
Postcard of the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Shamrock. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
Postcard of the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Shamrock. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
~ Discuss a report about District Attorney George Gascón, who has been criticized for his nine "Special Directives," which appear to some to lean too far in favor of those accused of crimes. According to the city staff report, Gascón has written that his policies "are, by any measure, major departures from how this office has approached this work previously." A resident requested the council pass a "Vote of no confidence" in the DA. Arcadia, Azusa, Beverly Hills, Covina, Diamond Bar, La Mirada, Lancaster, Manhattan Beach, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier have already passed such resolutions. https://is.gd/ZEEtaD
~ Consider spending $15,500 to honor Leroy "Buster" Criss as the next "Neighborhood Treasure." Criss was a Monrovian, attended Monrovia Arcadia Duarte High School, and took flying lessons at the Monrovia Airport. He served with the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators. During World War II, the American military was racially segregated. Later he worked for 37 years as a high school teacher in the Los Angeles area, but could not teach in Monrovia because of the color of his skin. Monrovian Donna Hargett, a professional artist, will create the nine-foot-tall and 40-inches-wide monument, which will be made out of pressed metal and molded resin. It will be placed in the 200 block of East Maple, where Criss lived, at the end of July. https://is.gd/XUfiTF
- Brad Haugaard
A district press release says:
"For our students who thrive in an independent, online environment, Mountain Park School will continue offering such opportunities. Through our virtual academy and independent study, our students will have the option of continuing their studies remotely."
For more information, visit Mountain Park's website or call (626) 471-3002.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia has received two national awards at the Neighborhoods USA annual conference for the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) program om competition with cities across America. The city received first place for its newsletter and second place for Best Neighborhood Program.
~ If you live near the hills, you may be interested in a seminar on how to landscape your property so it looks good and best defends against wildfire. Monrovia and Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District will present "Firescaping the Foothills" on Thursday, June 24 from 5 to 6 p.m. on Zoom. Details: https://is.gd/oo5VfD
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia School District music students join to bring you, virtually, "Superstars of Music Showcase 2021."
- Brad Haugaard
The Board unanimously approved a contract with Dr. Smith during its May 26 meeting, where he was formally introduced to the school community via livestream.
“I am truly honored to be selected by the Board of Education as the next Superintendent of Monrovia Unified School District,” Smith said. “Monrovia Unified is a district with a reputation for excellence and tremendous community support. Its outstanding academic programs are well known throughout Los Angeles County, the state, and beyond and are complemented by its fantastic offerings in the arts, athletics, wellness and mental health, and more. I am very excited to begin meeting with teachers and staff, parents and families, community members and organizations, and those who matter most – our students.”
During the selection process, input sessions were held with administrators, staff, parents, and district stakeholders in order to learn about the qualities they wanted in a new superintendent.
Additionally, the school community was invited to fill out an online survey. Using this information, Leadership Associates – Monrovia Unified’s search firm – conducted an extensive search. The Board was presented with an impressive list of candidates, ultimately selecting Dr. Smith.
Smith earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. He also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from California State University, San Marcos.
Smith comes to Monrovia Unified after five years in the Paramount Unified School District, where he served as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Educational Services and led the entire Educational Services division.
During his time in Paramount, Smith oversaw a variety of key initiatives, including the development and implementation of the district’s first strategic plan, the expansion of instructional technology to include a 1-1 Chromebook program for all district students, and the creation of the district’s first new high school, Odyssey STEM Academy.
Additionally, Smith worked to expand access to and develop new Career Technical Education programs, build partnerships with local colleges and universities, and increase access to the Advanced Placement program and other rigorous courses.
Smith has been married to his wife Jennifer for over nine years; they are excited to relocate to the Monrovia area from Orange County soon.
The District will host a Superintendent Roadshow throughout July, which will serve as a meet-and-greet opportunity for stakeholders with the new superintendent. More information on the Superintendent Roadshow will be shared when details have been finalized.
On behalf of the Board of Education, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ryan Smith as our new Superintendent, and look forward to all of the wonderful things he will do for Monrovia Unified. Dr. Smith has an extensive background in education, bringing with him years of experience and a strong passion for student success. We strongly believe he will be a great fit for Monrovia Unified School District.
