Someone has decided to inspire the residents along Hillcrest in Monrovia with chalk- drawn quotes.
- Brad Haugaard
Sidewalk Inspiration
Someone has decided to inspire the residents along Hillcrest in Monrovia with chalk- drawn quotes.
No, Edison Doesn't Demand Payment in Bitcoin; Mail Thief Flees in Mercedes; Robbery; Stolen Cars; Drunk Drivers; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 432 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Injury Traffic Collision
On July 18 at 3:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Myrtle and Evergreen where two vehicles collided. One driver had a complaint of pain and was treated by Monrovia Fire Paramedics before being transported to a hospital. This investigation is continuing.
Fraud Report
On July 18 at 4:34 p.m., a male subject came to the police department to file a fraud report. An unknown suspect claiming to be from a malware company called him and asked for money. He told the victim that someone hacked into his computer and committed fraud, and the victim now owed money. The victim agreed to pay and shipped cash to an address in Alhambra. The officer was able to contact the shipping company and alert them the package was fraudulent. An alert was to be placed on the package to prevent it from being loaded onto a truck and delivered. This investigation is continuing.
Robbery
On July 18 at 6:02 p.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Two suspects entered the business and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim. They took approximately $400 in cash and 30 cartons of cigarettes, then fled in a silver vehicle. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle or suspects. The suspects are described as two male Blacks in their 30's. One was heavyset wearing a grey hoodie. The other had a thin build and was wearing a white hoodie with dark pants and goggles. The investigation is continuing.
Business Dispute – Suspects Arrested
On July 18 at 11:29 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a dispute between a family and an Uber driver. The family had been driven around all day by the driver. During that time, the driver’s wallet went missing and was found by one of the family members, but the driver’s money was missing. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. They discovered one of the passengers stole the driver’s money and some blank checks. She was arrested for those charges and an outstanding warrant. A second passenger was arrested for two outstanding warrants, and a third passenger was arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
On July 19 at 8:46 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Evergreen reported a vehicle parked in front of their home with collision damage. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Duarte. The same vehicle was stopped by officers the day before with a male subject driving, who was not the owner, but the vehicle had not been reported stolen yet.
Officers arrived at the location and found the vehicle parked. The same male subject that was driving the day before was near the vehicle. After further investigation, the subject was arrested for grand theft auto and the vehicle was returned to the rightful owner.
Injury Traffic Collision
On July 19 at 2:12 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of E. Lime. An officer responded and found both drivers were complaining of pain, but did not have visible injuries. Monrovia Paramedics responded to assist the drivers. After investigation, the party at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.
Residential Burglary
On July 19 at 2:55 p.m., an alarm company reported an alarm activation at a residence in the 500 block of Norumbega. Officers responded and found the home had been burglarized, but the suspects were not located. The owners of the home were notified, but were not able to immediately respond. The loss is currently unknown and this investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 20 at 7:20 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega reported someone had burglarized his vehicle during the night and took items from inside. The vehicle had been parked on the street in front of the owner's house and locked. The suspect gained entry by breaking one of the windows. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
On July 20 at 7:42 a.m., a subject in the 400 block of N. Canyon called police to report his neighbor's door was wide open and broken glass was on the ground next to the door. Officers responded and discovered the house was ransacked, but no suspects were located. The owners were notified of the burglary. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
On July 20 at 8:48 a.m., an alarm was activated at a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded to the business and found the front window had been shattered. The business was closed and no one was inside. Video surveillance revealed a subject shattering the window, but not entering the business. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
On July 20 at 11:15 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut walked outside his apartment and discovered someone had shattered one of his car windows. He had parked his car on the street a half hour prior to discovering the damage. Officers searched the area for possible suspects, but did not locate the suspect. There was no indication the vehicle had been entered and nothing had been taken. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglaries
On July 20 at 11:21 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega discovered property on his front lawn that belonged to his neighbor. The neighbor was contacted and told officers the property had been stolen from his vehicle the day before, but the incident was not reported. While speaking with the victim, another neighbor approached officers and advised their car was also burglarized sometime during the night. The investigations are continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On July 20 at 2:00 p.m., a caller reported a family argument at a house in the 700 block of Ocean View. Officers responded and found a husband and wife yelling at one another. The two were separated and after investigation, the one of the subjects was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 21 at 12:56 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Foothill and Heliotrope saw a vehicle speeding without headlights during hours of darkness. The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. After investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Grand Theft Auto
On July 21 at 7:14 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Hacienda called police to report her vehicle missing. She had parked her vehicle in front of her residence the day before and now it was gone. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 21 at 10:09 a.m., a resident called police to report his vehicle had been burglarized in the 300 block of E. Almond. He had parked his vehicle earlier that morning and left it. Upon returning to his vehicle, he discovered the driver-side window had been smashed and items had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On July 21 at 8:04 p.m., officers responded to the report of a fight in progress in the 300 block of W. Central. Two subjects were separated, and they identified themselves as husband and wife. After investigation, one subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
On July 21 at 11:28 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of E. Foothill. A caller reported his vehicle was stolen from the driveway of his residence. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 22 at 8:04 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The victim parked his vehicle in a parking structure. Upon returning to his vehicle in the morning, he found one of the windows had been smashed and a bag containing passports was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Theft
On July 22 at 12:21 p.m., a caller reported someone had entered his unlocked vehicle while it was parked in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The suspect had taken the victims work identification and vehicle registration. This investigation is continuing.
Theft
On July 22 at 3:28 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported at a parking structure in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The victim had left his vehicle parked and unlocked in the structure. Upon returning, he saw his scuba diving equipment had been taken from inside. This investigation is continuing.
Fraud Report
On July 22 at 5:34 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported receiving a fraudulent call from a suspect stating they were from Edison. The suspect threatened to shut off his power if he did not pay them over $2,000 in Bitcoin. The victim complied, before realizing it was a fraudulent call. This investigation is continuing.
Mail Tampering
On July 23 at 9:54 a.m., a caller reported finding opened and unopened mail along the 900 block of Ridgeside. Officers responded and determined the mail was from three different addresses. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
On July 23 at 11:21 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision near the intersection of Monterey and Huntington. A vehicle was driving out of a parking lot and failed to yield to a vehicle on the roadway. One party complained of dizziness, but refused medical treatment.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On July 23 at 4:16 p.m., officers responded to a three vehicle collision near the intersection of Canyon and Greystone. The first vehicle rear ended the second vehicle, which then rear ended the third vehicle. One party complained of pain, but refused transportation to the hospital. The driver of the first vehicle displayed signs and symptoms of being intoxicated. Investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On July 23 at 6:26 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Central and Mayflower regarding an injury traffic collision. One of the drivers involved displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. An investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Vandalism / Assault
On July 24 at 1:02 p.m., a caller reported an unknown woman was vandalizing his car in the 800 block of Naples. When confronted, the woman yelled at him and then pepper sprayed him. She then jumped inside of her car and drove away. The caller does not know the woman. Officers responded, but could not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Mail Theft
On July 24 at 5:50 p.m., a caller reported a female subject taking mail from a mailbox at a residence in the 100 block of N. May. The suspect fled the area in a black Mercedes. Officers responded, but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On July 24 at 8:35 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a traffic collision. While contacting both parties, one of the drivers involved displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. Investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Arson
On July 24 at 9:02 p.m., officers responded to Canyon Park regarding a fire seen near the entrance. A small brush fire was located near the park entrance and was extinguished by Monrovia Firefighters. A witness reported seeing three subjects lighting fireworks in the area, and fireworks were recovered nearby. This investigation is continuing.
Spoof Article About Trader Joe's
- Brad Haugaard
Plan for Lucinda Garcia Park; Gold Line Wants Valley Cities' Money; Art Walk This Saturday
~ An initial plan is now in place to revamp Lucinda Garcia Park, at Olive and Mayflower. The plan incorporates a path; native plants demo garden; new play equipment, fencing, tables, benches, drinking fountains and lighting; signs; exercise equipment; and bike rack.
