Tonight Whosoevers Discuss Dangers of Drugs, Alcohol, and Depression

Guest speaker Ryan Ries was to speak to youth at 7 tonight (Sept. 1) about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings at Calvary Chapel Monrovia, 1307 S. Myrtle. However, the church reports that "Ryan Ries cannot make it. Covid related." However, his group, The Whosoevers, "are coming with the same message."

- Brad Haugaard

A Tour of Canyon Park

The park is open but yes, reservations are required. 

In the lower part of the park not much has changed except for the addition of colorfully painted K-rail. 

If you want to branch off from the park and go up to Camp Trask or beyond, you’re not supposed to. The area beyond Trask is US Forest Service territory and the USFS hasn’t opened things up yet. It’s supposed to open next year. 

Lots of trees that were partially burned are coming back. 

Entry points to the trails all have these legal notices saying, essentially, that if something happens to you it ain’t the city’s fault. 


The part of the trail to the waterfall that I saw showed some damage, but other parts looked fine. I spoke to a ranger who said that it is like that pretty much all the way up to the waterfall. Nice spots and badly damaged spots.

- Brad Haugaard 

City Historian Steve Baker Reflects on History for His 80th Birthday

City Historian Steve Baker (but he's got a beard now).

As he approaches his 80th birthday on Sept. 4, we got Steve Baker, Monrovia Historical Society President and official Monrovia City Historian, to reflect on the past – his own and Monrovia's.

Baker says he came by his interest in Monrovia history by osmosis, that perhaps being osmosis from his parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and great great grandparents, all of whom were Monrovia residents. He is the fifth generation.

"Growing up I heard lots of stories. Granny was good storyteller and my dad was even better. I didn't have to work at it, just absorb it."

Though he was too young to remember it, he first came to Monrovia to visit for Christmas 1941, then came to live in 1945. His banking job led him to Northern California for a while, but he returned in 1967 and has been a resident ever since.

He said his interest in Monrovia history probably really started when he was a preteen or teen. "I remember checking Charlie Davis's 1938 ‘History of Monrovia and Duarte’ out of the public library. I read it carefully and was particularly interested in the section about old homes." Steve said he wasn't old enough to drive, "so my long-suffering dad drove me around so I could see them first hand."

While the Monrovia Historical Society was formed in 1979, and acquired the historic Anderson House on East Lime that same year, Steve did not become an active member of MHS until 1981, when he became a board member, and he's been on the board ever since, and been president, he said, "entirely too long." In 1991 he was also named by the City Council as Monrovia's official city historian, succeeding Myron Hotchkiss.

And what does he do as city historian?

Generally, he said, it's answering questions, mostly from people asking about the homes they live in. "Most of the time," he said, "I can come up with an answer."

He lives in one of Monrovia's first houses, built for John F. Brossart, president of the First National Bank of Monrovia, and later occupied by his great great grandfather, Bradford Arthur, and his great grandmother, Jennie Arthur Church. The house was probably completed in September, 1887, and was initially located on South Heliotrope, then was moved to East Lemon, and finally to South Ivy, where it is today. Steve said his great grandmother moved it to Ivy to be closer to downtown shopping when her father died and there was no man in the house to hitch the horse to the carriage.

So why has Steve focused so much of his life on what is dead and gone?

Well, it's not dead and gone, he says, quoting a passage from William Faulkner's novel, "Requiem for a Nun," "The past is never dead. It's not even past."

Meaning, he said, that we assume when things are out of our experience that they're gone, but they're not; they still have a significant impact, such as the sacrifice of Jesus almost 2,000 years ago. That event, he said, is still influential.

And he cites his own house. "I grew up where my grandparents lived. That had a subtle impact. I know which rooms they lived and died in. I've encountered the imprint of the two generations that preceded my grandmother, plus my grandmother and my parents. The parlor and the back parlor have a distinct feeling, a presence, if you will. An old house bears the imprint of everyone who ever lived in it."

It makes him consider the interconnectedness of all things, and that "the will of God exists for each moment. Our greatest task," he said, "is to discern and do that will."

