Introduction Video for Virtual Old Homes Tour

The 2021 MOHPG Virtual Home Tour is from May 1-9 If you would like to watch the tour (Seven homes will be visited plus there is an introductory video; the videos can be watched anytime from May 1-9, 2021), you must register for the tour. An optional $20 donation is requested when you register. To register go to: https://2021mohpghometour.eventbrite.com

- Brad Haugaard

Second Homicide on Los Angeles Avenue in Two Months

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau detectives responded to the 100 block of Los Angeles Ave., in the city of Monrovia on Monday to assist Monrovia Police Department personnel investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of an adult male.

At approximately 5:25 PM, Monrovia Police responded to the 100 blk. Los Angeles Ave., Monrovia, regarding a shots heard call. When they arrived, they found a male Black adult suffering from several gunshot wounds to the upper and lower torso.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no known motive or suspect information at this time. The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Source: LA County Sheriff's Department: http://nixle.us/CMKAG

Note: There was another homicide on Los Angeles Avenue in February. https://is.gd/3IXNQG

Update: The victim has been identified as Darione Tyrone Jones, 25, of Arcadia. https://is.gd/3Enr9U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Superintendent Thorossian Honored for Women's History Month

The Ball/Frost Group has honored Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian, and other local women superintendents, as part of its tribute to women leaders in public education during Women's History Month. The Ball/Frost company (https://is.gd/mSbwl8) is a governmental lobbying group for public schools.

- Brad Haugaard

Registration Open for MAP Neighborhood Conference

The 11th Annual MAP (Monrovia Area Partnership) Neighborhood Conference will be completely virtual this year. Join us live on Saturday, April 17th at 9 a.m. for a Zoom Opening Ceremony. 

COVID information, Report by City Manager Dylan Feik and Assistant City Manager Lauren Vasquez, hidden art at Station Square, etc.

Click to register: https://is.gd/Srl09F

- Brad Haugaard

Tribute to Betty Sandford

On Wednesday March 24, 2021 friends, colleagues and family of one of Monrovia’s finest citizens, Betty Sandford, gathered via Zoom, Facebook and YouTube to celebrate her life.  Betty was born June 18, 1927 and passed away January 13, 2021, having lived nearly all her life in Monrovia.

Betty’s parents, Jack and Marian Zelkowitz first came to Monrovia in 1926. They opened a haberdashery at the southeast corner of Lemon and Myrtle, which they soon converted into a shoe store – Jack’s Quality Shoes -- and operated for twenty years.  (It remains a shoe store today, operated by a new owner) Jack later opened a real estate business and owned many downtown properties. Betty and her sister Charlotte were fixtures in Monrovia as children – napping in Library Park, riding on floats in Monrovia Days, and performing on their accordions around town.  

Betty married Jules Sandford and they became a team.  Jules became a law partner at Patten, Faith and Sandford, a pre-eminent law firm in Monrovia, doing much pro-bono work.  

Betty was instrumental in founding, shaping and/or supporting most of Monrovia’s community organizations over a 60-year span.  Representatives from some of these spoke at the March 24th event, including from the MUSD School Board, City Council, Centennial Committee, Monrovia Reads, Santa Anita Family Service, Quota, P.E.O., Santa Anita Family YMCA, Foothill Unity Center, Boys and Girls Club, Monrovia Theatre Arts, and Monrovia Fine Arts. Mayor Tom Adams spoke as did Darrell Carr, brother of former Mayor Bob Bartlett, and Marty Faith, whose husband Eric served on the City council.  Bob Bartlett, Eric Faith and Pat Ostrye were the slate that Betty and Jules helped get elected to change the City Council, which caused Monrovia’s renaissance.

In addition to the speakers, videos of her life were shown. The best video was of Betty practicing the jazz drum in her late 80s. She took lessons until last year (!) from professional musician Roy McCurdy, who also spoke.  Ulises Gutierrez, Ishika Muchhal, Marvin “Oka” Inoye and Councilmember Larry Spicer, people Betty mentored as teenagers, movingly told of her influence on them; one, Ishika performed a stunning live dance to Tony Bennett’s “There Will Never Be Another You”.  

