~ The precursor to the McDonald's restaurants was actually in Monrovia, according to writer Sylvia Dohnal. In 1937, at the Monrovia Airport, just south of Huntington, between Shamrock and Mountain, Patrick McDonald opened "The Aerodrome" (burgers and orange juice for a nickel). He later moved to San Bernardino, opened a "McDonald's," then Ray Kroc came along and, well, you know the rest.
~ What will happen to the tile mosaic commemorating the old Monrovia Airport if whatever new company takes over the old Albertson's wants to remodel the front of the building? An Albertson's official tells Mark Still, curator of the Monrovia Historical Museum, that the museum can have the mural if that happens.
Source: Monrovia Historic Preservation Group newsletter
- Brad Haugaard
Clifton Yard Sale for Marching Band and Spirit Marchers
The First Annual Yard Sale to benefit Clifton's Middle School Marching Band and Spirit Marchers will be held Saturday, April 12 from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on the front lawn of Clifton Middle School across the street from the Monrovia Post Office.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia 2014 Mothers Day Home Tour
Here are details about the Monrovia 2014 Mothers Day Home Tour, which includes five homes, the Aztec Hotel and the Monrovia Historical Museum. Sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. http://goo.gl/1mD4ux
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Sidewalk Astronomy Tonight
Look at the moon and Mars with Monrovia's Sidewalk Astronomers tonight, April 5, from 7-9 p.m. at the southeast corner of Library Park, near the Mark Twain statue.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Company's Drones Could Have Helped Find Missing Airliner
Drones, like those made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, could have been very helpful in finding Malaysia Air Flight 370. http://goo.gl/Zuc7QF
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Salsas Taqueria
Lunch at Salsas Taqueria, at Olive and Myrtle, at the former location of S'Links Gourmet Hot Dogs, which is moving somewhere. I got a special, two tacos (I chose chicken and carnitas) and a drink for $5. Good price and good taste.
- Brad Haugaard
Friday Fish at Monrovia Knights of Columbus
Monrovia Knights of Columbus Lenten is having fish dinners every Friday during Lent, to April 18. Dinner served 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult dinner $9; child dinner $6, grilled cheese $4. 130 W. Pomona Ave.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Lieutenant Graduates from LA Leadership Program
On April 3, 2014, Monrovia Police Department’s Lieutenant Zeke Cerecerez graduated from the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program. (City of Monrovia photo) http://goo.gl/L8h2Uo
- Brad Haugaard
Fellowship Monrovia Plans Offices at Huntington and California
Proposed office and meeting building for Fellowship Monrovia church.
Fellowship Monrovia, a church which began just over two years ago in the Monrovia Community Center, then moved to the Monrovia High auditorium, is now planning to occupy a 13,000 square foot light industrial building at the northeast corner of Huntington Drive and California for "office space, evening gatherings and a Sunday satellite meeting room," according to a city staff report for the Monrovia Planning Commission. The church will continue to use the High School auditorium for its main Sunday meetings. http://goo.gl/Z99rYr
Comment: I don't know if this is exactly the meaning, but the phrase "satellite meeting room" suggests a video-connected overflow area, and for a two-year-old church that uses the big MHS auditorium to need an overflow area is pretty amazing.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Community Services Commissioner Gloria Crudgington Honored
Gloria and Cleve Crudgington
On Wednesday, March 26, Monrovia's Community Services Commissioner Gloria Crudgington, was recognized by the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 13 for her service to the Monrovia community.
Crudgington has served Monrovia for many years, but this recognition specifically recognizes the 14 years of service and leadership in developing the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve. As a Monrovia citizen, Crudgington has worked to maintain the aesthetic value of the undeveloped hillsides and set an example as a passionate environmental steward of natural space.
The California Park & Recreation Society's Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of agencies and individuals in the areas of community improvements and programming, facility design and park planning; marketing and communications; and professional and citizen leadership. As an award winner, Crudgington will be featured in the Spring Issue of Parks and Recreation and on the CPRS website at http://www.cprs.org.
"Crudgington was one of the leaders of Wilderness Preserve committee. She did incredible research on the best way to campaign, educate and get the word out about our preservation efforts," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz. "Thanks to those efforts, residents can now hike, bike or walk their dog within the Preserve, and enjoy the beauty of our hillsides with the knowledge that it is preserved for future generations."
Crudgington was appointed to the Monrovia Community Services Commission in 2003 and is currently serving as Chair of that commission. Her efforts over the past 14 years have resulted in the preservation of critical open space in LA County which opened in 2013. She and her husband Cleve have also received the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce's Iris Award in 2003 for their work on the Foothills.
CPRS District 13 members and guests celebrated Ms. Crudgington during the annual Awards and Installation Banquet held at the Diamond Bar Community Center.
Monrovia Police: Brandishing a Pistol; Sexual Battery; Six Year Sentence for Stabbing; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 31-April 2. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 416 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.
Brandishing a Firearm
March 31 at 5:17 p.m., an officer responded to Duarte and Mayflower on the report of a suspect brandishing a firearm. The victim said he was in his vehicle at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower when he saw the suspects in the turn lane, heading eastbound Duarte. As the suspect vehicle started to turn, the front passenger was holding a small, dark, semi-automatic handgun up against his chest as if he was displaying it to the victim. The suspect racked the slide on the gun as they passed. The suspect never pointed the gun at the victim. The vehicle is described as a late model, light blue Monte Carlo or cutlass style vehicle with 20-inch chrome rims. The driver was described as male Hispanic, early 20's, wearing a white T-shirt and a blue Dodger hat. The passenger was described as a male Hispanic in his early 20's. A teletype was sent out to all agencies regarding the incident. The investigation is continuing.
Suspicious Persons / Vehicle Burglary / Receiving Stolen Property
April 2 at 10:00 a.m., officers on patrol contacted two local homeless persons in the 200 block of West Palm. One of the subjects was in possession of a garage door opener, which he claimed belonged to a relative. The garage door opener was collected by officers for observation. Later that day at 2:27 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Fano on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim reported that her garage door opener and other miscellaneous property had been stolen from her locked vehicle. The officer tested the garage door opener recovered from the above incident and it worked. The victim also identified the garage door opener as one of the items stolen from her vehicle during the burglary. A suspect was entered as a wanted person into the law enforcement database for receiving stolen property. The investigation is continuing.
Two Instances of Sexual Battery Reported
April 2 at 8:02 a.m., an adult female victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted the prior evening at about 9:00 p.m. She was walking in the area of Fifth Avenue and Walnut when she was approached by the suspect. He approached her from the front and hugged her tightly by wrapping his arms around her body. The suspect then slapped the victim's buttocks and left the scene on his skateboard. No injuries were reported.
April 2 at 5:02 p.m., an adult female victim reported she was sexually assaulted at approximately 4:50 p.m. as she was walking near the area of Monterey and Chestnut. The second victim reported that the suspect approached her from behind and reached around her body grabbing both of her breasts with his hands. The suspect commented on the victim's breast size and kicked her in the leg before leaving the scene with his skateboard in hand. No injuries were reported. Both victims described the suspect as a male Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5'06" - 5'07", thin build, wearing a red "Hoodie" sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect was in possession of a skateboard during both incidents. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 7:03 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter in custody. The investigation revealed the suspect entered the location with the intent to take store merchandise in an effort to return it for store credit. The suspect was arrested and charged for Burglary.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 12:51 a.m., an officer responded to a burglary alarm in the 300 block of West Huntington. As the officer arrived in the area of the alarm call, he observed a local homeless person walking in the area of Magnolia and Huntington. The subject looked in the officer’s direction, quickly tossed an object on the ground, and walked away from it. The officer, believing the subject was associated with the alarm call and possibly tossing stolen property from the business, detained the subject and recovered the property. The property turned out to be two clear plastic baggies containing methamphetamine. The officer arrested the subject for the drug charge, in addition to an outstanding warrant he had for his arrest. This same subject is also suspected of receiving stolen property in an incident that occurred on April 2.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up - Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Sentenced
On March 18, 2014, the suspect in an assault case was convicted on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Stalking. The crime occurred on January 22, 2012, at 5:53 p.m., when dispatch received a call reporting a stabbing victim at a residence in the 1200 block of Encino. Officers responded to the location and discovered a male adult with a puncture wound to his chest. The suspect violated a restraining order and entered the home of his estranged wife with a hunting type knife and stabbed her male companion one time in the chest. The suspect then left the location. The investigation led officers to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive. Officers immediately contained the hotel room. Officers directed the clerk to make a telephone call into the suspect's room to tell him that his credit card was declined. Approximately 15 minutes later, the suspect exited his room and was taken into custody without further incident. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was admitted in critical, but stable, condition. The victim recovered from his injuries. The suspect was sentenced to 6 years in state prison, full restitution, and a 10 year protective order was issued for the victims. The victim of the stabbing was very appreciative for the professional demeanor and tenacity of our department in handling this case.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 416 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.
Brandishing a Firearm
March 31 at 5:17 p.m., an officer responded to Duarte and Mayflower on the report of a suspect brandishing a firearm. The victim said he was in his vehicle at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower when he saw the suspects in the turn lane, heading eastbound Duarte. As the suspect vehicle started to turn, the front passenger was holding a small, dark, semi-automatic handgun up against his chest as if he was displaying it to the victim. The suspect racked the slide on the gun as they passed. The suspect never pointed the gun at the victim. The vehicle is described as a late model, light blue Monte Carlo or cutlass style vehicle with 20-inch chrome rims. The driver was described as male Hispanic, early 20's, wearing a white T-shirt and a blue Dodger hat. The passenger was described as a male Hispanic in his early 20's. A teletype was sent out to all agencies regarding the incident. The investigation is continuing.
Suspicious Persons / Vehicle Burglary / Receiving Stolen Property
April 2 at 10:00 a.m., officers on patrol contacted two local homeless persons in the 200 block of West Palm. One of the subjects was in possession of a garage door opener, which he claimed belonged to a relative. The garage door opener was collected by officers for observation. Later that day at 2:27 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Fano on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim reported that her garage door opener and other miscellaneous property had been stolen from her locked vehicle. The officer tested the garage door opener recovered from the above incident and it worked. The victim also identified the garage door opener as one of the items stolen from her vehicle during the burglary. A suspect was entered as a wanted person into the law enforcement database for receiving stolen property. The investigation is continuing.
Two Instances of Sexual Battery Reported
April 2 at 8:02 a.m., an adult female victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted the prior evening at about 9:00 p.m. She was walking in the area of Fifth Avenue and Walnut when she was approached by the suspect. He approached her from the front and hugged her tightly by wrapping his arms around her body. The suspect then slapped the victim's buttocks and left the scene on his skateboard. No injuries were reported.
April 2 at 5:02 p.m., an adult female victim reported she was sexually assaulted at approximately 4:50 p.m. as she was walking near the area of Monterey and Chestnut. The second victim reported that the suspect approached her from behind and reached around her body grabbing both of her breasts with his hands. The suspect commented on the victim's breast size and kicked her in the leg before leaving the scene with his skateboard in hand. No injuries were reported. Both victims described the suspect as a male Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5'06" - 5'07", thin build, wearing a red "Hoodie" sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect was in possession of a skateboard during both incidents. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 7:03 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter in custody. The investigation revealed the suspect entered the location with the intent to take store merchandise in an effort to return it for store credit. The suspect was arrested and charged for Burglary.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 12:51 a.m., an officer responded to a burglary alarm in the 300 block of West Huntington. As the officer arrived in the area of the alarm call, he observed a local homeless person walking in the area of Magnolia and Huntington. The subject looked in the officer’s direction, quickly tossed an object on the ground, and walked away from it. The officer, believing the subject was associated with the alarm call and possibly tossing stolen property from the business, detained the subject and recovered the property. The property turned out to be two clear plastic baggies containing methamphetamine. The officer arrested the subject for the drug charge, in addition to an outstanding warrant he had for his arrest. This same subject is also suspected of receiving stolen property in an incident that occurred on April 2.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up - Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Sentenced
On March 18, 2014, the suspect in an assault case was convicted on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Stalking. The crime occurred on January 22, 2012, at 5:53 p.m., when dispatch received a call reporting a stabbing victim at a residence in the 1200 block of Encino. Officers responded to the location and discovered a male adult with a puncture wound to his chest. The suspect violated a restraining order and entered the home of his estranged wife with a hunting type knife and stabbed her male companion one time in the chest. The suspect then left the location. The investigation led officers to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive. Officers immediately contained the hotel room. Officers directed the clerk to make a telephone call into the suspect's room to tell him that his credit card was declined. Approximately 15 minutes later, the suspect exited his room and was taken into custody without further incident. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was admitted in critical, but stable, condition. The victim recovered from his injuries. The suspect was sentenced to 6 years in state prison, full restitution, and a 10 year protective order was issued for the victims. The victim of the stabbing was very appreciative for the professional demeanor and tenacity of our department in handling this case.
Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center to Auction Off Norman Rockwell Litho
The framed 38" x 33" lithograph features the printed facsimile signature, lower right, and the Norman Rockwell Authorized Estate blind-stamp gold seal, lower left. It is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. "We are so grateful to the donor of this beautiful artwork, Laurie Orvis, a relatively new Center volunteer, for her generosity," said Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. "The work will be one of the key highlights of the auction, and add significantly to the total proceeds for this event - our only major fundraiser of the year."
Up to 400 guests are expected for the Fabulous '50s themed event, which will feature a showing of classic '50s cars from Street Rods Forever, jukebox music, silent and live auctions and more. The evening will honor four recipients with Golden Plate Awards: Cynthia Kurtz, president and chief executive officer of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (Heart in Hand Humanitarian); Sierra Madre fundraiser Colleen McEvoy (Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Volunteer); Simplicity Bank (Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Corporate); and a consortium of four local Jewish organizations, Temple Beth David, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, Weizmann Day School and Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley (Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Faith Based).
Tickets to the Golden Plate Awards are $150. Sponsorship opportunities start at $2,000, with special recognitions including ads in the Tribute Program. Ads may also be purchased separately, starting with a $200 business card size. Donations to the silent and live auctions valued at $100 or more will be acknowledged in the program. For more information, visit www.foothillunitycenter.org.
Source: Foothill Unity Center press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Two Incidents of Sexual Battery
On April 2, 2014, two separate incidents of sexual battery with similar circumstances were reported to the Monrovia Police Department.
The first incident occurred on April 1 at approximately 9:00 p.m. An adult female victim was walking in the 700 block of S. Fifth Avenue. A male suspect approached her from the front and hugged her tightly by wrapping his arms around her body. The suspect slapped the victim on the buttocks and then left the scene on a skateboard. No injuries were reported.
The second incident occurred on April 2 at approximately 4:50 p.m. An adult female victim was walking in the 800 block of W. Chestnut. A male suspect approached her from behind and reached around her body, grabbing both of her breasts with his hands. The suspect commented on the victim's breast size and kicked her in the leg. He then left the scene with a skateboard in his hand. No injuries were reported.
Both victims described the suspect as a male Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5'06"-5'07", thin build, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect was in possession of a skateboard during both incidents. The investigation is continuing.
The Monrovia Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying this suspect. Anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of this suspect, please contact the Monrovia Police Department.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
The first incident occurred on April 1 at approximately 9:00 p.m. An adult female victim was walking in the 700 block of S. Fifth Avenue. A male suspect approached her from the front and hugged her tightly by wrapping his arms around her body. The suspect slapped the victim on the buttocks and then left the scene on a skateboard. No injuries were reported.
The second incident occurred on April 2 at approximately 4:50 p.m. An adult female victim was walking in the 800 block of W. Chestnut. A male suspect approached her from behind and reached around her body, grabbing both of her breasts with his hands. The suspect commented on the victim's breast size and kicked her in the leg. He then left the scene with a skateboard in his hand. No injuries were reported.
Both victims described the suspect as a male Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5'06"-5'07", thin build, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect was in possession of a skateboard during both incidents. The investigation is continuing.
The Monrovia Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying this suspect. Anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of this suspect, please contact the Monrovia Police Department.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Giving Hands Store Has 50%-Off Sale for Local Assistance
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's World Vision Helps in Chile Earthquake
Monrovia-based Christian relief organization World Vision, reports that it is "working with the government and partners in the worst affected areas to assess damage from the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that shook parts of Chile last night and spurred a nationwide tsunami watch that forced much of the coast to evacuate." http://goo.gl/NOHohT
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Story of the 'Ford' Sign in Old Monrovia Blockbuster
The story behind the "Ford" sign found in the old Blockbuster at Foothill and Stedman. http://goo.gl/lR7fCF
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Be a Monrovia City Board Member
Interested in becoming a city board member or commissioner? Here's a meeting for you, tomorrow, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. http://goo.gl/rjuyE2
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Scoby Signs with Fresno | Choral Music | Rain?
~ Monrovia football star, Kurt Scoby, signs with Fresno State. http://goo.gl/VLXpoA
~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present Alma y Corazon at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church April 5 at 7:30 p.m. An evening of choral music and solo song that explores spiritual and romantic love in the sounds of regions of Argentina and Spain. Tickets at 253-7248. General admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
~ Fifty percent chance of rain tonight, 30 percent tomorrow, 10 percent Thursday, and 20 percent Friday. http://goo.gl/xG5Izr
- Brad Haugaard
~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present Alma y Corazon at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church April 5 at 7:30 p.m. An evening of choral music and solo song that explores spiritual and romantic love in the sounds of regions of Argentina and Spain. Tickets at 253-7248. General admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
~ Fifty percent chance of rain tonight, 30 percent tomorrow, 10 percent Thursday, and 20 percent Friday. http://goo.gl/xG5Izr
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman's Education Bill Approved by Committee
A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden to modify restrictions on enrolling high school students in community college courses was unanimously approved in Assembly Higher Education Committee today. AB 1451 would also prohibit "double-dipping," in which both the high school and the college were reimbursed for the student. Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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