Second Option for Betty Sandford Virtual Memorial

If you would like to join the Betty Sandford Virtual Memorial (Wednesday, March 24 at 6 p.m.), there is now a second way to do so if you don't have access to Facebook. You can also join in on the ChangeMakers Zoom meeting.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87454265049?pwd=UGEybHp0Y0grS3d5ZFJjdytuNlZCUT09

Meeting ID: 874 5426 5049

Passcode: 712476

And if you do have access to Facebook, you can participate here: facebook.com/ulises.gutierrez.5095

- Brad Haugaard

Switch - Monrovia Football Will Play Paraclete Instead of San Marino On Friday

The Monrovia/San Marino football game has been canceled for this Friday. Instead, Monrovia will play Paraclete this Friday. Home game. San Marino had to cancel because it has players committed to other sports and also has some injured players. https://is.gd/x7hU8s

- Brad Haugaard

Peppa Warms Up Quickly With a Cheek Scratch

Peppa is ten years old and loves affection! She was given a plastic spring toy recently and rubbed it with her chin, but she was much more interested in being petted. This sweet kitty wants to get to know you first, but she warms up to people very quickly when cheek scratches are involved. She loves being pet so much, she’ll even drool when she’s truly content! Peppa would make a great lap cat or couch buddy in a calm home. This lovebug even does well with other cats and small dogs.

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 day at 5:00 p.m. for the following day.

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: 200 Block of Myrtle in 1927

200 Block of S Myrtle 1927 with Maxwell Chrysler car dealership and realty companies. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.

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

Studio Movie Grill in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

File photo.

Studio Movie Grill, which owns the theater on Myrtle, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This does not necessarily mean it will go out of business, but means it is seeking protection from its creditors.

The corporation, like other theater chains, has been suffering due to the COVID pandemic. https://is.gd/vzUnpc 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Opens with 42-13 Victory

Monrovia football has a 42-14 victory over Northview in its season opening game. https://is.gd/BVWJNt

- Brad Haugaard

Disney May Film 'Cheaper By the Dozen' at Monrovia High; Hybrid Schedule

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

~ Renting parts of Monrovia High for the filming of a Disney movie called Cheaper By the Dozen, based on a 1950 biographical book about two parents, 12 kids, and - the New York Times said - "a life of cheerfully controlled chaos." It has been made into movies before. Filming starts March 30 and will last 12 days. The district will get $5,500 for set-up and break-down days, and $11,000 for each filming day. Sounds like about $121,000 total. https://is.gd/KVci4K

~ Approving the proposed Secondary Hybrid Instructional Model for all secondary schools. https://is.gd/Zi0mCt

- Brad Haugaard

Passport Office Reopens April 19, Virtual and In-Person Classes

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

~ The Monrovia Community Center Passport Office, at 119 W. Palm Avenue, will reopen on Monday, April 19, for passport services by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 932-5598. Appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Agents vsm assist with new passport applications and answer questions about renewals and other passport questions.

~  Spring classes (virtual and a few in-person) will start on Monday, March 22. Classes include:  Dance, Dog Obedience, Education, Exercise, Yoga/Qigong, Community  Events, Special Event, Youth Classes, Educational, Exercise, Golf,  Martial Arts, Soccer, Youth Programs, Junior Resercher Academy, Youth  Sports. https://is.gd/9gaMks

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe Mundial

Dinner at Cafe Mundial, on the east side of Myrtle a bit north of Colorado. Got the Seared Ahi for $24 and a beer for $6.  The ahi was pretty large and seared nicely on the outside and pretty red inside. Very good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Only 7 New Cases; Unfortunately, 1 New Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 03/17/2021. Changes since 03/10/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,105 cases (up 7), 71 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 365 cases (up 2), 1 deaths (unchanged)

Fewer than half the number of new cases as last week. 16 down to 7. 

- Brad Haugaard

Invitation to Betty Sandford Virtual Memorial

 

By Ulises Gutierrez

Betty was born June 18, 1927 in Monrovia and lived there for more than 90 years. Like her parents, Jack and Marian Zelkowitz, and her husband Jules Sandford, she loved this community and spent a lifetime helping make Monrovia a better place to live, work and raise a family. 

 

She was an activist who saw wrongs and took actions to right them. Betty took on monumental projects and provided the leadership and resources, both human and financial, to guarantee success. Her determination and organizational skills made her community better and improved the lives of others, especially the youth and disadvantaged.  

