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Designs to Honor Former Mayor Pat Ostrye As Neighborhood Treasure

At its next meeting (agenda here), the Art in Public Places Committee will consider five designs to honor the next Neighborhood Treasure, former Monrovia Mayor Pat Ostrye, who was selected by the committee last January.

Ostrye was born in Minnesota in 1924. In 1944, she joined the Navy Women and was accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) and was stationed in San Diego. In 1974, she successfully ran for Monrovia City Council. She was the first woman to serve on the City Council and, in 1978, the first elected woman mayor of the city. During her leadership, she brought Meals-on-Wheels, Dial-a-Ride, home library and a federally funded senior lunch program to the city. In 1980, at the end of her mayoral term she was elected City Clerk and held that position until retiring in 1986. In 1992, she ran unopposed for the part-time position of City Treasurer, thus having served in all four of the City's then elective offices. The amount budgeted for the Neighborhood Treasure is $19,500. One of the designs is shown here, the others are here.

- Brad Haugaard

Space Exploration Event for School-Age Children Jan. 17


Monrovia Public Library, with Sidewalk Astronomers and Monrovia High Astronomy Club, will host a space exploration event this Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6-8 p.m. It will feature learning stations and telescope viewing of the moon and planets in Library Park. Suitable for school-aged children and families, and requires no reservation. If weather is cloudy, the event will be rescheduled for Feb. 15. For more information emai asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8269.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Breakfast and Historical Museum Tour

- Brad Haugaard 

Fellowship Church Moves to Smaller Venue


On Jan. 27, Monrovia's Fellowship Church, which has met in the Monrovia High School Auditorium for years, will be changing locations to Fellowship Center, the church's administrative offices at the northeast corner of Huntington and California. The letter announcing the move said the new space will be "intimate." The move to a smaller venue follows internal turmoil last year involving the main pastor being disciplined for sexting, for complaints about an unfriendly work environment and about how church funds were used.

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board To Consider Contract With Company to Haul Away Old Furniture


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

~  Consider contracting with Furniture Reuse Solutions Inc., for  $170,617 to remove unneeded old furniture from Monrovia schools. Details.

~ Honor its January Employees of the month:  Susana Reveles, Teacher, Plymouth; and  Heena Merchant, Instructional Aide, Plymouth.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Streamlining Housing Development Process; Charge Developers More to Minimize Traffic Impact

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

~ Streamlining the review of multi-family residential developments, as required by state law. The proposal would eliminate the conditional use permit requirement in zones that allow multi-family developments, and get rid of the requirement for some projects to be reviewed by the city's Development Review Committee. Details.

~ Increasing the amount it charges developers to minimize the traffic impact of their developments. City staff recommends increasing the Traffic Impact Fee to "$2,575 per net new afternoon peak hour trip." Details

- Brad Haugaard

Water and Sewer Rates Will Likely Go Up; Blood Drive Jan. 25; Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Will Screen Film

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

~ The Monrovia City Council will consider raising water and sewer rates, which have not been adjusted since 2018 for water rates and 2020 for sewer rates. Feik cites a recent study that notes high inflationary costs of operating public utilities. The adjustments will support sewer and water infrastructure, and will fund capital improvements. Monrovia, which he said has some of the lowest water and sewer fees in the region, will continue to offer discounts to seniors, veterans, and Lifeline customers. Feik did not indicate how much fees might go up.

~ The Monrovia Police Department will host this year's Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Center. Those who give blood will be entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, with access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the Super Bowl, round-trip airfare to Las Vegas, three-night accommodations, plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. To schedule an appointment,  go here , enter sponsor code “BOB24" and scroll down to January 25. Or, call (800) 733-2767. 

~ This Sunday, January 14, at 2:30 p.m., the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will show the film "100 Years From Mississippi," a true story about Mamie Kirkland and Sun Tarabu Batserai- a story of resilience, forgiveness, memory, and hope.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's More Popular, But ALDI and 7-Eleven Even More Popular


Monrovia-based Trader Joe's grocery chain increased in popularity in 2023 over 2022, to 66% popularity, but still fell to become the third most popular grocery chain, behind ALDI (66%) and 7-Eleven (65%), which increased even more in popularity. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Arsonist Arrested at Fire; Man Lunges at Woman With Box Cutter; Missing Person Arrested; Suicidal Woman Turns Herself In; Vehicle Runs Stop Sign, Knocks Over Car; Sleeping Driver Rolls His Truck; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 4 – 10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 367 service events, resulting in 65 investigations. 

Vehicle Burglary
January 4 at 10:27 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that while shopping inside of a business his vehicle was broken into and tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Unlawful Burning / No Bail / False Personation – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 12:04 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Central and Shamrock saw a subject near an open fire along a retaining wall. The officer attempted to make contact with the subject, but he fled as the officer approached and located nearby. A computer check revealed he was on parole for arson and had a no bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
January 4 at 12:31 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of S. Myrtle regarding a disturbing subject. The caller stated a male subject lunged at her while holding a box cutter. Officers arrived and determined he was a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Petty Theft
January 4 at 1:29 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report that a female subject stole from a business. The female subject fled prior to the officer's arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 9:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and Huntington regarding a person lying face down on the ground. Officers arrived and located the subject and determined he was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 10:13 p.m., a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a subject was in the process of stealing items. As officers arrived on scene the subject exited the store, where he was quickly detained after attempting to run. The stolen property was returned to the store. A search of the subject revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 10:42 p.m., officers detained a subject in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle for being in a park after hours. A computer search revealed she was reported missing. She was arrested, issued a citation, removed from the missing persons system, and released at the scene.

Mental Evaluation
January 5 at 12:18 p.m., a female subject walked into the MPD lobby and informed staff she was suicidal. An officer spoke with the individual and transported her to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.

Grand Theft Auto
January 5 at 12:47 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported his vehicle was taken without her permission. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 3:23 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting. Officers arrived and detained several subjects. An investigation revealed only one of the subjects shoplifted. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 5 at 6:10 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Lemon and California. Officers arrived and determined one of the vehicles went through a stop sign and collided with another vehicle, causing it to overturn.

Vehicle Burglary
January 5 at 7:11 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of Violet called to report that his vehicle had been broken into and items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 8:35 p.m., officers were alerted to the area of Madison and Foothill regarding a vehicle involved in a crime. Officers arrived and located the vehicle in the 100 block of E. Lime with two subjects inside. A high risk traffic stop was conducted and two subjects were removed from the vehicle. An investigation revealed the vehicle was full of stolen property and a computer search revealed warrants for both subjects. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest
January 5 at 11:16 p.m., while patrolling the area of Magnolia and Evergreen, an officer observed a bicyclist commit several traffic violations. The officer conducted a traffic stop and a computer search revealed the bicyclist had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Resisting Arrest / Delaying an Officer – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 11:17 p.m., a fight was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle where a subject brandished a weapon. Officers arrived and located the subject who was not following officers’ commands. Officers were able to detain him and the weapon was not located. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 11:28 p.m., while officers were investigating a call of a fight in the 400 block of S. Myrtle, a friend of one of the parties involved in the fight continually obstructed officers while they were trying to conduct an investigate. It was apparent that the subject was too intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
January 6 at 7:07 a.m., a caller in the 1000 block of Royal Oak reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Lost / Stolen Plate
January 6 at 3:00 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Foothill and Madison. Officers arrived and located the vehicle as it pulled into a parking lot. Officers made contact with the driver and removed him from the vehicle. An investigation determined that the vehicle had a stolen plate which did not belong to the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Robbery
January 6 at 4:34 p.m., a male and female subject walked into a retail store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and stole property. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 7 at 7:12 a.m., a business in the 3200 block of Peck reported a grand theft. An investigation revealed that property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 7 at 8:18 a.m., a victim in the 1000 block of E. Lemon reported a vehicle burglary. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 7 at 10:06 a.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 400 block of Almond. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 7 at 10:11 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Palm reported their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 7 at 10:16 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Magnolia and Olive. A driver fell asleep and collided with two parked vehicles. The truck rolled over and the driver was trapped inside. MFD responded and removed the driver from the vehicle who complained of pain. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 7 at 11:23 a.m., a victim in the area of Primrose and Lemon reported that two of her parked vehicles were hit sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 7 at 11:39 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of Ocean View. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
January 7 at 2:57 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Lemon reported that his vehicle was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery
January 7 at 3:15 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that his ex-girlfriend assaulted him in a parking structure in the 200 block of W. Pomona. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 7 at 6:22 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of Linwood. A victim reported that his parked car was hit and the driver of the vehicle did not stop at the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
January 7 at 9:55 p.m., employees of a retail store in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report that two subjects who appeared intoxicated were loading up a cart with property and appeared to be ready to leave without paying. The suspects were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 8 at 1:12 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check in the area of Myrtle and Colorado regarding a subject sleeping on a bench. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search revealed the subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
January 8 at 3:01 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 600 block of Bradbury when he discovered a stolen vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 9 at 9:33 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Spanner an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and a computer check revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery
January 9 at 9:43 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of W. Hillcrest reported that he was pushed from behind while he was loading items into his vehicle and dropped a bag containing money. The suspect fled with the bag and was prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
January 9 at 2:49 p.m., a caller in 700 block of E. Huntington reported two female adult subjects stealing items. Officers arrived and located the subjects as they were fleeing. A computer search revealed both subjects had active warrants. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 9 at 7:02 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Colorado and Alta Vista when he saw a motorist collide into another motorist. Officers made contact with both drivers and suspect one of the driver’s was under the influence. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Critical Missing Adult – Located
January 9 at 10:42 p.m., a staff member at a facility in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported one of their residents missing. Officers searched the area and located the female subject nearby.

Injury Traffic Collison
January 10 at 8:25 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Evergreen. Officers and MFD arrived and contacted the parties involved. One of the involved parties complained of pain and was treated at the scene.

Injury Traffic Collison
January 10 at 9:11 a.m., a caller in the area of Mayflower and Duarte reported an injury traffic collision. Officers and MFD arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One of the parties complained of pain and was treated at the scene.

Monrovia's Jewish Federation to Hold Holocaust Vigil in Pasadena

The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, with the City of Pasadena, will hold a 25-hour Holocaust vigil, "Every Person Has a Name," on Jan. 27-28 at Pasadena City Hall to commemorate UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event, addressing the rise in antisemitism, begins with a commemoration ceremony, then a 24-hour name-reading vigil of Holocaust victims. There will also be an exhibition titled, "The Righteous Among the Nations," from Israel’s National Holocaust Museum showcasing those who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The vigil is open to the public, with opportunities to participate in name reading. For more information or to volunteer, visit the Jewish Federation  or call 626.445.0810.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Blaze Pizza


Dinner at Blaze Pizza, in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. Got the Hot Link Signature Pizza for $12.99 and a beer for $6.99. Very good. Very fast.

- Brad Haugaard 

Affectionate Kilo Would Be a Great Ride-Along Companion


Five-year-old Kilo is such a good boy- and he knows it! He’s sweet and affectionate with a very calm demeanor.

Kilo has become a favorite of the volunteers at Pasadena Humane who have taken him out on several field trips. He walks well on leash, enjoys car rides, and always has a fun day out on his adventures. He’s quite fond of hiking, but really any excursion for him is a blast!

He has been known to sit calmly in the backseat of the car, his nose sticking out the window, serenely watching the trip unfold. He’ll then lay down for a nice nap at your feet. If you’re looking for a ride-along pal, Kilo would love to be it!

Kilo is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program, so his adoption fee is waived for any 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. Limited same-day appointments are available during weekend Visiting Hours. Check website for times. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

'Being Water Wise Is' Art Contest Now Open


The Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District 2024 art contest - "Being Water Wise Is..." - is now open! Students from K-12th grade can submit their artwork for consideration. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: M & M Economy Meats

M. & M. Economy Meats. Sorry, don't have much detail about this one, but estimating from the prices I'd guesstimate it is from the 1950s.) 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

Current Local Job Opportunities - January

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

Community Center Design Work Could Cost More than $2 Million; New Park Name

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Community Services Commission will consider ...

~ Recommending that the City Council hire Perkins Eastman Architects for up to $2,065,800 to do plans, specifications, and construction estimates for redoing the Monrovia Community Center. Details

~ Recommending that the City Council name the new park just south of the new Chick-Fil-A as Satoru Tsuneishi Park. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Cube-Kids Club at the Library Tuesday, 4-5 p.m.


Cube-Kids Club for 6-11-year-olds at the library Tuesday, Jan. 9, 4 to 5 p.m.  Afterschool activity designed to enhance memory, patience, and problem-solving skills while fostering concentration. Students delve into the world of Rubik's cubes and other strategy games as they gather with like-minded peers to make friends, exchange tips, and share tricks. For information call  256-8274 or email asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us

- Brad Haugaard

Baby Storytime at Library Tomorrow


Baby Storytime, for children five or younger. Tuesday from 10-10:30 p.m. at the library Story Room. Focusing on pre-literacy skills, songs, games, and motion in addition to books. For more information call 256-8274 or email jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Local Historian To Share Rare WWII Scrapbook

Professor Susie Ling, in collaboration with John Parker, will present “Adventures of Julius Parker in WWII” on Feb. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. The Black History Month event, sponsored by the Monrovia Historical Society, is free to the public. Refreshments will be served, and reservations are not required.

Ling wrote, “Last summer, John Parker showed me his treasure: his father's WWII scrapbook. My jaw dropped to the ground as it is amazing! John allowed me to take photos of each page (before he put it back into his locked safe)! I've done some background homework to better understand the complexities of African American soldiers in WW2.”

John Parker is third generation Monrovian (a star athlete and artist). At 18, his father Julius loved the tenor sax, and the Army assigned him into a unique racially integrated unit. Special Services Companies provided "entertainment for the soldier by the soldier." During the War, jazz was viewed as "American" and a morale booster. Julius' adventures shaped this man from the greatest generation.

For questions contact the Monrovia Historical Society at monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com or 675-8323.

Source: Monrovia Historical Society press release

- Brad Haugaard

City, Foundation Celebrate New Shade Sails at Playground


At a ceremony today, the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation presented a check for $75,000 to the city of Monrovia to pay a big part of the $250,000 (the city paid the remainder) for the new shade sails at the playground at Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard