A Moment in Monrovia History: Surveying to Create Monrovia

This is believed to be a photograph of the original surveying party busy laying out the Monrovia town site. From spring of 1886. 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

City Council: Acquiring Temporary Location for Community Center; Honoring Leadership Grads; Updating Art in Public Places Process

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

~ Hold a closed session at 7 p.m. to discuss price and terms for acquiring the building at 324-328 S. Myrtle, the one-story building right across from the Library. The city wants to use it as a temporary Community Center during the 24 months it is expected to take to renovate the existing Community Center. Details. 

~ Hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. to recognize Monrovia Area Partnership Youth and Adult Leadership Academy graduates. More. 

~ At its regular 7:30 p.m. meeting consider proclaiming November as Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month  and proclaiming November 12-19 United Against Hate Week. 

~ Consider an ordinance to refine the Art in Public Places program and define the AIPP structure and responsibilities, updating terminology, eliminating outdated terms and requirements, granting the AIPP Committee authority to approve smaller art projects, etc. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Re-Roofing the District; Field Trip for Engineering Students; Rice Balls of Fire

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

~ Authorizing the district to go to bid for district-wide roofing replacement.

~ Authorizing a field trip for Monrovia High engineering students to visit the California High-Speed Rail Construction Site and Fresno State University Engineering Department. Comment: Oddly, there is no mention of high speed rail in the itinerary; just viaducts.  Details. 

~ Contracting with Rice Balls of Fire to provide catering truck services for the district. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

McDonald's Original Monrovia Restaurant Focused on Barbecue

The website, The Daily Meal, reports that the original McDonald's restaurant, the octagonal Airdrome, located near the Monrovia Airport, actually focused on ribs and barbecued pork sandwiches. Ray Kroc, who bought the company, pared the menu down to hamburgers. More. 

- Brad Haugaard

Community Prayer Breakfast Nov. 17

The 57th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast will be held on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Courtyard by the Marriott Hotel. Theme is "Faith in an Anxious World," and the speaker will be Brad M. Griffin, Senior Director of Content & Research at the Fuller Youth Institute. Registration is $40 per person, and is open until Friday, Nov. 10. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Recognition; Vacant Properties; Thanksgiving Gathering; O2breathe Walk

 

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

~ Veterans Day Recognition Nov. 6-10 with a Field of Honor display at Library Park where messages can be attached to flag poles. A Veterans Day Ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 11 at Library Park, hosted by the Allied Veterans Council. Details.

~  MAP-Edu Meeting on Vacant Properties Nov. 4 at the Monrovia Library Community Room, addressing the issue of vacant properties. Details.

~ Thankful & Grateful Holiday Gathering Nov. 16. Family activities, live entertainment, hay rides, and a tree lighting ceremony at Library Park. Details.

~ The Pulmonary Hypertension Association will hold its 10th Annual Monrovia O2breathe Walk on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. - noon at Library Park. Free, but donations are welcomed. There will be raffle prizes, informational booths, and live entertainment by the Licata Brothers. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Felony Suspect Hunt in North Monrovia: Update - Arrested

Police are apparently searching for one or more individuals who, according to a report on social media, were spotted placing or retrieving a credit card skimming device at a Monrovia bank. The suspect car reportedly drove up North Magnolia at about 60 miles an hour with three police vehicles trailing. Police now have intersections blocked off in north Monrovia.  Three police canine units from Pasadena are in the area and police have a loudspeaker car telling people to stay in their homes as a hunt for a felony suspect is in progress.

UPDATE: Again, according to a social media report, one suspect is in custody. The police search has apparently ended.

UPDATE 2: PasadenaNow.com reports that the suspect was discovered hiding in a backyard by a Pasadena K-9 officer and resisted arrest, which resulted in dog bites. The suspect was treated for the bites and is in Monrovia Police custody.

Brad Haugaard.

Man in White Dress Walking Among Tombstones on Halloween; Sleeping Driver Breaks Hydrant; Roofing Materials Stolen; Vehicle Ramming Other Vehicles; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 26 – November 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 371 service events, resulting in 61 investigations. 

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
October 26 at 1:08 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a male adult in a park in violation of closing time. The officer made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed that he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Grand Theft
October 26 at 10:15 a.m., a caller in the 3200 block of Peck reported that two suspects cut a hole on a chain link fence and stole $2,000 worth of roofing material. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspects Arrested
October 26 at 9:58 p.m., a group of officers patrolled the 1600 block of S. Myrtle in response to observations made by residents regarding subjects loitering and camping in the park after hours. Officers contacted and located four subjects. The subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
October 27 at 2:46 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a traffic collision in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. An investigation revealed that the driver fell asleep and collided with a fire hydrant. MFD and Public Works responded to resolve the water issue.

Commercial Burglary
October 27 at 7:55 a.m., a caller from a business in the 3200 block of Peck caller to report that several suspects entered the business yard and stole items. They left the location and returned at a later rime to steal more items. This investigations is continuing.

Fraud
October 27 at 8:58 a.m., a victim in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower came into the MPD lobby to report she had hired a company off the internet to install a firewall on her computer remotely, when she researched the company she discovered it was a fictitious company who did not exist. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 27 at 5:22 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of California and Evergreen. An investigation revealed that one of the driver’s failed to yield and collided into another vehicle. One of the driver’s was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Grand Theft Auto
October 28 at 6:07 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of E. Central reported a vehicle on the property was ramming into other vehicles. The vehicle left prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Runaway Juvenile
October 28 at 4:39 p.m., a female juvenile was reported missing in the 100 block of N. Ivy. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate her. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 7:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Violet and Colorado regarding a traffic collision. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. The party at fault displayed signs of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 12:49 a.m., several callers in the 200 block of E. Lime reported a traffic collision involving parked vehicles. Officers arrived and located the driver of the vehicle at fault. The driver displayed sings of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 2:10 a.m., while patrolling the area of Duarte and Walker, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for unsafe speed. Upon contact with the driver, the officer noticed the driver displayed signs of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Burglary
October 29 at 5:08 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Encinitas called to report that his vehicle was burglarized overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 29 at 8:26 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to state his business had been broken into. An investigation revealed that thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 29 at 8:43 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of Stedman reported a window on his vehicle was broken and musical instruments were taken. This investigation is continuing.