 

Betty Sandford’s legacy is evident throughout Monrovia and places far beyond. The world is a better place and we are more considerate people because of her. She and Jules were respected and loved - role models who are sorely missed and will not be forgotten.\

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Social Security Scam; Stolen Scooter; Driver Accidentally Runs Over Woman's Arm; Bicycle Chase; Suspect Bathes in Camper; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 11-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 307 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Grand Theft
March 11 at 9:12 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Olive called to report the catalytic converter was stolen from her vehicle sometime during the night. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
March 11 at 7:18 p.m., a resident arrived home in the 200 block of N. Grand and noticed their mailbox and a package had been taken from their property. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The mailbox was found near the intersection of Canyon and Wildrose. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 7:20 p.m., a caller reported a driver swerving in and out of traffic in the area of Myrtle and Pomona. Officers in the area located the vehicle and stopped it for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
March 12 at 2:19 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of E. Huntington called to report his security cameras had just recorded someone inside his closed business. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already fled the building. An interior search revealed the suspect broke a window to gain entry. Once inside, the suspect took several pieces of high dollar audio and video equipment. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 3:40 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called police to report a subject on his property. The subject had previously been served a no-trespass authorization. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, who refused to leave. The resident made a private person’s arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Phone Scam
March 12 at 8:46 a.m., a local resident called police and inquired about a phone call she received. A caller (scammer) stated they were from the Social Security Administration and told the resident that several bank accounts had been opened in her name. The scammer said a police officer found a stolen vehicle with drugs, blood, and credit cards in her name, and as a result, a warrant was issued for her. In order to clear her name, she needed to purchase six $500.00 cash cards and provide the account numbers to the caller. The reporting party purchased $1,900.00 worth of cash cards, but wisely decided to call the police prior to providing the account numbers to the caller. She was informed of the scam and did not call the scammer back. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 6:26 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and Primrose regarding a female subject who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel. An investigation revealed the adult female suspect was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs. The driver was arrested and taken to a local hospital for a blood test, before being held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
March 12 at 6:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 1200 block of Alta Vista. The victim called to report a scooter he rented had been stolen from the location. Officers checked the area, but the scooter was not located. A report was taken and this investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 8:25 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of W. Duarte regarding a domestic dispute. Officers interviewed the involved parties and found there were no injuries. Both parties provided conflicting statements. The investigation revealed the female was the aggressor and she was arrested.

Drug Activity / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
March 13 at 3:50 a.m., officers patrolling the 300 block of N. Myrtle noticed a suspicious vehicle loitering in the area. Further investigation revealed the vehicle license plate returned to a different vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated and three suspects were detained. The vehicle contained controlled substances and property that appeared to belong to other vehicles. Two of the suspects were found to have warrants for their arrest. The two suspects were arrested for the warrants. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 13 at 11:29 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called to report her vehicle had been broken into sometime during the night. She locked the doors and made sure the windows were rolled up. She left a travel bag containing a computer and wallet inside the vehicle. She returned to her vehicle in the morning and noticed her travel bag was missing. There were no signs of forced entry. This investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 3:42 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Linwood regarding a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a male and female subject at the location and discovered the male was recently arrested for domestic violence against the female. Further investigation revealed there was an active domestic violence restraining order preventing him from being near her. The male subject was arrested for violating the restraining order.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
March 15 at 7:12 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Palm walked outside his home and discovered someone had collided into his parked vehicle. His vehicle had been parked on the street in front of his house, and he believes it happened sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 15 at 1:12 p.m., a traffic accident was reported at a parking lot in the 500 block of W. Duarte. A motorist had just driven over a woman's arm in the parking lot. The woman had apparently fainted next to the passenger side of a parked vehicle. The driver of the vehicle didn't know she was lying on the ground as he backed up. When the driver felt he hit something, he stopped and found the woman, then rendered aid. Paramedics responded to provide additional aid. The arm injury was not life threatening.

Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 4:34 p.m., a caller reported a male subject chasing another male subject on a bicycle in the 100 block of N. May. Officers responded and detained both subjects. An investigation revealed the subject on the bike had just stolen it and the owner of the bike was chasing him. The bike was returned to the owner, but he did not desire to prosecute the suspect. The suspect was also found to have a felony warrant for his arrest for a previous fraud crime. He was arrested for the warrant.

