News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

New Monrovia Schools Superintendent Talks About Challenges Ahead

Monrovia Unified School District incoming superintendent, Dr. Ryan Smith, discusses the  challenges of assuming the top administrative post in the district on the Internet radio program, California School News Radio. https://is.gd/FMz8Co

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: First National Bank in 1895

First National Bank at 601 S. Myrtle c. 1895. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

Athens Wants 4.61% Rate Hike; Library Fountain Being Fixed; Hillside Hours


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

~ Athens Services is requesting a 4.61% rate increase for both commercial and residential trash collection. The city's agreement with Athens allows solid waste rates to be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index plus 1%. A CPI of 3.61% plus 1% makes 4.61%. City staff is reviewing this request.

~ The fountain at Library Park is broken. A pump failed and is on order. The city estimates it will be out of service for the next three weeks.

~ For safety during the Fourth of July weekend the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will have reduced hours.

  • Saturday, July 3, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 4, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Monday, July 5, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Street Fair Returns to Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Honors Officers and Staff


On Thursday, June 17, the Monrovia Police Department honored these officers and staff. "If you happen to see any of our award winning officers around town we are sure they would appreciate it if you congratulate them!"


2019 Awards

Distinguished Service Medal
Agent Juan Huerta
Agent Cody Wilkins
Detective Damien Bartholomy
Senior Officer Seth Hermes
Senior Officer (Ret.) John Jefferson

Life Saving Award
Sergeant Gerald DeHart
Sergeant Yolanda Juarez
Agent Travis Ortega
Officer Joshua Granger

2020 Awards

Distinguished Service Medal

Officer Joshua Granger
Communications Operator Erin Maller

Medal of Merit

Officer Rosendo Ramos
Officer Ian Vanderburg

Monrovia Area Partnership Turns 15 Party


- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: Nine New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 06/23/2021. Changes since 06/16/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,202 cases (up 9), 78 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 378 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drugs, Drunks and Violence; A Couch on Fire; Vans Stolen; Gardener Shot With BB; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 17-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 327 service events, resulting in 57 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 17 at 8:27 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Mayflower and Huntington regarding a male subject who was smoking methamphetamine in a parking lot. Officers located the subject and determined he was in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Vandalism / Vehicle Burglary / Stalking
June 17 at 6:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding a felony vandalism. The victim's vehicle had been vandalized by her ex-boyfriend. The interior seats and tires had been slashed. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving. During the investigation, the victim reported that the suspect had appeared at her work numerous times and had sent her numerous text messages threatening her and her son. The victim fears for her life and that of her son. A wanted person entry was made into the law enforcement system for the suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Trespassing / Stolen Property / Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 1:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a known subject in the store in violation of a no-trespassing authorization. One of the officers had recently taken a report on the same subject stealing a knife from an antique store just down the street. Officers located and detained the subject about two blocks away. Officers searched the subject for the knife and, in the process, found stolen mail and a stolen wallet. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery / Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
June 18 at 7:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a restaurant in the 100 block of E. Lime regarding a battery in progress. Officers arrived and detained a male and female subject who were reported to be involved. An investigation revealed they had become upset when their table was given away to another patron when they left to move their vehicle. The female became upset with the staff and several customers tried to defuse the situation. The female threw a glass of water on a customer and the glass fell to the floor and broke. Another customer then slipped on the water and cut her leg on the broken glass. Paramedics responded and treated the customer for the cut. The female suspect was found to be heavily intoxicated and was arrested for public intoxication. Further investigation revealed the male with her had a warrant for his arrest. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Fighting in Public
June 18 at 10:35 p.m., a male adult reported that he had just been assaulted by another male adult at a park in the 1000 block of S. California. The two subjects were involved in an argument, the situation escalated, and the suspect struck the victim with a clenched fist and fled the area. Officers were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 1:07 a.m., a female subject in the 400 block of W. Duarte called police to report she had been assaulted by her live-in boyfriend. Officers arrived and discovered the couple had been involved in an argument after the boyfriend wanted to use drugs. The boyfriend struck the victim on the face with a clenched fist before fleeing the area. The boyfriend returned to the location an hour later. Officers arrested the male subject for domestic violence and took him into custody.