The event was hosted by the Monrovia ChangeMakers, an organization Betty created when she was nearly 90.  She worked to combat bigotry and foster social justice all her life; it was a cause she felt strongly about.  Betty formed Monrovia ChangeMakers to honor people who had fought against bigotry and segregation in our community and continue to work to combat prejudice. The group published a book, stories of past changemakers, recognizing Betty and others. It can be downloaded or read online on the Monrovia ChangeMakers website.

The event was assisted by iTeens-tech.org, a group of Monrovia High students, who volunteered their time to make the complicated aspects of technology run smoothly.

One of the advantages of a virtual event is that members of the Sandford family – children, grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren were able to participate from a distance.  With someone whose life has touched so many, even those most close to her heard few stories of her powerful guidance that were new to them.

A video of the entire event will be available for everyone to watch on Monrovia ChangeMakers YouTube channel.

To contact Monrovia Changemakers: Lois Gaston, President 827-6732, website:  https://www.monroviachangemakers.com, email:  monroviachangemakers@gmail.com, Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChangeMakers2/

Source: Monrovia ChangeMakers press release

- Brad Haugaard

Video Tribute to Monrovia Canyon Park Volunteers

 A video tribute to the Monrovia Canyon Park volunteers.

- Brad Haugaard

Bree Is a Strong Dog for a Strong Person

Bree is a happy dog who loves meeting new people and playing with toys. This one-year-old pup is pretty smart, and already knows her “sit”! She’s a strong dog who’s excited about walks, so she needs a strong person who can hold her leash. Bree would do best as the only dog in the home so she doesn’t have to share her bandana collection. Bree has a lot of fun puppy energy, and can’t wait to find her special someone to play and snuggle with!

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 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

Elementary Students Back in School - Physically - Starting Today

Letter from Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian welcoming students back to in-person school.

Today, March 29, marked a milestone we have been anxiously awaiting. For the first time in over a year, Monrovia Unified welcomed elementary students back to school for in-person instruction from their teachers.

While I wish we were able to welcome all students back safely, for now, I am simply happy I was able to experience the excitement during drop off  as we began our first in-person instructional day.

I saw kindergarten students seeing their classmates for the first time in person. I saw parents giving that final hug and letting go; and, I saw teachers warmly greeting their students and leading them - for the first time - into their classrooms.

I also saw how much work went into preparing for this day.  Everyone contributed to the realization of this goal.

The Elementary Task Force did foundational work to establish a viable model. Our Technology Department has been working tirelessly to make sure teachers have the right equipment - and that it is set up correctly. Our Instructional Specialists have been working with teachers to ensure instruction and technology merge seamlessly. Our support staff have filled so many gaps - from home calls to class breaks, whatever was needed to make things work. Our Food Services Department continues to forge ahead through every transition. Principals have been reviewing every detail to ensure a smooth operation. Teachers have taken that leap of faith, hoping their skill and their will, more than meet the challenge of today.

Congratulations on a great first day! I look forward to the day when I once again take for granted that our students are in the classroom, together with their teacher and their peers.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian

Superintendent

A Moment in Monrovia History: Band In Front of Gem City Hotel About 1930

Band in front of the Gem City Hotel at 627-1/2 S. Myrtle c. 1930. 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

Hybrid Schedule for Monrovia Secondary Schools

 The Monrovia School Board has approved the hybrid schedule for secondary schools, with a proposed start date of April 19. If you find the schedule doesn't work, your student can return to distance-only instruction at any time.

Students will be divided into Cohorts A, B, and C, following a three 90-minute block schedule. In-person instruction will take place two days a week for Cohorts A and B, with the remainder of the days completed in distance learning.

• Cohort A: In-person instruction Monday and Tuesday
• Cohort B: In-person instruction Thursday and Friday
• Cohort C: 100% Distance Learning

Details: https://is.gd/dfTY4n


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Mountain Bike Team Looking for Girls to Join Team

Pre-Covid picture, by the way.

The Monrovia High School Mountain Bike Team is looking for girls to join the team. This is a co-ed team open to all Monrovia middle school and high school boys and girls who love to ride, be outdoors, and meet other kids. Any skill level is welcome. Those interested should contact Team Director Suzi Dobson at mhsmtbteam@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Report a Bulky Item, Get Entered Into Weekly Raffle

If you report bulky items such as furniture and boxes around town (not on private property) to Public Works, not only will the items be picked up, but you will be entered into a raffle and could win a $50 gift card to a Monrovia business. Call Public Works at 932-5575 or emailbulkyitem@ci.monrovia.ca.us
Include your name and address to be entered into the weekly raffle.

- Brad Haugaard

Art on the Box Application Period Extended

The deadline for the 2021 Art on the Box program has been extended. The theme is "Route 66" and there are five utility boxes available for painting. If you would like to be considered, please submit your application by April 8, 2021. Open to artists of all ages. Here's the application form: https://is.gd/bjya7g

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: New Cases In Single Digits, But 1 New Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 03/24/2021. Changes since 03/17/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,114 cases (up 9), 72 deaths (up 1)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 366 cases (up 1), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Overturns on Myrtle; Very, Very Cautious Drunk Driver; Burglar Swipes 5-Gallon Buckets of Coins; Computer Theft From Peru

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 18-24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 343 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Commercial Burglary
March 18 at 6:51 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill. The owner of the business advised police that he viewed the live video footage of his business and saw a white Ford truck leave the property. Officers checked the location and saw the backdoor had been pried open. Several items were taken from the business. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft
March 18 at 8:23 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lemon called police to report the catalytic converter had been stolen from the undercarriage of his vehicle sometime during the early morning hours. Investigation continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
March 18 at 10:38 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Maple called police to report that someone attempted to steal his vehicle by breaking the steering column. An officer responded and located evidence. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
March 18 at 10:45 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported her vehicle was stolen sometime during a two week period. The vehicle is a black, 2016 Dodge Durango. Investigation continuing.

Outside Assist – California Highway Patrol
March 18 at 11:39 a.m., CHP called Monrovia Police Department and advised that a traffic collision had occurred on the 210 Freeway at Myrtle, causing one of the vehicles to overturn. Three of the occupants of the overturned vehicle exited and ran across the 210 Freeway. The CHP requested assistance to set up containment of the area. Officers arrived and detained one of the subjects, who was later arrested by CHP. An extensive search for the other two subjects was made, but they were not located.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 11:47 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of E. Los Angeles regarding a couple arguing loudly in a back house. Officers arrived and spoke with both subjects. After a thorough investigation, it was determined the boyfriend was the aggressor and he battered his girlfriend. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 9:53 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle traveling at an extremely slow speed on the roadway at California and Evergreen. Officers responded to the area, located the vehicle and saw it was barely moving on the street. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was contacted. A DUI investigation was conducted, and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. The passenger was arrested for being drunk in public.

Grand Theft
March 19 at 11:04 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Violet called police to report the catalytic converter was stolen from the undercarriage of his vehicle sometime during the early morning hours. Investigation continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 11:38 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report a suspicious subject looking into vehicles. Officers arrived and detained the subject in question. During the investigation, it was learned that the subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 6:35 a.m., a business owner in the 800 block of W. Foothill called to report a suspicious subject on his property. He was at home monitoring his live video feed and saw the subject checking doors on the property. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description a short distance away. Officers checked the property and there was no evidence of a crime. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He also had drug paraphernalia in his possession. The subject was placed under arrest. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department arrived and took custody of the subject for the warrants.

Vehicle Burglary
March 20 at 10:37 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked her vehicle, leaving two backpacks inside. Sometime during the early morning hours, someone broke into the vehicle. Video footage shows the suspect smashing one of the vehicle windows, reaching into the vehicle, and leaving with the two backpacks. Investigation continuing.

Burglary
March 21 at 7:56 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Duarte called police to report a burglary. Two unknown subjects used a key to get into an office and they stole approximately $2,600 in coins. The owner has surveillance footage of the suspects. They loaded up 5 gallon buckets with the coins and carried them out on foot. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 11:51 a.m., a caller reported a subject at Station Square Park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle smoking a drug pipe. Officers arrived and located a female subject who was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used for smoking methamphetamine and syringes that had previously been used to inject heroin. The subject was arrested.

Vandalism / Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
March 21 at 12:56 p.m., an employee of a gas station in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a female subject inside the store intentionally breaking things. Officers arrived and found the subject running toward Station Square Park. She was detained and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a glass pipe used to smoke it. She was found to be delusional and a danger to herself and others. She was taken to a nearby hospital for care. Charges will be filed against her through a verified complaint.

Battery
March 21 at 2:57 p.m., two men were reported fist fighting in the parking lot of a grocery store in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and found one of the subjects was bleeding from the nose, so paramedics responded. The subject was taken to a hospital for medical care. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft
March 21 at 8:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A subject at the location tried to leave the store without paying for merchandise. When he was stopped by security, he agreed to pay. He was allowed to pay for the merchandise he had taken, and the officers stood by to keep the peace. No further action was required.

Violation of Court Order
March 21 at 10:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of E. Greystone when a subject who had a restraining order prohibiting him from being at the location arrived and began throwing rocks at the residence. Officers arrived, located the subject and arrested him without incident.

Graffiti
March 22 at 8:41 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he saw fresh graffiti on the wall of the 210 Freeway underpass. The graffiti was spray painted with black paint. Athens was called to remove the graffiti. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 4:38 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Spanner called to report she was just punched in the face by her husband. Officers responded and, after further investigation, arrested the husband for domestic violence. An Emergency Restraining Order was issued.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 10:44 p.m., the owner of a business in the 300 block of W. Evergreen called police to report a suspicious subject sitting inside a silver SUV in his parking lot. The parking lot backs up to the Sierra Dodge commercial lot. Officers arrived and contacted a male subject. One of the officers conducted a drug evaluation on the subject and determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle revealed Slim Jims for entering locked vehicles and bear pepper spray. The suspect has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing any type of pepper spray. The suspect was arrested without incident.

Vehicle Burglary
March 23 at 8:35 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Linwood walked outside her home and discovered someone had burglarized her parked car sometime during the night and stole personal items. It is unknown how the suspects forced entry into the locked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Grand Theft
March 23 at 2:00 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Encino reported that she had been defrauded over the phone. When the suspect called her, she believed he worked for a legitimate computer virus repair company. She gave this person access to her computer remotely, as well as her bank account information. The suspect subsequently stole a large sum of money from her accounts. The suspect was traced to Peru, so the FBI was notified. This investigation is continuing.

Battery / Robbery Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 8:28 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista regarding three male subjects in their 20's starting a fight with a male and female. During the confrontation, the female got punched in the head. Officers arrived and interviewed all of the subjects. One of the three males that started the altercation was arrested for an outstanding robbery warrant out of Santa Paula Police Department. The suspect was also given a citation to appear in court on the battery charges. He was picked up by Santa Paula Detectives.

Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 11:30 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of W. Huntington for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the driver was in possession of large quantities of methamphetamine for sale. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. Vehicle burglaries March 24 at 12:47 p.m. and at 13:13 p.m., two vehicle burglaries were reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. Sometime during the night, both vehicles were broken into and miscellaneous items were taken from inside. The investigations are continuing.

Violation of Court Order
March 24 at 7:00 p.m., two subjects came into the police lobby and stated a subject was at their home that was had a court order restraining them from being at the location. The domestic violence court order was confirmed and officers responded to the residence and located the subject still inside the house. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Dinner at La Adelita

Got dinner tonight at La Adelita, on the south side of Colorado about a half block east of Myrtle. Got the soft taco with carne asada plate for for $10.95, and an ice tea for $3. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

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