Mail Theft
March 16 at 12:31 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Ivy walked outside her home and discovered someone had broken into her locked mailbox and took her mail. Her neighbor's mailbox also had the lock broken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 16 at 4:20 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Mayflower reported that someone had forced entry into his camper, which was parked at his home. The suspect bathed inside the camper, then stole personal items belonging to the victim. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 16 at 8:59 p.m., a motorcyclist was traveling approximately 100 miles per hour east in the 400 block of E. Foothill, where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour. The motorcyclist attempted to pass a vehicle making a left turn from Foothill onto Grand Avenue. The motorcycle collided into the driver’s side of the vehicle, which ejected the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital by Monrovia Paramedics and is in stable condition. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. DUI was not a factor in this collision.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 17 at 9:59 a.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of S. Peck regarding a vehicle collision. A vehicle rear ended another vehicle, and one of the driver’s complained of pain. Paramedics responded to treat the injured party, and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto
March 17 at 12:13 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim last saw her van around 3:15 a.m. that morning. When she returned at 11:30 a.m., her vehicle was gone. Surveillance footage shows the vehicle was stolen at approximately 3:30 a.m. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system and the investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 17 at 1:27 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Central and Myrtle regarding a vehicle collision. A tow truck began having mechanical issues that caused him to hit two other stopped vehicles. Two of the driver’s complained of pain and were treated by paramedics.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 17 at 2:05 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and California regarding a traffic collision. One of the vehicles stopped for a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk. Another vehicle was not able to stop in time and hit the first vehicle. One of the driver’s complained of pain to her chest and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Virtual 11th Annual MAP Conference

"The MAP Neighborhood Conference’s goal is to provide the entire community, including the surrounding areas of Monrovia, an opportunity to gain education, information, training, resources, and build relationships with individuals and groups from all different walks of life. In return, we want everyone in attendance to take what they have learned and share it within their community, their work, their neighborhoods, or anywhere it might be needed."

- Brad Haugaard

100-MPH Crash on Foothill Injures Motorcyclist

On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 8:59 p.m., a motorcyclist was traveling approximately 100 MPH east in the 400 block of E. Foothill where the posted speed limit is 35 MPH. The motorcyclist attempted to pass a vehicle making a left turn from Foothill onto Grand Avenue. The motorcycle collided into the driver’s side of the vehicle, which ejected the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital by Monrovia Paramedics, and is in stable condition. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. DUI was not a factor in this collision.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovian, NFL Coach Wayne Nunnely, to be Buried in Monrovia

Former Monrovian and noted football coach, Wayne Benjamin Nunnely, who died on February 16 of this year, will be buried in Live Oak Park on Duarte Road in a private service on March 26.

Nunnely grew up in Monrovia, played football at Monrovia High and at UNLV, then had a career coaching at UCLA, USC, UNLV, then with The New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. He was the first African American head coach on the West Coast.

Partial source: https://is.gd/4SASOa

- Brad Haugaard

Sol Is Gentle and Intelligent, And Oh So Handsome!

Three-year-old Sol is a gentle and intelligent dog, and so handsome! He already knows his commands of sit, down, paw, and touch, and he loves getting treats for showing off his tricks. Sol is a cuddly dog who loves people and going for walks. He would do best in a home where he can be the only pet and give you all his snuggles!

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: Eva C. Rehrman and Friend c. 1922

Eva C. Rehrman and friend c. 1922 looking east on W. Palm (now occupied by the Community Center) toward Myrtle Ave. with Woman's Clubhouse in background and Methodist Church (right). 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

New City Entry Sign Planned for Huntington at Fifth; MOTAB Board; Promoting Bicycle Riding

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/SUPuXX) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider a new city entry sign at the west side of town at Huntington Drive and Fifth. It'll cost about $204,000, to be paid for from the Art in Public Places Fund, which was, in turn, funded by the builders of the Areum condo project. The sign will echo the "MONROVIA" sign at City Hall and have the leaves motif you can see at the eastbound freeway exit at Myrtle. https://is.gd/rUhy7q

~ Consider increasing the size of Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board from five to seven people. City staff is making no recommendation on what to do. https://is.gd/gXgKQU

~ Hear a report on a new program to encourage bicycle riding in the city. https://is.gd/B5BBjI

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Plans to Promote Bicycle Riding

Photo by C Drying on Unsplash

As part of the GoMonrovia transportation program, the city is planning to promote bicycle riding in Monrovia with "a 'Ride-to-Own' bicycle pilot program, which includes dedicated bike programs for residents, commuters, restaurants for delivery services, bike shops (rentals/repairs), as well as a digital platform and a budget for infrastructure updates and marketing."

The program is designed to "alleviate safety and financial barriers to owning and riding bikes in Monrovia."

Also, the city is working to get the Monrovia Transit vehicles (for handicapped individuals) onto the Lyft app so people can order a ride just as Lyft riders do.

The matter will be reported on at the next City Council meeting: https://is.gd/SUPuXX

Source: https://is.gd/B5BBjI

- Brad Haugaard

Hippity Hoppity Photo Op March 27 at Library Park

Program is free, but registration for 15-minute photo time slots are limited and required. Plague rules apply.

- Brad Haugaard