- Brad Haugaard
Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Monrovia Resume
A Moment in Monrovia History: Reworking Myrtle Avenue in 1928
Myrtle Avenue street reconstruction 1928. Photo by William Ward. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
This newly painted utility box, at the corner of Madison and Foothill, is designed to recall the days when Foothill was part of Route 66. Route 66 was later changed to be along Huntington Drive.
- Brad Haugaard
Should Monrovia Stop Electing Mayor at Large? Councilman Spicer's Son Graduates Air Force Academy; Two-Year Budget; Juneteenth; Mosquito Week
~ Whether it would be a good idea for Monrovia to switch back from having a mayor elected at large to the more common method among smaller cities of having the mayor's position rotate among the members of the city council. Monrovia switched to its current system in 1976. https://is.gd/swOGJ1
~ Recognizing US Air Force Second Lieutenant Lawrence Spicer, son of City Councilman Larry Spicer. Lt. Spicer has just graduated from the US Air Force Academy. https://is.gd/dwpMeF
~ A two-year balanced budget. Detailed budget information here: https://is.gd/BDGhRP
~ Recognizing June 19 as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day," recalling the end of slavery in the United States. https://is.gd/LX7r2P
~ Declaring June 20-26 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. https://is.gd/ANFddV
- Brad Haugaard
Warhammer Opening Draws Big Crowd
The Warhammer crowd stretched around the block.
The opening of the new Warhamner store on Myrtle just north of Lemon drew a crowd that stretched down Myrtle, east on Lemon to Ivy, north to Lime and around the corner at the police station. Warhammer is a game using miniature figurines. https://shrtm.nu/8oBA
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Weekly Coronavirus Count: Zero New Cases; Zero New Deaths
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
06/09/2021. Changes since
06/02/2021.
City of Monrovia: 3,190 cases (unchanged), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 376 cases (unchanged), no deaths
City of Monrovia: 3,190 cases (unchanged), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 376 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Note: Another week or two of this kind of good news and I think I'll end this feature.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Lots and Lots of Catalytic Converter Thefts; Car Hits Motorcyclist; Thieves Take Woman's Money With Fake BoA Webpage; Etc.
Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 3:51 p.m., a female subject called police to report she was having child custody exchange issues with her ex-boyfriend, involving their son, in the 100 block of N. Norumbega. The female subject’s father was eventually able to leave the location with the child, but the ex-boyfriend began chasing him in a vehicle. The ex-boyfriend intentionally drove his vehicle in front of the father's vehicle multiple times, in an attempt to stop the vehicle. At one point the father had to abruptly stop to avoid a collision. The father and the ex-boyfriend eventually drove to the Monrovia Police Department. After investigation was conducted, the ex-boyfriend was arrested for child endangerment.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 7:59 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 500 block of Bradbury stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. During the investigation, the officer discovered the driver was driving with a suspended license and was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested.
Attempt Grand Theft
June 4 at 12:27 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Lime regarding an attempt grand theft. The resident heard a sawing sound outside his residence. When he went outside, he saw a subject flee the location in a blue van. He investigated further and discovered the subject had tried to remove the catalytic converter from his vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Burglary
June 4 at 10:00 a.m., an attempt burglary was reported at a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Unknown suspects attempted to break into the business sometime overnight. An officer responded to investigate and found pry marks on the door. The suspects did not gain entry. Investigation continuing.
Grand Thefts
June 4, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., police received three separate reports of stolen catalytic converters. The incidents occurred in the 300 block of W. Walnut, the 100 block of N. Magnolia, and the 500 block of E. Walnut. All three incidents occurred sometime overnight, and all three of the vehicles involved were Honda Accords. The investigations are continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
June 4 at 11:24 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported his silver, 1999 BMW was stolen sometime during the night. An area search was conducted, but the vehicle was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Burglary – Suspect Arrested
June 4 at 3:09 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a subject that manages a property in the 1400 block of S. Alamitas. He reported that a recently evicted tenant had returned to his apartment, broke inside and was removing items. Officers responded and contacted the suspect outside the apartment. The investigation showed the suspect forced entry into his prior residence in violation of the posted eviction order. The suspect was arrested.
Grand Theft
June 4 at 4:30 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported in the 200 block of Norumbega. A resident called to report that unknown suspects in a gray truck had just stolen landscaping tools from the back of a gardener's truck and fled the area. The investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 4 at 9:26 p.m., a caller reported he was following a possible DUI driver who had stopped in the roadway near the intersection of Myrtle and Taylor, and appeared to be passed out. An officer arrived and contacted the driver, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. The driver was arrested and held for sobering.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 5 at 2:18 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle commit several traffic violations. A traffic stop was conducted near the intersection of Peck and Live Oak, and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was determined to be too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle and was arrested.