~ The Gold Line Construction Authority is short of money "(again!)" and wants to make up the shortfall "out of the $199 million pot of Measure M Equity Funds that were allocated to the broader San Gabriel Valley region." Chi writes that if that happens, "it would almost certainly mean reduced future transit funding for local jurisdictions." The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (the official distributor of the money) will hold a special meeting about this, "and the City will be paying close attention."
~ No $5 Movie Tuesday at Studio Movie Grill on July 30 because of a private event. $5 Movie Tuesday will resume the following Tuesday.
~ The next Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Summer Art Walk will be this Saturday, July 27. Enjoy art along the sidewalk in Old Town
~ Beacon Media News annual Reader's Choice awards names Monrovia library as a "Recommended Library."
~ There's a new podcast called Made in Monrovia. https://is.gd/WcmCKS
~ The elevator serving the parking garage at Colorado Commons has been acting up. The problem parts were obsolete, but Mitsubishi Electric has now been able to get the parts and repairs should be finished by this Friday, July 26.
- Brad Haugaard
Jenny the Cuddle Buddy
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.
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 at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Man Convicted in 2017 Killing at Gem City Grill
According to a news report, a jury has convicted Jeremiah LaCroix, 33, of killing 43-year-old Michael Lowe of Monrovia at Monrovia's Gem City Grill (on Olive just east of Myrtle) just after midnight Dec. 2, 2017. https://is.gd/0zIOw6
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
School District Plans to Reach Out to China for Students
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/nd9oGb) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider hiring Kay Mui for $90 an hour for three months to set-up and manage an account on the Chinese social media platform, WeChat, to promote the district's Mandarin Dl program and grow the district's marketing database and "reach out to overseas schools/agents." She will strategize on WeChat design, plan content and try to increase the number of followers for the district, especially during Chinese New Year. https://is.gd/nzBKI6- Brad Haugaard
What the New Starbucks Property is Worth
The 27,975 square-foot property with the 2,200-square-foot building that Starbucks occupies at Magnolia and Huntington was recently purchased by an undisclosed buyer for $6.2 million. Starbucks has a 20-year lease on the property. https://is.gd/qLJHUV
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Monrovian
Dinner at the Monrovian, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Deep Fried Chicken for $12.99 and an iced tea for $2.69. It comes with soup or salad, which I ate so you can’t see it, and a potato, which I swapped out for cottage cheese. Very tasty and filling. Just a few extra notes:
My wife likes that she can get fresh sliced turkey here. Most places, she said, give you lunch meat style turkey.
The restaurant is changing ownership but for now things seem the same, with a notice near the door saying, “The staff will remain! We will continue on as usual with the exception of some updates to the menu and restaurant.”
- Brad Haugaard
Local Governments Considering Coyote Policy
- Brad Haugaard
Health and Wellness Fair July 21
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: $100,000 Embezzlement; No, IRS Doesn't Want Gift Cards; Woman Rams Repo Man's Truck; He Picked the Wrong Time to Light Cigarette; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 11-17. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 422 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Injury Traffic Collision
On July 11 at 12:18 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 1100 block of S. Mayflower. Officers responded and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain. She was transported to a nearby hospital by Monrovia Paramedics. The party at fault was issued a citation.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
On July 11 at 2:10 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. The party who was found at fault was issued a citation.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Wanted
On July 12 at 5:59 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff's called to report a domestic violence incident that occurred that morning at an apartment in the 100 block of W. Olive. The suspect drove the victim to work in Duarte, where staff reported the incident. The deputies had the victim transported to a nearby hospital. The suspect was also transported to a hospital in Baldwin Park for sudden chest pains. Monrovia officers responded to the two hospitals to investigate. The suspect fled the hospital he was at and is now wanted. The victim was treated for her injuries. Investigation continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On July 12 at 1:59 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 100 block of W. Foothill. An officer responded and found no one was injured. After an investigation was completed, the party at fault was issued a citation.
