Monrovia Leaders Visit Citrus College

Twenty-one Monrovia city officials and community leaders visited Citrus College on Friday, April 25 for a campus tour, an overview of the college's programs and services, and a discussion that focused on ensuring college completion for Monrovia's students.

The tour was hosted by Joanne Montgomery, vice president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees and Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. Monrovia guests included Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, Councilmember Becky Shevlin, Monrovia Unified School District Superintendent Katherine Thorossian, as well as City Council and school board members.

For a tour or info, contact the Citrus College Foundation at 914-8825 or foundation@citruscollege.edu.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Ranks High in Number of Degrees Awarded to Hispanics

Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, a biweekly online publication that reaches more than 50,000 readers, has for the seventh time named Citrus College one of the top 50 U.S. community colleges for degree completion for Hispanics. It ranked 27th out of more than 1,100 community colleges nationwide in the number of associate degrees awarded to Hispanics. Citrus serves the Monrovia area.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

What's Happening With Monrovia City Manager Search?

It seems to have been quite a while since the Monrovia City Council set about to find a new city manager, so I wrote to ask Councilman Tom Adams what is going on. It is a personnel issue, and so the city is very limited in what it can say, but Adams did say this:

"All I can tell you is that the council has been unable to find a match, one where the candidates desire to work in Monrovia matched our desire to hire them.

Wish I could tell you more."

- Brad Haugaard

Hot Weather Coming Up in Monrovia

Enjoy the (relatively) low temperature today - it's supposed to get up to 87 - because Tuesday through Friday should be blazing. Tuesday and Wednesday, 95; Thursday, 98; and Friday, 99. Then dropping to a balmy 89 on Saturday. http://goo.gl/a3ynPL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over La Canada | Older Americans Honored

~ Monrovia 2-1 over La Canada in baseball. http://goo.gl/kQY5gR

~ John Watson and Katie Gundersen-Watson honored with the 2014 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award. http://goo.gl/B5Mn7R

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Track Approaching Monrovia | Giving Hands 6-Month Anniversary

~ Track for the Gold Line is being installed over the Santa Anita freeway bridge. http://goo.gl/U86soa

~ Giving Hands thrift shop (925 W Foothill) is holding a 50% off sale tomorrow, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate its six-month anniversary.

- Brad Haugaard

Google Car Mapping Monrovia

The Google Street View car is in town today, mapping Monrovia. This photo was taken about 1:15 p.m. today on Foothill at Primrose.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Guerros

Lunch at Los Guerros yesterday, on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. Got the taco and enchilada combination, $9.95, iced tea, $2.50, and some of their great made-at-your-table guacamole, $6.95. Plus tax and tip. Good traditional style Mexican food.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club Derby Day Fundraiser Honoring Mayor Lutz

Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills is hosting its 15th annual For the Love of Youth fundraising event on Saturday, May 3 at Santa Anita Racetrack's Baldwin Terrace. Bringing the Kentucky Derby to the San Gabriel Valley, this Derby Day afternoon features a sit-down dinner, Derby Day attire, live racing and betting, a broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, and live and silent auctions. Mary Ann Lutz, Mayor of Monrovia and longtime supporter of BGCF, will be honored.

BGCF serves 250-300 young people from Monrovia and Duarte each day, and currently has a waiting list of over 100 additional youth in need. Their mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The For Love of Youth event is one of the most significant ways in which they bring in revenue to support their programs.

Visit http://foothillsbgc.org/DerbyDay.aspx for more information about the event and to purchase tickets online.

Source: BGCF press release

- Brad Haugaard

May 10: Monrovia Fountain to the Falls Run and Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

The Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk is a 7 mile out-and-back race, from the Library Park Fountain to the Canyon Park Waterfall, with a Health and Fitness Expo set up along Myrtle Avenue, in cooperation with the Santa Anita Family YMCA.

This fourth annual race will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 7 a.m. First through third place awards will be given for each age category. The race is limited to 400 participants and advance registration is required. No race day registration will be accepted. The $35 entry fee (a registration fee is added to each entry) includes a t-shirt. The Health and Fitness expo opens at 6 a.m. and features Zumba in the Street for spectators as they wait for race participants to finish.

Participants can register on-line at http://www.active.com. No late starts or unregistered participants will be permitted. Registration will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, or until filled. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246. Complete details including street closures and parking restrictions can be found on the City's website: http://goo.gl/5BnoIv

Also on Saturday, May 10, from 7-11 a.m., the Monrovia Firefighters Association will host its annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station 101, 141 E Lemon Avenue, around the corner from the Fountain to the Falls finish line. The breakfast costs $5, kids under three eat free, and all proceeds go to benefit local charities. Kids under 12 can also participate in the Jr. Firefighter Challenge, donning firefighter gear and participating in a firefighter-themed training course. For more information on this event, please call (626) 256-8181. For more on the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, see the City's website: http://goo.gl/dN6nnW

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robot Competes in St. Louis | Baseball Victory | Rain Tomorrow? | World Vision

~ Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team is now competing in St. Louis, according to the team's Facebook page. http://goo.gl/zIWRpA

~ In baseball, Monrovia over Temple City 3-1. http://goo.gl/HMJAj0

~ Fifty percent chance of rain tomorrow, Saturday. http://goo.gl/nZFKzr

~ Monrovia's World Vision is one of 22 relief agencies preparing a new camp for Syrian refugees. This one in Jordan. http://goo.gl/rW388j

- Brad Haugaard

Candidate for Monrovia's Historic Home Designation

Before and after. Photos by City of Monrovia.

This newly restored home at 227 North Ivy may be the next structure to receive historic status. Full story here: http://goo.gl/O3BSCu

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner & A Show to Buy Grand Piano for St. Luke's Church

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia will hold "Dinner & A Show" on Saturday, May 3, at 6 p.m. at the church. Proceeds from the $25 per person ticket donation are to purchase a concert grand piano. The evening will begin with dinner and a silent auction, followed by a concert by members of the choir and guests. A dessert reception will follow.

Those who are unable to attend but would like to support the music program may mail donations to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave., Monrovia CA 91016, with "Music Fundraiser" noted on the check. For more information, email stlukesmonrovia@gmail.com.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Catalytic Converter Theft; Woman Punches Fiancé; Shoplifting; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for April 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 462 service events, resulting in 98 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
April 21 at 3:29 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary came to the police lobby to report her vehicle had been broken into while parked in the 400 block of East Colorado. She noticed that the rubber seal around the driver’s door had been pushed in and the vehicle was ransacked. It appears nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Theft – Catalytic Converter
On April 21 at 4:52 p.m., a theft was reported in the 700 block of Montana. The victim came into the police lobby to report that someone had stolen the catalytic converter off his vehicle. The victim went out to start his vehicle and heard a loud noise. He drove his vehicle to a mechanic, who told him that the catalytic converter was missing off his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
On April 21 at 8:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Montana on the report of a theft from a vehicle. The vehicle was left unlocked and the victim's black iPhone was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Two Bicycles
On April 9:23 p.m., a theft of two bicycles was reported in the 100 block of Montana. The bicycles were stolen from a rear carport. The theft occurred sometime between 4:00 p.m. on April 20 and 7:00 a.m. on April 21. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Identity Theft – Two Suspects Arrested
On April 21 at 11:53 p.m., an officer responded to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding two hotel guests that checked into a room with stolen credit card information. Upon arrival, officers located the suspects inside a hotel room. They conducted an investigation and located stolen credit cards, stolen mail from several locations, ledgers containing personal information, and credit applications. The two suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On April 22 at 12:27 a.m., an officer conducted a domestic violence investigation involving a female that punched her defenseless fiancé several times in the face. The male subject is recovering from an injury he received in a motorcycle accident. The female suspect left the location. The officer contacted the female suspect on the phone and convinced her to turn herself in to police. She admitted to the crime and was taken into custody.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was sent to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding a female associate of the fraud suspects that were arrested in the above fraud incident. The female was contacted, but was not linked to fraud case. The officer found the female to be in possession of a straw used to inhale methamphetamine. She was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Battery / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 8:00 a.m., a disturbance between a mother and daughter was reported in the 700 block of South Monterey. The mother had claimed the daughter hit her in the leg with a fist. Officers arrived, but the mother had left the location. The daughter was found to have a warrant and was arrested.

Vandalism
April 22 at 8:31 a.m., a caller reported an incident of vandalism in the 1300 block of South Myrtle. The caller reported blue graffiti on the wall facing Montana. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 1:23 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter being detained. Through investigation, the officer determined the female suspect had taken a large empty purse into the store, concealed merchandise in the purse and exited the store. She was arrested for burglary and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On April 22 at 8:30 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of South Madison on a disturbance between a male and female subject. When the officer arrived, he conducted a computer check, which revealed the male subject had an outstanding DUI warrant for his arrest. The warrant was issued by the Pasadena Police Department. The subject was arrested for the warrant. Pasadena was notified and officers responded and took custody of the subject.

Day of Prayer to Support Unity Center

A National Day of Prayer event on May 1, 7 p.m., at Santa Anita Church at 226 W. Colorado Blvd. in Arcadia will support Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center. The event, Young Voices United in Prayer, will feature six young people from the Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths. Music by the Barnhart School Choir and Jimmy and Tony Licata. For details, call 446-8206.

- Brad Haugaard

Harlem Wizards Coming to Monrovia High School

The Harlem Wizards are coming to Monrovia High School, Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. This event, hosted by The Monrovia Renaissance Foundation, brings The Wizards to town to help support Renaissance programs recognizing academics throughout Monrovia Unified School District.

The Harlem Wizards' mission is to create awe-inspiring events throughout the country. At a Wizards game fans witness amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. It's two hours of family time where parents, grandparents, and kids can all laugh together. When you're in the stands, you're more than a spectator; you're part of the show with loads of audience participation. Throughout the game, fans will experience a display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction.

Tickets purchased before the event are $12 for adults, $10 for children and can be purchased by contacting Paul Dols at Pdols@monroviaschools.net through Friday, April 25. They can also be purchased online at http://www.Harlemwizards.com . Tickets will be available on the day of the game at the Monrovia High School Events Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. Prices at the door are $15 for adults and $12 for students.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

California Assembly Approves Monrovia Assembly Member's Bills

The California Assembly today gave bi-partisan approval to three bills authored by Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. The three include: legislation "to give veterans a stronger voice in college leadership," legislation "to ensure the legacy of President Obama is included in school textbooks," and a resolution to "honor unsung heroes of the Vietnam War."

Source: Holden press release

Comment: A. Why do veterans deserve set-aside board seats? Are they super-citizens? And I say that as a vet. B. Do we really have to ensure President Obama's legacy by force of law?? C. If sailors killed in a training accident in the South China Sea deserve to be on the Vietnam Memorial, why not men killed during the same time period in training exercises in Germany or the U.S.? I approve of some of Mr. Holden's proposals, but these are unnecessary.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Authors

After writing a book and putting it on-line I started wondering if there were other Monrovia authors out there, so I invited them to submit their latest book. Here they are, with information about their books, and links. - Brad Haugaard


Author: Marshall Deaton
Title: The Giant Redwoods: California's Majestic Trees

For anyone interested in the world famous and majestic redwood trees of California, this book is a must-read. It provides details for both the Giant and Coast Redwood trees as well as accompanying photos from the past and present, for readers to discover and enjoy.

The contents include interesting facts about the two tree species. It includes the Redwood Tree's physical appearance, species, locations and habitat, fossil records and threats to their existence. Included are 100 photos to view and marvel.

Your child can also learn more about the popularity of these trees and their importance to humans. If you are willing to read and be entertained by these majestic living trees known as the California Redwoods, you should definitely buy and download this book.

http://goo.gl/59dvlW


Author: Therese Travis
Title: A Fistful of God
She's never taken a drink, but she's recovering from alcoholism all the same.

After the death of her father, teenager Aidyn Pierce spends all her time cleaning up her mother's messes. So when Mom announces she's getting sober, Aidyn doesn't believe her. Mom has tried before, and Aidyn knows there will come a time-a day, a week, maybe even a month from now-when the cravings will be too much, and her mother will start drinking again. So, when Aidyn is encouraged to attend support meetings, she refuses. No point in wasting her time when her mother's going to drink again, anyway.

But what Aidyn doesn't count on is the healing power of love and friendship, and the incredible strength of God to walk both mother and daughter through the dark valley of addiction and recovery.

Kindle ( http://goo.gl/e1mWue ), print ( http://goo.gl/3iXIJs )


Author: Judy Walker
Title: The Beaded Sphere And Variations - Beading In The Third Dimension
A 240-page full-color hard cover featuring detailed instructions, diagrams and photos for a baker's dozen of her bead projects ranging from jewelry to sculptures, including her unique Triple Sphere. Also included is general information about basic beading techniques, a source directory, and a photo gallery of other bead artists' work.

http://goo.gl/Vg87AR


Author: Wyatt Doyle
Title: Stop Requested
The strange connections people make on buses and trains in Los Angeles. Conversations and encounters on the first train in and waiting for the last bus home. It's illustrated by Stanley J. Zappa, a great artist. He's the nephew of Frank Zappa.

"A series of rueful, witty and occasionally heartwrenching stories about riding the bus in L.A. These are folks living on the margin between nothing and everything, stuck between Rodeo Drive and The Highway To Nowhere. Doyle's gift is in capturing those tiny dramatic moments that linger for a brief moment on the periphery of vision."

http://goo.gl/GcjGfD


Author: Timothy C. Lim
Title: Politics in East Asia: Explaining Change and Continuity

It's basically for students, but anyone is interested in better understanding economic and political development in China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and Taiwan might be interested.

"This systematic, innovative introduction to the dynamic politics and political economies of China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan teaches students how to think analytically, critically, and independently about the most significant developments in the region.

The text offers in-depth coverage of the unique experiences of each country, all within the framework of an explicit comparative perspective. Throughout, the five countries are contrasted with one another to maximize opportunities for learning. Covering the intertwined issues of politics, economics, and culture, this is a book that is ideally suited for assignment in any social science course on East Asia."

http://goo.gl/Huw9UU


Author: Brad Haugaard
Title: The Outlander
If his father's life wasn't at stake, Tirón was the last place in the galaxy Cyrus would have gone. It was like Arizona in 1875, and he had miles to ride along a dusty red trail with a killer behind him and a beautiful young woman with a short fuse right ahead...

http://goo.gl/lbcOA5

Monrovia's Everlet Reports Huge Revenue Increase | Photo Exhibit

~ Everlert, Inc., of Monrovia, in the mail management solutions business, reports its net revenue for 2013 increased by approximately 224% or $466K compared to 2012. And more: http://goo.gl/glnljy

~ Photo exhibit at Monrovia's Paint 'n Play. http://goo.gl/DSFAvd

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Girls Decide on School Dress Uniform

After a lively debate, two-thirds of the female students of Monrovia High voted to adopt a dress uniform. Um... That was in 1924. Details: http://goo.gl/IkeCJ1

- Brad Haugaard