Talk on Monrovia During World War II - July 29

On July 29 at 2 p.m. Dick Singer, author of a trilogy of books on Monrovia history, will give a free talk about Monrovia during World War II, the topic of his latest book, "People Like You and Me, A History of Monrovia in World War II." At the Library Community Room.  Light refreshments and books will be for sale. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Bradbury Cuts Back on Road Widening Project, What Level of Green Electricity Do You Want? Newborn Announcements; Water Quality Good; Water Conservation Helps; KGEM Wins Awards

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

~ The City of Bradbury has cut back on its plan to widen Bradbury Road on the border of Monrovia after working with Monrovia city staff. The focus of the widening will now be on the sharp corner at Bradbury Road and Deodar Lane. Most trees will be unaffected, except two diseased trees that have to be removed regardless. Also, the retaining wall will be reduced in length and height. Additional concerns came up regarding  early morning idling and storm water draining and Monrovia is continuing to work with Bradbury on these issues. More.

~ As part of the Clean Power Alliance Monrovians will be able in 2024 to choose a level of "greenness" for their energy, but the city needs to choose a starting level and it wants your input before selecting that rate. Take the survey here. Background here.  

~ To have your newborn recognized and officially welcomed into the community by the City Council, call the City Clerk's Office at 932-5505 or send an email with first and last name of parents, address, phone number, email address, baby's first, middle and last names, and date of birth.

~ The City of Monrovia 2022 Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality is now available here. "We are proud to report that the drinking water provided in 2022 meets all Federal and State drinking water standards."

~ Monrovia still wants residents and businesses to conserve water. Here are some rebate offers to help do that:

Convert turf to drought-tolerant and native plants and receive a $4/sq. ft. rebate. Details

Receive $200.00 or more in rebates for purchasing eligible water-saving devices. Details

Get free kits filled with tools to make conservation easier. Details

For questions call Brittany Jasso at 932-5562.

~ Community Media of the Foothills, aka KGEM, has been awarded two Hometown Media Awards for Best Government Meeting Coverage Independent Producer for the November 1, 2022 City Council Recap, and Best Magazine Shows Access Center Professional for KGEM Live - Encore

- Brad Haugaard

Hot This Weekend

Temperatures this weekend are expected to be in the 90s, but could be as high as 109 degrees. (Weather Channel predicts 94 degrees.) LA County Department of Public Health says this could pose a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Stay cool and hydrated, and be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses.

- Brad Haugaard

Parking and Other Details of 4th of July Celebration

Here's where to park, and where not to park, for the Fourth of July celebration at Library Park.

Also, if you want to save a space (10' by 10' max) wait until at least 6 a.m. Also, it must be supervised at all times.

There will be live music (OC Groove, Funk Band), entertainment, and dancing from 7-8:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Also, pets sometimes run away because of fireworks. Ensure your pet wears a collar with a visible ID tag and has a microchip with your current contact information.

- Brad Haugaard

Post Cards With Old Monrovia Images Available From Historical Society

The Monrovia Historical Society has developed this set of "Monrovia’s The Place" post cards with historic scenes from it's online Legacy Project. The cards are available at Charlie’s House at 430 S Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Boyfriend Arrested After Kidnapping Girlfriend; Drunk Drivers; Burglaries; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 22 – 28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 368 service events, resulting in 65 investigations.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 23 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte when he saw a male subject walking around closed businesses. The officer contacted the subject and a records check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
June 23 at 1:00 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male subject stole merchandise and fled the scene. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
June 23 at 5:40 p.m., a resident in an apartment complex in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported that his storage unit had been broken into. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
June 23 at 7:19 p.m., an employee of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report two suspicious adult female subjects. Officers arrived and located the female subject. Both subjects were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a records check revealed one had a warrant for her arrest. They also both gave false info about who they were. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collisions / Medical Emergency
June 23 at 8:14 p.m., several hit and run traffic collisions were reported in the area of Mountain and Lemon involving the same suspect vehicle. An investigation revealed that the driver of the suspect vehicle was experiencing a medical emergency. The driver was provided medical treatment by MFD. 

