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Off For a Summer in the Mountains

Click to enlarge.

This photo, dated 1894, is one of the most recently posted of many photos added to the Monrovia Historical Society's Legacy Project this year.

The picture shows S.M. Sevier (center front) and others preparing to go to their summer home at Deer Park, in the mountains above Monrovia. There were no roads into the canyon - hence the  burros - and a "burrow puncher".

Historical Society President Sandy Burud writes, "Check out the amount of gear required for a summer-long camping excursion. The cooler canyon air presumably made the summer outing worth the effort. Only men are shown but women would have joined the fun (seen in other camping photos in their long dresses) and cooked the potatoes in the bag on the white burro. 

"This remarkable image reveals the goods sold in shops on the west side of Myrtle Ave. at Colorado Blvd. - J.T. Milligan, C.H. Locke Dry Goods (farm implements, stoves, plumbing, tin, hats, shoes and "magic yeast"), and Henry Canoll & Co. Dry Goods."

On the back is written:

"Arrow points to my father (grandpa) S.M. Sevier at stores, packing stores to go to our Summer Home at Deer Park, Monrovia. These were our burrows.  X indicates the burrow puncher who lived with us and did odd jobs. As daddy was away quite a bit on his Rail Road construction jobs, Mamma needed such help as he gave. This was taken 1900 on Myrtle Avenue Monrovia. Corner Orange Avenue, now Colorado Blvd." (The date 1894 is written on the front.) See more here: t.ly/ZK9A

The Monrovia Historical Society relies on membership dues (starting at $20 a year) and donations to support the Legacy Project and its other project. If you'd like to help, click here to join or donate.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn Why There Were Train Tracks Down Myrtle in 1910


Learn why there are tracks down the middle of Myrtle Avenue in this 1910 photo, and more, during Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's  walking tour of Old Town this Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. The tour begins at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm and lasts about two hours. The cost is $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

Winter Veggies Workshop Tomorrow


For questions or to register contact Kristin Ritzau at krisritzau@explorefooded.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Improvements Nearly Finished at Lucinda Garcia Park


Most of the $1.8 million in improvements at Lucinda Garcia Park have been completed.

  • Two new age-specific playgrounds with expanded features; 
  • New concrete walkway with enhanced lighting and distance markers meandering through the park, equaling 1/3 mile loop;
  • Park expansion to the west, adding 10,000 square feet of parkland and green space;
  • Five new exercise fitness stations;
  • Two demonstration gardens with interpretive signage;
  • Signage about Lucinda Garcia and the history of the Red Car; and
  • A bike rack with a fixit station and new bottle-fill drinking stations.

- Brad Haugaard

Sign Up For Spring Baseball

Register at MYBL.org. For more information contact Brian Deets at 244-4743 or myblpony@mybl.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Where's Santa? Track Him Dec. 5-9 With Santa Sleigh Tracker


Santa Claus and friends will be touring Monrovia neighborhoods from December 5 through 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. Track him with the new Santa's Sleigh Tracker, Here

Here is his schedule:

Monday, Dec. 5. South of Huntington, west of Myrtle, including Valley Circle. 

Tuesday, Dec. 6. East of Myrtle, north of Foothill. 

Wednesday, Dec. 7. West of Myrtle, south of Foothill, and north of Huntington.

Thursday, Dec. 8. East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road. 

Friday, Dec. 9. West of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Scenes From Monrovia Christmas Parade

 







- Brad Haugaard 

Appeal of Demolition Permit; Updating Building Code

At its next meeting (agenda: t.ly/33PT) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider an appeal of a demolition permit. A property owner got permission from the city to tear down a house at 607 E. Lemon, but Daniel Ryan, "a member of the public," has appealed the decision to the City Council. t.ly/Gp3d

Consider updating its building code. t.ly/fQvP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Officially In Clean Power Alliance

Photo by Fré Sonneveld on Unsplash
The board of directors of the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) voted today to approve adding Monrovia to its membership. Joining CPA lets Monrovia residents choose to have some or all or none of their electricity come from renewable sources. t.ly/_dp5

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Destroys Myrtle Christmas Decorations; Friend Punches Friend in Face; Pedestrian Hit By Car; Wanted Man Turns Himself In; Man Steals Phones Using Sledge Hammer; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 23 – 30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 341 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 2:16 a.m., a hotel clerk in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported their office was receiving calls from a female occupant and arguing between a male and female could be heard in the background. A computer search of the female revealed she was a protected person on a domestic violence restraining order. Further investigation revealed the male half was restrained from the female caller. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order
November 23 at 8:58 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of Bonita called stating a female who he has a restraining order keeping her from the 700 block of Bonita was at the location. She was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 4:31 p.m., a witness in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a group of females and males were walking and destroying Christmas decorations. Officer arrived and detained the subjects in question. One of the male subjects admitted to destroying property. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 3:20 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. El Sur reported her boyfriend had just hit her in the face causing injuries. When officers arrived, the suspect was gone. Officers searched the area and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery
November 24 at 11:18 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut called to report that he was a victim of a battery. He sustained injuries. The caller reported his friend punched him in the face multiple times during an argument. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 24 at 3:30 p.m., a caller reported he was involved in a hit and run traffic collision. The suspect vehicle left the scene without providing the required documents. Evidence was obtained at the scene, which led to the identity of the driver. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 6:00 p.m., a caller reported a motorists drove on top of a raised center island in the parking lot of a shopping center in the 600 block of W. Huntington. When officers arrived, they found the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Family Disturbance – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 8:19 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of E. Lemon reported her daughter was yelling out of control and hitting things inside and outside the house. Officers arrived, and deescalated the situation. There were two warrants for the female subject. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
November 24 at 8:56 p.m., a caller reported someone had shattered a building's window in the 2600 S Myrtle. Officers arrived and discovered the suspect had entered the business by shattering the front window, but was no longer inside. It appeared the suspect attempted to pry open an office door, but was not successful. The loss is unknown at this time. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 2:15 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. California when she saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. She stopped the motorist and discovered he was heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 6:41 p.m., a resident in an apartment complex in the 1400 block of S. Alta Vista reported a male subject loitering in the property. Officers arrived and located the male and witnessed him defecating in public. He was found to be in possession of a paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
November 25 at 8:25 p.m., a customer at a restaurant in the 1100 block of E. Huntington walked out and discovered someone had taken her car without permission. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 26 at 12:47 a.m., an officer was patrolling a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon when he found a male subject sleeping after the park closed. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Violation of Court Order
November 26 at 1:03 a.m., guests staying at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported hearing a single gunshot and heard a woman screaming. Officers responded and located the female outside the room. She reported she and her boyfriend were only having a loud argument and things were thrown, which probably sounded like a gunshot. Officers checked the room, but the male was gone. There were no signs that a gun had been fired. The male was restrained from the female by court order. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 26 at 11:24 a.m., an officer patrolling the 500 block of W. Colorado and saw a vehicle code violation. The vehicle was stopped and one occupant had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
November 26 at 6:56 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of S. Peck reported that his vehicle had been burglarized earlier in the day. He discovered the vehicle's window shattered and personal items stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested
November 26 at 8:27 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Mayflower when she saw a motorist commit a driving violation. She stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The passenger in the vehicle was in possession of Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 26 at 11:53 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Diamond reported hearing a crash in front of his house. He went outside and found that a motorist had collided into his parked car. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 1:54 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when she saw a motorist commit a driving violation. She stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be heavily intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest
November 28 at 7:33 a.m., it was reported that a male subject, who was camping in the Station Square Park, was yelling at Public Works employees. Officers arrived and upon contacting the subject, learned he had multiple felony, no bail warrants for his arrest. He was subsequently arrested and later transported to County jail.

Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 2:56 pm, an officer witnessed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the subject who admitted he had drugs and a meth pipe in his possession. He was arrested, issued a citation and was released.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 28 at 5:35 p.m., a vehicle making a left turn, hit a pedestrian who was crossing the street. The pedestrian suffered injuries.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 7:11 p.m., a store employee called to report a male and female suspect taking store items. The suspects returned some of the items before they walked out of the store. Officers detained the suspects at Mayflower and Evergreen. During a search of the suspects, no store items were recovered, but a methamphetamine pipe was found. The suspect was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene.

Domestic Violence Want Arrest
November 28 at 8:53 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Ivy & Walnut for a traffic violation. A computer search of the driver revealed an active warrant for domestic violence. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
November 29 at 7:27 a.m., the victim called to report an electric scooter was stolen from her front porch. This investigation is continuing

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 10:13 a.m., a subject came into the MPD lobby and said he has a warrant and wanted to turn himself in. A computer check revealed warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
November 29 at 10:19 a.m., the victim in the 1800 block of S. Peck called to report a subject that showed up at the location looking for him. The subject slashed the victim’s tires. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 29 at 2:50 p.m., a traffic accident was reported in the area of Lime and Mayflower. A vehicle traveling west on Lime failed to yield for a vehicle traveling south on Mayflower and they collided. Two parties were transported to the hospital for complaints of pain.

Commercial Burglary
November 29 at 5:30 p.m., an employee from a store in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a commercial burglary. A male subject walked into the store with a small sledge hammer and smashed the display cases taking several phones. The subject left the location running. This investigation is continuing

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 1:47 a.m., an officer was extra patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle heard a male subject screaming. He located the subject and asked if he needed help. It was discovered he did not need help and a computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Dinner at La Adelita


Dinner at La Adelita, on the south side of Colorado a half block east of Myrtle. Got the fish taco combination for $15.95 and a beer for the happy hour price of $4.25. Very nice!

- Brad Haugaard 

Angel Arias Takes Over as Principal at Canyon Early Learning Center


This month the Board of Education welcomed Angel Arias as the next principal at Canyon Early Learning Center. Arias served the school for nearly ten years as a special educator and teacher on assignment. t.ly/ujdw

- Brad Haugaard

Teacher of the Year, Maria Lomelin, Recognized at School Board Meeting


Maria Lomelin was named Monrovia Unified School District's "2022 Teacher of the Year." Shown here being congratulated by the Board of Education, Personnel Commission, and family and community members. t.ly/ujdw

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Students Selected for Academic Honors in Program for Underrepresented Students


Seven Monrovia High School students were selected as College Board National Recognition Program awardees. The following students earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) and/or the National Indigenous Award (NIA):

  • America Ramos: NHRA
  • Brendan Reyes: NHRA, NIA
  • Charlie Gallardo: NHRA
  • Christian Morales: NHRA
  • Elijah Leiva: NHRA
  • Sean Cao: NHRA
  • Sophia Childers: NHRA

The College Board's recognition programs award academic honors to underrepresented students.

"It was an honor to receive the National Hispanic Recognition Award. I applied for the program in my Junior year and was so excited to see my acceptance," said MHS Senior Sean Cao. 

Students who take eligible administrations of the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams are eligible for awards.

They must also identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, or attend high school in a rural area or small town. Students can include this academic honor in their college and scholarship applications.

"My family was proud of me being able to achieve this honor and what it represents for our whole Mexican American household," said Cao. "This is something I will definitely add to enhance my college resume."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Hold Goal Setting Meeting

If you have goals you believe Monrovia should pursue, the City Council will have a study session on that topic at 10 a.m. this Thursday, December 1, in the Elan Conference Room at the Doubletree hotel at 924 W. Huntington. The public is welcome to attend and speak. t.ly/_rZV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Accused Of Driving Car Into 7-Eleven Earlier Charged With Slashing Tires in Monrovia

The Monrovia man accused of driving a car through the front of an Arcadia 7-Eleven store, 23-year-old Sterling Williamson, was earlier charged with slashing the tires of about 25 vehicles in Monrovia. t.ly/y2VZ\

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet Hannah Belle Recovered From Fracture, Ready for Her Forever Home


Sweet Hannah Belle arrived at Pasadena Humane a few weeks ago and was clearly in distress. She was suffering from a traumatic injury and was in considerable pain. Our health team discovered that poor Hannah had a fractured pelvis and immediately got to work to put her on the road to recovery.

Hannah Belle has been on strict bed rest while she recuperates, and now she’s ready to find her forever home. She has shown everyone here how friendly and outgoing she is by rubbing up on everyone who comes close, and her purring is non-stop! 

Hannah is expected to fully recover, but it is recommended that she keep her exercising to a minimum for a while. She still has a slight limp, but that’s not going to stop this lovely lady from seizing the day, or at least seizing your heart when she shows you what an affectionate girl she is!

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 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: At the Old Timers Luncheon at Woman's Club

Old Timers Luncheon May 16, 1931 At Woman's Club House. "Man at left with cap is Andrew Rider. In front row is W.N. Monroe. On his right is Mrs. C.F. Moore and on his left is Mrs. Laura Burr. Standing next to Mrs. Burr is "Aunt Chloe" Monroe, Mrs. F.M. Monroe, sister-in-law of W.N. Monroe. Directly behind and between Mr. Monroe and Mrs. Burr is Mr. C.F. Moore. Standing in front of the man beneath the Woman's Club Sign is Mrs. Sarah Armstrong. Beside "Aunt Chloe" is Mr. F.A. Bliss. 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

Car Driven Into 7-11; Monrovian Arrested

A Monrovia man was arrested for allegedly driving his car into the front of a 7-Eleven store in Arcadia. https://shrtm.nu/rd5G

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunks and Drugs; Shoplifting; Rocks Trough Windows; Etc.

Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 17 – 22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 291 service events, resulting in 54 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

November 17 at 2:37 a.m., a witness in the 100 block of E. Central reported a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. Officers arrived and contacted the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mental Evaluation

November 17 at 7:37 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of N. Ivy reported a family member was acting strange. Officers arrived and determined the male was a danger to himself and was placed on a mental evaluation hold. He was transported to a nearby facility for treatment.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 12:43 a.m., an officer saw a subject in a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle after hours. The subject was detained and found to be in possession of drugs. The subject was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 1:07 a.m., while on patrol officers saw a subject in the 600 block of S. Myrtle who could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Shoplifting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 2:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject shoplifting. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. A computer check of the suspect revealed multiple warrants. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested

November 18 at 4:35 p.m., an officer witnessed a motorcycle traveling southbound on Peck and observed a vehicle code violation. The driver was contacted and a computer check determined the motorcycle was stolen. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision

November 18 at 6:50 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 800 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain, but did not have any visible injuries. The Monrovia Fire Department responded. The party found to be at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 1:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Palm reported she was in an argument with her boyfriend and needed the police to help her. When officers arrived they found the male subject heavily intoxicated and it was discovered that he had pushed the female in an attempt to take her cellphone away from her. The female caller did not have any injuries and did not need paramedics. The male subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Pursuit – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 2:51 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of 300 S. Myrtle, when they saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed before stopping. Officers made contact with the driver who was found to be intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 7:17 p.m., a caller reported a person loitering on private property in the 600 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located a subject who had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 8:25 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near Alta Vista and Huntington. The rider was found to be in possession of narcotics and was arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

November 19 at 9:03 p.m., a caller reported a disturbance in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located a male subject too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Battery

November 19 at 9:30 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Walnut reported her husband and father in-law were in a fight. Officers arrived and spoke to both parties involved. Neither party wanted to prosecute for battery and signed a refusal forms. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

November 20 at 5:30 a.m., an alarm company called to report an activation at a business in the 200 block of Kruse. Officers arrived and found an open door to the business. Officers determined the door was pried open and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 1:57 a.m., an officer contacted a subject in a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle for being in the park after hours. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a pipe used for smoking controlled substances. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Attempted Theft – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 3:36 a.m., a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report a subject was attempting to use a credit card not belonging to him. The subject fled and was detained in a nearby parking lot. A search of the subject revealed the access card and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 5:14 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that a subject was in the parking lot and appeared drunk. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed a warrant for his arrest. The subject was too drunk to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD Jail to be held for a sobering period.

Receiving Stolen Property / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

November 21 at 9:36 p.m., officers responded to a storage complex in the 100 block of E. Lime regarding three subjects loitering inside the property. Officers confirmed one of the subjects was renting a space, but was recently evicted and should not be on the property. While officers were searching the vehicle they located drugs. Officers also found stolen credit cards and an identification. One of the suspects was in possession of a credit card receipts with the victim's name. All three suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft

November 22 at 9:32 a.m., the owner of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report a male suspect came into the store and stole merchandise before fleeing. This investigation is continuing.

Theft / Trespass – Suspect Arrested

November 22 at 9:34 a.m., the manager of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a known male subject who has been in the location numerous times was there again. The male suspect took items and left the location. He was stopped a short distance away. He was identified by the manager and placed under arrest for shoplifting and trespassing. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism

November 22 at 1:47 p.m., a homeowner in the 900 block of Ocean View called to report someone threw rocks through her front window, shattering it. Officers arrived and searched the residence but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

November 22 at 3:28 p.m., the victim reported his personal vehicle had been broken into while parked in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. Two windows were shattered and items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.