported to the hospital. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft / Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
May 15 at 3:44 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report several people had just stole items and were running out the store. Officers searched the area and located three subjects matching the description. After a field show up with the victim, two subjects were arrested for petty theft. The two suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 5:07 p.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and Duarte reported a male subject laying on a park bench with a possible gun in his waistband. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The subject did not have a gun, but he did have narcotics and a bench warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Traffic Collision
May 16 at 11:46 a.m., multiple callers reported a vehicle collision where a vehicle had rolled over in the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain. Officers and MFD responded to the scene and extracted a female driver who was later transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the collision was speed and failing to yield to oncoming traffic, which resulted in a broadside collision. 

Grant Theft Auto
May 16 at 11:34 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of Ranchito reported his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Death Report
May 16 at 3:18 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Lemon reported she had found her neighbor unresponsive. Officers and MFD responded and determined the female subject was deceased. The female had a history of medical conditions. A local mortuary responded. 

Traffic Collison
May 17 at 9:01 a.m., a witness reported a semi-truck ran over a fire hydrant in the 3300 block of S. Peck. Officers and MFD arrived on scene and controlled the water and cleared the roadway afterwards. The driver of the truck was cited. 

Run-Away Juvenile
May 17 at 10:11 a.m., a caller reported two juveniles walked away from the 100 block of N. Ivy. Officers did an area search but could not locate the juveniles. The two juveniles have a history of running away. They were entered into the missing person's database. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft
May 17 at 3:33 p.m., a victim reported her wallet was stolen from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim also claimed her credit cards were used at another store. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
May 17 at 3:39 p.m., a male adult subject walked into the MPD lobby drinking a beer. An officer contacted the subject outside the station. The subject stated he needed mental help and then told the officer to shoot him. The subject was detained without incident and MFD responded to the scene. It was determined the subject was a danger to himself and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Violation of Court Order
May 17 at 4:22 p.m., a caller reported her ex-boyfriend has been texting and calling her which violated a court order. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 10:02 p.m., a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived and detained the male subject before he was able to flee. His duffle bag was full of unpaid merchandise. He was arrested, issued a citation and released at the scene. 

Something Old is New During Monrovia Days - This Friday Through Sunday

During this year's Monrovia Days - this Friday through Sunday - there will be a new exhibit, "Monrovia Days of Yesteryear," in the Community Center's (119 W. Palm Ave.) Multipurpose Room. Watch a sneak peek above. From the Monrovia Historical Society.

- Brad Haugaard

SALT Teens Event May 20

Teens and soon-to-be teens will come together at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock) on Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. to celebrate being “Strong, Authentic, Legendary, and True” during S.A.L.T. Shakers. This free event is for youth/teens 12-17 *only* to come together, meet new friends, and celebrate being teens. All-you-can-eat pizza from Old Town Monrovia Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, a candy station, games, music, and prizes, such as Chick Fil A, In-N-Out, AMC gift cards, and a canvas art expression session for teens.

Swag bags for 100 teens.  Registration ends Friday, May 19. Register here.

For more information, email patricia@setforlifenews.org or leave a message at (626) 408-8268. Follow @setforlifenews or @saltteenfestival for the latest news.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Days - This Friday Through Sunday


Monrovia Days is back, Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21. Activities will include a parade, live music, a beer garden, a pie eating contest, a carnival (tickets here), and more. 

Here's the schedule:

Friday, May 19 - 5 to 10 p.m.

  • 12 to 5 p.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale
  • 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Youth Performance by MUSD Students
  • 5 to 10 p.m. - Carnival rides, food and games
  • 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Live Entertainment, Bumptown - Top 40's Band

Saturday, May 20 - 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

  • 9 a.m. - Opening Ceremony and Dignitary Welcome
  • 10 a.m. - Monrovia Days Parade Celebrating our Scholars and Champions. on Myrtle Avenue at Olive Avenue, and will head north on Myrtle Avenue to Library Park.
  • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale
  • 11:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Youth Performances by Centre Stage and MUSD Students

Noon - 10 p.m. - Carnival rides, food and games

  • 4:30 p.m. - Parade Awards Ceremony
  • 5 p.m. - Merengue Bakery Pie Eating Contest
  • 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - OC Groove - Blues, Rock & Funk Band

Sunday, May 21 - noon - 8 p.m.

