Grollnek Restarts 'Monrovia Shadow'

Stephen Grollnek, who has run for mayor of Monrovia several times, has re-started a publication he once produced, a paper called The Monrovia Shadow, containing his thoughts and criticisms. The new version is online here: https://is.gd/3l0eSl

Note: I am NOT endorsing The Shadow, I merely note its existence as an element in Monrovia life.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Graduation On Line Live Today at 5 p.m.

Monrovia High School's graduation ceremony will be streamed live today (June 9) at 5 p.m. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxBBSfxT5Ek

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Chiles Locos

Lunch today at Los Chiles Locos, at the corner of Myrtle and Duarte Road. Got two large carnitas tacos ($2.89 each) and a Coke for $1.35. Very good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Concerts and Movies Coming Back to Monrovia Parks This Summer

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July Fireworks Are Back; Home Decorating Too!

- Brad Haugaard

Daughter of Former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett Tells Her Story of Success as Hollywood Talent Agent

Lorrie Bartlett, the daughter of former Monrovia Mayor, Bob Bartlett, has had a very successful career as a Hollywood talent agent. In this article and video she tells her story, including her experience being "fat shamed." https://is.gd/23t6GP

- Brad Haugaardd

Daisy Mae Wants to be Your Shadow

Daisy Mae is nine years old and loves to snuggle! She wants to be her favorite person’s shadow all the time. If you leave the house, she’ll give you lots of wiggly tail wags and excited little huffs when you return. Daisy Mae’s hobbies include exploring outside, playing “find the kibble”, and anything that lets her be close to her person. Daisy Mae would do best as the only pet in the home and can’t wait to bond with you!

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.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Colorized Photo of First National Bank on Myrtle

First National Bank on Myrtle Ave and Colorado. See full details here. From the William Ward collection. Identifying information from Kim Ward Anderson.

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

Monrovia High Wellness Center Renamed Susan Hirsch Wellness Center

Samara Hirsch helped honor her late mother during Monrovia Unified's dedication event on June 3, during which Monrovia High School's Wellness Center was renamed in memory of Susan Hirsch. Artwork on the Wellness Center was created by MHS student Casey Clark.

Longtime Monrovia Unified educator Susan Hirsch dedicated her career to championing student wellness and equipping students with the skills and support for success.

Hirsch, who died in December 2020, worked in Monrovia Unified for more than 30 years, building a legacy of compassion and connection. On June 3, the Board of Education dedicated Monrovia High School’s Wellness Center – of which Hirsch was the architect – in her memory, renaming it the Susan Hirsch Wellness Center.

“Susan Hirsch’s compassion and understanding of what the needs of our students were, to creating partnerships with organizations to support our students, is why naming the Wellness Center after Susan Hirsch is not only the right thing to do, but also ensures that generations to come will know about Susan’s legacy and will have access to the resources they need,” Board President Maritza Travanti said. “On behalf of the Monrovia Unified Board of Education, we are forever thankful for Susan’s love and dedication to our students, families and her colleagues.”

Joined by members of the Monrovia and MHS community, Travanti, MHS Principal Kirk McGinnis, Susan’s daughter and MHS counselor Samara Hirsch, and Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian delivered emotional speeches that recounted Hirsch’s time at Monrovia Unified and the impact she had on students and the entire school community.

“We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to rename our Wellness Center in honor of Susan Hirsch,” McGinnis said. “During her time at Monrovia Unified, Susan developed relationships with students, families and staff, ensuring they had mental health support and so much more. We are forever thankful for her years of service to our community.”

During her career in Monrovia Unified, Hirsch served as a special education teacher, then as an administrator, focused on creating and leading intervention programs for at-risk students. She also developed parent education opportunities through the Adult Education program.

Drawing on her skills in working with at-risk students, Hirsch ensured the Wellness Center provided tools and resources such as counseling, tutoring, family support, and family/parent education programs in English and Spanish.

“It is only fitting that we dedicate the Wellness Center in name of Susan Hirsch, with hope that all who enter, leave with their hearts filled and their minds cleared,” Thorossian said. “That was Susan’s vision when she introduced the concept five years ago. That will be her legacy.”

