Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
06/30/2021. Changes since
06/23/2021.
City of Monrovia: 3,217 cases (up 15), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 377 cases, no deaths
- Brad Haugaard
Starbucks-Chick-fil-A Project Will Set Aside Area for Park; Monrovia Using Less Water Per Person
Starbucks and Chick-fil-A project. The green block (Parcel 3) will be set apart for parkland.
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/Y012QN) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ Approving various enabling measures to allow for the construction of a Starbucks and Chick-fil-A project at the 2.09-acre Huntington Drive site occupied by the Claimjumper restaurant. The project will set aside 8,600 square feet on the south side of the project, next to Alta Street, to be turned over to the city for a park sometime in the future. https://is.gd/OV4Fbr
~ Adopting an Urban Water Management Plan, as required by the state. The staff report indicates that Monrovia is actually using less water per person than before - 154 gallons of water per person per day compared to its historically determined baseline of 195 gallons per person per day. Also, the report says staff has "determined that the City can meet water demands during normal, single dry, and five-consecutive dry year periods over the next 25 years." https://is.gd/jLZ6w7
- Brad Haugaard
Fellowship Church Collecting for Union Rescue Mission
Monrovia's Fellowship Church, which meets at Monrovia High, is collecting gifts for Union Rescue Mission's Christmas in July. Drop off items at an in-person service on July 11, at 9 or 11 a.m. Needed items are:
- Unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 9+
- $10 gift cards
- Mexican Candy
- Juice Boxes
- Pre-packaged snacks like granola bars, chips, etc
- Latex Balloons
- Brad Haugaard
New Schools Superintendent Outlines His Core Values
Dear Monrovia Unified School District Family,
I am excited to write this letter to you on my first official day as your superintendent. It is hard to truly express how much of an honor and a privilege it is to serve all of you in this capacity. I am grateful to our Board of Education for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading Monrovia Unified School District and ensuring world-class schools for world-class students.
I want to thank Dr. Katherine Thorossian for her incredible leadership over the last eight years, capping a stellar career in education.
Over the coming weeks, I am looking forward to meeting with as many of you as I possibly can. The thoughts of our students, parents and families, teachers and staff, and community members, are all very important to me. Meeting with our stakeholders is the best way to introduce myself, and provides an opportunity for me to hear what matters most to those I serve. I plan on asking questions and listening to learn and understand. I will use what I learn during this time to lead the work we do moving forward, and build on the strong foundation already in place, to propel Monrovia Unified to new heights.
Core values are deeply held beliefs that a person or organization operates from. In a sense, core values act as a compass that points to true north, especially in difficult times or when tough decisions must be made. I think it is important that you know what my core values are, as they are what drives me:
- Students first, ALWAYS
- Equity, Access, and Success
- Collaboration
- Transparency
- Trust and Respect
As we get to know one another, I am looking forward to sharing more about why these are my core values and what they mean to me. More importantly, I hope you see how I demonstrate them through my actions.
There is much to accomplish between now and the first day of school. We are diligently working to prepare for a full return to in-person instruction, following public health guidelines and strengthening remote learning options for families, should that be their preference. We are ensuring plans are in place to identify and address not only the academic needs of all our students, but their social-emotional needs as well. Our team is also in the process of recruiting highly qualified staff to fill our certificated, classified, and administrative vacancies. I will provide updates on our progress in these areas and others in the future.
Monrovia Unified School District and the community it serves are truly amazing. I am thrilled to be your superintendent and look forward to working collaboratively to reach new heights! If you see me while I am out and about, please take a few minutes to introduce yourself - if I don’t beat you to it. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about me, please listen to this podcast hosted by California School News Radio: https://tinyurl.com/DrSmithPodcast.
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Christian Fundamentalism's Roots in Monrovia
Wikipedea says the fundamentalist movement began at Princeton Theological Seminary (https://is.gd/RVyBzv) but adds that it was "prefigured by The Fundamentals: A Testimony To The Truth, a collection of twelve pamphlets published between 1910 and 1915, by brothers Milton and Lyman Stewart. It is widely considered to be the foundation of modern Christian fundamentalism."
Lyman Stewart was the co-founder and long-time president of Union Oil and helped found Occidental College, Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola University), Union Rescue Mission, and women's shelters, among other things. In 1909, he established Testimony Publishing Trust to produce and publish The Fundamentals, in defense of the Bible and traditional Christian faith. As they were published these collections of essays by conservative scholars were sent to Christian leaders throughout the English-speaking world.
