Monrovia Police: Cops Follow Dripping Car to Suspect; Thieves Steal Comforters; Thief Takes Car ... And Girlfriend; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 14-20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 366 service events, resulting in 75 investigations. 

Domestic Violence / Robbery – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 9:06 a.m., a guest at a hotel in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called 911 and then hung up. Officers responded and discovered the caller's boyfriend had just battered her, causing injuries. He then forcefully took her cellphone from her and broke it, endangering their six-month-old baby, as she was holding the child as all of this occurred. The suspect was apprehended by officers as he was fleeing the area. After a thorough investigation was conducted, the suspect was arrested. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 14 at 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called to report someone had broken into her vehicle. Sometime during the evening, someone shattered her vehicle window and took several items from inside. Investigation continuing. 

Theft of Mail
January 14 at 8:54 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Cloverleaf called police to report he just saw a male suspect break into a neighbor's mailbox. The suspect left the area on foot. Officers arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Investigation continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 11:11 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Norumbega called to report a solo vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and spoke with the occupants. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed, and it was determined the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 4:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of W. Foothill when he saw a subject he recognized from previous contacts. He was aware this subject was wanted in relation to two felony investigations. The officer detained the subject, confirmed the wanted person warrant, and then arrested the subject. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 3:10 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Foothill called police to report that a black Mustang had collided into something and drove away. Officers responded and followed a trail of fluid from the area. The vehicle was located in a nearby parking structure. The vehicle had front-end damage. The driver was still sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. A computer check revealed she had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. Officers searched the area, but could not locate the other half of the collision. Day watch officers were notified in case a victim called to report a hit and run. The driver was arrested. 

Grand Theft
January 16 at 10:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft of merchandise. One male and two female suspects entered the store and selected six bed comforters. The suspects fled from the store without paying in a black, 4-door Volkswagen Jetta. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
January 16 at 12:05 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cherry called police to report a theft. The victim parked his Ford Excursion on the street in front of his residence the evening before. At 7:00 a.m., the victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding. When he went outside to check his vehicle, he saw a white Volkswagen Bug fleeing from the area. He started his vehicle and discovered his catalytic converter had been stolen off the vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 7:16 p.m., a community member called police to report a possible DUI driver in the 600 block of S. Mountain. An officer located the vehicle and saw the driver commit several vehicle code violations. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed, and it was determined the driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
January 16 at 7:30 p.m., a male subject called police to report his vehicle was just taken from the 800 block of W. Duarte without his permission. He informed dispatch that his 20- year-old female friend was inside the vehicle when it was taken. Officers responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. All surrounding agencies were notified and the Foothill Air Support Team was utilized. After a lengthy investigation, it was learned that the female subject willingly went with the suspect and was not kidnapped. At around 11:00 p.m., Pasadena Police Department advised they had located the vehicle in their city. The male driver was arrested, and the female subject confirmed that she willingly went with the suspect, whom she knew. She was interviewed and released at the scene. 

Grand Theft / Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
January 17 at 3:57 a.m., a resident in the area of Shamrock and Almond called to report a male suspect attempting to break into a neighbor’s vehicle. When the suspect saw the resident, he entered a white Van and left the area. Officers searched the area and located the van. One suspect was underneath the van and another was inside. Both were detained. In plain view, the officer could see several catalytic converters and burglary tools in the rear of the van. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
January 18 at 10:48 p.m., officers were patrolling the area near Alta Vista and Short when they observed a suspicious parked vehicle. They ran the license plate on the vehicle and found it had been reported stolen. The vehicle was unoccupied. The officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, and they responded and recovered it at the scene. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 2:23 a.m., officers were on patrol near the area of Mayflower and Chestnut when they saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. They stopped the bicyclist and made contact with her. A consent search of her backpack revealed drug paraphernalia. She was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Burglary
January 20 at 10:28 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 1300 block of S. Shamrock. An unknown suspect entered the location through the rear doors and stole an iPad and several other items. Video surveillance of the location was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Grand Theft Auto
January 20 at 3:43 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle is a burgundy Chevy Silverado that was parked at the location. The suspects arrived in a large SUV and stole the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle was entered into law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing. 

A History of Monrovia High School From 1893 to 2021

By Steve Baker

City Historian, President of Monrovia Historical Society

Public education was held in high esteem by the founders of Monrovia from its beginning in May of 1886. William Monroe, a former school teacher himself, underwrote the cost of a public school from November of 1886 until May of 1887, when an elementary school district could be formed. The first public school building, the Orange Avenue School, welcomed its first classes in October of 1887. Nearly six years later, in the Spring of 1893, there was common agreement that a high school should be established in Monrovia as well. The population of the city was slightly over 900. The election on the matter of forming a high school district was set for July 22, 1893—a month and day significant for the high school over one hundred years later.

Seventy six votes were cast in favor of the new district, with one dissenting vote. As one later historian observed, “Never since that date has there been such an overwhelming majority in favor of a school issue.” On September 18, 1893 the new high school opened with 27 students. The school was housed in two rooms of the Orange Avenue School. Two years later the high school had its first graduating class: Carroll Fowler and Ida Whittington. Both went on to higher education.

By 1903, both the elementary and high schools were bursting at the seams. The elementary school district was able to pass a bond measure in the amount of $30,000 to construct a new school building on Ivy Avenue in Monrovia, now the site of Clifton Middle School. The high school district, lacking the funding to construct a school building of its own, rented space in the new building and moved the high school to Ivy Avenue. After another elementary school was constructed in 1907, the high school only occupied the campus. Another building was added to the campus in 1912, designed by the prominent Los Angeles architectural firm of Allison & Allison.

In the early years, each graduating class at the high school chose its own colors, but by 1903, green and white had been chosen for the school as a whole. The school mascot, the “Wildcat”, must have been chosen about the same time.

The neighboring communities of Arcadia and Duarte both voted to join the Monrovia City High School District in 1920—Duarte on July 26 and Arcadia on November 15. The increased student population made the Ivy Avenue buildings inadequate, and the limited size of the campus dictated a new location for the high school. On June 14, 1927 a successful bond election in the amount of $625,000 made the purchase of the present campus at Colorado and Madison and the construction of the original six buildings on the campus possible. Later that year a petition was submitted to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to change the name of the high school to the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School.

In April of 1928 the cornerstone was laid for the new high school. John C. Austin and Frederic M. Ashley of Los Angeles were the principal architects, with the assistance of Austin Whittlesey. $495,000 was the construction cost. Dedication of the new high school took place on January 25, 1929, after the move to the new campus from Ivy Avenue was completed. The dedicatory address was given by R.B. von Klein-Smid, president of the University of Southern California. The façade of the main building bore the names of the constituent communities above the arched entry doors to the mail building.

New buildings were added to the campus over the next twenty years: a new gymnasium, a social science building, and a new shop building. Superintendent A. K. Wilson wrote in 1943 that in the first fifty years of its existence, 4000 students had graduated from the high school and an additional 1,000 had attended. Also in 1943 Le Roy Criss, a member of a pioneer Black family in Monrovia, the Adams Family, dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Army. He became a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. He had learned to fly at the Monrovia Airport.

Monrovia High School’s first association with an American president was in October of 1946, when the auditorium was the scene of the 4th debate between incumbent congressman Jerry Voorhis of the 12th Congressional District and his challenger, Richard M. Nixon. It was Nixon’s first campaign for public office, and he went on to successfully defeat Voorhis and begin his journey to the White House.

