Former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett Honored

Former Monrovia mayor Bob Bartlett - along with community supporter Robin Salzer, owner of Robin’s WoodFire BBQ in Pasadena - will receive Heart in Hand Humanitarian Awards at Foothill Unity Center's 13th Annual Golden Plate Awards. The award honors local people who have made an outstanding impact on the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

Bob Bartlett was born and raised in Monrovia and ran for City Council because he saw his hometown floundering while other cities were progressing. First elected in 1974, he became a major force behind the city’s extensive redevelopment projects. In 1976 he became the last Monrovia mayor appointed by the City Council and the city’s first African American mayor, serving a two-year term. In 1988, he was elected to the office, and served for another thirteen years. Many residents cite Bartlett’s strong leadership and vision as the key to Monrovia’s transformation from a blighted, gang-infested location to the prospering city it is today.

During his tenure, Bob served as the President of the California League of Cities and the Southern California Association of Governments as well as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the National League of Cities. He also played a major role in creating the Foothill Transportation Zone and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, among many other achievements. He also served as president of the board of Foothill Unity Center.

In March of this year, Bob received the 2011 Life Changers Achievement Award for his many contributions to the community at the San Gabriel Valley Gospel Expo in Monrovia. In praising the event for bringing people together, he made an observation that could describe his own career. “It’s not only redeveloping the buildings and edifices that’s important,” he said. “You have to change the hearts and minds of people.”

Tickets to the Unity Center event, the Center’s only major fundraiser of the year, are $75 per person. The evening will include silent and live auctions, al fresco trackside dinner, live entertainment and more. Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 Bronze to $10,000 Platinum packages, each with special recognitions including ads in the Tribute Program. Ads may be purchased separately.

The Center is also seeking items for the evening’s silent and live auctions. Donations valued at $50 or more will be acknowledged in the program. For more information, visit www.foothillunitycenter.org or contact Gerald at the Center, (626) 358-3486.

- Brad Haugaard (from press release)