Stewart asked Dr. Louis Meyer, Jewish by birth and Christian by faith, to join the editorial team. In 1911 Meyer took charge of the project, according to a paper entitled, "Dr. Louis Meyer: A Centennial Observance," by Paul W. Rood of Biola University.
Rood writes that overwork, constant travel, and personal attacks led to Meyer's physical deterioration, and to save his life Stewart "arranged for Meyer and his family to be transported by private rail car from Cincinnati to the Pottenger Sanitarium in Monrovia, where he was diagnosed with an acute and advanced case of tuberculosis and possible meningitis."
(The Pottenger Sanitarium, once located on North Canyon, was notable for treating tuberculosis cases.)
But Meyer brought his work with him.
"Meyer brought all of his boxes of manuscripts and correspondence with him and continued to edit and publish two more volumes of The Fundamentals during his last six months of life."
Rood adds that Meyer suffered terribly during his final seven weeks and died on July 11, 1913. His memorial service was at Pasadena Presbyterian Church and he is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena.
While Louis Meyer was living at the Pottenger Sanitarium his wife and young children were staying nearby. According to correspondence between Monrovian David Campbell – to whom I am indebted for bringing Meyer to my attention – and Rood, Meyer's family rented the house at 177 N. Encinitas until his death, then moved to Altadena.
Photo of Meyer from a 1913 issue of the Missionary Review of the World in a special article honoring Dr. Meyer.- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Drunk Driver Asks Cop For Help - Arrested; Man Lights Car on Fire; Woman Assaults Employee When Counterfeit Bills Rejected; Man With Two Purses; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 356 service events, resulting in 66 investigations.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 1:39 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of California and Duarte saw a vehicle driving with its hazard lights running. The vehicle suddenly stopped in the roadway and the driver exited the vehicle. The driver stumbled over to the officer and asked for help because he couldn't find his way home to Duarte. The officer immediately smelled the odor of alcohol emitting from the driver's breath and observed signs of intoxication. The officer conducted a DUI investigation and the driver was arrested. He was held for a sobering period.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 12:32 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported near Peck and Live Oak. One of the driver's involved fled on foot. Irwindale Police was notified as they had detained the hit and run suspect several blocks away. After investigation, it was determined the suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 11:32 p.m., an officer patrolling the 200 block of W. Pomona had contacted a subject walking in the area. An investigation revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Arson
June 25 at 12:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, they found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Witnesses stated a male suspect threw something at the vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 25 at 8:48 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Colorado reported a family disturbance was occurring at a neighbor's apartment. Officers arrived and found the source of the screaming. The officer determined the female was the dominant aggressor and she was arrested for domestic violence.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
June 25 at 12:10 p.m., a caller reported that three motorists were involved in a traffic collision near the intersection of Fifth and Huntington. One of the motorists failed to remain at the scene of the collision and had fled the scene. Officers checked on the well-being of the occupants and found no one was injured. This investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
June 26 at 4:54 a.m., an officer patrolling the 500 block of Terrado contacted a subject walking in the street. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The officer also noticed the suspect was wearing shoes with the security sensors on them. The suspect admitted to taking them from a nearby business without paying for them. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Parole Violation / Concealed Firearm / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
June 26 at 10:01 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of W. Huntington and observed a parked vehicle with an equipment violation. Two subjects were contacted inside the vehicle. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was on parole and in possession of a loaded firearm. The second subject was found to have a warrant for his arrest. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
June 27 at 7:52 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of W. Foothill regarding the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim told the officer her vehicle had been stolen in the early morning hours. This investigation is continuing.
