I’m Jason Vance, a life-long Monrovian who comes from the Fisher Family. Julian Fisher was my Great Grandfather, and Bob Barlett was my cousin. My Grandfather’s Mom’s Dad was his Uncle. I grew up going to Monrovia schools, and I have three kids who did, as well. They are the fifth generation of Fishers to do so. I’m also going into my 19th year of working for MUSD in Special Education. When my kids were younger and played baseball, I was on the MYBL board for two years, and was responsible for bringing Garry Marshall to Monrovia to help with MYBL. I am currently on the KGEM board, and in two years I’ll probably run for School Board. A lot of people know my mother, as well – her name is Robin Gadbury, and she worked for Monrovia Post Office for 33 years. Her mother, my granny, was the Head Nurse at Santa Teresita hospital for a long time and delivered lots of Monrovians. In 2020, my great aunt Vivian received an honorary diploma from MHS. It was during the pandemic, so we had the drive-through graduation. My oldest son graduated that year, so he escorted her across the stage in her wheelchair. She died three weeks before her 100th birthday. I plan on being Mayor one day!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I think I covered most of this in the previous question š but I was born in Gardena, CA, but raised in Monrovia. I grew up on Walnut Street the majority of my life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Right now I’m currently employed as an Instructional Assistant in Special Education by MUSD. It’s my 19th year. My future involves opening a BBQ stand in Mexico on the beach somewhere. I love what I do because I love working with kids…..well, most of them
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
T-Burger for Breakfast Burritos, K-Chicken for wings, and Baja Mar for Mexican Food. And you can never go wrong with JB Burgers
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I’ve lived here 46 years. My favorite thing about living in Monrovia is being a Fisher in Monrovia. I love having a deep tie to the community that a lot of people don’t. I love my city. It’s tattooed on me.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Well, my Great Grandfather, Julian Fisher, died before I was born, but the legacy he created is definitely something to look up to. Also Bob Bartlett. He did some amazing things to help turn around the city.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Zanzibar in Africa. That’s my bucket list trip. I want to visit the Motherland
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Probably a tie between The Shawshank Redemption and Tombstone. I really like Mayor of Kingstown right now. My favorite shows are probably The Wire, The Sopranos, and Breaking Bad
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
My advice would be don’t try to be perfect – try to be authentic
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
The PG13 answer would be a trip to Africa
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
I don’t really listen to bands but it would be 2Pac or Nipsey Hussle
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
4th Dimension. I have too many memories there. Most of them good š
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose Warren Buffet. I would want to pick his brain about stocks. And I would make the food myself.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
My favorite thing is the diversity. Even though it’s not as diverse as it was when I was growing up, it’s still more than most cities in the SGV.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
Not buying a house in Monrovia when I was 12 years old!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My real last name should be Jones.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Cayman Islands, so far
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Raising three well behaved, amazing kids.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The House Special Lobster at Boston Lobster in Rosemead
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
It would be to bring back mental institutions š
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Authentic, Integrity, and Loyal