The post World War II boom caused a surge in the population of the San Gabriel Valley, as orange groves were replaced by new homes for G.I.'s who had been introduced to California during the war. Arcadia grew to the extent that it could support its own high school district, and it voted to do so effective July 1, 1951. When the last of the Arcadia students graduated in 1954, the high school became Monrovia-Duarte High School. Duarte had also grown, and there was similar sentiment to establishing a Duarte High School as well. A $975,000 bond measure was approved by the voters of the district in November of 1955 for the construction of Duarte High School, with the understanding that at is completion Duarte would withdraw from the unified high school district. With the completion of the new high school and the graduation of the last of the Duarte students, the circle had come full round and the high school’s official name was once again Monrovia High School. And in July of 1961 the elementary school district and the high school district merged to form the Monrovia Unified School District, ending the high school district’s nearly seventy year history as a separate entity.

Fifty years after its first encounter with an American president, Monrovia High School was visited by an incumbent president, Bill Clinton, who spoke in the auditorium. Monrovia had gained national attention for is focus on attendance and its anti-truancy ordinance, and Clinton came to praise the efforts and to recommend them to other districts throughout the nation. It was a significant day for Clinton to visit—one hundred and three years earlier the voters of Monrovia had voted to create the very high school that Clinton visited.

After a major renovation of the high school buildings from 1955 to 1957, no new construction took place until 2006, when a successful bond measure made possible another renovation of the existing buildings and the construction of new ones. The physical features of the campus were improved as well.

The bell in the tower of Monrovia High School has an interesting history. It was originally installed in the tower of the Orange Avenue School of 1887, first home to Monrovia High School. When that building was demolished in 1918, the bell went to the district warehouse. Rediscovered in 1964, the bell was given a place of honor at the high school. Another interesting landmark is the “Big M” on the hillside overlooking the high school campus.

Created in 1951, the lighting was so arranged that at night the center section in the form of a “V” could be lighted separately as a symbol of the victory of one of the high school’s sports team.

And speaking of sports, Monrovia High School has produced some outstanding athletes: Ed Shaw, Hardiman Cureton, Johnny Lindell, Keith Lincoln, George Trapp, Corie Blount, Fair Hooker, Damon Griffin, Chris Hale, and Roy Zimmerman. For 58 years, from 1952 to 2010, a C.I.F. Southern Section championship eluded the varsity football team. After ten tries, the high school achieved that distinction in 2010, repeating that accomplishment in 2011 and 2012 as well.

Several alumna of Monrovia High School have brought honor to their Alma Mater. Colleen Kay Hutchins was named as Miss America during the 1951-1952 school year, and Dawn Baker later reigned as Queen of the 76th Tournament of Roses.

Monrovia High School also has a long history of musical excellence. The band and orchestra first achieved distinction under the thirty-year leadership of Harold Scott, while the choral music organizations were greatly expanded under the direction of Chester Ullom during a similar tenure. The drama department has won regional awards for its productions.

In the words of the Alma Mater, “There’s a high school in the valley which is lacking not in fame. Through the triumphs of her students, M.H.S. has gained a name.” Monrovia High School does indeed have a name, a proud history, and a bright future. Fight on, Wildcats!

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Wins Award for Energy-Saving Projects

Citrus College Central Plant.

 Citrus College recently received a California Community Colleges Board of Governors Energy and Sustainability Award for its retro‐commissioning projects, which reduced energy usage and costs. Citrus was one of five award recipients announced during the Jan. 19 Board of Governors meeting. The college won Best Overall Innovative Project for a medium‐sized community college district.

The projects, costing $1.2 million, took place in the college's central plant and in the 12 largest buildings on campus. As a result Citrus College is saving nearly 1.5 million kilowatt‐hours each year, for an annual cost savings of approximately $225,000. 