Attempted Robbery
June 27 at 12:21 p.m., an employee at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a suspect that had just assaulted one of their employees after she attempted to pass counterfeit bills. The suspect was attempting to purchase an electric saw, and when the cashier noticed the money was counterfeit, the suspect physically assaulted the employee and attempted to take the saw. Employees were able to retrieve the saw from her, but the suspect fled the location in a vehicle prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested
June 27 at 12:46 p.m., an employee at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called police to report a theft that had just occurred, and that the stolen merchandise had a tracker device attached. The suspect vehicle was ultimately located in Glendora by Glendora Police Department. Three suspects were detained and positively identified by the witness. The stolen merchandise was recovered and all three suspects were arrested.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 27 at 3:05 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision that had just occurred in the 900 block of W. Huntington. A vehicle traveling east at a high rate of speed failed to stop at a red traffic signal and collided into a vehicle exiting off the 210 Freeway. The driver of the vehicle that was struck complained of injury, but refused transport to the hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 28 at 1:59 a.m., an officer patrolling the 900 block of S. Fifth made contact with a subject walking in the area. An investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.
Court Order Violation / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
June 28 at 2:43 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 400 block of Greystone observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. He initiated a traffic stop and further investigation revealed the driver had a court order prohibiting him from being near a female subject who was inside the vehicle. It was further discovered that the female passenger was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
June 28 at 6:14 a.m., a contractor for Edison reported a spool of wire had been stolen from the Edison lot in the 800 block of S. Primrose sometime during the night. The wire was there when the contractor left the location the night prior, but was gone in the morning. The padlock had been cut to gain entry into the gated property. This investigation is continuing.
Medical Assist
June 28 at 9:10 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Palm reported that she thought her adult son had accidentally overdosed. He had been smoking marijuana, but had possibly taken some other unknown drug, as well, that caused him to stop breathing. Officers arrived and provided CPR and administered Narcan to revive the subject. The subject was then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 28 at 1:12 p.m., a caller reported a motorcyclist had just collided with an unoccupied parked car in the 3300 block of S. Peck. Officers responded along with paramedics. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries due to being thrown from the motorcycle.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
June 29 at 9:29 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle had collided into a wall in the 200 block of W. Central. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, then entered another vehicle waiting for him nearby. That vehicle then fled the area. Officers responded and searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. The vehicle he abandoned had been reported stolen to LAPD earlier in the day. This investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Battery – Suspect Arrested
June 29 at 1:10 p.m., an officer was flagged down by a motorist at Mountain and Olive and was told there was a male subject in the park with a knife who was acting erratically. The officer located the suspect, who did have a legal pocket knife in his pocket. The suspect was arrested after it was determined that he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period. While in the jail, he appeared to be having medical issues related to narcotics usage and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. At the hospital, he head-butted an emergency medical technician. The case will be presented to the LA County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.
Mental Evaluation
June 30 at 5:16 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of N. Myrtle regarding a woman screaming and requesting police. Officers arrived and determined the subject needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. She was taken to a local facility for treatment.
Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
June 30 at 5:34 a.m., officers responded to 600 block of E. Lime regarding a violation of a domestic restraining order. Officers arrived and detained the restrained subject in the front yard. The subject was aware of the order, but refused to stay away. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
June 30 at 7:36 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of Poinsettia. The victim reported that his white utility truck had been stolen. He parked it the night before and discovered it missing in the morning. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 30 at 11:47 a.m., a traffic accident was reported at the intersection of Peck and Live Oak. An officer arrived and determined both vehicles had been traveling south on Peck, approaching Live Oak. One vehicle yielded for an emergency vehicle going through the intersection and was rear-ended by a second vehicle. One of the drivers complained of pain and was treated by paramedics.
Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
June 30 at 12:43 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that his vehicle had been stolen sometime over the weekend. An investigation revealed the vehicle had been recently stored by the Pasadena Police Department for being parking illegally. It had been an unreported stolen vehicle at the time of the storage. A report was taken and the vehicle was returned to the registered owner. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 30 at 5:11 p.m., an off-duty officer was driving home and noticed a male subject at Evergreen and Shamrock carrying two purses. He notified Monrovia dispatch and on-duty officers responded to the location. An investigation revealed the suspect had stolen the purses from a local business. The property was returned to the business and the suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
School District Lobby Named After Mimi Mency
Community activist and former Monrovia Unified Board Member Mimi Mency was honored during a dedication ceremony on June 29, when the Monrovia Unified Board of Education officially named the District Office Lobby in her memory.
Mency, who was the first African-American to hold a seat on the Board of Education, died in 2011 at the age of 74.
“We are honored to hold this ceremony, celebrating the life of Mimi Mency and the heroic efforts she made here in Monrovia and in our schools,” Board President Maritza Travanti said. “Naming the District Office Lobby in her name is a way to recognize the positive impact she had at Monrovia Unified and the role she played in ensuring all of our students had access to the tools and resources they needed to be successful.”
The Board, alongside Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian, administrators, and Mency’s family and friends, remembered Mency during the ceremony as a strong advocate of having love and respect for others.
“Mimi Mency was a very significant person in the Monrovia community,” Board Member Rob Hammond said. “She was a force in our town for good and was always willing to step up to have important dialogue. As a community, we benefit today from those conversations 50 years ago. This dedication will enlighten future generations as they come in and ask the important question of who Mimi Mency was. We will get to tell the story all over again about a very important person in our community.”
Joined by Travanti, Hammond and Thorossian, Sheri Parent – the daughter of Mimi Mency – thanked those in attendance while recounting her mother’s life, as well the positive impact Mency had on the Monrovia community in her role as a civil rights leader.
“I have always lived my life in the same manner my mother did and that is by loving and respecting our neighbors” Parent said. “Thank you to the Board of Education and the District for honoring my mother, I am very proud.”
Mency served on the Board of Education from 1972 to 1984, leading the Board as president twice during her term. During her time on the Board, Mency was instrumental in the desegregation of Monrovia schools and led the effort in establishing Monrovia High School’s Black Student Union, a club that is still running strong today.
“Monrovia Unified has always been made up of individuals who are passionate about ensuring a quality education for all of our students,” Thorossian said. “Mimi Mency’s leadership is still felt today, and her activism and role in our school district and lives of our students will never be forgotten.”
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Mimi’s
Dinner at Mimi’s at the corner of Huntington and Mayflower. Got the meatloaf for $15.49 and an iced tea for $3.29. Very nice service. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Track Student Places Second in State, Sets School Record
Monrovia High School's Madeline Conte placed second in the California State Track and Field meet on June 26, the school district reports. She competed in the Women's Varsity 300 meter hurdles and scored a personal best and school record time of 43.53 seconds!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Joseph Callahan Shares His 'War Story' on CBS Report
On CBS LA Monrovia Navy veteran Joseph Callahan shares his experiences in a new book, '1972: My War Story.' Proceeds are being donated to the Veterans Resource Center at the Monrovia Public Library. Veterans' Voices: Joseph Callahan
- Brad Haugaard
Monthly - Maybe - Karaoke at Paragon on Myrtle
- Brad Haugaard
If You Have Patience Melek Will Come Out of Her Shell for 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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 5:00 p.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
New Monrovia Schools Superintendent Talks About Challenges Ahead
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: First National Bank in 1895
First National Bank at 601 S. Myrtle c. 1895. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.
Athens Wants 4.61% Rate Hike; Library Fountain Being Fixed; Hillside Hours
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ Athens Services is requesting a 4.61% rate increase for both commercial and residential trash collection. The city's agreement with Athens allows solid waste rates to be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index plus 1%. A CPI of 3.61% plus 1% makes 4.61%. City staff is reviewing this request.
~ The fountain at Library Park is broken. A pump failed and is on order. The city estimates it will be out of service for the next three weeks.
~ For safety during the Fourth of July weekend the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will have reduced hours.
- Saturday, July 3, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Sunday, July 4, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Monday, July 5, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Department Honors Officers and Staff
On Thursday, June 17, the Monrovia Police Department honored these officers and staff. "If you happen to see any of our award winning officers around town we are sure they would appreciate it if you congratulate them!"
2019 Awards
Distinguished Service Medal
Agent Juan Huerta
Agent Cody Wilkins
Detective Damien Bartholomy
Senior Officer Seth Hermes
Senior Officer (Ret.) John Jefferson
Life Saving Award
Sergeant Gerald DeHart
Sergeant Yolanda Juarez
Agent Travis Ortega
Officer Joshua Granger
2020 Awards
Distinguished Service Medal
Officer Joshua Granger
Communications Operator Erin Maller
Medal of Merit
Officer Rosendo Ramos
Officer Ian Vanderburg
Weekly Coronavirus Count: Nine New Cases, No New Deaths
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
06/23/2021. Changes since
06/16/2021.
City of Monrovia: 3,202 cases (up 9), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 378 cases (unchanged), no deaths
- Brad Haugaard
City of Monrovia: 3,202 cases (up 9), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 378 cases (unchanged), no deaths
- Brad Haugaard
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