Violation of Court Order / Mental Evaluation
June 19 at 7:28 a.m., an officer was flagged down in the 800 block of W. Colorado regarding a violation of a trespassing order. An investigation revealed a female subject was being hidden inside a location by the reporting party’s son, and the son had an active domestic violence restraining order preventing him from being near the female. He was arrested and taken into custody. After being housed, he complained of mental health issues and threatened to hurt himself. It was determined that he needed to speak with a mental health professional. He was transported to a local facility for treatment.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 20 at 1:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Mayflower after a resident heard a traffic collision. Upon arrival, they found two posted sign poles had been knocked down, but the driver of the vehicle had fled. Officers searched the area and located two subjects and the vehicle. A surveillance system nearby showed one of the subjects had been driving the vehicle. Further investigation revealed he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 20 at 2:52 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Peck and Live Oak observed a vehicle speeding northbound on Peck Road. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver exhibited symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
June 20 at 7:44 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of E. Lime when a resident flagged him down to report his catalytic converter had been stolen from his vehicle sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Police Impound
June 20 at 2:22 p.m., a resident called to report a suspicious motorcycle in the 600 block of King. Officers responded and determined the motorcycle was displaying false plates and had stolen registration tabs. A backpack left on the motorcycle contained drug paraphernalia and a replica firearm. The motorcycle was stored for being unregistered and the property was booked. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
June 20 at 5:02 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of E. Colorado regarding a report of a domestic violence incident that just occurred. The victim reported that her boyfriend had hit her and was now fleeing the area as she called police. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Fire
June 20 at 5:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a report of a couch on fire in an alley. Upon arrival, they located the couch that was on fire and were able to extinguish the flames. A possible suspect was identified. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Resisting Officers – Suspect Arrested
June 20 at 6:10 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Fifth and Chestnut while she searched for the suspect of a suspicious fire. She attempted to make contact with a subject who began running from her. After a foot pursuit, she was able to detain the subject without incident. An investigation revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto / Grand Theft
June 21 at 10:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1800 block of S. Mountain. Two work vans had been stolen over the weekend, and a third van that was broken down had equipment stolen from inside. Officers arrived and collected surveillance footage of the suspects. Both vehicles were entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 21 at 12:12 p.m., a female subject was reported inside a dumpster area in the 200 block of S. Madison that was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. An investigation revealed she had multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
June 21 at 5:34 p.m., a gardener working in the 400 block of Linwood called police to report that a co-worker was bleeding from her arm. Officers responded and contacted the victim. The victim was loading up a lawn mower into the back of a van when she felt something pierce her arm. It appeared she had been shot with a BB or pellet gun. She was treated by paramedics and transported to a local hospital. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 22 at 4:17 p.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Mayflower and Duarte saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was initiated and investigation revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
June 23 at 11:27 a.m., a gardener was working at a home in the 200 block of Valle Vista when someone stole gardening tools from the back of his truck. Officers searched the area for the suspects, but could not locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
June 23 at 5:27 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Colorado reported his vehicle was stolen sometime during night. He discovered the theft early in the morning, but had to go to work. He did not give anyone permission to take his vehicle. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Superintendent Thorossian Honored on Her Retirement

Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian was recognized on her retirement by Monrovia Unified's Board of Education and representatives from local elected officials, thanking her for her dedication to students and the District.

- Brad Haugaard 

Construction Begins on Hotel at Myrtle and Huntington


Construction has begun on a 109-room, five-story, TownePlace Suites Hotel by Marriott at the southwest corner of West Huntington Drive and South Myrtle Avenue. https://is.gd/cMnKCk

Here's what it will look like when it is done.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Gem City Grill


Dinner at Gem City Grill, on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle. Got the chicken sandwich for $9 and a beer for the happy hour price of $5.50. The restaurant has been nicely cleaned up. Still has the pool tables in the back. Nice sandwich and the beer nice and cold. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Look Dine-In Theater to Open in July


LOOK Dine-in Theaters plans to open its Monrovia theater (the former Studio Movie Grill) in July, according to this report: https://is.gd/piRKBQ

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Founder Posthumously Releases Book on Company


Joe Coulombe, founder of Trader Joe's, based in Monrovia, has a new book out about building the company. Although Coulombe died years ago the book, which he was never sure would be published, has recently been released. https://is.gd/kMEr1F

- Brad Haugaard  

Sheriff's Department Looking for This Man In Connection With 2017 Monrovia Homicide


If you see this guy contact the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau or Monrovia Police. He is being sought in connection with an unsolved 2017 homicide in the Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Float Through Life With Sweet Sally


Sweet Sally is looking for someone to float through life with her! Sally is three years old and loves her favorite people. She’s very loyal and affectionate once she gets to know you. And don’t tell her she’s too big to be a lap dog, she won’t hear of it! Sally knows her “sit” command and loves playing with her ball. She’s looking for a home where she can be the only pet and get lots of love and attention.