Family Disturbance – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 3:53 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Chestnut called to report the parents in the home were arguing. The caller reported that the dad had a weapon and had made threats to harm them. Officers arrived and located the suspect driving away from the home. Officers conducted a felony traffic stop, arrested the suspect and took him into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
October 30 at 8:02 a.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Primrose and Olive. A vehicle failed to yield to traffic as it entered the roadway and caused a collision. No injuries were reported and the driver at fault was cited.

Vandalism
October 30 at 9:45 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report someone had broken into their apartment complex mailboxes overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
October 30 at 11:38 a.m., a battery was reported in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista. The caller reported his father had assaulted him. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 30 at 2:34 p.m., a caller in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported he had placed his down and someone stole it. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 4:09 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that an adult female was concealing items in her bag and was about to walk out without paying for them. Officers arrived and located the female subject outside the store. The stolen items were recovered and returned to the store. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 12:17 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista reported his vehicle stolen. A day later the vehicle was located and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 10:34 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and contacted the drivers. One of the drivers appeared to be under the influence. A DUI 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.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 11:53 a.m., a caller in the 1100 block of S. Shamrock reported a subject was on his property after being told to leave hours before. Officers arrived and located the subject on private property. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
October 31 at 11:58 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Oaks called to report that his vehicle’s catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 31 at 5:10 p.m., an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and juvenile riding a bicycle was reported in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista. The juvenile sustained head injuries and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
October 31 at 6:53 p.m., staff at a church in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle called to report two adult females and several teenagers were arguing. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. Several allegations were made that an adult female grabbed a juvenile by the wrist and began to yell at her. This investigating is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 31 at 8:57 p.m., a customer at a fast food restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported that he was entering the restaurant's parking lot when he was struck by a vehicle and the vehicle fled. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing
October 31 at 9:34 p.m., a caller in Los Angeles reported seeing a suspicious person walking through the closed cemetery in the 200 block of E. Duarte. She saw the male wearing a long white dress through a camera she had earlier mounted to her deceased husband's tombstone. The camera was connected to the cemetery Wi-Fi and linked to her cellphone so she could monitor his gravesite. Officers responded and located the subject walking slowly through the raised tombstones. He was noticed regarding trespassing and escorted out of the cemetery.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 12:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report someone was stealing items from the business. Officers arrived and detained the female adult subject as she exited the store. She was found with stolen items from the store, she was arrested and taken into custody.

Dinner at Mimi‘s Cafe

Dinner at Mimi‘s Cafe, at the corner of Mayflower and Huntington. Got the French Quarter Burger for $16.99 and a beer for $7. Very good burger! Even had avocado. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Current Local Job Opportunities - November

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

Halloween Night in Monrovia

The pirate ship on Hillcrest is a big hit. Pirates and skeletons and even a broadside of cannons. Hundreds of people crowded around to see.

The Harvest Festival at Calvary Chapel Monrovia was crowded with families enjoying games, food, music, and a petting zoo.

As always, Alta Vista north of Hillcrest was blocked off and the street hosted a party.

- Brad Haugaard

Fluffy Tito - Couch Potato and Walking Buddy

Tito is a 12-year-old Australian Shepherd/Chow mix. His soft and fluffy fur makes him ideal to cuddle with, and his energy level is just right for anyone who wants a couch potato sometimes, and a good walking buddy at other times.

What really gets him excited and playful is playing fetch. He loves chasing tennis balls, and prances back to you with a look of pride that he is still able to catch a bouncing ball just like a young pup.

Tito looks like a large dog, but he is only about 55 pounds under all that fur. He’s an ideal size for trips in the car, going on hikes or just hanging out on the couch.

Senior pets like Tito can easily get overlooked, but this sweet guy will has all the best qualities that any pet parent is look ing for- he's loving, friendly, and a great companion. Tito is ready to make himself right at home with you!

Pasadena Humane’s Seniors for Seniors program allows all dogs and cats over five years old like Tito to be adopted for free by anyone over sixty.

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

Monrovian Makanvand Opens Financial Services Business

Lifelong Monrovia resident Eva Del Real Makanvand has opened M.A.H.B. Financial Services at 423 E Huntington Dr. The business provides financial services including investment advice, estate planning, and insurance. Makanvand, a Monrovia High School graduate with more than 10 years of financial services experience, wants to help Monrovia residents achieve financial goals regardless of background or income. M.A.H.B. Financial Services is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Makanvand has volunteered at Foothill Unity Center, belongs to the Monrovia and Arcadia chambers of commerce, and mentors those pursuing financial careers.

Source: Chamber of Commerce Press Release

- Brad Haugaard

Native Plant Sale Nov. 4

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Laurel and Hardy at Monrovia Airport

Comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy with Al Blackburn and Bud Hanser at the Monrovia Airport in approximately 1943 or 1944. Gary Boen writes that the two comedians were at the airport for the filming of the Big Noise. The plane in the background, he writes, is a Waco Cabin; the old mechanic later said the plane was being repaired, which is why the wings are off. It started on fire by accident; the right wing was on fire on the ground. Blackburn was owner of the Monrovia Airport. From the Gary Boen 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