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Covered Drinking Fountain at Library Park Considered for Historic Status; Monrovia Today Online; Invitation to Artists; And More ...

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

~ The historic covered drinking fountain at the  southeast corner of Library Park, the Farmers Club Fountain (built and donated to the City by the Farmers Club in 1909) is being considered for historic landmark status under the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance.

~ The summer edition of Monrovia Today is now online, here: https://is.gd/aWDCby

~ Artists are invited to submit proposals for the Almera Romney Neighborhood Treasure by July 1, 2021. Over her 17 years at Huntington School Romney fought local officials to give students equal rights and transformed segregated Huntington Elementary from a under-resourced and physically unsafe school to a place where students received an excellent education. For questions contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~  After 22 years of service, Foothill Unity Center Executive Director, Betty McWilliams, is retiring. She led the center during the expansion of the Food and Health Services Departments, the creation of the Workforce Development Department, and the purchase of - and relocation to - its 28,000-square-foot Monrovia center. She plans to remain involved at the center.

~ The City Council has proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month.

~  Joseph Callahan, who volunteers at the Library, has donated all proceeds of his book, "1972: My War Story," to the Veterans Resource Center at the library. The book, released this March, highlights his service as a Navy Diver during the Vietnam era. https://is.gd/zbUYND

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: ZERO/ZERO! No New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 06/02/2021. Changes since 05/26/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,190 cases (unchanged), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 376 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Former Studio Movie Grill Will Reopen as Look Cinemas

The Studio Movie Grill theater on Myrtle will apparently reopen with a new name, Look Cinemas, but with the same dine-in concept. The time of the opening is listed as "Coming Soon." Look Cinemas is a Dallas, Texas, based company. https://is.gd/WnkkoL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Accountant Tricked Into Transferring Money; Man Arrested For Hitting Employee In Mask Dispute; Under the Influence; Man Arrested for Battering Employees; And Lots More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 27 – June 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 347 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Fraud
May 27 at 4:20 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of E. Huntington called police to report the business was the victim of fraud. Their accountant received an email that appeared to be from the owner of the company. The email instructed the accountant to transfer a large sum of money to a specific bank account. The accountant didn't notice anything suspicious about the email, so she transferred the money. The owner became aware of the transfer and immediately called the police. An officer took a police report and encouraged the owner to also file a complaint with the FBI. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 11:39 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Huntington and Ivy when he saw a male subject walking down the street, looking into vehicles. The officer contacted the subject, and the investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.

Violation of Court Order
May 28 at 11:03 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Oceanview called police to report his landlord violated a civil harassment order. The officer spoke with both parties involved and completed a report. The report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 1:28 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a male subject who hit a female subject near the intersection of Huntington and Shamrock. Officers arrived and detained the subjects involved. It was determined that the male subject was in violation of a domestic violence court order and he was arrested.

Public Intoxication / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 12:38 a.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Myrtle and Lemon when he noticed a male subject lying on the ground with an open alcoholic beverage sitting next to him. Officers approached the subject and found he was passed out. The subject slowly woke up and officers determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was placed under arrest for public intoxication, but became combative when officers attempted to place handcuffs on him. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 2:24 a.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Foothill and Mountain when he saw a speeding vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. When approaching the vehicle, officers noticed the driver appeared to be under the influence and began a DUI investigation. The driver was determined to have been driving under the influence. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Tampering
May 29 at 7:52 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Montana called police to report a male suspect underneath his neighbor's vehicle, attempting to steal parts. The suspect saw the resident and quickly left in a black sedan. The resident checked his vehicle and nothing appeared to be missing. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 11:24 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Duarte called to report a female subject standing outside the apartment complex, waving around drug paraphernalia. Officers arrived and contacted the female, who was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine. She was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 29 at 3:16 p.m., an employee of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report a male subject that battered a security guard and an employee. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The two victims placed the suspect under private person's arrest and the suspect was arrested.