Burglary / Possession of Burglary Tools and Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
June 23 at 10:33 p.m., a resident of a condo complex in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported seeing an adult male subject walking through the complex hallways with what appeared to be a crowbar. He stated this is the same person who was seen on surveillance burglarizing one of the building's storage unit days prior. Officers responded and located the suspect. He was found to be in possession of burglary tools and cards belonging to residents of the complex. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 1:09 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a motorist had collided with a parked vehicle. Officers responded and located the motorist. A DUI investigation revealed she was driving under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Injury Traffic Collision
June 24 at 3:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Peck and Longden regarding an injury traffic collision between a truck and a pedestrian on a scooter. The pedestrian was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital. The party at fault was issued a citation. 

Petty Theft
June 24 at 4:10 p.m., a victim called to report that a spare tire was stolen off her vehicle while she was shopping in the 500 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Kidnapping / Domestic Violence / Robbery – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 4:38 p.m., a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report that an employee had just run inside crying and was hiding in the break room. An investigation revealed the victim had been kidnapped, assaulted and robbed by her boyfriend. Officers were later able to locate the boyfriend. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Felony Domestic Violence Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 9:29 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington when she located a male adult subject loitering in the rear of a business that was closed for the night. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Prowling
June 24 at 11:05 p.m., a resident of an apartment complex in the 400 block of E. Foothill received an alert notifying them that a subject was looking into their bedroom window. Officers arrived and searched the area, but the subject was gone. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 11:37 p.m., the passenger of a vehicle in the 100 block of W. Lemon called to report the driver of the car was intoxicated. Officers located the vehicle. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Drug Activity / Obstructing / Fraud – Suspect Arrested
June 25 at 12:43 a.m., an officer was patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when she located a male adult subject loitering in the park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and after a one block foot pursuit he stopped running. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, credit cards belonging to someone else, and warrants. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Residential Burglary
June 25 at 1:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Terrace View arrived home and discovered someone had forced entry into her home and property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 25 at 2:16 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of Norumbega reported a suspicious adult male subject in the area. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
June 25 at 4:18 p.m., a retail store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported that an unknown male suspect and female suspects stole fragrances and fled. Officers searched the area but did not locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence / Non-injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
June 25 at 10:04 p.m., a caller reported a motorist collided into a parked car in the 600 block of S. Magnolia. Officers arrived and found the driver. 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. 

Burglary
June 26 at 2:39 p.m., a vehicle with a smashed window was located in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The investigation revealed property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Brush Fire
June 27 at 2:59 a.m., a passerby in the 1600 block of S Myrtle called to report a possible fire. Officers arrived and located the fire. MFD arrived and extinguished the fire. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
June 27 at 5:40 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Lemon called to report the front window of business was shattered. Officers arrived and confirmed it was a burglary. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication / Mental Evaluation
June 27 at 8:38 p.m., employees from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject was intoxicated and causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was determined that he was unable to care for himself and he was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Mental Evaluation
June 27 at 10:39 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Walnut regarding a female subject threatening to kill herself. Officers arrived and talked her into putting down a knife. It was determined she was a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Vehicle Burglary
June 28 at 5:46 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
June 28 at 7:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Montana regarding a stolen catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
June 28 at 11:21 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of S. Canyon called to report their catalytic converter was stolen from their vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Dinner at Lin’s Club

Dinner at Lin’s Club, a little Chinese restaurant in the shopping center at the intersection of Duarte Road and 6th. I wasn’t brave enough to get the intestines, pigs ears, or bullfrog, so I got the Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce for $11.99, rice for $1 and a Diet Pepsi for $2. Those noodles you see are not noodles, but bamboo. Very reasonably priced, as well. Spicy good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Shy Alice Needs a Patient Family

Lovely Alice is an incredibly shy 3-year-old Siberian Husky mix. Her heartbreaking shyness often results in her being too nervous to even go up a staircase, and sometimes meeting new people is just too much.

It's a very different story when she sees the many people with whom she has become comfortable at Pasadena Humane. They make her shyness just disappear as she turns into a wiggly girl who is ready for almost anything (just not the stairs...yet!). She likes going on walks, playing in the yard with toys and just a little bit of snuggling.

Alice has lived with another dog, so having a confident but gentle buddy might help thaw the ice even more for her.

She will do best in a patient home that will allow her some time and space to blossom into the wonderful dog we have seen in glimpses. Alice is truly a diamond in the rough and will make a lovely addition to someone's home!

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

Portrait Artist Karl Washington to Offer Free Art Class

Learn portrait painting from artist Karl Washington while enjoying beverages and hors d'oeuvres. This event is open to all and will take place at the Monrovia Community Center on Wednesday, June 28, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. To secure your spot, please RSVP to christine@monroviafinearts.org.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Basics of pastel portrait painting, including starting and finishing techniques.
• Different paper choices for pastel artwork.
• Exploring various kinds of pastels.
• Karl will share his extensive experience in creating pastel portraits.

If you'd like to actively participate in the session, please bring:

• Soft pastels
• Pastel paper or board
• Easel or drawing board
• Fixative
• Blending tools
• Pencils and erasers
• Paper towels or rags
• Masking tape
• Reference images
• Lighting
• Apron
• Latex gloves

- Brad Haugaard 

Call for Artists for Epperson Neighborhood Treasure

Artists are invited to submit proposals for the Isaac Epperson Neighborhood Treasure, recognizing his  impact on the community. The program celebrates unsung heroes through public art installations. Epperson, Monrovia's first NAACP President, led integration efforts in swimming pools, stores, and restaurants, and facilitated job opportunities for black women. Deadline for artwork submissions is July 12, 2023. For further details on Epperson visit Monrovia's Change Makers. Click here for submission form. Contact Kerri Zessau at 626-932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us for inquiries.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Ira Mikell and His Zip BBQ Rub

Ira Mikell (1913-1997) had been a sharecropper near Prentiss, Mississippi, before coming to Monrovia in 1945 with his family. He worked at Herco Steel before becoming a cook at Aerojet-General in Irwindale. He also ran Mikell's BBQ Pit on Huntington Drive and thought to sell his rub in the 1970s. From the Susie Ling 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

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at Library July 6-8

Children can drop off a stuffed animal (one per child) for a sleepover at the library on Thursday, July 6 from noon to 4:45 p.m., then pick up the animal on Saturday, July 8 at 2 p.m. and listen to stories, make a craft, and enjoy snacks while watching a movie showing what the stuffed animals did while spending the night at the library. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Centre Stage Production of 'Footloose' Musical at IFGF Church

Purchase tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Budget, Buying 288 Science Tables, Hire Firm to Manage Measure MM Bond Money Program; Etc.

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

~ Adopting a 2023-24 budget of almost $62 million, and increase of just over $2 million in its unrestricted funds. Details. 

~ Buying 288 steel frame science tables for $215,141 from Virco. Details.

~ Approving an agreement with SJB Management Corp. to manage the district's Measure MM bond program. Details.  

~ Allowing Mayflower School to remain a Title 1 school although it is technically no longer eligible for federal assistance under Title 1 provisions since its low-income population has dropped below the 40% cutoff. However, the school board can wave that requirement under certain conditions, such as having - as it does - 25% or more low-income students graduate below the state average. Details. 

~ Placing a $21,173 contract with GoTo Technologies USA to replace the district's telephone system. Details.  

~ A $416 contract with GoZen which provides a system to help counselors and teachers to help children with anxiety, negative thoughts, anger, pressure, etc. Details. 

~ Approving a deal with Cerritos College to provide credit for a "Principles of Engineering Technology" class. Details. 

~ Approving its Local Control Accountability Plan. Details. 

~ Approving an agreement with Shelly D. Furman to serve as payroll consultant from not through June 30, 2024. Details.  

