Monrovia Historical Society Trivia Game

Monrovia Historical Society will hold a free local history trivia game on Sunday, October 29 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library. If you love a good episode of Jeopardy or played a lot of Trivial Pursuit in the 80s this event may be for you. The event is free and you don’t have to be a Monrovia Historical Society member, but membership forms will be available. Please RSVP by Oct. 25 to Penny Zuk at pennyzuk@aol.com or call or text 626 274 7568.

- Brad Haugaard

Tommy Would Love to Give You a Dog Kiss ... He's Still Working on Manners

Tommy is a young Great Dane/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix who is excited to meet everyone! This big puppy is just shy of 90 pounds, and he is 100 percent fun.

Tommy greets everyone with a tail that wags his entire body. He’s so happy to see you that he may be tempted to bounce into your lap or try to give you a kiss, but the volunteers at Pasadena Humane have been working with him on his manners. It’s a work in progress, but we know he’s going to get it!

Tommy has also been great around other dogs. He really likes to meet new dogs and if they’re interested in playing, he’s all for it! If not, that’s OK, too. He can read the room.

This happy pup is ready for whatever fun you can cook up!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Women's Class at First Baptist Church in 1920

Women's Berean Class at First Baptist Church, Palm and Encinitas, in 1920. "Berean" is a reference from Acts 17:10 to the people of the Greek town of Berea, who were more noble because they "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." 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

Innovation Lab at Library This Wednesday

The Library will host Innovation Lab event on October 18, from 4-5 p.m. in the Story Room for school-aged children between 6 and 11. Registration required.  Accompanying adults are required to attend. For more information, contact the library at 256-8274. Registration and more information here.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Committee to Consider Designs for Christmas Tree Ornament

One of the designs...

At its Wednesday meeting (agenda here) the Art in Public Places Committee will consider 17 designs for its Tree Ornament Design Contest. Click here to see all the entries. 

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider: Historic Designation for House, Proclaim Oct. 21 'Make a Difference Day,' Study Updates to Auto Repair Facility Ordinance

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Designating a craftsman style residence at 423 E. Foothill as an historic landmark. Details.

~ Proclaiming Oct. 21 as Make a Difference Day and, "urge all citizens to participate in volunteer projects as we work together to meet the needs of our neighbors." Details.

Before the regular meeting, at 6 p.m., there will be a study session on, "Proposed Updates to Auto Repair Facility Ordinance." No action will be taken, discussion only. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Street Rods Forever Car Show Oct. 21

The 32nd Annual Street Rods Forever Car Show is scheduled for October 21 in Old Town, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nostalgic music provided by Jukebox Memories, evoking the era of Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and others.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association Gala

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Wallet and Cell Phone Swiped at Gym; Drunks Asleep at Wheel; Woman Breaks Windows on Palm, Mountain; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 5 – 11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 366 service events, resulting in 64 investigations. 

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 3:08 a.m., an employee from a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported an unknown male subject was in a room that should have been vacant. Officers arrived and contacted the male subject. A search of the subject revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mail Theft
October 5 at 7:31 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mayflower called to report that mailboxes were broken into. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 5 at 8:40 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a storage shed had been broken into and electric equipment had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
October 5 at 5:43 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Olive. No injuries were reported.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 5 at 5:45 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Duarte and Encino. Officers arrived and determined that a vehicle sideswiped another vehicle and did not stop to exchange information. This investigation is continuing.

Family Disturbance – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 6:13 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Pilgrim regarding a family disturbance. Upon arrival, officers determined that a family argument took place and during the dispute, the husband hit the wife. The husband was arrested and taken into custody.