Commercial Burglary
May 30 at 3:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a burglary alarm. Upon arrival, they discovered the front glass door of the business had been shattered. They checked the interior and discovered the office and sales area had been ransacked. A responsible party was contacted to secure the location. This investigation is continuing.

Brush Fire
May 30 at 4:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. Foothill regarding a small brush fire in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered a plastic bottle had been set on fire without anyone else in the immediate area. The fire was put out. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 9:44 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington regarding a battery against a security guard. A male suspect had entered the hotel without wearing a face mask. When asked to wear a mask by the security guard, the suspect refused and became angry. He shoved the security guard, but remained in the area. Officers responded and made contact with both parties. After investigation, the suspect was arrested for battery.

Commercial Burglary
June 1 at 6:29 a.m., an employee at a school in the 200 block of N. Mayflower reported that sometime over the weekend a suspect broke into the school's equipment room and stole some equipment. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 1 at 2:59 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 3100 block of S. Peck. The victim reported that his catalytic converter had been stolen from his RV sometime between now and October of 2020. The RV had been parked. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
June 2 at 2:11 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Olive regarding a male subject yelling in the street. When officers arrived, the subject started threatening to take away one of the officer's guns. Officers safely took custody of the subject and determined he needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. He was subsequently transported to a mental health facility for treatment.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
June 2 at 9:32 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck regarding a vehicle they purchased in April. The vehicle was discovered to be stolen after the business was notified by the DMV. The subject that sold the vehicle to the business sells vehicles often and this is the first time this has happened. He was in possession of the pink slip at the time of the transaction. The officer spoke with the subject by phone and he advised he was unaware the vehicle was stolen. He has a towing company and purchases vehicles regularly. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 2 at 9:37 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported that sometime overnight her locked vehicle had been broken into while parked in the carport of her apartment complex. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
June 2 at 3:04 p.m., an incident of vandalism was reported in the 700 block of W. Duarte. A caller reported fresh graffiti that was spray painted in red paint along the wash. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The location was scheduled for cleanup.

Grand Theft Auto
June 2 at 4:55 p.m., a trailer was reported stolen from the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that his white, Apache trailer was stolen sometime over the weekend. The trailer was parked at a lot in the area. The trailer was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
June 2 at 5:39 p.m., a male subject in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report his brother was threatening him with a knife. Officers responded and determined, due to his mental state, the brother was a danger to himself and others. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Domestic Violence
June 2 at 11:12 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Male regarding a report of a male and female arguing and yelling at each other. Upon arrival, the male subject ran inside the residence. The female is the male subject’s girlfriend and does not live at the residence. The female subject told police her boyfriend hit her during the argument. Officers could see she had visible injuries. The female was released, while officers encouraged the boyfriend to come outside. Once the boyfriend came outside, officers saw he had a large cut on his finger, which he claimed was a bite from his girlfriend. He had recorded her punching him in the mouth and biting him. A report was taken and will be provided to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Dinner at Tacos and Papas

Dinner at the new Tacos and Papas, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. (Opens at 4:30 p.m.) Got the three-fish-taco plate for $10.95 and a horchata for $3. Very nice meal. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Calm Bernie Would Like a Warm Lap and a Warm Sunbeam

Bernie is thirteen years young and is looking for his forever lap. Bernie is a calm, relaxed kitty, and will seek out attention with a soft meow or a gentle glance in your direction. He enjoys attention and just can’t get enough love! Bernie would enjoy a quiet home where he can snuggle up with you on the couch, or take long naps in a warm sunbeam.

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: Immaculate Conception Church

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.

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

Monrovia Bed Bath & Beyond Closing

- Brad Haugaard 

Tuskegee Airman to be Honored

 At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/EIqvmA) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ 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

Virtual Learning Will Continue for Monrovia Students Who Prefer It

While Monrovia schools plan to fully reopen on August 18,  remote learning will continue for students who prefer it.

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 Area Partnership Wins National Awards; Seminar on Landscaping to Defend Against Wildfire

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

~ 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