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Tours of Anderson House Begin This Sunday


Beginning this Sunday, March 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., The Monrovia Historical Society is offering free tours of the 1886 George H. Anderson House Museum. These will be held on the third Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The house has undergone extensive repairs and is now furnished with authentic period pieces that show what it was like to live in the early days of Monrovia. No RSVP is required, and all are welcome. The house is located at 215 E. Lime Avenue in Monrovia. For more information call (626) 675-8323 or email monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at The Diplomat

Had a light dinner at The Diplomat, near the northeast corner of Lemon and Myrtle. Got the Red Lentil Soup for $10 and a beer for $7. Really good soup!

- Brad Haugaard

Pet Snowdrop and You Have an Instant Best Friend

Lovely Snowdrop is such a fun dog! This sweetheart is so ready to meet you that she’ll stick her paw out of her kennel to shake your hand, and her whole body starts wagging to keep up with her tail. Once you start petting her, she nuzzles into your hands, and you’re instantly her best friend. 

Snowdrop is extremely playful and loves romping around in the play yard. She would be a great fit for an active family as she loves to explore and go on hikes. There is no trail too long for her!

Snowdrop is six years old, which qualifies her for the Seniors for Seniors program. Her adoption fee is waived for any adopter over 60.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

- Brad Haugaard 

Children Can Make Propeller-Driven Car

Make a propeller-driven car on Saturday, March 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Station Square Park. For children ages 6-11.  Registration required and the deadline is March 23, at noon. For information email gantunez@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8275. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Flamenco Guitarist at Monthly Guitar Night

Flamenco guitarist Adam Del Monte will appear next Monday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. at LOOK Cinemas along with multi-instrumentalist Scott Johnson and his classical guitar students from the California School for the Arts in Duarte. This event is presented every third Monday of the month and showcases professional and student guitarists. Details

Comment: I had no idea these performances were taking place. Thanks so much to Felix Bullock, a Monrovian who teaches guitar at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and is involved in these monthly performances, for letting me know. 

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Harding Court - Named After President Harding

Harding Court, built at 401 E Foothill in 1922 by Sherman J. McQueen, who named the court of 15 bungalows after President Harding. From the Kim Anderson collection. See full details here.

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

Services to be Held for Former Monrovia Councilman John Nobrega

Services for former Monrovia City Councilman John Nobrega will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Cabot & Sons, 27 Chestnut Street, Pasadena at 11 a.m. John Nobrega Jr. passed away peacefully on February 9 at the age of 90. He moved to Monrovia in 1965, where he became an active member of Immaculate Conception Church and served on the city's Parks and Recreation Commission from 1972 to 1982. He later ran for city council and served as a council member from 1982 to 1994, during which time he worked to establish a fire station in the southern part of the city. Nobrega also worked in food sales for companies such as Armour Star and Nestle and operated John's Discount Golf shop in Arcadia. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia PD: Don’t Drive Drunk on Saint Patrick’s Day

 

The Monrovia Police Department warns…

This St. Patrick's Day don't push your luck by driving drunk. The Monrovia Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by not driving under the influence.

Additional officers will be on patrol March 17 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"Leave your keys at home and plan ahead before you celebrate St. Patrick's Day." Lt. Oberon said. "Designate a sober driver, schedule a ride share or make other plans to get home safely if you plan to consume alcohol."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick's Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation's roads. In 2020, more than 11,000 people in the U.S. died in drunk-driving crashes.

Monrovia PD wants to warn the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment. Marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia police deportment

– Brad Haugaard 


Police Station Gets New Sign; No Street Fair Today; Older American Nominations Open; Veggie Workshop; Youth Soccer; Nursing Job Fair


In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports: 

~ The Monrovia Police Station recently got a fresh coat of paint and new sign.

~ No street fair today because of rain.

~ Nominations are open for Monrovia's  Older American of the Year award, which recognizes a Monrovian, 60 or older, who demonstrates service and community involvement. Nomination forms are due next Friday, March 17, and are available here:  link.

~ Free Spring Veggie workshop from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 15. Learn about the different veggies you can grow during the warm season. Free and open to all at the Monrovia Community Garden (Colorado and Magnolia).

~ Registration open for Monrovia After School Youth Sports Program Co-ed Soccer.  details.

~ Monrovia Community Adult School is hosting a Job Fair for Nurse Assistants and Home Care Aides on Thursday, March 16, from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Room 33 at the Mountain Campus (920 S. Mountain Avenue). For more information contact the school at 471-3035.

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Egg Hunt April 8 at Recreation Park


Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue). Arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Call Community Services at 256-8246 for further information. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Get Photo With Easter Bunny


Get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Library Park. Also, arts & crafts, lawn games, photo opportunities and Library Storytime. Call Community Services at 256-8246 for questions.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Robbery With Handgun; Daughter Hits Dad With Knife Handle; Car Runs Light, Broadsides and Rolls Another Car; 10 Intoxicated Drivers; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 2 – 8. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 319 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.

Attempted Burglary
March 2 at 3:44 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte regarding an alarm activation. Officers arrived and saw one of the front windows was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 2 at 6:22 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of California and Colorado. A juvenile was hit by a vehicle and the vehicle fled the scene. Officers and MFD responded to the scene. MFD treated the juvenile. He was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
March 3 at 10:32 a.m., the owner of a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle Ave. reported arriving to find the rear door open. A checkbook was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
March 3 at 4:32 p.m., a victim called from a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reporting that two male suspects entered a business and stole the victim’s purse. The suspects attempted to use the victim's credit card at a business minutes later. The investigation is continuing.

Robbery
March 3 at 5:05 p.m., an employee called from a business in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle to report a robbery. A male suspect jumped on the counter and pointed a handgun at the clerk. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 3 at 6:26 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported several juveniles entered her store and stole property. This investigation is continuing.

Threatening
March 3 at 7:07 p.m., a caller in a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a customer became upset and began to threaten harm to the employees. The suspect left before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 12:01 a.m., while on patrol an officer saw a driver commit a traffic violation in the area of Mayflower and Evergreen. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and was transported to MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 12:14 a.m., an officer saw a driver commit a violation in the area of Magnolia and Olive and conducted a traffic stop. After a DUI investigation the driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision
March 4 at 12:18 a.m., an intoxicated driver slammed into the rear of a parked vehicle in the 3300 block of S. Peck, causing the parked vehicle to collide into a food cart with workers and patrons. Multiple injuries were reported and MFD responded along with Arcadia PD and Irwindale PD. Four people were injured and transported to area hospitals. The DUI driver was also transported to the hospital. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 2:04 a.m., as officers were dealing with a collision scene, a vehicle drove by the 3300 block of S. Peck with two flat tires and the rims exposed. Officers quickly got in their vehicles and caught up with the driver. The vehicle slowed down and then collided into the rear of an occupied parked vehicle. The driver was contacted and showed signs and symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 2:59 a.m., while on patrol an officer saw a driver commit a violation near the intersection of Myrtle and Live Oak and conducted a traffic stop. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision
March 4 at 4:08 a.m., a vehicle collided into a power pole in the area of California and Hurstview, causing it to fall on top of another vehicle. MFD responded and the driver was removed from the vehicle. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Intoxication was suspected. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
March 4 at 3:07 p.m., a caller reported a male subject loitering near a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Employees asked him to leave and he became agitated. Another customer took it upon himself to physically escort the subject out of the location. The subject requested prosecution. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 3:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a suspicious vehicle with two occupants. The reporting party stated the driver appeared to be under the influence. Officers arrived and contacted the occupants. During a search of the vehicle officers located numerous hypodermic syringes. One officer suffered a puncture wound to his finger from a needle that had been used to inject drugs. The two suspects were arrested, issued citations, and released. The officer was treated for his injury at a local hospital.

Grand Theft
March 4 at 6:19 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of Grand regarding a theft of mail packages. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 10:16 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and detained a female that drove her vehicle into another parked vehicle. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 12:09 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 600 block of W. Huntington for a traffic violation. The driver and passenger appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The passenger was intoxicated and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Attempted Burglary
March 5 at 3:42 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. When officers arrived they saw the front window was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
March 5 at 12:48 p.m., a caller reported a man down in the 200 block of W. Foothill. A male subject was having difficulty walking and had been wandering in traffic. It was determined he was gravely disabled and not able to care for himself. He was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.

Mental Evaluation
March 5 at 3:39 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Heather Heights reported a juvenile female attacked her father with a knife. It was determined she hit him in the head with a broken knife handle. It was determined she was a danger to herself and others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. The father was treated for his injury but refused transport.

Death Report
March 6 at 8:18 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Stedman on a report of a subject not responding and possibly not breathing. Officers arrived along with MFD and he was pronounced deceased.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 12:53 p.m., while patrolling the area of 1600 block of S. Myrtle, an officer saw a subject who he recognized from previous contacts. The subject had a no bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
March 6 at 2:03 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of Fowler reported someone had opened a phone account using his personal information. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
March 6 at 2:49 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 100 block of N. Magnolia. When they arrived, they contacted the involved parties. After speaking with them, it was determined that one of the members was a danger to himself and others. He was placed on a mental evaluation hold and transported to a local mental hospital for further treatment.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 10:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a domestic dispute. As officers were arriving, the male subject attempted to leave in his vehicle, but was stopped by officers. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
March 7 at 3:13 a.m., a burglary alarm was activated in the 600 block W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw the front window was smashed. An investigation revealed property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft
March 7 at 5:21 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of El Nido regarding a suspicious vehicle. Officers arrived and attempted to stop the vehicle, however, it sped off at an unsafe speed and a pursuit ensued. Officers followed the vehicle and the pursuit was called off shortly after. It is believed that the occupants of the vehicle were involved in two attempt catalytic converter thefts. This investigation is continuing.

Death Report
March 7 at 6:12 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista on a report of a male subject who was unresponsive and not breathing. They arrived, along with paramedics, and began CPR. The subject was later pronounced at the scene.

Grand Theft
March 7 at 7:09 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of Highland called to report someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 7 at 1:26 p.m., a traffic collision occurred in the intersection of California and Evergreen. A vehicle traveling failed to stop for the red light and broadsided a vehicle. The vehicle rolled over but landed back right side up. That driver was transported to the hospital for complaint of pain and the party at fault had a visible injury to his head.

Grand Theft
March 7 at 7:59 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of N. Mayflower reported that the catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle, sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
March 7 at 10: 39 p.m., a female subject arrived at her children's home in the 400 block of S. Canyon and was acting strange. Officers arrived and deemed the mother was a danger to herself and others. She was taken for a mental evaluation.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 9:58 a.m., a victim in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called stating she has a restraining order against her husband and he is at the location. Officers arrived and located the subject inside. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery / Child Endangerment
March 8 at 6:42 p.m., officers responded to a fight in progress in the area of Cherry and Magnolia. After separating the involved parties, it was discovered that two males, a father and a step-father of two young children, mutually fought each other. During the fight, a girlfriend was punched. One subject was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene. Since the children, ages 10 and 8, were present and were pushed around while trying to separate the dad's, child endangerment charges will be submitted also. DCFS was contacted.

Local Groundwater Level Up More Than 10 Feet Since January


Local groundwater levels have risen more than ten feet since January, from 178.9 feet above mean sea level in January to 189.7 feet in March. An acceptable level is between 200 and 250 feet.

The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District reports that:

"Significant winter storm activity in February enhanced positive trends in state and local reservoir, snowpack and groundwater conditions. As many reservoirs are approaching capacity, snowpack is nearly double normal levels, and local groundwater, which improves more slowly due to the time it takes stormwater runoff to percolate down to groundwater levels, has risen more than 10 feet year-to-date."

The district adds that, "It’s still too early to conclude the drought is over. Let’s save water now when it’s wet…for when it’s dry. We’ll need multiple above-average rain and snow years to recover from the current drought."

- Brad Haugaard

Old Homes Tour is Back to Being In-Person - May 7

A Queen Anne style home on the vintage homes tour.

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host its 39th annual vintage home tour on Sunday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first in-person tour since the pandemic began in 2020. The tour features an 1887 Queen Anne Victorian, a 1915 Craftsman recently landmarked, a 1931 Spanish Colonial Revival, a 1913 Craftsman, and an 1885 Eastlake Victorian. The Monrovia Historical Museum and Anderson House Museum will also be open for viewing, both having undergone renovations during the pandemic.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Has New Football Coach

Monrovia High has hired Jose Casagran, who has coached at two Los Angeles City schools, Roosevelt and South Gate, to take over its football program. link

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Kiku Sushi


Dinner at Kiku Sushi, in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Got the Fish Katsu $15.50 and a beer for $5.75. It came with miso soup and a salad, which I’ve already eaten. All very tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Ace is Easy to Please - Always Up for Snuggle, Fetch, or Walk


Handsome Ace is always game for a snuggle, a game of fetch, or a long walk. He’s really easy to please! This handsome guy is also quite a charmer. He loves spending time with people and entertaining everyone by making silly faces and playing with toys.

Ace has been out with several of our volunteers for field trips. He always gets a good “report card”. We’ve found that he is an enthusiastic fan of car rides and really enjoys exploring new places. He’ll never turn down a puppucino and it turns out that he’s a fan of Taylor Swift (although he refused to pay exorbitant prices for concert tickets).

At seven years young, Ace is elibible for the Seniors for Seniors program. An adopter over sixty would be able to adopt Ace for free!

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

World Music Concert March 9 at Library


Family Music Concert on Thursday, March 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Story Room of the library. Musical genres and instruments from around the world. Dance and clap along and learn about different cultures. For more information email asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8269.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Open House Dates and Times

Here are the open house days and times for Monrovia schools. 

Preschool

  • Canyon Early Learning Center (CELC), Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m.

Elementary School

  • Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m.
  • Mayflower Elementary, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
  • Monroe Elementary, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
  • Plymouth Elementary, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
  • Wild Rose School of Creative Arts, Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m.

Middle School

  • Clifton Middle, Tuesday, March 23 at 6 p.m.
  • Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet, Wednesday, March 29 at 5 p.m.

High School / Alternative Ed

  • Monrovia High School, Wednesday, March 15 at 6 p.m.
  • Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School, Wednesday, March 29 at 5 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia's Senator, Herbert Evans

Senator Herbert J. Evans was a state senator (1925-1929), orange grower and real estate and insurance broker. He was born in London where he became a lawyer at the age of 15, leaving to become a bookkeeper in Muskogee, Indian Territory, US. He married Jane Louise Berry; they had a son, Edward Arthur, and daughter, Caroline Margot. The family came to Monrovia on April 15, 1905 and bought an orange grove. H.J. served as a City Trustee off and on between 1908-1916. He was a member of the "Ten Thousand Club", whose purpose was to double the size of the city (in 1914 at 5,250). See John L. Wiley, History of Monrovia, 1927. Photo around 1916. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

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