- Brad Haugaard

Teens Win $1,000 Scholarships; Learn Beer Making (and Tasting); Teaching Teens to Handle Money; Rehab Money for Low Income Homeowners

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

~ The Monrovia Public Library Foundation recently awarded four $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors Katyln Beller, Charlie Gallardo, Valeriia Pvlyk, and Ashlyn Vales, who served on the  Library's Teen Advisory Board, providing input for teen programming and volunteering at community events. 

~ Learn beer-making and sample craft beers with the Monrovia Brew Master Program. Each stop at a local brewery includes craft beer and snacks, and attendees will receive a Monrovia Brew Master t-shirt. 21 and older. $100 per person ($10 extra for nonresidents). For more information, call the Community Center at 256-8246. Register here.

~ Mad City Money, at the Santa Anita Family YMCA, provides hands-on experience involving career, income, debt, and expenses. The challenge is to manage finances, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, and more, without running out of money. Register here.

~ Monrovia is opening its CDBG Residential Rehabilitation Program to new applications from July 10 to July 24. This program provides grants to low to moderate-income homeowners of single-family homes for necessary home improvements. Starting on July 10 at 7 a.m., an Eligibility Intake Form will be available at monroviaareapartnership.com/cdbg, and applicants will be considered based on the order of forms received. Completed forms must be emailed to map@ci.monrovia.ca.us. For further details, contact 932-5563.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Scene - Every Friday For Summer

Teen Scene every Friday night, July 7 - August 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Free activities including: food, music, arts and crafts, games, competitions and more. For more information contact the Community Center at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July Celebration at Library Park

The 4th of July will be celebrated (on the Fourth, of course) at Library Park with live music, entertainment, dancing, and a fireworks show.

7-8:30 p.m. - Live entertainment - OC Groove, Funk Band
9 p.m. - Fireworks show.

Contact the Community Center for more information at 256-8246

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Edition of Monrovia Today Is Out

The summer edition of Monrovia Today is out. See the digital version here.

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager Reports on Canyon Park

On the left, the rock wall alongside the road near the top of the park. The hillside falls away sharply on the other side.

By Dylan Feik

City Manager  

John Muir once said, "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." Over the past few weeks there is quite a buzz on social media regarding Canyon Park so I thought I could share information, pictures and updates on our beloved park. I'd like to give an update on our debris removal efforts, current construction, future plans and project enhancements. I'll also share some details on the funding behind this project.

Debris Removal Efforts
To-date, the City has approved $4.7 million for costs associated with debris removal and clean up on Canyon Park and Lower Clamshell Trail. The vast majority of these costs will be reimbursed by the State of California and FEMA. As we have cleared out the rock, boulder and debris, I am so happy to share that except for debris like metal, concrete, or other human-made debris, the City has not hauled debris out of the park (the trucks you see are from County debris removal efforts around the Sawpit Dam and Wash). A significant portion of the work we are doing includes reusing and repurposing the rock, dirt and even fallen trees to help build the park. For example, boulders were collected and saved, then placed along the stream beds to fortify against future erosion. Trees damaged by the Bobcat Fire or floods in 2021 and 2022 have been buried into any landform grading/earthwork, providing greater nutrient levels in the soil. Hydroseed included native grasses and wildflowers seeds, and were applied in certain areas of the park to protect against further erosion. I am optimistic we should be close to completion of our debris removal operations...for now.

Current Construction Efforts
Beginning last week, our contractors began work on the damaged rock wall just below the Nature Center. The wall and surrounding roadway began sliding downhill this past spring. Unfortunately, the wall has moved enough that we needed to excavate a large portion of the roadway only to find that fixing the wall will mean removing large portions so we can install a proper footing. Amazingly, the rock wall sat on a foundation of piled rock - and lasted - for decades. Fixing the wall means we have to take it down and rebuild.

Future Plans
Now we get to the exciting part! The City has prepared construction plans which are close to 100% complete. Here is the general scope of work we will be undertaking:

• Replacing the roadway from Canyon Blvd. to the Damkeeper's House. In addition to a new roadway, we are changing the cross-slope of the roadway to prevent future debris from flowing directly down the center of the park in the future, should there be another mudslide
• Replacing all parking lots and adding 24 new parking spaces
• Replacing the water main, installing a booster pump to feed water from the Oakglade tank, and removing the old Canyon Park water tank
• Installing a 6" sewer line and removing septic tanks
• Repairing damaged culverts, guardrails, walls, etc.

The project estimate is between $17-$18 million.

Project Enhancements
One of the exciting components of the park project is we are adding approximately 10 new features or enhancements to the park. They are:

• Enhanced park entrance with new picnic tables and a public art piece
• Enhancing the park entrance kiosk to enclose it, add air conditioning and storage
• A small picnic and parking area just beyond the road to Trask Boy Scout Camp. The flood uncovered a previously unknown asphalt parking area!
• A new raised deck/platform near the small picnic area which will provide a quiet and peaceful place to sit next to the stream and observe nature
• A new ADA parking area near the cabin to ensure full accessibility for all users
• A new small seating area near the cabin nearby a large heritage oak tree
• Enhanced seating area we are calling "Canyon Park Educational Center" with seating near the entrance to 3 Graves Trail. This underutilized space will become a place where park naturalists can teach us about the park, nature, wildlife, plants and much more
• New enhancements to the Veterans Memorial (just below the Nature Center). This area is usually passed by and we want to ensure residents know it's there by adding native landscaping, seating and perhaps signage to make it a destination within the park
• A renovated overlook at the top of the park. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island but the overlook area needs to be beautified
• Renovation of the Damkeeper's House to be used for special events and rentals on a limited basis. This area has the best views within the park and we will begin making renovations and repairs for future public use.

In addition to the construction work, the City has partnered with Psomas for the environmental planning that we need to rebuild our park's natural features. They have been working in the park for several weeks doing a biological constraints analysis which is essentially a field survey of current site conditions and the true impacts of wildfire and flood on our park. They will also perform a tree risk assessment. With information in hand, they will develop a habitat recovery plan which will be a key component of our repair efforts in years to come. if you want to see the work they do, check out this video of the work they did on the Santa Anita Oak Woodland Project.

Project Funding Update
In February 2022, the City Council decided set aside all future Measure K revenues ($0.75 cent sales tax on all purchases in Monrovia) to assist with the repairs at Canyon Park. However since that time, the City has worked very hard to secure funding for the project. Here are some important details on funding:

• The City has filed 3 emergency declarations which essentially allow the City to seek federal and state funding assistance. The Federal and State governments will fund 75% of eligible costs associated with the emergency declaration. The challenge is deciding which portions of the project are eligible.
• The City has insurance coverage for the park as well. This coverage applies to buildings, property, and even our revenue streams for the lost park revenues since it's been closed for an extended period of time.
• Working with the Hon. Grace Napolitano (U.S. House of Representatives), the City secured a $3 million federal grant award for the project.

Securing funding for the project is an important part of the daily work that staff undertakes. Currently, here are some efforts we are undertaking to secure more funding: Working with State of California Assembly Member Chris Holden's Office, the City has submitted a $8.5 million request for the State Budget. This request is the top funding priority for Assembly Member Holden and is currently being deliberated in Sacramento.

 
The City applied for two Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects totaling over $8 million. These projects must abate known hazards and are related to removal of our old water main/water tank (as the main is suspended from a tree in one area) and the roadway work (changing the cross-slope of the road). We were approved by the State and invited to prepare our final application for both...this is fantastic news!

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give a huge shoutout to MPWR and their continued efforts to raise funds for park projects in our community. They are currently underway with their annual auction and if anyone is interested in helping support Canyon Park, please participate in the MPWR auction or consider a donation to help with the park.

Construction Schedule and Estimated Reopening Date
August 2023: 100% Design Plans and bid documents
September 2023: Initiate RFP process, host pre-bid meeting and job walk
October 2023: Receive and evaluate bids and award of contract
November 2023: Project kick-off and construction starts (6-9 months of construction)
Winter 2024: Tentative Re-opening of Canyon Park

The Sound of Music at Taylor Performing Arts Center July 13-16

Buy tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard