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A Moment in Monrovia History: a Church Congregation in 1905

The congregation of Holiness Tabernacle around 1905, at 612 S. Ivy, between Orange (now Colorado) and Olive. 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

Preschool Hiring Teacher, Aide

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board: Repair Roofs at Clifton, Wild Rose; Buy Computer Equipment, Software

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Spending $1,005,363 with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. to buy roof repair materials and supplies for roof repairs at Clifton Middle School and Wild Rose Elementary School planned for this summer. This is just the materials, not the installation. Details

~ Buying a computer backup system for $61,539. Details

~ Buying a $168,561 computer network switching system. Details

~  Buying Incident IIQ, "a specialized K12 help desk and asset management software" for $21,282 from IncidentIQ.com. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Restoring Plant Life on Hillsides; Donate Shoes; Get Involved in Monrovia Government; Scout Helping Restore Ranger Station; Earth Day; Asian-Pacific Day

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

~ Monrovia will study the damaged hillsides at Canyon Park with the help of botanists, biologists, ecologists, and arborists to develop a vegetation management and reforestation plan that ensures native vegetation and trees will regrow appropriately.

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments invites you to donate new socks and shoes to its Solemates Shoe Drive by April 24 to distribute to homeless service providers in the San Gabriel Valley. You can contribute new shoes, new socks, gift cards, e-gift cards. Send donations to: SGVCOG at 1333 S. Mayflower Avenue, Suite 360, Monrovia, CA 91016.

~ If you are interested in being involved in Monrovia government, the city is accepting applications (due on May 1) for positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, and the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. Details

Eagle Scout Stefin Bank, with Scout Troop 66 in Monrovia, is seeking donations to help renovate the Monrovia Ranger Station. Now 14 years old, Stefin has volunteered at the Monrovia Ranger Station since he was in the third grade. Join Stefin at Max's Mexican Cuisine (mention you are there for the fundraiser and 20% of your order will go to the project) on April 26, from 4 to 9 p.m., to raise funds for his project. Details

~ Grow Monrovia's Maryknoll One Earth Community Garden is now accepting applications for garden beds and is hosting a free Earth Day event on April 23. For more information, contact Rosemary Gavidia at rosemary@growmonrovia.org. More...

~ Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by riding free on Metro's buses, trains, bike shares. Just get on the train or bus, no tapping required. Details

~ The Monrovia Public Library will celebrate the culture and history of Asian, Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian immigrants on May 6 from 2-4 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Photo by Johannes Steuding on Unsplash

Monrovia Recognized as a 'Tree City USA'


City Manager Dylan Feik reports that Monrovia has just been recognized as a 2022 Tree City USA. He said "there are over 200 species of trees in our public right of ways for a total of 8,500 trees."

- Brad Haugaard

Free Dinner for Veterans May 3


Veterans and their families are invited to a free dinner at Monrovia Public Library on May 3, 6-8 p.m. Learn about benefits and services from a LA County Veterans Service Officer. Meet other veterans. Presented by City of Monrovia Veterans Service Program. For information : mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us, 256-8294. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Historical Society Offers 3D Virtual Walkthrough of Historic George H. Anderson House


Visitors can now tour Monrovia's historic George H. Anderson House museum virtually, thanks to a 3D walkthrough created by Monrovia High School game design and engineering classes led by Dionisio Tafoya of Dionysus Creative, LLC, and coordinated by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership & K12 Foothill Consortium.

The K12 Foothill Consortium represents Azusa, Charter Oak, Duarte and Monrovia Unified School Districts’ Career Technical Education pathways and industry stakeholders. Its mission is to train students and provide a community-based talent pool to sustain a healthy, balanced, local economy.

Using the 3D Matterport system, the students filmed each room in the house and stitched the images together to let visitors seamlessly wander through the home, look up and down and  around.

Take the free tour here: my.matterport.com/show/?m=iKa3idjLvye

On a laptop or desktop computer, move by clicking where you want to go or by using the arrow buttons. Look up or down, left or right, by dragging while holding down the left mouse button.

On a cell phone, move by tapping where you want to go. Look around by swiping left or right, up or down.

The George H. Anderson House, at 215 E. Lime Ave. in Monrovia, is one of the very first homes in Monrovia, built in 1886 by John Anderson for his family. He also built the first commercial building in Monrovia – the Mills Hotel, where prospective settlers often stayed when they inspected land and made plans for homes. The home is maintained by the Monrovia Historical Society: monroviahistoricalsociety.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Cars; A Formerly Stolen Car; Gunshots; Man Attacks Parents; Etc.


[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 13 – 19. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 332 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
April 13 at 5:43 p.m., Arcadia PD reported a stolen vehicle seen driving into Monrovia. An officer located the vehicle at Fifth and Foothill. A high-risk stop ensued and it was discovered the vehicle was mistakenly not removed from the stolen vehicle system by another agency. 

Grand Theft
April 13 at 8:40 p.m., an employee of a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported two adult males entered the store, took merchandise and fled in two separate vehicles. Officers searched the area for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 14 at 1:55 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he discovered graffiti on the wall of a hardware store. Graffiti removal was notified. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
April 14 at 8:55 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1300 block of S. Magnolia called to report a male subject violated a no trespass order. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 14 at 9:20 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Alta called to report that his vehicle was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 14 at 9:52 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Encino called to report that his vehicle was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 14 at 11:21 a.m., an employee from a car rental company in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called to report that a vehicle was rented in February and the responsible party has not returned it. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 14 at 12:08 p.m., a caller reported her vehicle was broken into while she was shopping at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The driver side window was smashed and items were missing from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 14 at 4:12 p.m., a victim reported her vehicle was broken into in the 100 block of W. Chestnut. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
April 14 at 9:36 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Peck when she discovered an abandoned vehicle. A computer check of the license plate revealed the car had been reported stolen the day prior. No suspects were located. The vehicle was recovered. This investigation is continuing. 

Unlawful Discharge
April 14 at 10:09 p.m., several residents in the area of the 900 block of Crescent called to report hearing several gunshots. Officers responded and located evidence indicating a shooting had taken place. There were no victims and none of the nearby homes were struck. This investigation is continuing. 

Unlawful Discharge
April 15 at 12:46 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Alta Vista reported hearing several gun shots in his neighborhood. Officers responded and located evidence indicating a shooting had taken place. There were no victims and none of the nearby homes were struck. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 1:53 a.m., a driver reported he collided into a parked car in the 1000 block of S. Ivy. Officers responded and located the driver who was heavily intoxicated. He admitted to drinking and driving. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 3:16 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the driver and found she displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence / Child Abuse / Battery on Officer – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 10:51 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Genoa reported her husband hit her and strangled her. He also battered their 7 month old daughter, not causing injury. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Theft – Suspects Arrested
April 16 at 5:03 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called to report a female subject took merchandise without paying. Officers arrived and located the female subject with a male subject. A computer check revealed that hey both had warrants for their arrest. A search of the male subject revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 17 at 9:03 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a disturbing subject. Officers arrived and found a male adult under the influence of narcotics. A computer check revealed the he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 17 at 3:52 p.m., a two vehicle collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Central. One driver was cited for the moving violation while the other received a citation for not having insurance. 

Petty Theft
April 17 at 5:30 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a male stealing items. The suspect fled before officers arrived. It was discovered the suspect took a large amount of merchandise without paying and fled. This investigation is continuing. 

Missing Person / Located
April 17 at 7:47 p.m., a concerned citizen reported to MPD a missing subject and had little information. Several hours later the subject was located and removed from the system. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 18 at 9:20 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked in the 1700 block of Rosewood. Officers arrived and a computer check revealed the vehicle was reported stolen. The vehicle's owner was contacted. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
April 18 at 12:24 p.m., a caller reported his vehicle was broken into while parked in a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim reported property was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 18 at 2:58 p.m., a subject walked into a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington and stole multiple items. The suspect fled the store and was caught nearby. The subject complained to be injured prior to police contact so the MFD was called to the location. The suspect was transported to a local hospital. 

Court Order Violation
April 18 at 11:23 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Hurstview regarding a court order violation. The subject violated his restraining order by throwing a bottle at his neighbor's house. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
April 19 at 12:32 a.m., the same subject from the 400 block of Hurstview tried to attack his parents. He was held down until police arrived. It was determined that he was a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 19 at 11:05 a.m., a caller reported an intoxicated male in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and found a male who could not care for himself. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 19 at 3:25 p.m., a vehicle collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Monterey. Both parties were treated at the scene for minor injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
April 19 at 6:15 p.m., a resident reported that sometime between April 15th and April 19th, someone burglarized his garage in the 300 block of W. Lemon. Tools and electronics were taken. This investigating is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
April 19 at 11:42 p.m., a security guard witnessed a subject force open a door and enter the building in the 200 block of E. Huntington. The subject emerged shortly after with a stolen package. The security guard followed the subject and called the Police. Officers arrived and tried to stop the subject but he ran off. A short foot pursuit ensued. As the subject attempted to jump a fence into an apartment complex, officers grabbed him and placed him under arrest. The subject complained of multiple previous medical conditions and was transported to the hospital. He was issued an emergency citation. 

Monrovia High Junior, Ravyn Bradford, Wins Club's Youth of the Year Award

Ravyn Bradford (shown here), a junior at Monrovia High School, has won the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills (BGCF) Youth of the Year award for her strength, determination, and community service. She wins a $500 scholarship, and progresses to county competition. At the upcoming celebration, sponsored by Panda Express, Ravyn will be honored along with Monte Baier, a longtime board member, donor, and club advocate, who will receive the Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award; and Arlene Shirk, who will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award. BGCF Alumna Christen Austin will showcase selected works of her art representing the beauty of the black community. All proceeds from the event will support scholarships for students in BGCF's summer academic enrichment program.

Tickets for the celebration can be purchased at foothillsbgc.org/yoy or by calling 594-3258.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Lord Empanada


Dinner at Lord Empanada, on the east side of Myrtle just south of the freeway.  Got three empanadas at $3.75 apiece - Spinach and Cheese, Spicy Blackbean, and New York Cheesecake. All three were delicious. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Earth Day Celebration at Maryknoll Sisters

RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard

Earth Day/Arbor Day at Library Park April 22

- Brad Haugaard

Reception for New Artists at Community Center April 30

- Brad Haugaard

Happy-Go-Lucky Mello Loves Life and a Game of Fetch


Mello is a young Shepherd mix whose energy level may only be matched by his love of life! This happy-go-lucky pup loves nothing more than zooming around our play yard and trying out every toy he can get to find the best one. 

Once he’s decided on the best toy, it’s time for a game of fetch! He has been working on the “drop it” command and has become quite the master. He knows it’s just the way to get more fetch!

Mello was out with our mobile adoption team recently and had a great day. He learned how to sit politely for treats and started to work on “down”. Like many shepherds, he’s a quick study and loves to please!

Mello will benefit from a training class or two to polish his skills and learn more. If you’re an active home with just a pinch of patience, this guy will be a wonderful dog for you!

All dogs over 40 pounds like Mello have 50% reduced adoption fees through the end of April!

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

Monrovia Days Committee Giving Away More Than $12,000 to Monrovia Non-Profits

Local non-profits serving Monrovia can provide volunteers to work a game booth at Monrovia Days and earn $50 per booth per hour of service.  The Monrovia Days Committee will provide the game booths,  games, and prize. All organizations need to do is provide the volunteers. Limited opportunities are available and priority will be giving to organizations serving Monrovia youth. Applications must be received no later than Thursday, April 20 at 5 p.m. If space is available, a single organization may host more than one booth or more than one day.

For more information, contact the Community Center at 256-8246 or email Shirley Yanez syanez@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Thanksgiving with the Burr Family in 1889

Home of Dr. J.T. Stewart with F.W. Burr family, 1889. This home was built in 1887 at 117 N. Magnolia Ave., just north of the Aztec Hotel. The occasion pictured is the Burr Family's first Thanksgiving in Monrovia in 1889. The Burr's rented it from the Stewart estate until they were able to build their own home on N. Myrtle Ave. 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

Fitness Center Planned at Chestnut and Magnolia

A fitness training studio plans to open in the new light industrial building at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Chestnut. The proposal will be considered by the Development Review Committee at its next meeting. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Art Committee to Consider Utility Box Designs

At its Wednesday meeting the Art in Public Places Committee will consider a set of designs to be painted on public utility boxes on the theme, Be Water Wise. More designs...

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Third Grade News Reporter; Deaths In Monrovia Government Family; Jobs With Monrovia PD; Clifton Concert; Youth to be Honored


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

~ A Wild Rose Elementary third grader created a video news report (above) of the things she learned during her learning time with the Monrovia city government. She is under the instruction of Alison Meloserdoff,  recently named Teacher of the Year by the Monrovia Teachers Association.

~ Library Board Member Joel Angel Hernandez and former Planning Commissioner Robert McClellan both died recently. Hernandez passed away at the age of 25 after a sudden and unexpected illness. McClellan served on the Planning Commission until June 2022. Hernandez' family has set up a GoFundMe page (here) to help with unexpected funeral costs.

~  Monrovia Police Department will hold its first recruitment event of the year tomorrow, Saturday, April 15, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UltraFlex Gym (204 W. Foothill). Officers will be present to answer questions, there will be a push-up challenge, and $400 of gift cards donated by Ultra Flex Fitness.

~ Clifton Middle School (226 S. Ivy) students' Spring Concert will be Thursday, April 27. Early admission at 6 p.m., general seating at 6:30 and concert at 7 p.m., at the school. The students received "superior" and "excellent" scores at the annual Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Festival in San Juan Capistrano. 

~  Boys & Girls Clubs of America will honor Monrovia High School Student, Ravyn Braford as its Youth of the Year. It will also honor runner up, Brieana Pettway, and Distinguished Alumna, Christen Austin (Monrovia High School Class of 2011). Monrovia resident, Arlene Shirk, will be presented with the volunteer of the year award. For more information, contact Amanda Navar at navar@foothillsbgc.org or 594-3258. 

- Brad Haugaared

Clifton Middle School Concert



Clifton Middle School (226 S. Ivy) students' Spring Concert will be Thursday, April 27. Early admission at 6 p.m., general seating at 6:30 and concert at 7 p.m., at the school. The students received "superior" and "excellent" scores at the annual Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Festival in San Juan Capistrano. Donate to Clifton Band Boosters HERE.

- Brad Haugaard