Runaway
October 5 at 8:51 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of N. Ivy regarding a runaway juvenile report. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 2:58 a.m., while patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington, an officer saw a bicyclist violate a vehicle code. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the rider who appeared to be intoxicated. A computer check revealed the rider had two warrants and a search of the subject revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 3:57 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Huntington said a male subject was sitting to the front of the location with drug paraphernalia near him and a spray can. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 5:33 p.m., a witness in a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a subject was taking merchandise and left without paying. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

Petty Theft
October 6 at 8:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a gym in the 700 block of E. Huntington in regards to a theft. The victim placed her wallet and cell phone inside of a locker at the gym, but she was unsure if she locked the locker. When she returned to the locker, she discovered her wallet and cell phone were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 8:04 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Peck and Longden when he saw an illegally parked vehicle. The officer approached the vehicle and discovered the engine was running and the driver was asleep behind the wheel. When the officer attempted to wake the driver, the driver abruptly drove forward, but then stopped. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 7 at 7:02 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Alta Vista. One of the driver’s failed to yield while another vehicle was pulling out in front of them. One of the occupants had a complaint of pain.

Neighbor Dispute
October 7 at 8:24 a.m., a neighbor dispute was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. Both neighbors were contacted. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 7 at 8:58 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Magnolia. This investigation is continuing.

Fire
October 7 at 9:38 a.m., a resident in the 1600 block of Venice reported a fire near his backyard. Officers and MFD were dispatched to the area. The resident used a hose to extinguish the fire. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 7, at 10:16 a.m., a reporting party in the 900 block of S. Fifth to report his stolen vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
October 7 at 12:56 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that she was shopping in a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill when she realized that someone had stolen her debit card. Her bank advised her that money had already been taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 7 at 1:28 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of S. Fifth reported his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 7:42 p.m., several callers in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported seeing a male adult hitting a female adult. Officers arrived and located the male who immediately ran from officers, ignoring demands to stop. Once he was apprehended, he was found to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. An investigation revealed that the female left prior to officers’ arrival. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft from Vehicle
October 8 at 7:44 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Fig called to report cash was taken from two of their unlocked vehicles. This investigation is continuing. Grand Theft from Vehicle October 8 at 10:25 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Los Angeles called to report someone had entered their unlocked work truck and stole hand tools. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
October 8 at 12:22 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of E. Olive called to report suicidal thoughts. Officers responded and contacted the subject who was intoxicated and complained of shortness of breath. The subject stated he wanted to harm himself. It was determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for an evaluation.

Vandalism / Drug Activity / Mental Evaluation
October 8 at 6:26 p.m., several witnesses reported a female adult breaking windows in the 800 block of E. Palm and businesses on Mountain. Officers located the subject who was positively identified by witnesses. The female adult was found to be a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Theft from Vehicle
October 8 at 6:45 p.m., a customer of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington walked to his parked car and discovered it was ransacked and items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 2:47 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Shamrock when he saw a motorist passed out in the driver's seat while stopped at a stop sign. He contacted the driver and discovered the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Petty Theft from Vehicle

October 9 at 9:42 a.m., a caller from the 400 block of Los Angeles reported someone had entered his unlocked vehicle and stole money from the center console. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
October 9 at 12:33 p.m., a caller reported a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Canyon and Foothill. A driver of one of the vehicles failed to stop and collided into another vehicle.

Critical Missing
October 9 at 2:05 p.m., parents of an autistic adult male reported him missing from the 300 block of W. Duarte. MPD conducted an extensive search and broadcasted his photo to local public transportation services. A few hours later he was located in the city of Azusa. He was reunited with his family.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 4:32 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Bradbury reported a disturbing. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 6:28 p.m., security for a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported seeing a male adult inside their gated property. Officers arrived and located the male outside the gated property. A computer check revealed he was wanted for robbery and domestic violence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery
October 9 at 9:41 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Cypress reported her adult brother arrived at her house, got into an argument with her husband, and pepper sprayed her husband. The suspect fled prior to officers’ arrival. MFD Paramedics arrived and provided medical care. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
October 10 at 10:06 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle backed into a large truck crane. Officers responded and determined the driver was at fault and he was cited.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 3:23 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported three subjects entered the store and were shoving large amounts of merchandise into bags. MPD arrived, and two of the subjects fled the store with no merchandise. One female adult was detained and found to be in possession of stolen merchandise. The subject was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 3:31 p.m., a caller in the 1000 block of E. Royal Oaks reported that a male adult had assaulted him while he was lounging at the pool. MPD officers arrived and detained the suspect. The suspect was placed under private person's arrest by the victim. The suspect was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

Theft from a Vehicle

October 10 at 5:22 p.m., a caller reported someone had entered his unlocked vehicle and stolen several personal items. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 9:19 p.m., an employee of a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported a male adult sitting in front smoking what appeared to be an illegal narcotic. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity
October 11 at 2:00 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked in the 1100 block of S. Fifth with three adults rummaging through it and lots of items spread out across the sidewalk. Officers arrived and discovered the vehicle belonged to the subjects and they were reorganizing it. Two subjects were found to in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 11 at 10:52 a.m., a victim in the area of Madison and Foothill called to report a vehicle rear ended him and then threw an item at his car before driving away. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
October 11 at 10:57 a.m., a passerby in the area of Myrtle and Huntington reported two vehicle had crashed into one another in the intersection. One driver was found at fault and was cited.

Battery
October 11 at 3:33 p.m., a neighbor dispute was reported in the 400 block of Linwood. Officers arrived and determined that it was an altercation between co-tenants which led to mutual combat. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 11 at 9:08 a.m., security guard for a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that they had detaining a male adult for taking merchandise outside the store without paying. The suspect returned the stolen merchandise, refused to provide any personal identifying information, and then walked away from security. Officers located the suspect and accepted the store's private person arrest. The subject was arrested.

Dinner at The State

Dinner at The State, a new restaurant near the southeast corner of Myrtle and Lemon. Got the Happy Hour Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $10 and a craft beer for $8. Pleasant, sports bar-ish decor, but no television sets, so I guess it’s not really a sports bar. Sandwich was very nice.  Menus

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Company Gets Grant to Make Aviation Fuel From Plants

Monrovia-based Invizyne Technologies (140 W Chestnut Ave.) has received a $3.77 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support Invizyne's project to optimize and scale up isobutanol production, a potential sustainable aviation fuel. This follows a successful $2.08 million project converting cellulosic sugars to isobutanol. The sustainable aviation fuel market is projected to reach $27.4 billion by 2032.

CEO Mo Hayat said the company's method of making valuable chemicals from plant-based energy sources can reduce the pollution associated with traditional production methods. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Achieves Silver Status on AP School Honor Roll

Monrovia High has achieved Silver status on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll, which honors schools that have fostered a college-going culture, facilitated opportunities for students to earn college credit, and enhanced overall college readiness. Silver is the third highest honor, preceded by Gold and Platinum and followed by Bronze. MHS made AP exams free for students, with nearly 60 percent of seniors taking at least one AP exam, and more than 30 percent scoring three or higher on at least one AP exam. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Evan - A Great Hiking Buddy, and House-Trained ... We Think

This handsome guy is Evan - a 6-year-old Chinese Shar Pei mix at Pasadena Humane. Evan is an incredibly social dog who loves everyone he meets.

Evan recently attended a busy event with the Wiggle Waggle Wagon and he was a star! He met some other dogs and enjoyed that. He also got to play with toys, and bask in the adoration of everyone who came to visit. He happily showed off that he knows how to sit, lay down and even shake. Did we mention we think he’s house trained, too?

Evan loves going for walks- he would be an ideal hiking companion because he always seems to be on the move - sniffing, exploring, just enjoying whatever comes along.

Because Evan is over 5 years old, he is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program. His adoption fee is waived for an adopter over 60!

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

Biggest, Most Expensive Monrovia Office Building Sold

The 122,000-square-foot office building at 222 E. Huntington Drive has just sold for $25 million. According to a report in What Now Los Angeles, it is the largest office building ever sold in Monrovia, and the highest price paid for an office building in Monrovia. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

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