- Brad Haugaard
Teen Suicide Prevention Webinars
Chicken and Beer Restaurant
A Korean style restaurant called Chicken and Beer, will be opening on the east side of Myrtle just south of the theater.- Brad Haugaard
School District May Let County Use MHS Cafeteria as Voting Center
~ An agreement with the LA County Registrar/Recorder to let the county use the Monrovia High School Cafeteria as a voting center. https://tny.im/r2k88
~ Authorizing an updated job description for the position of Director of Performing Arts. https://tny.im/9B7o1
~ Naming April 24-30, 2022 as Administrative Professionals (Secretaries) Week and Wednesday, April 27, 2022 as Administrative Professionals (Secretaries) Day. https://tny.im/eFYgW
- Brad Haugaard
Ask an Arborist, and Tree Care Tips
For Earth Day & Arbor Day on April 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Grow Monrovia will host "Ask an Arborist" at the Maryknoll Sisters property at Norumbega and Greystone. Ask an arborist about mature trees and attend a workshop on tree planting techniques. New shade trees will be given to residents for front yards and fruit trees given out for community spaces such as churches.Speaking of trees, some tree watering tips for our current drought:
- Trees are an investment. It will cost more time, money and water to replace a mature tree lost to drought than to keep one alive.
- Poke a hole in the soil with a long screwdriver. If you can't poke a hole of at least 6 inches, it's time to water.
- Avoid pruning or fertilizing during dry seasons. Pruning stresses trees and fertilizer encourages leafy growth which requires more water.
- Mulch around trees helps keep the moisture from evaporating and will not compete for water.
- Longer and slower soaks can allow water to penetrate deeper into the soil. Use a hose timer to avoid overwatering and run-off.
- Brad Haugaard
Canyon Park Volunteers Honored; Earth Day Celebration; Police Hiring; Free $1,000 a Month ... Maybe
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
~ Canyon Park volunteers honored - Spirit Award: Ed Cunningham, Doug Elson. Volunteer of the Year: Bonny Hidas. Through wildfires, rain and wind storms, and the pandemic "they have been there every step of the way to rebuild our parks, lead virtual programs, and help find ways to keep or public informed and updated about Canyon Park recovery."
~ The Monrovia Canyon Park team will host Celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22, at 4 p.m., at Library Park. Activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, information booths, a scavenger hunt and giveaways.
~ The city is hiring a Police Services Representative, full-time - $43,575.41 - $58,395.22 annually. Details: https://tny.im/OJDQS
~ If you could use an extra $1,000 a month, LA County is launching "Breathe," a "guaranteed income program" that will provide just that ... providing you live in the right place (not above Foothill) and your income is low. Also, it is only guaranteed if you are selected in a random drawing. Other rules, too. Apply here: https://tny.im/jankV
- Brad Haugaard
New School Plans to Locate Behind St. Luke's Church
At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/BRYP) the Monrovia Planning Commission will consider approving two mobile classroom units to be placed on an existing school campus on the east side of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church building on Wildrose Avenue. Oasis Trilingual Community School (Mandarin, Spanish and English) wants to relocate from its current campus in Temple City to the larger facility at St. Luke's. The staff report says the site has been used for educational purposes for more than 50 years and city staff recommends approval. https://tny.im/boN5O
- Brad Haugaard
Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 29 More Cases, No More Deaths
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
04/06/2022. Changes since
03/30/2022.
City of Monrovia: 8,238 cases (up 29), 101 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 862 cases (up 1), 4 deaths (unchanged)
- Brad Haugaard
City of Monrovia: 8,238 cases (up 29), 101 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 862 cases (up 1), 4 deaths (unchanged)
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Vehicle Rear-Ends a Semi; Homeless Woman Has Baby in Abandoned Business; Apartment Owner Bilked of $300,000; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 391 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.
Municipal Code Violation
March 31 at 10:57 a.m., a caller at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported an adult male was yelling profanities at her and followed her to her vehicle. She was scared and drove directly to the police station. An officer investigated the incident and submitted a criminal complaint to the City Attorney’s Office.
Commercial Burglary
March 31 at 6:15 p.m., an officer went to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding the theft of a sensor. The investigation revealed that the suspect walked into the business and cut the wire to the sensor that removes security tags from items. Once the suspect removed the sensor, he walked out of the business. A week prior, a different sensor was stolen from one of the registers by a different suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Tampering
March 31 at 7:56 p.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block of Royal Oaks regarding a vehicle burglary. An investigation revealed that the suspect(s) had gained entry into the vehicle and damaged the steering column. Multiple wires were exposed, but no items are believed to have been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
March 31 at 11:06 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Duarte and Enterprise Way regarding an injury traffic collision. One of the vehicles was traveling eastbound on Duarte, when she made an unsafe turning movement, causing her to collide into the rear of a semi-truck. The front portion of her vehicle went underneath the semi-truck. As a result of the impact the driver sustained lacerations to her head. She was treated by paramedics and transported to a local hospital.
Injury Traffic Collison
March 31 at 11:58 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Evergreen regarding an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was ejected and complained of pain to his chest and knee. Paramedics arrived and transported him to a local hospital.
Vandalism
April 1 at 8:38 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Shamrock and Colorado regarding a stop sign that had been vandalized with graffiti. Upon arrival, an officer saw the stop sign had been spray-painted. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 1:10 p.m., officers responded to a grand theft that had just occurred at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and detained a female suspect. Further investigation revealed she had a felony warrant for assault against a peace officer out of Illinois, with full extradition. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting
April 1 at 3:54 p.m., officers responded to a shoplifting that had just occurred at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers were unable to locate the suspect, who fled on foot prior to their arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 7:47 p.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of S. Myrtle saw a large group of juveniles in the park. Within the group there were three juveniles fighting. Officers detained several juvenile and arrested one of the juveniles for battery. The other juvenile involved in the flight fled the scene. The detained juvenile was issued a citation. This investigation is continuing.
Drinking in Public – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 9:19 p.m., while investigating a separate call for service in the 100 block of W. Foothill, officers noticed a juvenile subject drinking an alcoholic beverage in public. The subject was arrested and released with a citation.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 2:48 p.m., an officer near the intersection of Ivy and Lime observed a vehicle swerving in the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted. Officers contacted the driver and during their investigation, determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for a sobering period.
Grand Theft Auto
April 2 at 12:08 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of E. Foothill regarding a vehicle stolen from the location. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Theft
April 2 at 12:52 p.m., two separate elderly victims reported having their wallets stolen while shopping at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Both victims said they were carrying their purse over their shoulder, and didn’t noticed their wallet had been stolen until they went to check-out their groceries. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 7:18 p.m., a caller in the 1200 block of S. Myrtle advised he could hear a sawing sound coming from a parking lot in the area. Officers arrived and located a subject in a vehicle with a catalytic converter in the floorboard and cutting tools in the rear portion of the vehicle. During the investigation, officers noticed a parked van nearby that was missing the catalytic converter. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrants – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 12:03 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Magnolia and Evergreen. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed the driver had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrants and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.
Medical Assist
April 3 at 5:12 a.m., officers responded to an abandoned business in the 100 block of W. Pomona regarding a female transient who had just delivered a baby inside the location. Officers arrived and confirmed the female subject, who was homeless was staying inside the business, delivered a baby girl. Paramedics arrived and transported the mother and child to a local hospital for further treatment.
Vehicle Burglary
April 3 at 9:02 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Olive called to report that his vehicle was broken into sometime during the night. The owner's wallet was taken and his credit card was also used at a nearby restaurant. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
April 3 at 8:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of Sherman regarding someone breaking a window. Upon arrival officers checked the property, but the suspect was no longer there. There was damage to the front door window, the north living room window and the suspect also keyed the caller’s vehicle while it was parked in the driveway. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:19 a.m., a male subject was contacted in a park in the 1600 block of S. Primrose for being there after hours. Further investigation revealed that the subject had a no bail warrant for a parole violation. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.
Grand Theft
April 4 at 8:15 a.m., a victim in the 1100 block of S. Primrose called to report the catalytic converter on her vehicle had been taken sometime during the evening and early morning hours. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
April 4 at 9:56 a.m., a caller in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks said sometime over the weekend, his Honda Civic was stolen from the location. It was parked in an open parking area. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 4 at 12:19 p.m., a driver in the intersection of Huntington and Mountain called to request an officer come by to help with the exchange of information due to a traffic accident. One of the vehicles rear ended the other vehicle. An investigation revealed that one of the driver’s was unlicensed. The driver at fault was issued a citation for being unlicensed and for traveling at an unsafe speed.
Fraud
April 4 at 1:03 p.m., a victim from the 100 block of Sutter Creek reported a fraud. The victim owns apartments in a neighboring city. His business bank account was found to have numerous fraudulent charges totaling approximately $300,000. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
April 4 at 3:47 p.m., a caller stated she parked her vehicle at a parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington. She went into the store and when she came out saw that the vehicle’s window was smashed. It is unknown exactly what was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Death Report
April 4 at 5:13 p.m., paramedics responded to a residence in the 300 block of the S. Primrose for a medical assist. The subject was pronounced deceased, and officers responded to conduct a death investigation report. The investigation revealed that the elderly female at the location had passed away from what appeared to be natural causes. The coroner was advised and they authorized the release to the mortuary.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 5 at 6:21 a.m., officers went to a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle to serve multiple warrants on a known male subject who was camping out for an extended period of time. He was arrested per the authority of the warrants and taken into custody.
Fraud
April 5 at 1:41 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Palm reported that their father had been scammed into purchasing approximately $10,000 in store gift cards and giving the card numbers to a subject over the phone. The store’s security had flagged the suspicious activity and canceled the cards preemptively.
Vehicle Theft
April 5 at 2:12 p.m., a caller stated he arrived at a residence in the 300 block of Norumbega to do landscaping. He had equipment in his truck and while he was away from the truck someone stole multiple landscaping tools. Surveillance footage was retrieved. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Wanted
April 5 at 8:36 p.m., a female victim reported that she had been battered by her husband in the 200 block of Montana. The suspect fled in a vehicle before officers arrived. Officers check several possible addresses for the suspect, but they were unable to locate him. An emergency protective order was entered into the system. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
April 6 at 8:43 a.m., a female caller in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported that she was experiencing a panic attack. Officers arrived and after speaking to the female, she told the officers she was thinking about harming herself. The female was taken to a local mental hospital for treatment.
Theft
April 6 at 3:20 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a subject had just stolen several items from the location and was last seen walking away from the location. Officers arrived and checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Activity
April 6 at 3:59 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Peck to the location on a report of a possible transient setting up some type of encampment. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A consent search revealed he had illegal drugs in his possession. He was issued a citation for the violation and the drugs were seized. He took his belongings and moved on.
Violation of Court Order
April 6 at 4:02 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Palm called to say there was a female at the location who was not supposed to be there. There was an expired restraining order on record. She no longer lives at the location and had been told to not return. The resident at the location desired prosecution. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision
April 6 at 5:39 p.m., a caller stated a vehicle in the area of California and Colorado was swerving on the roadway. The vehicle then struck a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and could see visible injuries on the driver. Paramedics were requested. While waiting for them to arrive, the officer spoke to the driver and he admitted he had been drinking alcohol that day. Due to the injuries, the driver was transported to the hospital.
Obituary of City Historian Steve Baker
By Susan Keller
Steve Baker left this world as graciously and gently as he lived his life. He died April 4, 2022 due to complications from pneumonia, in Santa Barbara, CA, surrounded by his sister and her family and embraced by the love and concern of the entire community of Monrovia, CA. A fifth-generation Californian and Monrovian, Steve was born at Alta Bates Hospital in Richmond, CA, the first child of Robert Munson Baker and Pasadena-born Helen Lisk Keller. After his father returned from the Navy in 1945 and Steve's sister was born, the family moved to Monrovia, next door to his grandmother. He resided in Monrovia for 67 of the next 76 years, and his home for the past 55 years was in the very house—dating from 1887—that his great-great grandfather built and that his grandmother came to as a young child; Steve slept in the bedroom in which his father was born.
Steve attended Monrovia schools, including Monrovia-Duarte High School, ultimately receiving his diploma from Palo Verde High School in Blythe, CA where his father was president of the community college. Steve explored a wide variety of institutions of higher learning in both So. and No. California. Concurrently working as a branch manager for Security Pacific National Bank, he finally received his BA from USC shortly after his 40th birthday.
Steve displayed musical talent from an early age, studying piano and then organ; he disassembled and then restored an antique pump organ while still in high school. He possessed vocal gifts as well and sang in select choral ensembles his entire life. A tenor with a ringing tone, he was a soloist at churches and synagogues in the LA area, toured Europe with the Southern California Choral Society, and most recently was a long-time member of Jouyssance, an early music group on whose Board he served as treasurer.
Steve’s interest in all things historical was also apparent from a young age; he collected antiques in his early teens and found the varied architectural styles in his area quite fascinating. This, along with living in one of the earliest homes built in Monrovia, undoubtedly became the genesis of his life-long passion for authentic architecture, Victorian furniture and collectibles, California history, and family genealogy. In 1991, the City of Monrovia appointed him City Historian, a position he held until his death. He wrote countless articles on Monrovia and Duarte history and the provenance of their homes and buildings, did extensive genealogical and background research for whomever asked for his help, and presented numerous historical programs to service organizations and schools, adding extra flair by dressing the part in a vintage suit and top hat. In addition to his honorary position, Steve was elected Monrovia City Treasurer in 2005 and was running unopposed on the ballot for the upcoming June election.
Volunteering as a board member and officer for multiple organizations was a true calling for Steve; they greatly benefited from his expertise, his commitment, and his inability to say “no” to any task or assignment, be it challenging or mundane. At the time of his passing, he served an astonishing number of entities, among them: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (treasurer); Rotary Club (past president and executive secretary); Citrus College Foundation (past president); Monrovia Historic Preservation Group (historian); Monrovia Historical Museum (past president); Monrovia Historical Society (president); Duarte Historical Society and Museum (treasurer); Friends of the Monrovia Public Library (treasurer); Friends of the Duarte Library (treasurer); Monrovia Coordinating Council (treasurer); Monrovia Historical Museum (past president); Santa Anita YMCA (past chair). He was board president for Santa Barbara Revels, a performing arts group that his sister founded, and he appeared in its annual productions for a dozen years. In addition to being named Grand Marshall of the Monrovia Days Parade, he received numerous awards and honors from his community: Iris Award (Citizen of the Year) from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce; Award of Merit from the Conference of California Historical Societies; Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Boy Scouts of America Greater Los Angeles Area Council. The list goes on.
Steve was extraordinarily patient, kind, generous, and thoughtful. A gentle man in every sense of the word. He was an exceptional listener, a wonderful chronicler with an encyclopedic knowledge of dates, times, and places, and an unassuming presence that nevertheless made an indelible imprint on his wider community. The void left by his passing cannot be filled and certainly not by only one person. He is irreplaceable, both civically and within his family circle. His sister Susan Keller, her husband, Myron Shapero, and their son, Matthew Shapero, deeply mourn his untimely loss, along with all the members of their extended family. He was pre-deceased by his mother, father, and sister, Sherry Lynn (1957-1960).
There will be a memorial service and a celebration of Steve’s life at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16th at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 122 South California Avenue, in Monrovia.
Dinner at La Sexy Michelada
Dinner at La Sexy Michelada, a new Mexican restaurant at the former Los Gueros site on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. Got the fish soup for $16.99 and a Sencilla Michelada for $9.79. The meal came with tortillas as well, though not shown. There was a lot of fish in the soup. Very good. - Brad Haugaard
Friendly Kiki Kitty Loves Attention ... And Catnip
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One-year-old Kiki is very friendly and will meow to get your attention! She loves meeting new people and will head butt you to ask for petting. Kiki enjoys playing with her catnip sock and feather wand toy. She becomes extra relaxed when being brushed.
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 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
Monrovia Church Raises $100,000 for Ukraine Relief
Monrovia's Fellowship Church reports that it raised $100,000 last month to help provide food, water, and shelter to Ukrainians seeking refuge. The money will go to the church's partner, Convoy of Hope, which has set up aid stations along the Ukrainian border.
- Brad Haugaard
Service Celebrating Steve Baker's Life April 16 at St. Luke Church
A service celebrating the life of City Historian Steve Baker will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 122 S. California Avenue, Monrovia on Saturday, April 16th at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited. Please be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID test result.
The service will also be available on Zoom at the same time: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6263577071?pwd=cUtjbWQ4anc2Z2xyQkJSUFk2NVRWUT09 Meeting ID: 626 357 7071, Passcode: 818635
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Watching For Drivers Using Cell Phones
"Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal" Monrovia PD Lieutenant Oberon said. "For the safety of your family and others on the road put the phone away and focus on driving."
According to the 2021 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly three out of every four drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2019, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 20,000 citations during the month of April to drivers for hands-free cell phone law violations.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver's record. If you have an important phone call, text, email, or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before starting the car, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can't reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traific Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Temperatures Up to 100 Degrees Wednesday Through Friday
Temperatures up to 100 degrees expected in the San Gabriel Valley from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. https://tny.im/tlCRS
- Brad Haugaard
City Historian Steve Baker Dies
Monrovian Steve Baker, 80, died in Santa Barbara at 3:45 p.m. today as a result of complications from pneumonia. Baker served as City Historian and City Treasurer and is currently on the ballot unopposed for the City Treasurer position. Baker's sister, Susan, of Santa Barbara, reports that "He was comfortable, peaceful, and he died with our arms around him. He is now in the arms of God."
Comment
I met Steve years ago at the little art gallery that was across the street from the Monrovia library on the south side. I had a few pictures hanging in there and we started talking and he asked me where I live. I told him and he proceeded to tell me the history of my property.
Then we began encountering each other at Starbucks. He noticed I was reading the book of Job in the Bible and so he xeroxed off an article Carl Jung wrote on Job. I thought the article said more about Jung than about Job, but it kind of started us meeting and enjoying each other’s company.
During Covid we met on his porch, keeping carefully 6 feet apart. Steve, Kevin Sullivan, and myself. It was a great way to start the day. Later, Steve and I began hiking together on Friday mornings. We’d hike up to a bench in the hills and sit and admire God‘s creation.
When it was cold, after the worst of Covid, we sat - keeping our distance - in his front parlor each weekday morning with a little old, old electric heater with glowing orange coils, and discussed a short passage from the Bible. We went through a good portion of the book of Luke together and were just starting in on John. I really was blessed by his insights, though he often brought in Carl Jung.
I think Steve loved everything old. In our Bible study times he preferred to read out of the King James Version, the old Bible. And often the passage of scripture that we looked at would remind him of a hymn, an old hymn, from an old hymnal. And when he prayed it was with all the old “thee’s” and “thou’s”. Beautiful.
Old prayers, old music, the old faith; old houses, old Monrovia, even old furniture and old household items. I think Steve saw the work of craftsmen in these things and it pained him to think that they might be discarded and that all that work and skill and love that was still in them would be lost.
Steve loved Monrovia. I once asked him how many organizations he belonged to. He had to count by naming them off, and when he was done he admitted that he may have missed a few.
And I miss you, Steve. Someday I'll see you again.
God bless you!
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Airport From Early Airplane
Aerial view of Monrovia Airport. See full details here.
New 'Monrovia' Sign Welcomes People to City
There's a new Monrovia sign welcoming people who are coming to the city from Arcadia on Huntington. Gem City Images has a picture, here.
- Brad Haugaard
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