Fraud
On July 12 at 3:33 p.m., an elderly resident in the 400 block of Sierra Vista reported that he received a call from someone who identified themselves as the IRS. They told him he owed them $3,000 and if he didn't pay, he would be arrested. They demanded he pay with Target gift cards over the phone, so he complied. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
On July 12 at 8:10 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Hill returned home and found her residence ransacked. A review of the home’s video surveillance showed two male suspects entered the backyard of the property. The suspects looked into the windows, then made entry through an open bathroom window by placing a bucket underneath the window. The suspects left the residence with pillow cases containing belongings. The investigation is continuing.
Fire Assist / Investigation
On July 12 at 9:25 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Palm called to report he heard a loud noise that sounded like fireworks. He walked outside to see what it was and saw the property fence, which has ivy on it, had caught fire. A subject was seen fleeing the scene. Investigation continuing.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
On July 13 at 1:50 a.m., an officer responded to the report of an assault in the 100 block of W. Central. While a vehicle was being repossessed, the registered owner came out of her residence, entered another vehicle, and intentionally rammed into the truck that was repossessing her vehicle. Officers arrived on scene, conducted an investigation, and arrested the suspect for assault with a deadly weapon.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 13 at 10:01 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 3000 block of S. Peck when he saw a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the suspect was arrested for DUI. The driver was held for a sobering period.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On July 13 at 11:40 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. One of the motorists left her name and phone number, and stated she was running late for work and left the area. An officer arrived and is conducting an investigation.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 14 at 1:33 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim reported that while she was inside a business someone broke into her vehicle and stole her purse from the floorboard. A witness described the suspect vehicle as a black Audi SUV, being driven by a female Black driver. The suspect was described as a male Black, 25-35 years old, 5’10” to 6’0”, thin build, wearing a yellow hoodie. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On July 15 at 8:06 a.m., a suspicious subject was reported possibly lighting a fire in the 900 block of W. Duarte. An officer arrived and located the subject, who was lighting a cigarette. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On July 15 at 3:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mayflower and Lemon when he saw a subject who he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was detained and arrested for the warrant.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 15 at 7:26 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington. While the victim was shopping in a business, a window on her vehicle was smashed and her backpack was stolen from inside. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 16 at 10:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called police to report a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his vehicle late in the evening the night before. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, he saw the rear passenger window had been smashed. His backpack, which contained personal identifying information, was taken. Investigation continuing.
Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 17 at 9:49 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Shamrock and Evergreen when he saw an adult male sitting on a bench huffing an aerosol can. The subject had dried blood on his shirt. Officers stopped and talked with the subject, who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect was then taken by the Monrovia Fire Department to a nearby hospital to be checked out.
Embezzlement
On July 17 at 4:09 p.m., an owner of a business in the 1700 block of California called to report an employee altered financial statements and embezzled approximately $100,000. The investigation is continuing.
Special Meeting of Monrovia Council and Supervisor Barger
- rWMP Storm Water Program
- Youth Employment Services Program
- Homeless Response Program and Information
- Lucinda Garcia Park Improvements
https://is.gd/D845QY
- Brad Haugaard
DUI Checkpoint Tuesday Night, July 23 - Some Tips
Over the course of the past three years, there have been 127 DUI collisions with 32 of those collisions resulting in injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.
In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths, because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.
Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:
• Always use a designated driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police Department press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Honored for GoMonrovia Program
Launched in March 2018, GoMonrovia leverages the strengths of the ride-share provider Lyft, in partnership with the City's dial-a-ride operator, to provide fast and affordable transportation throughout Monrovia. Since its inception, over 23,000 individuals have signed up to use Lyft through GoMonrovia, making the program Lyft's most utilized transportation partnership.
