A Moment in Monrovia History: Moving the Historic Blair House

Here is the historic Luther Blair House in the process of being moved to 508 S. Ivy. it was purchased by former City Historian Steve Baker in 1992 and moved from its location on Duarte Road to 512 S. Ivy, next door to his home. The roof was removed for transport. The house, and Baker's home, are currently being renovated into a bed and breakfast. From the Steve Baker collection. See details here and lots more 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

Multiple School District Buildings to be Re-Roofed

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

~ Hiring two roofing companies for $7.1 million (plus another $1.2 million for roofing materials) to re-roof Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, and Plymouth elementary schools, Santa Fe Middle School, Monrovia High School, Canyon Early Learning Center, the district offices, and the district's maintenance and operations facility.

~ Affirming (as required by law) that it can meet it's financial obligations for the next two years. It says it can. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Helps Churches in Mexico Following Hurricane

Pastor Angel Baez with supplies for churches in and around Acupulco.

Calvary Chapel Monrovia has been helping several sister churches in and around Acapulco, Mexico, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis. The Monrovia church's missions pastor, Angel Baez, has made several trips to provide food, supplies, and assistance, including helping with a soup kitchen that Calvary Chapel Acapulco has set up. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

PBS Program to Use Historical Society Photo to Show McDonald's First Restaurant in Monrovia

An early photo of the McDonald brother's fast-food Airdrome restaurant, from the Monrovia Historical Society's Legacy Project.

The Emmy-winning PBS show, Lost LA, will feature rare images of the first McDonald's stands from Monrovia's Legacy Project in an episode airing Jan. 2. Historical Society President Sandy Burud said, "The producers are still deciding which image will be used. Perhaps this one of the Airdrome, which was chopped in half and transported to San Bernardino where Richard and Maurice McDonald met Ray Kroc.

"Perhaps finally," she added, "the truth that McDonalds actually started in Monrovia will be told!"

The episode, titled "Fast Food and Car Culture," explores Southern California's role in the birth of major fast-food chains like McDonald's and their relationship with car culture. It will air Tues., Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal / Wed., Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. on KCET.

- Brad Haugaard

More Trains, Longer Hours for Metro Monrovia Service

In response to riders requesting more frequent and later rail service, on Dec. 10 Metro will implement the following changes to the A Line (formerly Gold Line, formerly L Line):

Weekday peak hour trains will operate every 8 minutes instead of 10 minutes.

Weekday midday and Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. trains will operate every 10 minutes instead of 12 minutes.

Two additional trains will be added at the end of the nightly schedule in each direction, extending service by an extra 40 minutes each night, weekdays and weekends, with later departures from Long Beach, APU Citrus, and Santa Monica after 11:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Kiwanis Presents Citrus Singers Dec. 14

Kiwanis Club of Monrovia presents the Citrus Singers of Citrus College on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. The program includes lunch, cost is $60 per person and you can RSVP  to tfrench@bowdendevelopment.com or gina@cibare.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Middle School Winter Concert Dec. 14

Clifton Middle School's Winter Concert will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Clifton  auditorium.  General seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. and early admission tickets for 6:00 p.m. seating will be sold for $5 per ticket. Light food and snacks will be available before and immediately after the concert.

- Brad Haugaard

Bookmark Design Contest Winners

Here are the winners of The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library bookmark contest, who were honored at the last City Council meeting. The 10 winners were chosen from among 127 entries for their unique art and design. The bookmarks are on display at the Monrovia Public Library, and you can get a copy for yourself.

- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Route Through Monrovia Dec. 11-15

Here's Santa's schedule:

• Monday, Dec. 11 - South of Huntington, west of Myrtle, including Valley Circle.
• Tuesday, Dec. 12 - East of Myrtle, north of Foothill.
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 - West of Myrtle, south of Foothill, and
• north of Huntington.
• Thursday, Dec. 14 - East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road.
• Friday, Dec. 15 - West of Myrtle Avenue, North of Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Grand Theft Alcohol; Almost-Victim identifies Credit Card Skimming Device; Person Beaten on Foothill, Another on Duarte; Credit Card Machines Stolen; Woman Batters Mom; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 30 – December 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 339 service events, resulting in 68 investigations. 

Residential Burglary
November 30 at 7:58 p.m., residents in the 200 block of Bradoaks called to report that a neighbor’s vacant home had multiple suspicious subjects inside with masks and gloves on. When officers arrived the subjects began to flee the location. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 2:59 a.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report a suspicious vehicle in their parking lot. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. Officers determined that the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 1 at 2:41 pm, a resident in the 700 block of Ocean View called to report a window at a residence was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism / Resist Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 3:37 pm, a caller in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle called to report a subject writing on the walls. Officers arrived and located the subject on his bike, they attempted to make contact with the subject, but he failed to stop. The subject was located nearby. He was arrested, cited, and released to a medical facility due to a medical condition.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 8:11 p.m., a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject was in the store and in the process of stealing a large amount of alcohol. Officers arrived and located the subject leaving the store. When officers attempted to the contact her, she attempted to flee. The stolen items were recovered and it was discovered that her vehicle was filled with stolen items from other locations. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery / Attempted Murder – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 8:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a battery at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. The juvenile victim walked to the MPD lobby and reported several suspects battered him. An investigation revealed that the victim had been stabbed during the incident by a juvenile male suspect. The suspect was identified, arrested, and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
December 1 at 9:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Shamrock and Central. Investigation showed the driver of the at-fault vehicle was under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed and the driver arrested. The driver was later booked, housed for sobering, and released on citation.