Sincerely,
Maritza Travanti, President
MUSD Board of Education
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 20-26. - Brad Haugaard]
2019 Awards
Distinguished Service Medal
Life Saving Award
2020 Awards
Medal of Merit
Distinguished Service Medal
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Postcard looking south on Myrtle from Lemon. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
Former Monrovia Board of Education member, Bryan Wong, has a new position. He explains ...
After 17 years on the Monrovia School Board, I’m excited to transition to San Gabriel Valley Habitat as the new Executive Director. As we all know, our MUSD families have had a challenging year. Similarly, many families across the San Gabriel Valley have faced overcrowded, unaffordable and unsafe living conditions—which the pandemic has only made worse. The dream of home ownership is now even more out of reach with median sales prices skyrocketing over 28% to $707,000 in the last year.
In my short time here at SGV Habitat, I have met home buyers who are able to overcome these challenges thanks to our affordable home ownership program. Just a few days ago, I was speaking to E’Tiffany, a hardworking mom of four, who always wanted to become a homeowner. She did not have that opportunity until she discovered SGV Habitat. Now, she is a few weeks away from purchasing her very own Habitat home in Monterey Park. Finally, what was once the impossible dream will become a reality for E’Tiffany and her children.
Through our three-year Expanding the American Dream campaign, we will help 100 families, just like E’Tiffany’s, build or repair their very own home . We will accomplish this through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and organizations along with support from a variety of federal, state, and local agencies.
I am proud to be part of an organization that helps families and individuals across San Gabriel Valley build and buy or repair their own safe and affordable home. Together we will build stronger neighborhoods and communities. I enjoyed working with all of you as a school board member and invite you to join me in the mission of building homes, community, and hope. To get involved, please visit sgvhabitat.org.
Sincerely,
Bryan Wong
~ The Monrovia Public Library is now open. Hours are Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Masks required. More hours will be announced by June 1, and residents may still use curbside services, virtual programs and public Wi-Fi, which now includes Library Park.
~ If you'd like to have your poetry stamped into a Monrovia sidewalk, the Art in Public Places' annual Sidewalk Poetry Contest, open to all Monrovia residents, is now accepting applications, which are due by June 4. Poems must be original compositions, family-friendly and under 250 characters including spaces and punctuation. For questions contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has selected three candidates as finalists for Citrus College's next superintendent/president. You can learn more about each candidate during public Zoom forums scheduled for Tuesday, May 25. Candidates are:
Santanu Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D.
Santanu Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D., has been a transformational leader at Cypress, Colombia and Modesto colleges. Currently serving as the president of Modesto Junior College, Dr. Bandyopadhyay has been working within the Yosemite Community College District since 2018. His prior position with the district was serving as president of Colombia College. Dr. Bandyopadhyay also served as the executive vice president responsible for instructional programs and student services at Cypress College from 2013 to 2018. In addition, he served as director of institutional research at Zane State College (Zanesville, Ohio) and as budget and policy analyst at Ohio University. A first-generation immigrant, Dr. Bandyopadhyay had a successful career in teaching and market research in India before moving to the United States. He holds a master's degree in business administration and Ph.D. from Ohio University.
Brian K. Sanders, Ed.D.
Brian K. Sanders, Ed.D., has served as the vice president of instruction and accreditation liaison officer for Colombia College since 2016. Under his leadership, the college has streamlined educational pathways and improved outcomes through numerous initiatives, including student equity and achievement and guided pathways. Prior to this role, Dr. Sanders served as the college's vice president of college and administrative services. In addition, he spent seven years as the dean of science, mathematics and engineering at Modesto Junior College. Dr. Sanders has also served as treasurer for the California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences from University of California, Santa Barbara; a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon; and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, Davis.
Greg Schulz, Ed.D.
Greg Schulz, Ed.D., has provided leadership in the California community colleges system for more than 21 years. In addition to serving in a variety of administrative roles at community colleges throughout Southern California, his professional experience includes six years as president of Fullerton College. In this role, Dr. Schulz helped effectively plan, organize, coordinate and direct the educational programs and activities of the college in accordance with the district plan and board policies. Known for being an enthusiastic and student-centered president, Dr. Schulz holds an associate degree in business administration from Fullerton College; a bachelor's degree in business administration/accounting from California State University, Fullerton; a master's degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach; and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.