- Brad Haugaard

Theo - A Cat for a Non-Cat Person

Not a cat person? Theo will change your mind immediately! This eight-year-old guy is the most social and affectionate cat. If you want someone to cuddle with you while you watch movies, or be your office buddy while you work, Theo is your guy. He loves snuggling, making biscuits, and being pet. Some of his other hobbies include sitting by the window and watching the world go by, and chittering at people with his adorable meow. His foster family says he’s a very sweet boy – all he needs is a warm lap, a good view, and you!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Early Monrovia Auto Garage With Hearse

Ed Switzenberg at garage with hearse. He worked at Bender's Garage at 201 S. Myrtle. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

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

Wind Warning Monday Night Through Late Tuesday Night

The National Weather Service has issued a wind warning in effect from Monday evening through late Tuesday night.  Northeast winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts 55 to 60 mph possible in the San Gabriel Valley. "Damaging winds could blow down large objects such as trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles." https://is.gd/YClAXR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Increasing Old Town Board to Seven Members

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/lloQOz) the Monrovia City Council will study whether to increase the number of members on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board from five to seven. https://is.gd/EqgWFX

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 291 More Cases, 2 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/13/2021. Changes since 01/06/2020.

City of Monrovia: 2,474 cases (up 291), 46 deaths (up 2)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 288 cases (up 34), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Betty Sandford, Active Lifelong Monrovian, Has Died

Betty Sandford, a lifetime Monrovian, and very active in the community, has died, according to a post by City Council Member Becky Shevlin. From Sandford's online biography:

Betty served as Foreign Policy Chair of the League of Women Voters of Monrovia, was twice president of the League of Women Voters of Monrovia, served on the League's State Board and chaired the LWV of Pasadena's Study on Dropout Prevention. She was Newsletter Editor for Alliance for a Better Community and participated in its successful efforts to strengthen both the Monrovia School District and the City of Monrovia.

She was active in Monrovia's first Human Relations Committee, the development of the city's first Head Start program; supporting the integration of Monrovia schools and, later, a successful biracial effort to prevent anticipated violence on the high school campus.

Betty served on the Boards of Santa Anita Family Service, the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce. Monrovia League, Foothill Unity Center, Arcadia Branch of AAUW and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and as president of HOY (Help Our Youth), Social Model Recovery Systems, the Monrovia Community Services Commission, the UNA-USA Pasadena Chapter and the UNA's Committee of Chapter & Division Presidents, and served on UNA's National Board.

Betty has conducted research on local and international relations issues, chaired discussions on the information gathered and lobbied state and national legislators to further the goals developed. She trained delegates to the UN Conference on Environment & Development and led the UNA delegation. Betty chaired the first global education conference in California and was a coordinator of the Bilateral Nuclear Freeze Campaign.

And more...

Source: https://is.gd/e0eOlz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car in Living Room; Purse Swiped from Unlocked Car; Car Roll-Over; Burglary Suspects Caught; Domestic Violence

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 7-13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 311 service events, resulting in 56 investigations. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
January 7 at 1:23 a.m., a vehicle traveling east on Foothill was approaching Mountain and failed to stop at the posted stop sign. The vehicle continued through the intersection and hit the driveway at a residence in the 100 block of S. Mountain, launching the vehicle over the front porch area and into the living room of the residence. The driver fled the scene. Officers checked the area, but could not locate the driver. The family that lives in the residence was not injured. A second party was later able to identify the driver. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspects Arrested
January 7 at 11:27 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and Mountain after receiving reports of a collision in the area. Residents in the area called to report multiple subjects running from the vehicle. Officers arrived and detained three subjects and managed to detain another after a foot pursuit through a nearby park. The driver and other suspects that ran were arrested.

Theft from a Vehicle

January 8 at 7:56 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Encino walked outside her home and discovered someone had entered her unlocked vehicle sometime during the night and took her purse, which was left in the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
January 8 at 8:30 a.m., a male subject called police to report a battery incident. He told officers he was walking to work in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle when a vehicle stopped next to him and four male subjects exited. They immediately began battering him, then fled the area. They made no attempt to take any of his property. It is unknown why they battered him. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
January 8 at 10:51 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Shamrock and Los Angeles. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. The driver who caused the collision was issued a citation. 

Medical Assist
January 9 at 6:09 a.m., officers responded to a medical assist in the 900 block of S. Fifth. During the investigation, officers determined it was an accidental overdose. Paramedics responded and provided medical aid. The subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment 

Rollover Traffic Collision
January 9 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to the 210 Freeway off-ramp at Huntington after receiving a call reporting a vehicle exiting that lost control and rolled over multiple times. Officers responded and found the driver had sustained only minor injuries. California Highway Patrol was notified and continued the investigation. 

Vehicle Tampering / Stolen Property / Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
January 10 at 8:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Shamrock called police to report a suspect had just tried to break into his truck. The resident came outside and saw the subject going through his toolbox, which is in the bed of his truck. The resident surprised the subject, who immediately ran to a waiting vehicle and fled the area. A license plate was obtained. As officers responded to the call, they located the suspect vehicle in the 200 block of E. Lime and a traffic stop was conducted. Both occupants had outstanding warrants for their arrest. A witness positively identified the suspects and the suspect vehicle. A search incident to arrest revealed a firearm, burglary tools, and stolen property. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 11:20 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the female victim in the lobby and realized the male suspect was with her. The suspect tried to walk away against officer’s instructions. Officers were able to detain him and an investigation was conducted. The female victim said the male was her boyfriend, and he had pushed her into a table. She hit her nose and it was bleeding. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drunk in Public / Obstruction – Suspect Arrested
January 12 at 3:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject causing a disturbance. Upon arrival they found a subject who has had multiple interactions with officers during the past week. The subject was intoxicated and refused to follow instructions. He was arrested for public intoxication and delaying officers. He was held for a sobering period. 

Residential Burglary
January 12 at 7:09 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Fifth called police to report that someone broke into his room and took a backpack. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The victim said the backpack had keys to a vehicle he believes is now stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing – Suspects Arrested
January 13 at 1:21 a.m., a security company monitoring a business in the 3000 block of S. Peck called police to report two subjects inside the location’s fence. Officers arrived and detained both subjects. They were arrested for trespassing. 

Commercial Burglary
January 13 at 3:13 a.m., officers were dispatched to an alarm call at a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Upon arrival, they saw that glass was broken on the front door. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch from The Monrovian

Got lunch today from The Monrovian, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Had the Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($10), and it was excellent - moist, flavorful and Big! I was thinking of saving part for dinner but it was just too good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Relaxed and Friendly Wally - A total Sweetie

As you can see from his smile, three-year-old Wally is a friendly and relaxed dog. He’s been hanging out in the Pasadena Humane Adoptions office lately, where he’s been enjoying long naps on a pile of blankets, delicious treats, and full-body petting. Wally is eager to learn, and he’s already mastered “sit” and “paw”. He’s a total sweetie who loves attention – all he needs is you!

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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Inside Rehrman's Bakery

Charles Rehrman's Bakery on Myrtle Avenue 1907. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

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

Water District Sponsoring Free Gardening Webinars

Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is sponsoring free webinars on gardening for food and beauty. Learn more about these topics:

• Designing with Herbs in the Landscape
• Constructing and Using Raised Planters
• Organic Integrated Pest Management
• Simple Organic Lawn Care Strategies
• Drip Irrigation Installation, Maintenance and Trouble Shooting
• Creating and Using Compost

Details: https://is.gd/7nMztb

- Brad Haugaard

Jewish Federation to Hold Holocaust Remembrance

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. through 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will virtually hold its annual "Every Person Has a Name" to commemorate UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The program will begin with a commemoration ceremony at 7 p.m. with remarks from Congressman Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Judy Chu, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assembly members Chris Holden and Blanca Rubio, local clergy, and a performance by the Jewish Federation's Jewish Youth Orchestra.

Holocaust survivors and children of Holocaust survivors will read the names of their family members who were murdered during the Holocaust,followed by volunteers from throughout the community reading names.

