Monrovia Fundraisers, Health Expo

~ Buy a pie, support Foothill Unity Center. Get a pie voucher for a Marie Calendar pie from the Center's auxiliary: http://goo.gl/H6FIPX

~ Another Unity Center fundraiser, on Oct. 17. Paco's, at 200 E. Foothill in Arcadia, will donate 10 percent of all dining proceeds between 3-9 p.m. to Foothill Unity Center Auxiliary.

~ Set for Life Health Expo on Oct. 19 at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock. Health screenings, workshops, healthy food choices, get-fit class, vendors and more. Free mammograms for low-income women, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For information email patricia@setforlifenews.org; call 386-8071 or go to www.setforlifenews.org

~ Centre Stage music school has partnered with Goodwill for a charitable fundraiser on Oct. 26. You can donate gently used clothing, accessories, electronic, e-media, household items and more from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. For info and pick-up call 297-4758.

Source: Becky Shevlin (thanks!)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia - Home to Major Ink Cartridge Provider

Who knew Monrovia had a prominent ink cartridge provider?

Everlert, Inc., of Monrovia is "one of the most prominent providers of quality ink cartridges in the US postage meter industry." It makes cartridges for Pitney Bowes, Neopost/Hasler, FP and others. http://goo.gl/jqqnyW

- Brad Haugaard

Church Building at Palm and Primrose Bought

International Full Gospel Fellowship, located at 301 E. Foothill (about a block into Arcadia on the north side of the street) has purchased the church building at the corner of Palm and Primrose in Monrovia, next to Library Park, according to Bob Gollihugh, a member of Restored Life Fellowship, which meets in the building. He said IFGF, an Indonesian group, has asked Restored Life to stay and work with IFGF, which it has agreed to do.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's California Wine and Cheese Going Out of Business

California Wine and Cheese, on Foothill just west of Myrtle, is going out of business and will close no later than November 2. All goods are now being offered at 25 percent off.

In a newsletter announcement, the owners said the company has never been profitable, and that while wealth was not the object - introducing people to new wines and cheeses was - the company had to at least break even.

They write: "We renewed our lease in the midst of the economic downturn in 2008 confident the economy would bounce back, but, as many people understand who are still struggling to regain their own past stability, the turn-around we had hoped for has not materialized."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Ward Service 90th Year Anniversary Party - Old Cars, Raffle, Etc.

Longtime Monrovia automotive business, Ward Service, will celebrate 90 years of business on November 2nd, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with classic cars on display, celebrity guests, and live music at 130 Railroad Avenue in Monrovia. The event is open to the public and parking will be available at the Park & Ride lot on S. Myrtle Avenue.

 

The celebratory event celebrates Ward Service's longevity as a family-owned, family-run business from its 1923 inception through economic recessions, gasoline wars, war-time rationing, and a forced relocation to build the 210 freeway in Pasadena. Now run by the fourth generation, Ward Service is one of the oldest family-run automotive businesses in California.

 

"Ward Service has outlasted many of its competitors by holding fast to its family values and strong work ethic," notes Tom Ward, 3rd generation owner of the business. "When other service stations and tow companies closed at night, our service stations and tow trucks were operating, helping thousands of stranded motorists to get home safely. When you employ your family to run a business, you get an extra level of commitment that you can't always expect from employees."

 

The 90th anniversary party will showcase Ward Service's 'preferred status' as classic and antique car mechanics with customers and celebrity media displaying their prized classic cars. "We will have a classic rock band entertaining our guests, a taco truck, cupcakes, popcorn and snow cones," states Office Manager Melanie Ward. "We want to create an old-time feel for our event to celebrate and honor our 90-year heritage."

 

On display will be classic motorcycles, Hot Rods from the 20s to the 70s, antique cars, muscle cars, NHRA race cars, rare and unusual vehicles, and a high-wheeler bicycle for the public to view. Owner Jim Ward says, "Many of the vehicles are owned by our customers and we are proud to include them as part of our 90th Anniversary gala. To entertain our guests, we will be doing an engine blow with the local Fire Department. Later, we will hold a raffle with some large gift prizes that auto fans are sure to enjoy. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Monrovia Fire Department to help them restore one of their antique fire trucks."

 

During Ward Service's long history (78 years of those years in Pasadena and 12 in Monrovia), the Wards have served as civic and auto industry leaders giving back to their community. Organizations they have served in leadership include Pasadena's lauded Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena Lions Club, Pasadena Optimists Club, Pasadena Junior Chamber and Pasadena Quarterbacks Club. Additionally, they have led their industry with fourth generation owners Mike and Tom Ward serving terms as president of the local chapter of the Automotive Service Council and the California Tow Truck Association. Today, fourth generation owner Jim Ward continues that heritage as president of ASCCA, after serving as president of the Rotary Club's Monrovia chapter and on the board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA.