Vandalism
December 2 at 8:17 a.m., the victim called to report her front passenger window was shattered in the 500 block of Linwood. This investigation is continuing.

Skimming Device
December 2 at 11:33 a.m., the reporting party walked into the MPD lobby holding a skimming device. He stated that he was using an ATM machine when he realized it was a skimming device. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 3 at 1:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. He conducted a traffic stop and noticed that the driver was displaying signs of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
December 4 at 9:34 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of S. Myrtle discovered unauthorized charges on her bank account. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
December 4 at 11:39 a.m., a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck discovered a vehicle sold to them was a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and removed from the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 4 at 11:52 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of California purchased large trucking equipment and later realized the seller was not a legitimate company and that it was a scam. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 4 at 2:07 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of Parkrose discovered her information was used to open a credit card. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
December 4 at 4:13 p.m., a victim claimed he was battered in the 100 block of E. Foothill. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
December 4 at 7:22 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject was battered by three to four male subjects. All suspects were gone prior to officers arriving. MFD responded and transported the male subject to a hospital for medical treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Prowling
December 5 at 9:37 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Norumbega reported seeing a female adult loitering around in the backyard. The female appeared to be wandering aimlessly. Officers arrived and searched the area but could not locate her. This investigation is continuing.

Embezzlement
December 5 at 2:33 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Evergreen reported that a former employee stole money from the company, during her time of employment. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
December 6 at 6:17 a.m., a passerby in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that all windows to a business were shattered. Officers arrived and determined unknown suspect(s) smashed all the windows, entered the business, and stole a credit card machine. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
December 6 at 8:55 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported their business was broken into during the night. The suspect(s) smashed the front door, made entry, stole a credit card machine, and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Battery / Mental Evaluation
December 6 at 12:19 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Central reported her adult sister battered their mom. Officers arrived and determined the adult female subject was suffering from a mental illness. The mother was not injured and only wanted mental health help for her daughter. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. Follow the Monrovia Police Department on our social media!

Missing Person, Roselyn Cortez, 18; Last Seen on Myrtle

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Oto Oto Japanese Restaurant

Dinner at Oto Oto Izakaya Japonaise restaurant in the shopping center at the northeast corner of Huntington and Fifth. Off the happy hour menu got the Tonkatsu Ramen for $11.95 and a beer for $3. 

- Brad Haugaard 

With Treats It Shouldn't Take Tina Too Long too Long to Get Over Her Shyness

Tina is a sweet girl with a big heart! This two-year-old black lab mix can be a little shy with new people at first but give her some delicious treats and she’ll be coming up to you to say hello (and get some more snacks). She even enjoyed cuddling in bed with her foster parent!

Tina’s love of food means she really enjoys learning new things in exchange for treats. She has a hunger for knowledge (and hot dogs) that could make her top of the class in any training session!

Tina is an active girl who enjoys playing fetch and chasing after toys. She’s often seen having the zoomies in the Pasadena Humane play yard and rolling around on her back. However, she always takes a break for snuggles with her favorite people.

This gentle pup is seeking a patient adopter who can give her a little time to come out of her shell. Tina would prefer to be the only pet in the home so she can get all your affection (and as much room as possible on the bed).

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: Students on the Linwood Avenue School Float About 1914

Students from Linwood Avenue School [I never knew there was a Linwood Avenue School!] on their school float at what is likely the 1914 Monrovia Days Parade. 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

Winter Crafternoon at Library Tomorrow, Dec. 5

 

Winter Crafternoon in the Library 6 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 5 in the library Storyroom. Featuring winter-themed crafts. Program open to individuals 16 and older. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

New Starbucks Planned for Corner of Foothill and Myrtle

Starbucks, which closed its shop on the north side of the Vons shopping center earlier this year, is planning to open a new shop across the street, at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle, at the location of the former Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The company is proposing a non-illuminated building wall sign to be considered by the city's Development Review Committee. City staff is recommending approval. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Film Festival On Dec. 9

Monrovia Film Festival 2023, on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at LOOK Dine-In Cinema, will offer a variety of contemporary films including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and animations, along with opportunities for mingling and discussions. Tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

Robbery and Attempted Murder in Library Park

Monrovia Police Department Case: 23-016665

Monrovia Police Department responded to a battery at Library Park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle on Friday, December 1, at 8:49 p.m. A male juvenile was attacked by several other males at the park. The victim was able to run away and get to safety. During the altercation, he had his skateboard and backpack stolen by the suspects. The skateboard was recovered during the investigation. The victim was transported to a local hospital where it was discovered he had 2 puncture wounds as a result of the altercation. Officers were able to locate and identify one of the suspects who was involved and he was arrested. He was also a juvenile and he was transported to juvenile hall. The other suspects are still outstanding.

No additional information is available for release at this time due to the active investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 256-8041.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police DUI Checkpoint Dec. 15

On Friday, December 15, the Monrovia Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within Monrovia city limits.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Lt. Chad Harvey said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.

The Monrovia Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol.

Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Student Praises Teachers in Speech at Google Symposium

Monrovia High student Summer Yang spoke about teachers who deeply affected her life at the Google for Education Champions Sunnyvale Symposium 2023.

- Brad Haugaard