Monrovia Kicks Off Legacy Project To Preserve City History

The Monrovia Legacy Project will preserve and share materials on Monrovia history never before available to the public.

For fifty years, Monrovia’s City Historians Steve Baker and his predecessor Myron Hotchkiss gathered photographs and historical documents that reveal Monrovia’s unique history. Other Monrovians have collections and recollections that help bring its story up-to-date. These private collections and the knowledge that resides in Monrovia’s City Historian have not been cataloged or preserved. The Monrovia Legacy Project has been created to prevent the loss of this rich treasure trove and share it with the public through the Monrovia Public Library.

The Project’s mission is to preserve and share the historic information. Its goals are:

• To document and preserve City Historian Steve Baker’s knowledge and collections, and generate end products to share them. 
• To compile other Monrovians’ historical memories and records – people of all backgrounds -- and create a collection that can be built upon.
• To create places and methods for storing and sharing this history at the Library.

The City of Monrovia is providing partial financial support to the Project through a fund given to the City for enhancing the Library’s collections.   The Project is seeking other donations to complete the budget.  The Monrovia Historical Society (revitalized in 2015) is the non-profit home for the Project.

“This is such a great project!  The City of Monrovia is proud to be part of it. Monrovia’s history has made us what we are and sets the stage for what we can become. It’s so important that we record it.” Tom Adams, Mayor of Monrovia.

The Legacy Project is a three-year undertaking, in three stages:

PRESERVE:  Scan, digitize, inventory and catalog the photos and papers, transfer to archival storage materials, and create a comprehensive online repository.

SHARE: Create physical products -- photo and/narrative books, video series/documentary, written and oral histories, and content for teaching curriculum.

EDUCATE: Create website for distributing products and plan to engage the public.

The public is invited to share photos, documents, recollections and ideas.  The intent is to tell the stories of citizens and organizations of all types that shaped this diverse city.

Project Staff include Project Co-Managers Sandy Burud, Ph.D. & Louise Robertson, Ed.D., City Historian Steve Baker. Tina Cherry, Director, Department of Public Services, is the City Liaison to the Project.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Robbery Suspect Knocked Cold With a Statue

Monrovia man knocks out knife-robbery suspect with a statue. http://goo.gl/T16kLq

- Brad Haugaard

View The Heavens Tonight From Myrtle Avenue

A few of sidewalk astronomers will be out at the corner of Myrtle and Lime (SE corner of Library Park) tonight from about 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Metro Yard Named After Bob Bartlett | Monrovia Loses to Charter Oaks :-(

~ The new Metro train yard in Monrovia has been named after late Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett. http://goo.gl/pKGYgV

~ In football tonight, Charter Oaks 52, Monrovia 14. :-(

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Program Receives State Award

Citrus College's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Summer Research Experience Program was today awarded the 2015 Chancellor's Student Success Award by California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris. The college, which serves Monrovia, was one of two California community college programs to receive the award. Source: Press release.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rigo's Mexican Food

Dinner last night at Rigo's Mexican Food, on the north side of Foothill at Mayflower.  Got the Caldo de Pescado (fish soup) for $11.95 and a beer ($4.50). Tasty, and nice big chunks of fish.

- Brad Haugaard 

Spark of Love toy drive With Santa in Monrovia Old Town

Old Town Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Stuff a Monrovia Fire Engine full of Christmas cheer and help make a child's Christmas more enjoyable. Do Christmas shopping in Old Town and support local small businesses. Friday Nov. 27 and Saturday Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on the Spark of Love toy drive call Firefighter Ernie Moreno at 256-8181. http://goo.gl/0Q2BqD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Santa's Breakfast Schedule

Santa's Breakfast (and lunch) schedule, all on Saturdays except one:

• Nov. 28, Peach Cafe 8 a.m.; Cafe LuMar 10 a.m.
• Dec. 5, Jake's 9 a.m.; Friends 10 a.m.?; VFW 2 p.m.
• Dec. 12 Peach Cafe 8 a.m.; Jake's 9:45 a.m.; Le Gourmand 10:30 a.m.
• Dec. 19 Monrovian 9 a.m.; Rudy's 10 a.m.
• Dec. 23 (Wednesday) Lunch at Rudy's 11:30 a.m.

 - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs. Charter Oaks

Monrovia vs. Charter Oaks tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 20) at Charter Oaks. Here's a preview: http://goo.gl/jkgT3y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Tips on Preventing Christmas Packages From Being Stolen

Theft of packages is an easy crime to commit and can be perpetrated by even the least professional type of criminal. Below are some simple steps you can take to protect your package delivery:

• Request a specific drop off time when you know that you will be at home to receive the package.
• Ask for your parcel to be placed on a back porch or even beside the front porch or anywhere that is not visible from the street.
• Arrange to pick up your parcels at a package store, such as a UPS store that is convenient for you.
• Let a trustworthy neighbor know you are expecting a package delivery on a specific day and ask them to look out for it and bring it into their home for you.
• Have your package delivered to your work address during daytime hours.
• Know when a package is scheduled to arrive and if it doesn't, contact the sender to track the transport status of the package.
• And if you see mail theft happening in your neighborhood, be sure to call your local police at once to report exactly what you have seen. Time can be a decisive factor in the apprehension of mail thieves.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shirtless Man Sobered Up; Stolen Welding Equipment; Failed Car Theft

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 18 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of California Avenue. When the officer arrived, the investigation revealed the incident was actually an attempt grand theft auto, as the vehicle was found to have a damaged steering column. The vehicle is a blue, 2000 Chevy Blazer. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 18 at 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of West Walnut on the report of a burglary. Unknown suspects had stolen welding equipment and gas from the business. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 1:29 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East Fig Avenue regarding a suspicious subject in the area. A female resident returned home and reported that she was being watched by a shirtless male subject who was standing in the street in front of her home. The resident’s husband exited the home and the subject quickly left the area. Officers arrived and located the subject in an alley in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue. The investigation revealed the subject is employed by a local business and was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

What Child is This? Musical at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church

Joel Raney's Christmas musical, "What Child is This?" and sing-a-long carols at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church, Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Directed by David Michael Layne. http://goo.gl/73oUUj

- Brad Haugaard

Mystery Monrovia Stinkyness Still Unidentified | Bartlett Memorial | Christmas Tree | Traffic Light

A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ryDtQK ) ...

~ The city hasn't yet located the source of the stink on the east side of Monrovia. Chi said the city has "opened up every manhole in the area to investigate. Our staff report that the odor was not a sewer-based smell, but rather, identified the odor as more akin to a dead and decomposing animal." Staff cleaned the sewers to be sure, then - thinking it might be the catch basins - contacted the County. County couldn't find anything. Next step: clean the storm water catch basins.

~ Monrovia is going to replace the grass around City Hall with drought tolerant landscaping. The landscaping design includes a moving sculpture of an iris located at the southeast corner of City Hall. The landscaping will be installed over the next few weeks.

~ The Bob Bartlett Memorial Committee has recommended commissioning a mural or tiled mosaic to memorialize Bob Bartlett in the Station Square area.

~ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle.

~ There's a new traffic signal at Peck Road and Duarte Road. it is just flashing red now but will be fully operational on Nov. 23.

- Brad Haugaard

What Drought? Water Flowing in North Monrovia

I frequently ride my bike up into Gold Hills, and along Alta Vista, which at that point crosses Myrtle and goes east up the hill. This water has been flowing along Alta Vista - at about this speed - all that time. I don't recall ever seeing it dry. And yes, I reported it to the city months ago. If you can't view it here, try this: https://youtu.be/OKrOuUAmhuk

- Brad Haugaard

Vote Today To Help Clifton Middle School Win a Science Lab

Today is the day (Nov. 17) to help Clifton Middle School win $100,000 for a new science lab. You just gotta vote. Details: http://goo.gl/j8ws9N

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Friends of Library - Fewer Paperbacks

An interesting statistic from the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: The number of paperback books they receive is becoming fewer, but the number of hardbacks continues strong. http://goo.gl/orgVCA

Comment: Hmmm. Wonder why.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Wins Over Grand Terrace

Monrovia wins 27-17 over Grand Terrace. http://goo.gl/DKnN0U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Blankets; Big Gas Leak; Drunk Driving; Hit and Run; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 12-15. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle
November 12 at 7:35 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of West Pomona. The victim was out of the country for two weeks, and while he was away, his flatbed trailer was stolen from the location. He does not know when it was taken. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database and the investigation is continuing.

Robbery
November 12 at 5:24 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive phoned police to report a robbery that had just occurred. A male suspect concealed two blankets and left the store without paying. The loss prevention officer confronted the suspect outside the store, but the suspect refused to go back into the store. As the loss prevention officer attempted to detain the suspect, he struck the loss prevention officer and fled. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, dark skin, mid-twenties, with a pony tail and small mustache. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 3:36 p.m., a motorist observed a male subject driving north on Shamrock. The subject was swerving back and forth, brushing up against the curb. The witness called police and reported the driver for possible drunk driving. Officers responded and located the vehicle in the 200 block of Jasmine. The subject was found passed out behind the wheel. The windshield wipers were on, the engine was running, and the subject's foot was on the brake. Officers contacted the subject and he was positively identified by the witness as the driver. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the suspect was arrested for driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 8:35 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Myrtle and Duarte Road on the report of a subject asleep at the wheel in the number two lane. The officer arrived and located the vehicle, which was running and in drive. The officer tapped on the window and the driver woke up, causing the vehicle to roll forward. The vehicle continued forward and then the driver accelerated, heading south on Myrtle. The officer ran back to his vehicle and followed the suspect. He located the vehicle at Myrtle and Longden. The investigation determined the driver was intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fire Assist
November 14 at 11:39 a.m., a homeowner ruptured a pressurized gas line in the 300 block of Wildrose while doing construction work in their backyard. Officers responded to establish a safety perimeter and possible evacuation, but it was determined not necessary. A perimeter was set and the Gas Company was notified

Medical Assist
November 14 at 11:53 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a male subject having chest pains and difficulty breathing. When the officer arrived, he found the subject on the ground and another subject was performing chest compressions on him. Fire Department personnel also responded and the subject was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Suspicious Person – Robbery Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 1:56 p.m., a suspicious subject was reported at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. The subject was a possible suspect from a robbery at the business that occurred on November 12. Officers arrived and after investigation, the suspect was placed under arrest for the robbery. The suspect was taken into custody and the stolen property from the robbery was recovered.

Vandalism
November 14 at 3:52 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Wildrose Avenue on the report of vandalism to three vehicles. The tires on all three vehicles had been slashed. Two additional vehicles were located in the area that also had their tires slashed. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 4:27 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. Officers located the vehicle, detained the driver and conducted field sobriety tests. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 7:27 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Primrose on the report of a male adult subject yelling and banging his head against a door. When officers arrived, they determined the subject was intoxicated and could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence/Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 4:45 p.m., a driver reportedly struck a vehicle in the area of Magnolia and Chestnut. The driver stopped briefly, then left the scene without providing his identifying information. The suspect was located at his residence in the 200 block of Fig. The investigation revealed he was driving under the influence and he was arrested.

Monrovia Flags Lowered For Paris Victims

Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams writes that, "The flags at City of Monrovia facilities will be flown at half staff out of respect for the victims in Paris." Comment: Good.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Station Square Almost Done | Bike Master Plan And Rent-a-Bike Service

On Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. the City Council will have a study session on its historic train depot rehabilitation project ( http://goo.gl/x1Guqe ), then at the regular 7:30 meeting a report on the whole Station Square Transit Village project (In short, major construction should be done by this December, though passenger service doesn't begin until next March.) http://goo.gl/dLUqGU

Also, the council will consider hiring Alta Planning + Design for $42,500 to put together a Bicycle Master Plan for the city, and to study the possibility of creating a rent-a-bike service based at the train station. http://goo.gl/YwzsA1

- Brad Haugaard