Commercial Burglary
June 5 at 3:03 a.m., an employee of an alarm company called police to report they had just observed a subject break into a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived, but the suspect was already gone. The front glass of the business was shattered and a large amount of merchandise was taken. Investigation continuing.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
June 5 at 3:36 a.m., an officer was driving in the area of California and Myrtle, and saw an unattended vehicle that had crashed into the rear of a parked vehicle. An area search for the driver was conducted, but no one was located. Investigation continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 3:03 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Camino Real for a traffic offense. During the investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Grand Thefts
June 6 at 3:29 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of W. Olive regarding a grand theft. A resident heard someone cutting something outside his residence. When he went outside, he saw several subjects get into a vehicle and flee the scene. The victim then realized the suspects removed his catalytic converter from his vehicle. A few minutes later, dispatch received a second call from a resident in the 500 block of W. Lemon, where suspects had removed the catalytic converter from a vehicle, but the suspects left it behind when the resident came outside. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. These investigations are continuing.
Burglary
June 6 at 8:32 a.m., the owner of a construction company in the 200 block of W. Duarte received a call from his alarm company regarding an alarm activation. The owner drove to the business and discovered someone had forced entry into the building. He called the police and officers responded. When they arrived, they found the owner already inside the business. Cash had been stolen from the business. This investigation is continuing.
Medical Assist / Overdose
June 6 at 4:04 p.m., a male subject was reported to be having a seizure at a grocery store in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found the subject unresponsive. The subject was determined to have actually overdosed on narcotics and two doses of Narcan were administered, which revived him. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
June 7 at 2:24 a.m., officers responded to 700 block of W. Duarte regarding a traffic collision. A vehicle crashed into the rear end of a parked vehicle. Witnesses said a male driver and female passenger fled on foot. While officers were at the scene, they responded to an apartment complex in the 500 block of W. Duarte regarding an intoxicated female. Officers arrested her for being drunk in public. A short time later, the boyfriend of the intoxicated female contacted El Monte Police Department to report his vehicle, the one involved in the collision, stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 10:52 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1400 block of Alamitas regarding a male subject who was recently evicted from the property that was back inside the house sleeping. Officers contacted the subject and he was arrested without incident.
Theft
June 7 at 2:12 p.m., a theft of a bicycle was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte. The reporting party stated that sometime within the past week, someone stole his bicycle, which was locked in the bike rack. The lock was broken. Investigation continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 7 at 2:37 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a traffic collision. A driver of a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Huntington, approaching Magnolia, when she made an unsafe lane change and sideswiped a motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to go down. The motorcyclist had complaint of pain to his right leg, but refused medical attention. The driver of the vehicle was issued a citation for the unsafe lane change.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 5:02 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a female suspect that stole merchandise. This same suspect shoplifted from the location a few days prior, as well. She was arrested and a no trespass order was also issued.
Grand Theft Auto – Vehicle Recovered
June 7 at 9:47 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Terrado regarding a male subject riding a motorcycle and playing loud music. The officer located the motorcycle on Royal Oaks and conducted a traffic stop. A check on the license plate revealed the motorcycle was reported stolen by the Los Angeles Police Department. The subject riding the motorcycle was listed as the suspect. Further investigation revealed the subject’s girlfriend reported the motorcycle stolen after they got into an argument. The motorcycle was taken out of the stolen vehicle system.
Grand Theft Auto
June 8 at 6:46 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of W. Maple. The victim called police to report that sometime during the night, his black, double-axle, dump trailer had been stolen. The trailer was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
June 8 at 8:11 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of E. Duarte. The victim reported that sometime during the night someone broke into his vehicle. The suspect broke the vehicle's right rear window and stole a toolbox and winch.
Fraud
June 8 at 9:53 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Crescent called police to report that funds were taken from her bank account and transferred to an unknown account. The victim received a text message advising her to verify her account information. She clicked on the link, which sent her to a site that appeared to be Bank of America, but was actually a fraudulent site. She input all of her bank information into the website and, as a result, money was withdrawn from her account. The investigation is continuing.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
June 8 at 11:35 a.m., officers responded to a hit and run traffic collision near the intersection of Los Angeles and Ivy. The victim stated her vehicle was parked on the street. A driver who was leaving a residence reversed his vehicle and backed into her vehicle. The driver then left the location without attempting to contact anyone. Investigation continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 8 at 2:01 p.m., a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of Encinitas and Palm. A driver was parked along the north curb of Palm, just east of Encinitas. A second driver was making a left turn into the mail drop-off driveway. As the driver was making the left turn into the driveway, the driver parked along the curb pulled away from the curb and they collided. One of the drivers had complaint of pain to his lower back and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Vandalism
June 8 at 11:11 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. Officers were at the residence earlier due to the resident arguing with her boyfriend. The boyfriend left the residence at that time. A short time later, the resident walked out to her vehicle and saw it was vandalized with some type of etching tool. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
June 9 at 2:52 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of Alamitas regarding a theft of a catalytic converter. The victim said he walked outside his residence and saw three male suspects removing his catalytic converter. The suspects fled on foot to a newer red van and fled the location. An area search was conducted, but officers were unable to locate the van. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
June 9 at 7:15 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Duarte called police to report the business was broken into and items were missing. A window on the front of the business had been shattered and various items were taken. Officers responded and collected evidence at the scene. Investigation continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 9 at 11:02 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Mountain and Royal Oaks. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One of the drivers had minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. A police report was taken and the driver at fault was issued a citation.