And for Steve that involves a commitment to the past, for both the City of Monrovia and the Monrovia Historical Society.

So, while "I'm not against development per se, I am concerned about it on a scale that could alter the character of the community. It has the potential to do that at a certain level.

"I'm glad much of it is being done near the train station. That has less of an impact on the heart of the city.

"ADDs [accessory dwelling units, i.e. granny flats] are a good compromise. They create more housing without compromising the view from the street."

And for the Monrovia Historical Society he believes its goal should continue to be, through the Anderson House, to "provide the public with an immersion experience. To give the feeling of how people lived 100 years ago. There's nowhere else where you can step into the past.

"Consider the kitchen, what Lizzie had to deal with every day. Building a fire, canning, baking, cooking three meals a day, washing, ironing, sweeping carpets, taking them out to beat them.

"It's important to understand what formed their character, their discipline, their stamina and self-discipline, the character of rising to the task, the rhythm of their lives."

Even the history of his own life has left a mark on his life. He reminisces ...

"My mom would tell bedtime stories. The adventures of Dorothy, made up as she went along. She asked me to recite my evening prayers. 'Now I lay me down to sleep...'

"I remember our first TV set. It was about four-inches square. Slightly larger but not by much. And there was the William Tell overture that I played on a wind-up Victrola.

"Dad would read a bedtime story and would skip parts to speed it up. I'd say, 'No daddy, the next sentence is...’

"Nana's older sister taught me my colors using spools of thread. Then when my mother bought meat at the butcher she would ask me for a ration coupon [during World War II]. 'Stevie,' she said, 'I need a red (or blue) point,' and I could give it to her because I'd learned my colors.

"My earliest memory of a public event occurred when Franklin Roosevelt died. I wasn't sure who he was but from the emotion of the adults I knew it was a big event."

Happy 80th Birthday, Steve.

- Brad Haugaard

Man Killed by Train Friday Identified

The man who was struck and killed by a Metro train near California Avenue and Duarte Road in Monrovia at about 4:25 a.m. Friday has been identified as Fabian Cano, 20, of Duarte. https://is.gd/H0Ntgg

- Brad Haugaard

One-Eared Chico - Just Lookin' For Love

Five-year-old Chico is such a sweetie, and is just looking for someone to love! In his previous home, Chico was attacked by another dog and lost his right ear due to his injuries. He’s healing well, and despite his wounds, is still an affectionate and happy pup. Chico is a handsome dog with a big smile and the sweetest eyes. We know someone will fall in love with this adorable one-eared guy!

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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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: William Monroe Riding in Monrovia Day Parade

William Monroe riding on horseback in the 1914 Monrovia Day Parade.  See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

Biking for Bucks Deadline Extended to September 30

The deadline to apply for the Biking for Bucks program has been extended to September 30. Get up to $350 back on your purchase of a bike and/or bike accessories. Then, track your activity to enter a raffle for a $50 gift card to a Monrovia business of your choice. Three winners every week and a grand prize drawing at the end of the pilot program in November. Details: https://is.gd/kbbd18

- Brad Haugaard

20th Year Remembrance of September 11

Sept. 11 is Patriot Day and Monrovia Fire & Rescue invites you to a community remembrance on Sept. 11 at Fire Stattion 101 (141 E. Lemon) to remember the innocent lives lost and to honor the selfless service and valiant acts of the first responders.

- Brad Haugaard

Kid's Book Sale Tomorrow (Aug. 28) at Library

- Brad Haugaard

Last Art Walk for Summer Tomorrow, Aug. 28

-Brad Haugaard 

Pedestrian Killed By Metro Train Today

A pedestrian was hit and killed by a Metro train near Duarte Road and California Avenue in Monrovia around 4:25 a.m. today. https://is.gd/YAQvMV

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 91 More Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 08/25/2021. Changes since 08/18/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,652 cases (up 91), 79 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 423 cases (up 12), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: UPS Driver Robbed of Package; Catalytic Converter Suspects Arrested; Elderly Driver Hits House; Sleeping Driver Hits Car; Car Hits Motorcycle; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 19-25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 420 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Commercial Burglary
August 19 at 3:39 a.m., an alarm activation was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. A glass-break sensor had just been triggered at a cellular phone business. The caller reported a male adult suspect was seen entering the store wearing a black jacket, red face mask, with a dreadlock style of hair. Officers arrived and surrounded the building. An interior search was conducted, but the suspect had fled. A responsible party showed up, but could not determine a loss at the time. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 19 at 9:11 a.m., a male subject called police to report his vehicle had just been burglarized at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The suspect fled the scene in a grey, Dodge van. Officers arrived, but the suspect was not located. The investigation revealed the passenger door lock on the vehicle had been punched and the victim’s tools had been stolen out of the vehicle. The suspect's license plate was obtained. Investigation continuing.

Robbery
August 19 at 1:43 p.m., officers responded to the report of a robbery in progress in the 100 block of W. Central. A male suspect approached a UPS driver who was holding a package to be delivered to the location. The suspect repeatedly told the UPS driver that the package belonged to him. When the UPS driver asked for identification, the suspect ripped the package out of her arms, scratching her in the process. The suspect ran to a waiting vehicle and fled the scene. Witnesses observed the suspect loitering in the area since the morning. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 19 at 6:06 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Foothill. The victim called to report her vehicle had been stolen sometime between August 18 and 19. The vehicle was parked on Foothill. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 20 at 1:31 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Ivy called police to report the catalytic converter had been stolen off his vehicle sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Theft of Firearm
August 21 at 9:06 a.m., a deputy from Industry Sheriff’s Department called and informed dispatch he arrested a subject who was in possession of a handgun registered to a Monrovia resident. An officer went to the resident's home in the 300 block of Elfwood and spoke with him. He said the last time he saw the gun was approximately four years ago, and he did not give anyone permission to take it or use it. He checked the closet where he kept it and confirmed it was missing. A report was taken and forwarded to the deputy. Investigation continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 21 at 4:10 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Montana called police to report they saw a vehicle back into a parked car and drive off without leaving a note on the parked vehicle. They were able to get a picture of the suspect vehicle. An officer contacted the registered owner of the parked vehicle to inform them of what happened. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Firearm Recovered – Suspect Arrested
August 21 at 9:34 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle swerving on the road as it traveled south on Myrtle, approaching California. He conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. The driver appeared to be driving while under the influence of alcohol. The officer conducted a DUI investigation and arrested the driver. Another officer conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to storing it and, in doing so, he located a revolver under the seat, which was recovered by the officer.

Felony Evading / Driving Under the Influence / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
August 21 at 9:50 p.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in a dark area of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. As he approached the vehicle, the driver fled in the vehicle and entered the 210 Freeway, heading east. The driver was traveling at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour and was drifting in the lanes. The driver continued on the 605 Freeway, heading south to the 10 Freeway, heading west. The driver exited in the City of San Gabriel at the Alhambra border, where he pulled over. At that point, the officers conducted a high-risk stop and had the two occupants exit. The driver exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of drugs and the passenger had an outstanding warrant. The passenger was arrested and taken into custody. Once the driver was medically cleared, he was brought to the police department, where he was booked for felony evading and DUI.

Grand Theft
August 22 at 1:40 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called police to report a theft that occurred the previous night. Two females entered the store, put a large dollar amount of merchandise into bags and left without paying for the items. Investigation continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
August 22 at 4:02 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. An elderly motorist struck a home in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. Officers arrived and checked the well-being of the driver. He was not injured. The vehicle struck the side of an apartment and hit an air-conditioning unit. A DMV reevaluation form was completed on the driver. Investigation continuing.

Battery on a Peace Officer / Mental Evaluation
August 22 at 8:08 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lemon regarding a disturbing subject who was fighting and arguing with family members. The reporting party indicated that the subject had struck his head on a wall and was bleeding. Officers arrived, and while they were dealing with the subject, he spit on one of the officers. The subject was safely detained and transported to a local hospital, where he received a mental evaluation and was placed on a 72 hour hold.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
August 23 at 10:38 a.m., a caller reported a motorist just struck her vehicle in the 400 block of W. Scenic. Officers responded and found the driver had fallen asleep behind the wheel. He was not injured. The driver was issued a citation.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 12:01 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Cherry called police to report that the mother of his child had just pushed him. Officers responded and found no one was injured. The female subject was found to be the primary aggressor and was arrested for domestic battery.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 23 at 3:02 p.m., a motorist reported another driver collided into the back of his vehicle at the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington, and the driver fled the area without stopping to exchange information. Officers searched the area for the hit and run driver, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 24 at 8:45 a.m., a caller reported a motorist just struck the back of a motorcyclist who was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Myrtle and Lemon. The collision caused the motorcyclist to be thrown forward off the motorcycle and onto the hood of an SUV traveling in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was cared for by Monrovia paramedics.

Embezzlement
August 24 at 12:31 p.m., the owner of an equipment rental business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report that a customer rented a piece of equipment and was refusing to return it. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 24 at 3:45 p.m., a caller reported a motorist collided into their car at the intersection of Chestnut and Monterey, then fled the area without stopping to exchange information. The caller was not injured in the collision. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Attempt Grand Theft Auto
August 24 at 3:50 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Sombrero discovered someone had forced entry into his vehicle, which was parked in front of his house. They punched the ignition, but were unsuccessful at taking the car. They stole personal items belonging to the resident and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / Resisting Arrest / Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 11:11 p.m., police dispatch received multiple calls reporting a male subject attacking a female subject in front of the station. Officers arrived and saw the suspect attacking the victim. The suspect then attempted to assault the officers. The suspect continued to resist, but was safely detained. The victim sustained minor injuries. The suspect also battered a passerby that had attempted to help the victim. The suspect was medically cleared and brought to the station for booking on multiple charges.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 25 at 1:45 p.m., a caller reported a motorist just collided into her vehicle at the intersection of Cypress and Alta Vista. Officers located the motorist that left the area. He returned to the scene and exchanged information.

Grand Theft
August 26 at 3:44 a.m., officers responded to the area of Lime and Canyon regarding suspects seen under a vehicle. The suspects fled in a truck when the resident came out of the home. An officer located the truck and conducted a traffic stop. The suspects were detained while officers conducted an investigation and discovered the catalytic converter had been removed from the vehicle, but was tossed out of the truck prior to being stopped by officers. Three suspects were arrested.

Dinner at Cafe Mundial

Dinner at Cafe Mundial, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Colorado. Got the tri tip for $26 and a beer for $7.  Filling and fine. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Job Openings With City of Monrovia

The City of Monrovia has two job openings:

- Office administrator at the Police Department.
- Recreation specialist (part time) for Community Services Department.

Details: https://is.gd/qkFR1m

- Brad Haugaard

Speaker Ryan Ries Will Talk About Dangers of Drugs, Alcohol, and Depression

Guest speaker Ryan Ries will speak to youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings at Calvary Chapel Monrovia on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

Ries grew up in Southern California and made a name for himself in the skateboard industry, working for Circa Footwear, maker of skateboarding shoes. He later became involved in the rap and hip hop music industry.

He was making $300,000 a year and was traveling the world with rock bands, but began to struggle with drugs, which almost took his life. 

He has been sober for many years, is married with triplet girls and a son, and travels the world speaking to youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, depression and suicidal feelings. 

He and two rock musicians who had a similar story formed an organization called The Whosoevers, which brings a message of hope and love to young people -- and adults -- who are struggling.

He has written the book, "Kill the Noise: Finding Meaning Above the Madness," and is doing a book tour, speaking at churches, youth programs and to incarcerated juveniles. He also speaks at music festivals and skate parks across the nation.   

- Brad Haugaard

Senior Kitty Albert Wants to Be a Pampered Lap Cat

Senior kitty Albert is a former stray who’s ready to spend his golden years as a pampered lap cat! Albert is ten years young and has a curious spirit. He loves exploring, but will happily hang out with you for some petting and head scratches. He has a sweet and quiet meow that he uses to get your attention. Albert has surprisingly soft fur that you’ll love to pet!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All kitten 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 and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Make Reservations to Visit Canyon Park

File photo.

Monrovia Canyon Park will open Monday, August 30 for visitors with reservations. The Waterfall Trail, Nature Trail, Bill Cull Trail, and Cunningham Overlook Trail will all be open, but "the Ben Overturff Trial is closed per US Forest Service Dept."

Park hours are Sunday - Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. On Tuesdays people can walk or bike into the park, but it will be closed to vehicles for routine maintenance. Vehicle admission is $5 per vehicle, $10 on weekends. The park will also be closed if it is raining.

The city urges "extra caution when walking, hiking, or biking on our trails as we continue to have loose gravel and rocks along the trails." 

For reservations, go to https://is.gd/9aYoBY and click on "Trail Reservations".

- Brad Haugaard

What First Day Back to In-Person School Was Like

Monrovia Unified School District students received the red-carpet treatment on Aug. 18, welcomed with colorful balloons, inspirational banners, and exuberant school mascots as they returned to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year.

Wearing big smiles behind their face masks and chatting amiably with their classmates and teachers, more than 5,000 Monrovia students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade made their first appearances on campus for full-time instruction since March 2020.

“We are ecstatic to have our students back on campus. The first day of school is always exciting, but this year is extra special,” MUSD Board President Maritza Travanti said. “Seeing the students arrive on campus, hearing the spirit in their voices and watching them interact together makes me so happy. School Board members were at multiple school sites greeting students, families and staff throughout the week. We are looking forward to a wonderful and successful 2021-22 school year.”

At Monrovia High School, the new freshman class was greeted by a huge inflatable Wildcat, teachers wearing “The Wildcat Way” T-shirts, and mentors and representatives from Renaissance Club, Link Crew and Associated Student Body.

As part of the Monrovia High Passport to Success program, freshmen spent their first morning receiving a pep talk from principal Kirk McGinnis as well as learning tips on how to be a successful high school student. In keeping with Wildcat tradition, freshmen were asked to make a commitment pledge to graduate in 2025, signing their names to a ceremonial white commencement robe.

Monrovia High senior and Renaissance Club member Jackee Munoz is excited to be back at school and to be assisting the freshmen class as they acclimate to their new surroundings.

“This is my favorite part of school, being able to be a leader for the freshmen,” Munoz said. “It’s really important to be on campus because we all missed out on so much last year. It’s good to see my friends and everyone coming back together. I’m looking forward to a normal year, back to everyone being in the same place.”

Seniors, juniors, and sophomores arrived later in the day, receiving their schedules, and attending their first classes.

At Plymouth Elementary School, students sporting colorful backpacks and face masks walked a red carpet into school. Plymouth PTA members dressed in green dragon costumes provided entertainment and proud parents took pictures as students waited in line to receive their class assignments.

Plymouth students were assigned color codes that directed them to their new classroom and teacher. Principal Greg Gero assisted faculty and staff in greeting students and enthusiastically answering questions from parents.

“This is a much more exciting first day than usual,” Gero said. “We are thrilled to welcome back all of our students, many of whom we haven’t seen in a year and a half. Just to see all the new faces and the families, and how excited they are, the teachers and the staff. It’s very rewarding.”

Students will follow a full-time in-person schedule and adhere to all State of California health and safety protocols. Masks will be required indoors but are optional outdoors for students, faculty and staff. Physical distancing is not required but will be encouraged. Playgrounds will be open for all students, and they can spend their lunch indoors or outdoors. Information on COVID-19 screenings and vaccinations can be found on the District website.

Monrovia Unified also launched Mountain Park Virtual Academy this school year, presenting students and families with an online option while still receiving a full, comprehensive curriculum.

“I have never looked forward to a first day of school more than this year,” MUSD Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith said. “I am so proud to welcome back our returning students, introduce new students and families to the District, and to be part of this amazing and vibrant community. On behalf of Monrovia Unified administrators, faculty and staff, we are ready to resume our mission to provide our children with a world class education that prepares them for success in college and career.”

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Inside Frank J. Cornes' Grocery Store

Frank J. Cornes' Grocery Store at 501 S Myrtle c. 1893.. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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