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 at 5:00 p.m. for the following week.

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: Interior of Meat Market on Myrtle in 1896

D.C. Bell's Meat Market 619 S Myrtle Ave c. 1896. See full details here. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection.

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

Mikomi Sushi Taking Over Old T Phillips Site


- Brad Haugaard 

School Board to Consider 'Wellness' Position and $54 Million Budget

 At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/yczsoH) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Creating a new Wellness Center Specialist position for the district. This person would provide "leadership in mental health intervention to students in order to promote emotional health, student success, and retention," and "a full range of socio-emotional prevention, intervention, counseling and agency linkage to resources at the comprehensive high school and within the district."  https://is.gd/oz6NL1

~ A proposed 2021-22 budget of $55.1 million. The budget projection also shows continuing declining enrollment of 5,144 students in 2021-22, 5,064 in 2022-23, and 4,989 in 2023-24. https://is.gd/h5vKg7

- Brad Haugaard

Free Water-Saving Devices (If You Qualify); BLM Concert; Auction to Support Garden and Food Science Ed


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

~ A variety of water-saving devices are available for free from the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District to "qualifying residents." You'll need to call 866 308-8391 to see if you qualify. Details:  https://is.gd/mvaXK6

~ This Saturday, June 19, at 3 p.m., BLM Monrovia will host a Juneteenth Celebration -  commemorating the end of slavery in the United States -  at Station Square Park.

~  Food ED, a non-profit founded by Monrovians, is hosting a Birthday Auction to support garden and food science programs in Monrovia schools and the San Gabriel Valley. https://is.gd/uN4KtX

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Selects Greg Schulz As New Superintendent/President

Greg Schulz, Ed.D., has been selected to serve as the eighth superintendent/president of Citrus College, which serves Monrovia. His appointment was made official during the June 15, 2021, meeting of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.

With more than 21 years of leadership experience in the California community colleges system, Dr. Schulz is known for being an enthusiastic and student-centered administrator. He has served as the president of Fullerton College since 2016. Prior to that, he held the same position on an interim basis for 10 months.

Dr. Schulz has also served in a variety of other educational leadership roles, including provost of North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE); dean of trades and industrial technologies at Long Beach City College; dean of instruction and student services of NOCE; interim director of fiscal affairs at North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD); manager of administrative services at NOCE; and adjunct associate professor at California State University, Fullerton.

Dr. Schulz earned his associate degree in business administration from Fullerton College; his bachelor's degree in business administration/accounting from California State University, Fullerton; his master's degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach; and his doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern California. He has also participated in a variety of leadership opportunities, including the Wheelhouse Institute on Leadership at the University of California, Davis; the American Association of Community Colleges Presidents Academy Summer Institute; and the Community College League of California Vineyard Symposium. In 2020, he received the Educational Leadership Award from A2MEND (African American Male Education Network and Development) for supporting the organization and championing the work of equity and inclusion for African American men at Fullerton College.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Schulz to the college community. His extensive knowledge and experience are a great match for Citrus College," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "After a nationwide search and input from every college constituent group, my fellow board members and I are confident that Dr. Schulz is the ideal person to continue Citrus College's rich history of student success, leading the institution into the future."

Due to the significance of the position, the recruitment and selection process for Citrus College's next superintendent/president was very thorough. A full-service educational consulting firm helped outline candidate requirements, set a timeline and facilitated the selection process. The process resulted in a diverse group of candidates and included virtual public forums, as well as two rounds of interviews, before Dr. Schulz was appointed to the role.

As superintendent/president, Dr. Schulz will be responsible for providing leadership and advocacy; serving as the educational leader; maintaining community, legislative and college relations; overseeing planning processes; and ensuring the fiscal integrity of the institution. As the chief executive officer of the district, he will supervise all college operations and report to the board of trustees.

"I would like to thank the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees for placing their confidence and trust in me to lead as the next superintendent/president of Citrus College," said Dr. Schulz. "Citrus College has earned an outstanding reputation for being one of the premier colleges in California, and I look forward to working closely with students, faculty, staff, administrators and the community during this exciting time."

Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, Citrus College's current superintendent/president, will retire on June 30, 2021. Dr. Schulz will begin his tenure on July 1, 2021.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard