Old Town Monrovia report: In honor of a great man…

By Shawn Spencer shawn@girlfridaysolutions.net

Fred Bowden, who is survived by his lovely wife Diane, his daughter Traci and son-inlaw Gary; his son Todd and his wife Kristy and his daughter Sally.

Fred’s is a beautiful space. It’s part museum, housing some of Fred’s classic cars and memorabilia. It is also an event space that is rentable for gatherings and private parties. The newly built second story holds two beautiful residential lofts. The addition did not take away from the historic element of the building and it looks fantastic! It suits the neighborhood perfectly!

the “Fred and Diane Bowden Weight Room.”

Fred Bowden and his company, Bowden Development, are one of the reasons Monrovia is such a soughtafter place to live and visit. He and others took Monrovia from dilapidated to desirable, and not many thought that possible. To say that he loved Monrovia is truly an understatement and I don’t believe Monrovia has seen a more generous person and very likely won’t. That says a lot because Monrovia is full of generous, loving and giving people.

Even though the project has been in the works since 2019, and was completed in mid-2022, people are still asking: “What’s Fred’s?”

525 S. Shamrock Ave. was formerly the home of

Monrovia Market and The Market Grill. The storefront stood empty for some time, with little action aside from rumors about a furniture store moving in. The building was originally built in 1924, and it baffled me that this Monrovia gem lay empty for so long.

I’m so glad it did because the Bowden Family purchased the property to renovate and expand. It was a lot of work, but it was truly a labor of love. Literally. It was built in honor of the late and truly great

Fred Bowden was an amazing man. He was so deeply involved in his community. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis, but that didn’t stop him from donating and participating in Rotary events. He was a staunch supporter of the Boys and Girls Club and all children in general. He met his wife Diane at Monrovia High School and if you visit, you will see that in honor of their longtime support of MHS, the weight room was dedicated as

Fred passed away on Feb. 17, 2018. He was with his beautiful high school sweetheart and bride, in his favorite place: the Rio hardy River in Mexico. Every year, on his birthday, March 24, an honorary shot of Strawberry Hill is had with a side of Easy Cheese. I think of Fred often and miss him...he sure was a hoot. He will forever be woven into the fabric of Monrovia.

I cannot think of a better tribute than Fred’s. Cheers, my friend!

Re: “Ex-Westminster resident pleads guilty to US Capitol breach charge” (March 23 issue)

Many of the big Rambos and little Rambos, all with big egos and little brains, who believed their “heroic” actions of Jan. 6, 2021 secured them an elevated place in history, have instead secured sentences commensurate with their crimes against the Capitol. However, that doesn’t console me — nor does it console millions of other Americans, I’m sure. Only when the biggest Rambo of them all, the overweight orange Rambo (who led his followers from the rear) is punished for his disgrace- ful crime, will our country bring closure to that shameful episode in our history. If Donald Trump is not punished for treason against the USA which he perpetrated on Jan. 6, 2021, then all Americans (as well as all the world) will have ample proof that it’s only a myth that no one in this country is above the law, and that our system of justice is nothing but a lackey of the rich and powerful.

- David Q. Monrovia