This innovative program addresses suburban mobility challenges by creating a public-private partnership to provide fast, convenient and affordable transportation options around town. With 30 percent of rides each month beginning or ending at the highly-utilized Monrovia Gold Line station or in Old Town Monrovia, the program fills the previous gap in reliable first and last mile transit connections, reduces parking demand and eases commuter parking shortages. It has created a viable new model of suburban mobility and accessibility that other cities can replicate. For more information on GoMonrovia, visit www.gomonrovia.com.
The American Society for Public Administration is a 9,000-member organization of government and nonprofit administrators, scholars, educators and students. ASPA advances the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Lowe's Coming to Monrovia
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ Lowe's is coming to Monrovia, at the former OSH on Huntington Drive, hopefully by this September. Lowe's, which owned OSH, plans for the new store to havean new "appliance-centric" concept, but also with the kind of home improvement items typically found in a Lowe's store.
~ Charter Communication will be installing underground communications conduit through this Thursday, which is affecting traffic on Lemon, just west of Myrtle.
~ Family Hike & Campout in Canyon Park. BBQ dinner, s'mores, a hike, story-time, and more. Dates: July 27-28, Aug. 25-26, Sept. 7-8, Sept. 28-29. Registration opens three weeks before each event. sign up early to get a spot. Cost: $50. For questions call Community Services at 256-8155.
~ Summer Movies in the Park. Bringa lawn chair, blankets, and snacks. Dates: July 20 - Incredibles 2 at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue;
July 27 - Ralph Breaks the Internet at Julian Fisher Park; Aug. 3 - Mary Poppins Returns at Rotary Park; Aug. 10 - Wall-E at Library Park. Movies start at dusk.
- Brad Haugaard
Auditions for 'Lend Me a Tenor'
- Brad Haugaard
Amanda - Hypno-Cat
"Hi, I'm Amanda! Hey, are you listening? Or did you get lost in my eyes? It's OK, that's been happening a lot lately! I'm definitely a head turner, and on more than one occasion I've noticed volunteers stopping mid-walk and coming over to the glass to see me, as if hypnotized by my eyes. That volunteer with the camera was just here the other day, waving her fingers at me while I stared at her. I'm magnetic! And why wouldn't you want a cat that everyone loves? People will be coming by from far and wide to get a glimpse of me! You'll make so many new friends! But even if that's not true, and we live a quiet life without people lined up at the door to see me, I'LL be your friend. And I think that's pretty great!"
The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.
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 at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
See Jupiter Tonight in Old Town
- Brad Haugaard
Francisco and Felix Gutierrez to Be Honored With Neighborhood Treasure Landmark
The next Neighborhood Treasure will be a four-sided statue honoring Francisco and Felix Gutierrez. It will be comprised of various materials, with two sides dedicated to Francisco and the other two to his son, Felix, to be placed at the southeast corner of Shamrock and Lemon.
Some detail:
The 1928 Monrovia Business Directory lists Francisco Gutierrez as one of only two Spanish-surnamed business owners, and he did a considerable amount of work to help build Monrovia. Of particular note, Francisco Gutierrez was responsible for installing the sidewalks around the former Monrovia Plunge (and the site of our current Monrovia Historical Museum), Immaculate Conception Church, and the tennis courts at Recreation Park, as well as at a number of private homes in the community. Common to that era, the company that poured concrete would imprint their business name into the sidewalk, and even today, there are numerous sidewalks throughout Monrovia with the Gutierrez imprint.
Francisco’s son, Felix J. Gutierrez, was born in 1918. Felix Gutierrez attended Pasadena Junior College to study art, and during that time, he started a newspaper called Mexican Voice. Launched from his home, Felix Gutierrez was the writer, artist, and editor of the paper, which provided an important voice for the Mexican American movement throughout the Southwest portions of the United States. In an editorial with political cartoons, Mexican Voice questioned the inequity that Mexican volunteers were considered “white” by the World War II draft board, but “colored” by school districts and neighbors. Felix Gutierrez’s efforts, through Mexican Voice, helped lead to the development of a better integrated, more tolerant and fairer society, both in Monrovia and beyond.
Source: https://is.gd/H8vzN4
- Brad Haugaard
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