 

"We've built a heritage of community service throughout the generations of automotive business," says Jim Ward. "We look forward to keeping that tradition alive with the same family values that have served us through the past 90 years."

  

For more information on the Ward Service's 90th Anniversary event, please contact Melanie Ward at: (626) 357-8080 or email: jim@wardservice.com.  For more information on Ward Service, please go to: www.wardservice.com.

 

Source: Ward Service press release

 

- Brad Haugaard

Friends of Monrovia Library Has Great Fundraiser

Friends of the Monrovia Library report on Facebook that its weekend book sale "was a blowout fundraiser for the Library. The. BEST. sale. EVER."

- Brad Haugaard

'Songs in Darkness' at Monrovia's Aztec Hotel

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will perform Songs in Darkness, "a supernatural evening of music" at Monrovia's Aztec Hotel on Saturday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. Music includes selections from Mozart's Requiem, along with "Sure on this Shining Night" by Lauridsen, "Daemon Irrepit Callidus" by Orbán, works by Ramirez, Bach, Schubert, and more. Details: http://www.sgvccsingers.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Rescued on Freeway in Monrovia

Good Samaritan rescues dog with broken leg on 210 Freeway in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/udpYHJ

- Brad Haugaard

Sign Up for Monrovia Christmas Parade | VFW Needs Nominees for Teacher of the Year

~ If you'd like to be in the Monrovia Christmas parade (Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.), here's an application form. You need to get it filled and returned by Nov. 8. http://goo.gl/ldohE3

~ Monrovia VFW is looking for nominees for its teacher of the year award. http://goo.gl/ks1ZkG

- Brad Haugaard

Will AOL Sell Its Patch News Sites?

AOL, the owner of the Patch local-news websites, including the Monrovia Patch, may be considering selling them, or finding a partner for them. http://goo.gl/SlnLe8

- Brad Haugaard

Watch for New Stop Sign! | Monrovia Over Temple City

Brad Hori writes: "There is a new stop sign at the corner of Magnolia and Evergreen, just south of the freeway. (it is now a 4-way stop). It popped up yesterday. The police have been pulling over cars that are driving through without stopping (a lot of them!)."

~ Monrovia over Temple City 54-0. http://goo.gl/jWB2DB

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Peach Cafe

Lunch at Peach Cafe yesterday. On Colorado almost at Ivy. Got the Philly Steak Wrap ($11.95) with vegetable beef soup and an iced tea ($2.75). Plus tax and tip. I'm no Philly expert but it was pretty tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company Plans IPO | Biker Against Trafficking | Art Festival | Unity Volunteer Dies

~ Monrovia's Xencor, Inc. announced today that is registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of shares of its common stock. http://goo.gl/fGujeX

~ Garrett Zambrows will speak at First Baptist Church (223 S. Encinitas) on his planned five-month, circumnavigating the country bike ride against human trafficking. http://goo.gl/kGbPDn

~ Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will hold an art festival tomorrow and Sunday (Oct. 12, 13), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Library Park. Art for sale, demonstrations, entertainment, refreshments. Also, at 10 a.m. Der Kleiner Panzers Volkswagen Club will display custom built high performance Volkswagens.

~ Foothill Unity Center reports that "one of our most faithful volunteers, Henry Thedinga, recently passed away peacefully at 96 after a stroke. Henry and his wife, Lou, volunteered with and supported us for 14 years."

- Brad Haugaard

Thoughts on Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum

From left: Terrence Williams, Alex Zucco, Ruhhiyyih Yuille, Scott Pomrehn.

Thoughts on the Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum tonight. You get to vote for two of these folks on Nov. 5:

- Terrence Williams emphasized his lengthy involvement with schools and youth in town and spoke of his desire to get local businesses to contribute to the schools. His work with gangs gave a lot of credence to his answer to a question about bullying (he said it needs to be dealt with directly with the bully and the bully's parents) and his answer to a question about the importance of counselors (he said they are as important as teachers and that kids will tell counselors things they'd never tell their parents). He said the most important issue facing the district is the board's cohesiveness.

- As the incumbent, Alex Zucco emphasized her experience, and her knowledge of the district came through regularly in her answers. She said the biggest problem facing the district is the state of its facilities, that while Monrovia High has had a nice upgrade, the other schools need work as well. The problem with implementing the Core Curriculum, she said, is that the district is only getting about $1 million to implement a $3 million project.