The event will be streamed live on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jewishsgpv) and volunteers are still needed to read names during 30-minute blocks, especially between 1 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. People can sign up by visiting the Jewish Federation's website (www.jewishsgpv.org) or by calling 445-0810. For more information contact the Jewish Federation at 445-0810 or email federation@jewishsgpv.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Monrovian Chung Chien Yu in Assaults on Women

A state appeals court panel today upheld the conviction of Monrovian Chung Chien Yu for attacks on four women, including sexual assault against three of them. Yu claimed there was insufficient evidence to support charges against him. https://is.gd/gNInST

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Apply for Grant to Replace Old Buses, Honor Employees, Declare 'Racial Healing Day', Accept Water Science Grants, Contract to Reduce Absenteeism

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/ZlOBA5) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~  Applying for a grant through the South Coast Air Quality Management District's "Lower-Emission School Bus Replacement Program" to replace the district's two pre-2001 diesel school buses with new lower emission school buses. https://is.gd/KADU3L

~ Honoring (together with the Chamber of Commerce) these district employees as Employees of the Month for January: Gwen Graber, Teacher - Mayflower; Cynthia Liska, Instructional Aide SPED - Mayflower; Berenice Paramo Garcia, Clerical Assistant I - Plymouth; Karen Harvey Jarrett, Teacher - Plymouth.

~ Declaring January 19, 2020, as the "National Day of Racial Healing." https://is.gd/CGQaBv

~ Ratifying three water education grants as part of the Upper District Water Education Grant Program for Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy. $1,000 for a garden curriculum (https://is.gd/lzAkcX), $1,000 for outdoor water ecosystem (https://is.gd/H6JaUY), and $450 for a weather station (https://is.gd/jFN2MW).

~ Contracting with the LA County Office of Education Curriculum and Instructional Services Department "to help TK-third grade teachers connect and integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies, in alignment with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to further support the selected schools that have a high rate of chronic absenteeism and Out Of school suspension rates for, TK-3rd grade foster youth, by increasing academic motivation and overall engagement." https://is.gd/QryvJQ

- Brad Haugaard

Parking Enforcement Suspended; City Hiring Jailer; Opportunities for Artists

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

~  Due to the Safer at Home Order, parking enforcement is suspended for street sweeping. Vehicles may park on the streets but residents are encouraged to move their vehicles on street sweeping days, if possible, to minimize the buildup of debris.

~ The city is hiring a jailer for the Monrovia Police Department. Apply here: https://is.gd/gDpKYQ

~ Monrovia is calling for artists to submit their ideas for painting five utility boxes and for two new "Neighborhood Treasures."

The 2021 "Art on the Box" theme is Route 66 and there are five utility boxes available for painting. Applications will be accepted through March. Details here: https://is.gd/5IMHMH

The Neighborhood Treasures are ...

Tuskegee Airman Leroy "Buster" Criss, who took flying lessons at Monrovia Airport and served during World War II in the "Redtails" - America's first black combat pilots.

Almera Romney, who during her 17 years at Huntington School (now gone) as a teacher and then principal fought pretty much everybody to change this under-resourced and unsafe segregated school that children of color were forced to attend, into a school where children received an excellent education. https://is.gd/5IMHMH

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Society Seeks to Rename Its YouTube Channel

The Monrovia Historical Society is trying to get 22 more subscribers to its YouTube channel, which is filled with videos of Monrovia history. If it can get these subscribers it can change its channel name from "UCL8mHAK2qmtPV4EuVRhsYmw" to something a bit more memorable, such as "MonroviaHistoricalSociety."

The number of subscribers has risen from about four to 78 (at this writing) since the channel was introduced in early December, but YouTube requires at least 100 subscribers to allow the Historical Society to choose its own name.

If you'd like to help (it's free) please go to YouTube, here and click the Subscribe button at the top of the page. If you don't have an account it will guide you in making one.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Covid Count: 219 More Cases, One More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/06/2020. Changes since 12/30/2020.

City of Monrovia: 2,183 cases (up 219), 44 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 254 cases (up 30), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard