News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

A Moment in Monrovia History: Parlor of the Grand View Hotel

Grand View Hotel, later renamed the La Vista Grande, at the corner of Ivy and Lemon. Jan 1, 1887 John S. Keefer was the proprietor. By this time, his father, Colonel Samuel Keefer had committed suicide after combination of fatal diseases from which there was no indication that he could recover. The hotel burned down in a spectacular fire in 1916, which prompted the aquisition of the first adequate piece of Monrovia's Fire equipment, the Seagrave. The hotel was lighted by gas produced by its own gas plant. Photo found by Mrs. R.O. Bowlus in August 1950 in Ohio in a relative's home. "April 1, 1915 Rol King, as president of the Automobile Country Club, took possession of La Vista Grande Hotel under a five- year lease from A. E. Cronenwett, who moved to Diamond Flats where he was building a bungalow." "History of Monrovia" by John L. Wiley 1927 p 155. 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

Veterans 'Paint & Sip' at Library Oct. 19


Veterans Paint & Sip at Monrovia Public Library on Oct. 19, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For military service members, veterans, and friends. Registration closes Oct. 18. Photo ID required as alcohol will be served. Contact kgally@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8274 for more information. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Local Jewish Federation Rally Against Hamas Attack on Israel

This evening the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, along with local synagogues, will hold a community solidarity service and rally in response to the recent attack on Israel by Hamas. It will be held today, Sunday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center at 1434 N. Altadena Avenue, in Pasadena.

"The service will be a chance for the community to come together to show their support for Israel and condemn the brutal, onslaught of violence unleashed by Hamas on Israeli citizens. Local elected officials have been invited to speak, as well as our community Rabbis and other religious leaders."

- Brad Haugaard

Community Prayer Breakfast Nov. 17

Information and registration here.

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board to Consider Disney Imagination Campus; Chinese Lion Dance, Filipino American History Month


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

~ An agreement with Disney for the Disney Imagination Campus at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Theme Park. The program seeks to foster imagination and creativity among students. Details.

~ A $6,750 contract with the San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association to offer a Chinese Lion Dance program at Plymouth Elementary for the 2023-2024 school year. Details

~ Proclaiming October 2023 as "Filipino American History Month." Details

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Prevention Open House; Job Fair; Park-Naming Meeting


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

~  Oct. 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week and Monrovia firefighters will visit five Monrovia elementary schools and will host a Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.) from 10 a.m. - 2  p.m. There will be fire safety demonstrations, information on holiday fire prevention, CPR demonstrations, Jr. Firefighter Challenge, food, and more. For more information call Monrovia Fire & Rescue at  256-8181.

~ The Monrovia Community Job Fair will be held Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Adult School (920 S. Mountain Ave.). Meet employers from various industries. For inquiries, contact Armenag Chemsian at Armenag.Chemsian@edd.ca.gov or 304-7919.

~  Monrovia Community Services Department will hold a community meeting tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. on what to name its new park at 1111 Encino Ave. next to the new Chick-fil-A and Starbucks on Huntington. Meeting will be at the park site.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ex-Boyfriend Punches Her in Stomach; Son Punches Dad in Face; Shots Fired at Three Houses; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 28 – October 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 381 service events, resulting in 60 investigations. To see a list of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping. For Police Department news and information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Nextdoor.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 2:00 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the subject was on probation. During a search of his property the officer located drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Injury Traffic Accident
September 28 at 11:05 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks. One of the parties complained of pain to her back and treatment was provided.

Grand Theft
September 28 at 1:15 p.m., a grand theft was reported in a store in the area of 400 block of W. Huntington. The caller reported that three male subjects entered the store, took three bags full of merchandise and left the area. The suspects were gone prior to officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Accident
September 28 at 3:12 p.m., two vehicles were involved in an injury traffic collision in the area of Mayflower and Colorado. One of the parties complained of pain.

Hit and Run
September 28 at 4:11 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Monterey and Olive. A dad called to report that his son was struck by a vehicle while the son was walking home from school and the vehicle did not stop, the driver drove away. The son suffered injuries.

Brush Fire
September 28 at 9:30 p.m., a caller in the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain reported a brush fire. Officers and MFD responded. The fire was extinguished. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 29 at 4:10 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of E. Olive to report her vehicle was not where she parked it. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence
September 30 at 12:37 a.m., a solo vehicle traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Evergreen. The driver collided with a traffic signal pole which caused a power outage in the intersection. An 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.

Grand Theft Auto
September 30 at 12:46 p.m., a victim in the 1100 block of Carmelita called to report that his motorcycle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 30 at 2:02 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Maple and Ivy. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Domestic Violence
September 30 at 6:10 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Colorado called to report that her ex-boyfriend had come to her home and punched her in the stomach. Officers arrived and searched the area for the suspect but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 1 at 9:24 a.m., a passerby called to report that the front window of a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill was shattered. Officers arrived and made their way inside to check it. The business was empty. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
October 1 at 9:50 a.m., a non-injury solo traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Evergreen. The caller reported that a vehicle sideswiped a signal box and left the area. Officers contacted the driver and the driver later arrived at the MPD lobby and admitted she had hit the signal box. A report was taken.

Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 5:17 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of Montana called to report that her adult son got angry and pushed her down to a sofa, causing injuries. They were involved in a physical altercation and dad intervened. The son hit dad in the face and walked outside. Dad followed the son outside and got hit again in the face. Officers arrived and located the son. The son was arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary
October 2 at 7:52 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Olive for a report of a shattered glass door. Upon arrival, Officers searched the interior and determined the business was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Recovered Stolen Trailer
October 2 at 11:23 a.m., MPD was alerted to a stolen trailer entering the city. Officers located the stolen trailer and made contact with the driver. An investigation revealed that the driver had purchased the trailer from an unknown subject. Officers determined that the driver had been scammed. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 2 at 10:01 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported her vehicle stolen. The vehicle was parked and left in the public parking lot, in the 100 block of west Lime. Officers searched for the vehicle, but could not locate it. This investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 3 at 4:02 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of Los Angeles reported his vehicle stolen. The reporting party heard a loud noise and then the sound of a vehicle's engine turning on, when he looked outside his window he saw his vehicle being driven away. Officers arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 4 at 10:14 a.m., a community services officer was on patrol in the 300 block of W. Duarte and saw graffiti along the wall at the location. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
October 4 at 2:44 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Magnolia and Olive when he was alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. The officer found the vehicle parked and unoccupied. The vehicle was recovered. This investigation is continuing. Shots fired October 4 at 7:22 p.m., officers responded to the area of Lemon and Bradbury regarding shots heard in the area. Multiple reporting parties advised hearing 4-5 gun shots in the area. Officers conducted an area check and found a single bullet hole in three separate homes. No one was injured. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 11:02 p.m., a caller in the 1700 block of S. Fifth reported an adult female trespassing inside a vacant home. The caller advised that the female had recently been evicted from the property, returned and was inside the residence unlawfully without permission. Officers arrived and located the female adult. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Native Plant Sale at Monrovia Historical Museum Nov. 4

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Bear Trapping in North Monrovia


The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is trapping bears in North Monrovia. The bear trapper told me the department plans to tag and release the bear in some remote area.

Update: The city checked with Fish and Wildlife, which said no bears are being moved, just tagged.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Company Unveils New Systems for Better Machine Vision


SiLC Technologies of Monrovia has unveiled four "Eyeonic Vision Systems" that use special technology called FMCW LiDAR to help machines see better. These systems can detect things from short distances to more than a kilometer away and are useful for self-driving cars and augmented reality. Details.



- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at King’s Wok


Dinner at King’s Wok, in the Baja Ranch Market shopping area at Huntington and Magnolia. Got the 2-item (chicken and shrimp) combo for $8.28 and a soda for $1.79. Nice and a generous amount for a reasonable price. 

- Brad Haugaard 

61st Annual Art In The Park Preview


Monrovia's KGEM-TV created this public service announcement to promote this Saturday's Art in the Park event.

- Brad Haugaard

McNugget Needs Time to Get Comfortable, But Then ... Fun Time!


When McNugget first arrived at Pasadena Humane, he was scared of his own shadow. This little guy would hide in the back of his kennel and break our hearts.

Thankfully, he has started to show us all the fun-loving dog he can be. He adores running around in the yard, jumping into the pool and then happily shaking off all the water on any unsuspecting staff and volunteers.

McNugget is also an exceptional student. He has mastered a few tricks and is eager to learn more. This guy just wants to please, but he’s also happy to get a treat for a reward.

This sweet boy will probably take a little time to get comfortable in his forever home, but once he does, McNugget will be the BEST!

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

Art in the Park Saturday at Library Park


The 2023 Art in the Park event at Library Park will have displays by more than 50 fine artists and  chalk artists in the region. Paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, digital arts, pottery and chalk art. October 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be live music, food trucks, and children's activities. For a preview, see here.

- Brad Haugaard

Pastor Albert Tate of Monrovia's Fellowship Church Given 'Leave of Absence' for Inappropriate Texting, Comments

Senior Pastor Albert Tate of Fellowship Church, which meets in the auditorium of Monrovia High School, has been given a leave of absence for "inappropriate text messages and questionable comments."

Church Chairman George Selah writes that "Senior Pastor Albert Tate, will be taking a leave of absence. This decision follows an initial review by the board and outside experts concerning inappropriate text messages and questionable comments he has made."

He added that the leave of absence is "a necessary time for Albert to engage in a period of reflection, spiritual guidance, and restoration.

"The Board and senior staff are committed to supporting Albert and his family through this season where we are all seeking clarity and the right steps forward."

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - October

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

There is also a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Market Day on Myrtle in 1890

Market Day at the General Store. Leonidas Barnes, a Confederate veteran, set up a general store at the corner of Lemon and Myrtle Avenues in 1886. The first mercantile building erected in Monrovia 1886. The ground floor contained Leonidas Barnes' General Store. The upper floor, "Barnes' Hall", served as a general meeting place where the early churches, the town council, the school and other groups met. The building still stands at the northeast corner of Myrtle and Lemon, although modified in external appearance. This photo and caption appeared in a history of the San Gabriel Valley. 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

Beginner Ukulele Class at Library on Oct. 7


Beginner Ukulele Class for Adults 18+ at Library on October 7, 2023, from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn easy chords and simple songs to get started. Library ukuleles available or bring your own. Details and registration

- Brad Haugaard

Jeopardy Night at Library on Oct. 6


Jeopardy Night at Library on Oct. 6, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Test your knowledge in various categories. For ages 16 and up. Limited seats available. Registration closes on Oct. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Details and registration

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Auctioning Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitar


The Rotary Club of Monrovia is hosting an online auction for a Fender Squier Guitar signed by all four members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The auction is live and will run until October 14, 2023, at 7:30 pm. The guitar must be picked up in Monrovia, CA, as shipping is not available.Rotary appreciates the band's generous donation.

Bid on the guitar here.

- Brad Haugaard