- Ruhhiyyih Yuille spoke of her broad experience as a teacher and that her family has lived in Monrovia since the 1950s. She was easily the best public speaker of the crew and had a nicely prepared opening statement which she delivered very well. Everyone else ad libed. Oddly, she then ad libed her closing statement. She shined best when questioned on general educational questions, such as her opinion of the Common Core curriculum. She said standards have been adopted, but no curriculum. If the district gets more money, she said her priorities would be: 1. Teacher training, 2. Class size reduction, 3. Excellent curriculum - and she'd like to negotiate a raise for the teachers.

- Scott Pomrehn emphasized his long experience in local government and that he now has time that he can devote to board work. I think he had the most interesting idea of the night, which is that Monrovia should introduce on-line classes and maybe round up students from outside the district. He emphasized local control and said that "If Sacramento and Washington would let us use our money the way we want, we'd be a lot better off." I'm with him on that.

Someone asked if the district would consider issuing a bond "to fund programs." Now this "to fund programs" phrase set off alarm bells in my head. In my view, issuing a bond (which is basically taking out a loan) should ONLY be for specific and occasional big-ticket expenses, never for day-to-day expenses. You take out a loan to buy a car or a house, not to pay the rent. So, anyway, I was very surprised that Pomrehn - whom I thought was a numbers kinda guy and thought would nail that question - said he would consider that as an option if necessary. I thought that was a peculiar answer, though maybe he understood the question differently than I did or maybe there are methods of using bonds I'm not aware of.

Best answers of the evening were to the question, "Are you an independent thinker?" To which each of the candidates unanimously responded, Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

UPDATE: Scott Pomrehn responds: Thank you for covering the forum. To clarify, I completely agree with you on the use of bond funds, or as you correctly stated, "a loan", for on-going operational costs. I made an assumption and should have had the moderator clarify the question. Again, thank you for informing Monrovians about the upcoming election.

- Brad Haugaard

Win Tickets to Taste of Monrovia | Sing Handel's Messiah

~ Win two free tickets this years "A Taste of Old Town Monrovia." Here: http://goo.gl/f4IgFr

~ Sing Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian Church with the choir at the Dec. 8 Christmas Concert. Rehearsals from 7:30-8:30 p.m. each Thursday. For information call Dr. Peter Green at the church (626-358-3297, ext. 205) or email peter@fpcmonrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Officials Visit Train Maintenance Yard; Gold Line Bridge Wins More Awards

Assemblymember Chris Holden and Monrovia Mayor Pro Tem Becky Shevlin and Councilman Larry Spicer visit the train maintenance yard next to the Home Depot in Monrovia.

Also, the Gold Line Bridge has recently won two additional awards. The American Society of Civil Engineers awarded the bridge the Outstanding Public Civil Engineering Transportation Project over $10 million; and Engineering News-Record (ENR) awarded it the Best Project in Southern California, Highways/Bridges category.

Source: Gold Line Construction Authority spokesman Habib F. Balian

- Brad Haugaard

Governor Signs Monrovia Assemblyman's Bill to Give Armed Forces Members a Tax Break

Members of the Armed Forces and National Guard will get a break on state use tax (like sales tax but for stuff you buy out of state) when they are transferred to California under Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill signed today by Governor Brown. Holden represents Monrovia.

"It just doesn't seem fair to tax active duty military personnel when they are already making so many sacrifices," Holden said.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: The Grandparent Scam; More Meth

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 7–9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 428 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Annoying Phone Calls / Grandparent Scam

October 7 at 3:22 p.m., a phone scam was reported from a resident in the 100 block of North Magnolia. The resident received calls telling her that her grandson was in jail in Puerto Vallarta. The caller wanted 10,000 dollars in 100 dollar bills placed throughout a magazine and mailed to a location in New York. The victim stopped and confirmed both of her grandsons were in the United States, and then reported the incident to police. The victim did not suffer any loss.

Fight in Progress / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested

October 8 at 9:25 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue on the report of two male subjects fighting in the hotel hallway. One of the suspects left the location prior to the officers arriving. Officers located the other male suspect in a hotel room, along with two female subjects. One of the females was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of San Bernardino, and the second female was arrested for possession of a methamphetamine pipe. A baggie of methamphetamine was found in the hotel, which possibly belonged to the outstanding male suspect.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teens Invited to Alien Creature Feature

As part of Teen Read Week, teens are invited to watch an Alien Creature Feature and slurp "swamp juice" on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2-4 p.m. in the Library Community Room. For more information, call the Monrovia Public Library at 256-8274 and ask for Youth Services.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Candidates Forum | Football vs. Temple City

~ Monrovia school board candidates' forum at 7 p.m. tonight in the school district board room, 325 Huntington. http://goo.gl/QFFYab

~ Football: Monrovia vs. Temple City tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. at Temple City. http://goo.gl/d7uVGp

- Brad Haugaard