Monrovia High Schools Celebrate Graduates
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Nearly 430 graduates from Monrovia Unified School District cheered as they walked across the graduation stage to receive their diplomas during in-person and drive-thru commencement ceremonies, held June 8 and 9.
Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School celebrated the success of 45 graduates on June 8 during a drive-thru ceremony, where administrators and teachers delivered emotional speeches that detailed each student’s hardships and successes that led to graduation day.
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2021 and are thrilled to have celebrated their achievements in-person, acknowledging their dedication during a year that challenged us all,” Board President Maritza Travanti said. “On behalf of the Board of Education, we wish all of the graduates continued success as they go on to college and career.”
During the Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park graduation, students received thousands of dollars in scholarships from local organizations, including Rotary, Kiwanis, Monrovia Reads, Citrus Bright Futures, Terrance Hall Memorial and more. Many Class of 2021 graduates from Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park will continue their education at four-year universities such as California State University, Los Angeles, Utah State University and the University of La Verne.
“Congratulations to all of our graduates, who have gone above and beyond to get to where they are today,” Director of Alternative Schools Flint Fertig said. “Our graduating Class of 2021 is made up of devoted students who have a great capacity to love and to serve, and that is our motto at Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park – to go forth and serve.”
On June 9, Wildcat Stadium roared as administrators, teachers, and families celebrated 378 seniors who persevered during an unprecedented school year.
This year, Monrovia High School honored Zoe Gathers, Charlie Heatherly, James DeLisio, Zachary Szymkowski, Haily Sarmiento, Cory Spaeth, Allen Santos, Brooke Gould, and Anthony Nava as valedictorians for receiving a cumulative unweighted GPA of 4.0 or higher.
During the ceremony, the high-achieving scholars were recognized by Principal Kirk McGinnis as he celebrated the entire graduating class for their exceptional educational journey while at Monrovia High School.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2021 – you are all exceptional and have reached this milestone in your life during a year filled with many adversities,” McGinnis said. “Your dedication to your studies is admirable and we cannot wait to see where life after high school takes you. We know that with the skills and knowledge you have gained while being at Monrovia High, there is truly nothing you cannot achieve.”
Valedictorian Heatherly, who has helped build the school’s prestigious game development team Forge Interactive and will attend USC in the fall to study game design, addressed his classmates during a heartfelt speech which recounted their time at Monrovia High and the challenges of the last year.
“I don’t talk about all of these magical moments simply to reminisce, I do it to define. They are the meaning and value of our high school experience,” Heatherly said. “This class has been made stronger because of that struggle – not in spite of it – and now, whenever you encounter those same feelings of fear and isolation in your future, know that you have a network of friends to support and care for you. We will always be connected by the moments that defined us, and I am certain that the Class of 2021 will not leave this ceremony as graduates saying goodbye; we will leave it as Wildcats greeting the future hand-in-hand.”
Monrovia Unified School District implemented health guidelines as outlined by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, such as the use of face coverings and social distancing throughout both events, to ensure the safety of its students, families, and entire school community.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2021! You have achieved this milestone under the most difficult of circumstances,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “As you commence your journey outside our school walls, continue to work hard and be nice. We are proud of your resilience and resolve; and we look forward to celebrating your future successes.”
Source: Monrovia schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Grollnek Restarts 'Monrovia Shadow'
Stephen Grollnek, who has run for mayor of Monrovia several times, has re-started a publication he once produced, a paper called The Monrovia Shadow, containing his thoughts and criticisms. The new version is online here: https://is.gd/3l0eSl
Note: I am NOT endorsing The Shadow, I merely note its existence as an element in Monrovia life.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Graduation On Line Live Today at 5 p.m.
Monrovia High School's graduation ceremony will be streamed live today (June 9) at 5 p.m. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxBBSfxT5Ek
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Los Chiles Locos
Lunch today at Los Chiles Locos, at the corner of Myrtle and Duarte Road. Got two large carnitas tacos ($2.89 each) and a Coke for $1.35. Very good.
- Brad Haugaard
Daughter of Former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett Tells Her Story of Success as Hollywood Talent Agent
Lorrie Bartlett, the daughter of former Monrovia Mayor, Bob Bartlett, has had a very successful career as a Hollywood talent agent. In this article and video she tells her story, including her experience being "fat shamed." https://is.gd/23t6GP
- Brad Haugaardd
Daisy Mae Wants to be Your Shadow
Daisy Mae is nine years old and loves to snuggle! She wants to be her favorite person’s shadow all the time. If you leave the house, she’ll give you lots of wiggly tail wags and excited little huffs when you return. Daisy Mae’s hobbies include exploring outside, playing “find the kibble”, and anything that lets her be close to her person. Daisy Mae would do best as the only pet in the home and can’t wait to bond with you!
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.
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Colorized Photo of First National Bank on Myrtle
First National Bank on Myrtle Ave and Colorado. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
Monrovia High Wellness Center Renamed Susan Hirsch Wellness Center
Samara Hirsch helped honor her late mother during Monrovia Unified's dedication event on June 3, during which Monrovia High School's Wellness Center was renamed in memory of Susan Hirsch. Artwork on the Wellness Center was created by MHS student Casey Clark.
Longtime Monrovia Unified educator Susan Hirsch dedicated her career to championing student wellness and equipping students with the skills and support for success.
Hirsch, who died in December 2020, worked in Monrovia Unified for more than 30 years, building a legacy of compassion and connection. On June 3, the Board of Education dedicated Monrovia High School’s Wellness Center – of which Hirsch was the architect – in her memory, renaming it the Susan Hirsch Wellness Center.
“Susan Hirsch’s compassion and understanding of what the needs of our students were, to creating partnerships with organizations to support our students, is why naming the Wellness Center after Susan Hirsch is not only the right thing to do, but also ensures that generations to come will know about Susan’s legacy and will have access to the resources they need,” Board President Maritza Travanti said. “On behalf of the Monrovia Unified Board of Education, we are forever thankful for Susan’s love and dedication to our students, families and her colleagues.”
Joined by members of the Monrovia and MHS community, Travanti, MHS Principal Kirk McGinnis, Susan’s daughter and MHS counselor Samara Hirsch, and Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian delivered emotional speeches that recounted Hirsch’s time at Monrovia Unified and the impact she had on students and the entire school community.
“We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to rename our Wellness Center in honor of Susan Hirsch,” McGinnis said. “During her time at Monrovia Unified, Susan developed relationships with students, families and staff, ensuring they had mental health support and so much more. We are forever thankful for her years of service to our community.”
During her career in Monrovia Unified, Hirsch served as a special education teacher, then as an administrator, focused on creating and leading intervention programs for at-risk students. She also developed parent education opportunities through the Adult Education program.
Drawing on her skills in working with at-risk students, Hirsch ensured the Wellness Center provided tools and resources such as counseling, tutoring, family support, and family/parent education programs in English and Spanish.
“It is only fitting that we dedicate the Wellness Center in name of Susan Hirsch, with hope that all who enter, leave with their hearts filled and their minds cleared,” Thorossian said. “That was Susan’s vision when she introduced the concept five years ago. That will be her legacy.”
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Covered Drinking Fountain at Library Park Considered for Historic Status; Monrovia Today Online; Invitation to Artists; And More ...
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ The historic covered drinking fountain at the southeast corner of Library Park, the Farmers Club Fountain (built and donated to the City by the Farmers Club in 1909) is being considered for historic landmark status under the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance.
~ The summer edition of Monrovia Today is now online, here: https://is.gd/aWDCby
~ Artists are invited to submit proposals for the Almera Romney Neighborhood Treasure by July 1, 2021. Over her 17 years at Huntington School Romney fought local officials to give students equal rights and transformed segregated Huntington Elementary from a under-resourced and physically unsafe school to a place where students received an excellent education. For questions contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
~ After 22 years of service, Foothill Unity Center Executive Director, Betty McWilliams, is retiring. She led the center during the expansion of the Food and Health Services Departments, the creation of the Workforce Development Department, and the purchase of - and relocation to - its 28,000-square-foot Monrovia center. She plans to remain involved at the center.
~ The City Council has proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month.
~ Joseph Callahan, who volunteers at the Library, has donated all proceeds of his book, "1972: My War Story," to the Veterans Resource Center at the library. The book, released this March, highlights his service as a Navy Diver during the Vietnam era. https://is.gd/zbUYND
- Brad Haugaard
Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: ZERO/ZERO! No New Cases, No New Deaths
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 06/02/2021. Changes since 05/26/2021.
City of Monrovia: 3,190 cases (unchanged), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 376 cases (unchanged), no deaths
- Brad Haugaard
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