  • Noon - 5 p.m. - Youth Performances by Centre Stage
  • 6 to 8 p.m. - Stone Soul - Classic Soul & Motown Band

- Brad Haugaard


Breakfast at Girasol Cafe


Had breakfast recently at Girasol Cafe, a new Mexican style breakfast restaurant in the shopping center at the southwest corner of Huntington and Magnolia. Open 8 to 2. Got the breakfast burrito with chorizo for $12.99 and a Cafe de Ola for $4.49. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Trader Joe’s Will Stay Out Of Online Sales

Monrovia-based Trader Joe’s plans never to get into the online grocery business. It likes bricks and mortar. Details

- Brad Haugaard 

Charming Charmin, With Smarts to Match


To be clear, Charmin is not named after toilet paper, he’s just missing the apostrophe at the end of his name. He’s known at Pasadena Humane as Charmin’, because he is quite a charmer. He has won so many staff and volunteers over with his antics that one of his numerous fans has covered his adoption fee.

He's not just a handsome face, though. Charmin has smarts to match. He is very food motivated, and our trainers have taken advantage of that to teach him basic commands and keep his mind active as well. He really enjoys puzzle games, and they keep him on his toes.

An active home would be perfect for this guy, and the more games you can throw at him, the better! Come meet handsome Charmin’ and watch him charm you!

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: Airmail Postmark -Monry

U.S. Air Mail Envelope mailed from the Monrovia Airport in 1938. Frank J. Bole, Postmaster." Postage was 6-cents U. S. Air Mail addressed to Mrs. Mary E. Barnard of 926 W 4th St, Hudson Wisconsin. The envelope carries the return address on W. Lime Ave, Monrovia. From the Gary Boen 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

City Still Needs to Buy Water! Monrovia in 'Solid Financial Position'


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

~ Believe it or not, consider buying water. Despite heavy rains, Monrovia only has the right to pump a certain amount of water, and city staff predicts the city will use more than its allocation, so it is proposing temporarily leasing the right to acquire 200 acre-feet of water production rights from Azusa Valley Water Company and buying 489.43 acre-feet of replenishment water from the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster. The staff report says, "The City has a history of needing more water production than our by-right allocation, even in the years with heavy rains and reduced consumption." Details

~ Receive a budget update. Summary: "The City is still in a solid financial position as we enter the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2022-23. Given that cost increases for rising inflation were incorporated into the original budget, most expenditures are tracking to budget at this time. Additionally, conservative revenues are tracking closely to estimates, and overall finances continue to move in a positive direction." Details

Photo by Daniel Sinoca on Unsplash

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton and MHS Bands Receive $10k Grant with Help from Booster Clubs

Clifton Middle and Monrovia High School bands are getting additional funding thanks to $10,000 grants from the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA).

“We are thrilled to be recipients of the Pasadena Showcase House grant,” said Clifton Director of Music Tim Weed. “We will use the money to purchase instruments for the string and band program.”

MUSD parents, who are a part of the Clifton and MHS band's Booster Clubs, applied for these grants to help their school music programs. The non-profit clubs are always looking for ways to bring in new money for program improvements.

“The Boosters work hard throughout the year to raise funds to provide students an enriching musical education beyond what can be provided by the school budget,” said Lisa Reyes, VP of Ways and Means for the MHS Band Booster Club.

The MHS band will use that money to update their drum line gear, which is more than a decade old. These upcoming improvements are music to their director’s ears.

“Our current drum line is 12 years old, and just by the nature of the instruments, they take a beating,” said MHS Director of Bands Daniel Magallanes. “Replacing our current drum line will cost about $18k, and this grant will go a long way towards providing our students with instruments in good working condition for years to come.”

The Clifton band and its booster club look forward to new instruments and repairing older equipment for their growing music program.

“Everyone on the Clifton Band & Orchestra Board was ecstatic about being notified of the grant,” said Jayson Young, Clifton Band & Orchestra Boosters President. “The boosters spend a lot of time raising funds for the program, and this amount will have a meaningful impact.”

Every year, PSHA awards gifts and grants to a broad and diverse list of non-profit organizations to support their efforts in the community. They help support choirs, musical theater, school marching bands, dance programs, opera, jazz bands, and orchestras.

Monrovia Unified is grateful to our supportive families, band booster clubs, and these grants from the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts to help support our middle and high school music programs. 

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard


City Wants Your Thoughts for Its Disaster Prep Plan; Forum on Police Use of Military Equipment


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

~ The city would like you to share your concerns and priorities regarding natural disasters for the latest version of its Hazard Mitigation Plan. Survey is here. You can learn more by stopping by the HMP booth at the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, May 13, from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. 

~ The Monrovia Police Department will discuss Assembly Bill 481 on Thursday, May 18 at 2 p.m. at the Community Policing Room at the police station. AB 481 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of a Military Equipment Use Policy by the City Council before taking actions related to funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment as defined by the legislature.

Photo by Nadiia Ganzhyi on Unsplash

- Brad Haugaard

Centre State Auditions for 'Footloose' Musical

 

Details

- Brad Haugaard