Public Forum 1, Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay, Tuesday, May 25, 1-2 p.m.
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/93861455230?pwd=ckU1VDBRTUs1cU1TUGl2b2JhSlcrUT09
Meeting ID: 938 6145 5230
Password: 321586
Public Forum 2, Dr. Brian Sanders, Tuesday, May 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/93861455230?pwd=ckU1VDBRTUs1cU1TUGl2b2JhSlcrUT09
Meeting ID: 938 6145 5230
Password: 321586
Public Forum 3, Dr. Greg Schulz, Tuesday, May 25, 4-5 p.m.
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/93861455230?pwd=ckU1VDBRTUs1cU1TUGl2b2JhSlcrUT09
Meeting ID: 938 6145 5230
Password: 321586
- Brad Haugaard
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 13-19. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 340 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.
The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat 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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every day at 5:00 p.m. for the following day.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Two Monrovia women and 26 other women in the 25th Senate District will be honored by State Senator Anthony Portantino as "Women Heroes of the Pandemic" for playing "an integral role in supporting their community during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Monrovians Jackie Tran and Krystina Livraga will be honored at a ceremony on May 26.
The press release says:
"Ms. Tran is a Communications Analyst for the City of Monrovia. In a time of crisis and a global pandemic, she conveyed reliable information to communities quickly. Whether it was updating the city website or creating daily COVID-19 updates for the public, she served the community of Monrovia by providing them critical information when they needed it."
"As the Commercial Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Monrovia, Ms. Livraga is charged with enforcing a variety of codes relating to business operations. During the pandemic, she took on the responsibility of facilitating Temporary Outdoor Business Operations permits and collaborated with multiple agencies to get the process moving quickly. Ms. Livraga has been attentive to the needs of local businesses during a time when small business owners have been struggling to stay open."
- Brad Haugaard
The Ward studios were at four different locations in Monrovia over the years when William Ward was the unofficial city photographer.. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
One of the items that is on sale. Large rocker with original dark wood finish and velvet seat cushion.
The Monrovia Historical Society's on-line fundraising sale of vintage treasures has been going so well that the Society has added 15 more items to its sales page, and may add more soon.
The sale is to raise money to repair the ceiling of the historic Anderson House at 215 E. Lime, which began crumbling and had to be removed.
You can see the items here, monroviahistoricalsociety.org/sale, and you can purchase them using PayPal if you are an Historical Society member. If you are not a member, you can become a member here (monroviahistoricalsociety.org/membership-1), then purchase the items.
On Friday, June 11, from 1-6 p.m. members can, in-person, view and purchase items and non-members can view items and become members if they want to purchase. The next day, Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the sale will be open to the public - no need to be a member to purchase. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
The items for sale, while historic, either do not relate to the Society's mission, or are surplus. For questions write to monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com or text or call (626) 675-8323.
- Brad Haugaard
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During these two workshops, you can learn to apply two regenerative landscaping techniques, ideal for the climate of Southern California.
Hugelkultur are no-dig raised beds with a difference. They hold moisture, build fertility, maximize surface volume and are great spaces for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs. The hugel bed will harvest humidity from the air and provide nutrients for native, medicinal and edible plants all year round.
A Bioswale, or rain garden, is a technique used for capturing and storing water in the soil.
All proceeds will go toward building Monrovia's Native Plant Demonstration Garden.
For more information and to register: https://is.gd/16kIti
- Brad Haugaard
Since Monrovia Days 2021 is on now on (details) in Library Park, here's a slide show of Monrovia Day parades through the years, provided by the Monrovia Historical Society.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Days 2021 in Library Park May 14 (Friday) and 15 (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Live entertainment, carriage rides, photo booth, carnival food and the Monrovia Rocks art project.
Details here: https://www.monroviadays.org/
- Brad Haugaard
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 5-12. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 325 service events, resulting in 50 investigations.
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Photo by David Mancini on Unsplash |
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 a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every day at 5:00 p.m. for the following day.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
USC is conducting a study of the GoMonrovia transit program, whether it helps improve Metro's rail transit ridership. If you'd like to participate, go here: https://is.gd/bj8Rv2
- Brad Haugaard
Tillford Bros. Drugs & Lyric Theater, at the northeast corner of Foothill and Ivy, c. 1925. Photo by William Ward. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.
