Monrovia Police Department is Retiring Its 357-CELL Phone Number

From a Monrovia Police Department tweet:

"After 30 years of dedicated service we are at once happy and sad to announce the retirement of our Cell Watch program this February... for the two of you out there who still call (626) 357-CELL for police services please change it to 626-256-8000 or dial 911 in an emergency."

- Brad Haugaard

Tyga - Senior Dog with an Inner Puppy

At thirteen years old, Tyga is a senior dog, but he’s as cute as any puppy! Tyga is house-trained, and good with people and kids. He’s calm, enjoys affection, likes playing with a ball, and walks well on a leash. He knows his “sit” command on cue, and even though they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, Tyga knows that snacks are a great motivator for him. Sure, puppies are cute, but this happy guy has an inner puppy he can’t wait to show 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

Foothill Gym Moves to Foothill

Foothill Gym now is on Foothill. The gym has relocated from Myrtle to a larger space at the former Monrovia Masonic Center at the southwest corner of Foothill and Primrose. It has tents covering 10,000 square feet set up for exercise in the back parking lot and its website says it is "Certified by LA County Department of Public Health for Covid19 Safety and Compliance."

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: In Front of Monrovia Steam Bakery

 Monrovia Steam Bakery on E Colorado and Central Boarding House c. 1901. 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

Winter in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard 

Bernie on a Bench - Bernie Sanders Meme Hits Monrovia

The muffled up Bernie Sanders meme has come to Monrovia. The image of Sanders bundled up against the cold during the inauguration has been applied to probably hundreds of backgrounds worldwide, and now, to the Mark Twain bench in Library Park. Linda Elyad writes that her husband Bill Finn created it.

- Brad Haugaard

Coffee/Bookstore Espresso Mi Cultura Closing at End of Month

Espresso Mi Cultura, a gourmet espresso bar/coffeehouse and specialty bookstore at 415 S. Myrtle, founded by Josefina Aguilar, has announced that it is closing permanently as of Jan. 31. In a Facebook post: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the permanent closure of Espresso Mi Cultura. Thank you all for your support and wish you all the best! Stop by Saturday or Sunday to say goodbye!"

- Brad Haugaard

Give Your Thoughts on Monrovia General Plan

 Monrovia is working on an update to its General Plan, and would like to get your thoughts through this survey, which needs to be completed by Feb. 12: https://is.gd/GYeeIS

The General Plan is the City's long range planning document and lays out goals and policies to help guide future growth. There will be an update to the Safety Element of the plan, and there will be a new Environmental Justice Element, which will "focus on communities within the city that bear increased burdens, including high poverty, high unemployment, and air and water pollution."

There will be other opportunities to give your thooughts about the plan. If you would like additional information, or want to be added to the contact list, email the Planning Division at planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 201 More Cases, 4 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 01/20/2021. Changes since 01/13/2021.

City of Monrovia: 2,675 cases (up 201), 50 deaths (up 4)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 309 cases (up 21), 1 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 'State of the City' Presentation Jan. 27

Watch the Monrovia "State of the City" presentation on January 27, 2021, at 6 p.m. at this link: https://is.gd/D3rZua

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch from Peach Cafe

Got lunch today from Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado near Ivy. Got the Chicken Pesto Salad with cornbread for $11. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

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