Names Have Changed But Buildings Are the Same

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce publication shown here, which I estimate is from 1980, although it has no date on it, had a number of interesting pictures in it that I thought you might like to see.

The magazine has been quite the world traveler. I received it from a friend who married a Monrovia woman and had a career in the Army. Here’s what he writes about the magazine:

“I think I picked it up shortly after we moved back to Monrovia in 1982. Since then the magazine was moved from Monrovia to our first house in Santa Barbara, to Butzbach in Germany, to Giessen in Germany, back to our first house in Santa Barbara, to our second house in Santa Barbara, to Heidelberg in Germany, to Stuttgart in Germany, to our house in Montecito, to our third house in Santa Barbara, to a storage unit while we lived in the rental house, and then to our fourth and present house in Santa Barbara. I found it while sorting boxes in the garage and thought this might be a good time to return it to Monrovia.”

A couple of pictures from the magazine appear above. Although the names on these buildings have changed, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble identifying them.

- Brad Haugaard 

Job Opportunities at Monrovia Schools

Link to full list: here

- Brad Haugaard

Money For Fixing Low-Income Monrovians' Homes

The Community Development Block Grant Residential Rehabilitation Program is accepting applicants from July 10 at 7 a.m. to July 24 at 5 p.m. Grants available on a first-come, first-served basis to address code deficiencies, eliminate blight, and improve accessibility. You must reside in Monrovia, meet income requirements, and provide documentation of household income. Complete the Eligibility Intake Form here and email it to map@ci.monrovia.ca.us starting July 10 at 7 a.m. For inquiries, see here, call 932-5563, or email map@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Meet Cops and Firefighters August 1 at Library Park

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Munchkins Messy Art Activities

Messy Masterpieces program, for young artists ages 2-4 and parent or caregiver. Story time, singalongs, and messy art activities to promote socialization, sharing, sensory play, and memories. At the Community Center every Saturday from July 15 to August 12, 9-9:45 a.m. Dress for messy fun. Register here (under Youth classes > Arts and Crafts).

- Brad Haugaard

Business Emergency Training July 11

The fourth session of Monrovia Fire & Rescue's Business Emergency Resiliency Training (BERT), Emergency Operations & Business Continuity Plans, will take place at the Monrovia Public Library Community Room, on Tuesday, July 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation Auction July 24-30

Preview items for auction here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Meeting With Supervisor Kathryn Barger

The Monrovia City Council will hold an open meeting (you're welcome to attend) with LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger at the Monrovia Public Library Community Room on Monday, July 10, at 8:30 a.m. Topics: Emergency housing, mental health, Measure H (Homeless Initiative), and requesting supervisors' support for  improvements to Recreation Park. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Escapes Stalker; Man Threatening With Knife; Youths Fighting on Foothill; Drunk Backs into Police Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 29 – July 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

July 1 at 11:28 p.m., a female adult in the 400 block of S. Myrtle walked to her parked car, where she was confronted by her ex-boyfriend who has been stalking her. He forced her into the backseat of her own car and locked the child locks on the driver's door. She quickly jumped into the front passenger seat and escaped to a nearby business. Officers searched the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Medical Assist
July 2 at 3:59 p.m., officers were dispatch to the 300 block of Oakcliff regarding an adult male that collapsed and was unresponsive. They arrived on scene and determined the subject had no pulse and was not breathing. Officers began CPR on the subject and deployed the AED. The AED was utilized numerous times and a pulse was detected. The subject was transported to a medical facility for treatment. 

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
July 2 at 10:54 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Spanner when he stopped a subject on a bicycle for a traffic violation. The subject had no identification and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
July 3 at 2:11 p.m., a vehicle in the area of Foothill and Norumbega sideswiped a vehicle. The vehicle continued and struck a separate vehicle. One of the drivers was injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment. 

Mental Evaluation
July 3 at 2:42 p.m., a possible suicide in progress was reported in the 300 block of Valle Vista. Officers arrived and located an adult female who stated she no longer wished to live and had taken a bottle of medication. She was transported to the hospital for treatment and placed on a hold for a mental evaluation. 

Weapon Offense / Mental Evaluation
July 3 at 8:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of E. Olive responded to a call regarding a male suspect threatening people with a knife. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. Officers have had numerous encounters with the suspect. While officers were attempting to take him into custody, a hostile group of family members started to intervene. Officers requested assistance from neighboring department. The subject was taken into custody and due to his past history and mental stability, he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Vehicle Burglary
July 3 at 9:12 p.m., a business employee in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called to report their work vehicle was broken into and numerous packages were taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft of Tools
July 3 at 9:47 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 S. Mountain regarding a theft of power tools. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
July 4 at 8:31 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of E. Cypress regarding graffiti vandalism. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
July 4 at 4:26 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Lemon reported the theft of their vehicle’s catalytic converter from. This investigation is continuing. 

Intoxication
July 4 at 4:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding an intoxicated individual. They arrived and located a male subject that was too intoxicated to care for himself and causing a disturbance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 4 at 9:42 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a disturbing subject yelling at people. Officers arrived and contacted the subject who was found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Fight in Progress
July 4 at 10:38 p.m., multiple callers reported a group of juveniles fighting in the 400 block of W. Foothill. When officers arrived, the juveniles ran. One of the juveniles was detained and was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The juvenile was provided medical treatment by MFD and then transported home. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 5 at 12:10 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Myrtle and Kruse for a traffic violation. While the officer was standing at the driver’s door talking with the driver, the driver put the vehicle in reverse instead of park and backed into the police vehicle. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The passenger was arrested for public intoxication. Both were arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Vehicle Vandalism
July 5 at 5:45 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of E. Colorado reported juveniles breaking the window of her daughter’s vehicle. The juveniles fled before the officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Dinner at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dinner at the new Dave’s Hot Chicken, on the south side of Huntington just west of Mayflower. Like Cane’s, you basically get to choose between chicken and chicken. Got the Dave’s Number 1 combo for $11.99 and a soft drink for $1.99. Okay, they’re not kidding about “hot.” I got the Hot spicyness level, which is actually just the third hotness, preceded by Reaper (hottest) and Extra Hot, but it was plenty hot - my nose is still running. Anyway, it was good and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Tex - Big Personality and Big Heart

According to the saying, “everything is bigger in Texas”, and one-year-old lab mix Tex likes to embody that. He has a huge personality, and an even bigger heart!

Tex has been entertaining the volunteers at Pasadena Humane by romping around in the play yard, chasing tennis balls and letting his ears flap around like bird wings. He hasn’t taken flight yet, but that never stops him! One of his favorite things to do is to splash around in the kiddie pool, then try to shake right next to you. It’s adorable and helps keep you cool!

Tex had some playtime with another dog and they both had a blast. We’re confident that he would do well with a similar-sized buddy, but he’d also be happy being your Lone Star!

Pasadena Humane will be having a Free Adoption Day on Saturday, 7/15, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. sponsored by longtime donor Gabrielle Bruveris! Adoption fees will be waived for all available dogs, cats, and critters. Adoptions include spay or neuter, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. No appointment necessary. Regular adoption process applies. We will not be offering meet-and-greets between pets, so please leave your family pets at home.

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

City Councils Respond to Jewish Federation Request to Condemn Antisemitism

The Monrovia City Council - and 13 other local cities from Glendale to Rancho Cucamonga and south to Whittier - have passed resolutions agreeing with the American Jewish Committee and US Conference of Mayors' statement to combat antisemitism, and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The cities were responding to a request by the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley, which said that the Anti-Defamation League has reported that antisemitic incidents and attacks increased by 36% between 2021 and 2022, with a 41% increase in California. Jewish Federation staff have contacted the remaining 24 cities in the area it covers and are awaiting a response.

Source: Jewish Federation press release

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Fourth of July, Monrovia!

Happy Fourth of July, Monrovia! The view from Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard 

High School Games Class Releases ‘Les Doodle Dogs’

School Board member Maritza Travanti writes: “The Monrovia High School Game Dev Master Class has released this year’s game, Doodle Dogs! Download it now for free on your App Store!”

Your task? Watching some of the toughest dogs in Paris.

“These aren't your average K9's though. It will take some serious playtime to satisfy these Parisian pups! Play through 5 chapters sandwich-fueled and sock-ridden goodness to see how this heartfelt little story plays out. Please enjoy DSA Interactives latest iOS release and let out a little "RUFF RUFF" for puppies everywhere!”

- Brad Haugaard 

Fourth of July Parade in Mayflower Village

As it has for more than 36 years, Mayflower Village will hold a Fourth of July parade along Rochelle Avenue. Bring a folding chair and watch the parade or join in. Show off your classic car or unique vehicle. Kids can decorate bikes, parents can decorate strollers, golf carts, etc. Parade starts at 9 a.m. (line-up at 8:40 a.m.) and ends around 10:30 a.m. Wear patriotic attire. Park on El Sur Street or Avora (blue) between Graydon and Fairgreen; avoid parking on the parade route. Celebrate small-town charm in Mayflower Village.

The route (green): From 2327 Rochelle Avenue, south to Jeffries, east to Graydon, north on Graydon to Armijo, west on Armijo to Fairgreen, south on Fairgreen to Atara, east on Atara to Graydon, south on Graydon to Standish, west on Standish to Fairgreen, south on Fairgreen to Jeffries, east on Jeffries to Treelane, north on Treelane to Altern, east on Altern, south on Rochelle. Source: Facebook post.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Ivy Avenue Fifth Grade Class Picture

Ivy Avenue School Fifth Grade in 1907. From the Rehrman Family 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

New Rotary President is Karen Lujan

Karen Lujan is the incoming Monrovia Rotary President for the 2023-24 year. She has been a member of the club for 15 years and is known for her ability to inspire and empower others. Karen plans to continue the club's momentum from its Centennial year and focus on meaningful projects in the community and abroad. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UCSB and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. She works as a Senior Product Line Manager for Siemens Corporation in the Semiconductor Software industry.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boy Scout Fixes Hidden Veterans' Memorial in Canyon Park

Seventh grade Boy Scout James Vierra, with Troop 66, led a team of scouts to clean up a memorial to Monrovia veterans in Canyon Park that had been hidden until the Bobcat Fire exposed it.

- Brad Haugaard

38 Cats Found in Monrovia Trailer

Thirty-eight cats were found in a Monrovia trailer Friday. All are now listed in stable condition at Pasadena Humane Society and will be available immediately for adoption. Click here for adoption information. Details.

Photo by Loan on Unsplash

- Brad Haugaard

Talk on Monrovia During World War II - July 29

On July 29 at 2 p.m. Dick Singer, author of a trilogy of books on Monrovia history, will give a free talk about Monrovia during World War II, the topic of his latest book, "People Like You and Me, A History of Monrovia in World War II." At the Library Community Room.  Light refreshments and books will be for sale. 

- Brad Haugaard