Her son, Daniel, says Helen was past president of the League of Women Voters of Monrovia and worked on many civic issues, including land use proposals for the Monrovia area. She was also active as an officer of the Guild of La Vina Hospital (a tuberculosis hospital in Altadena).
Helen was born on December 19, 1928 in Alhambra to Joseph P. Sehy and Esther Vasey Sehy. During her school days she was greatly influenced by her experiences at Camp Fire Girls summer camp at Camp Wasewagan and later devoted much of her time promoting and supporting the camp. She served as president of the Camp Wasewagan Alumni Association and worked with the Camp Fire Girl Council in many capacities. Her work improving the camp and raising funds for it earned her multiple awards.
Helen met her husband Thomas Leroy Cloer, Jr. at UCLA where they were classmates. They were married on June 23, 1951, and settled in Monrovia, where Helen was a housewife and mother to their two children.
Helen is survived by her son Daniel Cloer and wife Laura (Visalia), daughter Julia Cloer and husband Sean Hulsey (Northridge), and granddaughters Madeline (Zach Souder, Denver) and Samantha Cloer (Vienna, Austria), great-grandson Jacob Souder, niece Carla Cloer (Porterville), and nephew Lane Starr (Athol, Idaho).
Friends are invited to donate a no-kill pet shelter in her name.
- Brad Haugaard
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/O5ZXMX) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...
Honor lots of people, including:
~ Monrovia High School seniors who have committed to joining colleges or trade schools (shown above).
~ Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School (CSMS) Assistant Principal, Megan Esquer, on receiving the "Leadership Matters" award from the Association of California School Administrators Region 15.
~ Santa Fe CSMS Teacher, Rob Cady, on being named "Middle School Educator of the Year," by the California League of Schools.
~ Monrovia High School graduates: https://is.gd/eRg4cr
~ Canyon Oaks High School graduates: https://is.gd/Abn8fg
~ Mountain Park School graduates: https://is.gd/trYjXX
Also, the board will consider a deal for Mrs. Nelsons Book Company to buy old books and paper instructional materials from the district. https://is.gd/63PNIY
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Items for sale include furniture, vinyl music albums, vintage office machines, a Thomas Edison dictaphone, a steamer trunk from Selfridge’s in London, a 1842 coverlet by a weaver whose works are in the Smithsonian, and much more. You can see the items here, monroviahistoricalsociety.org/sale, and you can purchase them using PayPal if you are an Historical Society member. If you are not a member, you can become a member here (monroviahistoricalsociety.org/membership-1), then purchase the items.
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The kitchen ceiling. Sad. Sad. |
The items for sale, while historic, either do not relate to the Society's mission, or are surplus. For questions write to monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com or text or call (626) 675-8323.
- Brad Haugaard
~ City facilities will reopen on Monday, May 10. Covid rules still apply.
~ Monrovia Kiwanis Club has partnered with the Monrovia Police to provide free gun safety locks. For more information call the Monrovia Police at 256-8000.
~ More spots have been added for the free compost and mulch event at the Public Works Yard (600 S. Mountain) on Saturday, May 22, 8 a.m. to noon. For a reservation (required) contact Jamie Bumia at 932-5579 or jbumia@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
~ Residents can apply for positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and Community Services Commission. Also, Old Town business owners may apply for positions on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. Applications due by Monday, May 10. Interviews in the weeks following. Terms begin on July 1. https://is.gd/ZAkbag
~ Monrovia ChangeMakers will host a Zoom meeting on Racism Against Asian Americans: Past & Present on Wednesday, May 19, at 6 p.m. Meeting ID: 868-5112 5241, passcode: 488265.
~ Monrovia landlords may benefit from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments' new Landlord Incentives Program, which provides rent checks each month to landlords who lease to tenants receiving rental assistance to leave homelessness. The program can also help mediate problems. Details: https://landlordincentives.org/
- Brad Haugaard
A video slide show of the history of the Monrovia Days Parade over the past 100+ years. From the Monrovia Historical Society.
- Brad Haugaard
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 29 – May 5. - Brad Haugaard]