Monrovia Invites Residents to Annual MAP Conference
The City of Monrovia invites you to the 6th Annual MAP Neighborhood Conference, Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 West Palm.
MAP is a partnership of residents, agencies and city departments, joining unique skills, knowledge and expertise to make Monrovia a strong and vibrant community. Since 2006, MAP has worked year round to develop and promote programs that enhance public trust, practice effective problem solving and educate residents on the subjects of neighborhood safety and community pride.
This event only comes once a year and it’s not to be missed. Be sure to save your spot by registering early and tell your friends to do the same. At the Conference, participants will enjoy free food, workshops, an information/health fair and small group discussions with other residents, community leaders, city staff and local. This event is free, fun and a great way to be part of Team Monrovia!
Join us to celebrate our community and learn about all the ways we continue to work together for a stronger Monrovia. Register today to save your spot in workshops like:
- Rail Safety
- Sidewalk First Aid/CPR
- Coffee with a Cop
- Stress Relief/Breathing Exercises
- Library Resources 101
- Disaster Preparedness, and much more
To find out more or register for the Conference, visit www.cityofmonrovia.org, call 932-5504 or e-mail map@ci.monrovia.ca.us
While the MAP Neighborhood Conference is being offered free of charge, registration is required. Register online at cityofmonrovia.org or in person at the following locations: Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia Community Center or the Monrovia Public Library. For more information, you can also call Neighborhood Services Staff at (626) 932-5504.
Source: Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Homes on Monrovia Mothers' Day Old Home Tour
Here are the homes that will be on display for the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's Mothers' Day homes tour: http://goo.gl/pyF9IG
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Five-Time Trespasser | Two Green Lights? | Drunk, Drunk, Drunk | Veggie Fire | Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 2-5. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive on the report of a subject trespassing. This was the fifth encounter involving this same subject causing problems and trespassing at the location. Upon contacting the subject, the officer determined he was, in fact, trespassing and that the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested and held due to the likelihood of reoccurrence, pending his court appearance.
Injury Traffic Collision
April 3 at 8:08 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue. The drivers both claimed they had a green light entering the intersection and striking each other. There were no independent witnesses to the collision. At the time of the incident, both drivers stated that they were not injured, but later in the day, one of the drivers returned with her husband and stated she had begun to feel bad after the officer left. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Traffic Collision
April 3 at 9:34 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Huntington and Primrose. The two vehicles collided when the driver on Primrose failed to yield to cross traffic at Huntington. No injuries were reported at the scene. The driver that failed to yield was cited for the collision.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Encinitas on the report of a man down. Upon arrival, the officer determined the person was intoxicated to the point of not being able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:19 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Primrose when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and determined he as extremely intoxicated and was not able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:28 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Acacia when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and discovered the person was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The officer arrested the suspect for public intoxication and he was held for sobering.
Medical Assist
April 4 at 12:31 p.m., police responded to the report of a female subject passed out on a trail at Canyon Park, approximately a half mile from the waterfall. The officer arrived and found the woman was conscious and breathing. According to family members, she had grown dizzy and fainted after sitting down. She had no visible injuries. She was taken to a hospital to be checked out.
Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
April 4 at 18:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a gas station in the 1500 block of South Myrtle on the report of a male and female arguing inside of a vehicle. Upon arrival, the vehicle was located and the occupants were detained. Both subjects were determined to be intoxicated. The male driver was arrested for driving under the influence and the female subject was arrested for public intoxication. The subjects were held for a sobering period.
Incident Report – Vegetation Fire
April 4 at 11:17 p.m., Monrovia officers were handling a disturbance call at a residence in the 1100 block of Starlit Lane, where approximately 200 teenagers were causing a disturbance at the location. During this call, a small vegetation fire began on a property in the 300 block of Elfwood. One of the officers immediately contained the fire by using fire extinguishers until Fire Department personnel arrived and put the fire out completely. There was no structure or property damage reported, and no one was injured as a result of the fire. A blue truck with a camper shell was seen leaving the area at about the same time the fire was discovered, but the vehicle was not located.
Commercial Burglary
April 5 at 7:13 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. Employees arrived for work and discovered the front window of the business had been smashed. A search of the business revealed the building had been ransacked, but no items were found to be missing. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive on the report of a subject trespassing. This was the fifth encounter involving this same subject causing problems and trespassing at the location. Upon contacting the subject, the officer determined he was, in fact, trespassing and that the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested and held due to the likelihood of reoccurrence, pending his court appearance.
Injury Traffic Collision
April 3 at 8:08 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue. The drivers both claimed they had a green light entering the intersection and striking each other. There were no independent witnesses to the collision. At the time of the incident, both drivers stated that they were not injured, but later in the day, one of the drivers returned with her husband and stated she had begun to feel bad after the officer left. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Traffic Collision
April 3 at 9:34 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Huntington and Primrose. The two vehicles collided when the driver on Primrose failed to yield to cross traffic at Huntington. No injuries were reported at the scene. The driver that failed to yield was cited for the collision.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Encinitas on the report of a man down. Upon arrival, the officer determined the person was intoxicated to the point of not being able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:19 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Primrose when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and determined he as extremely intoxicated and was not able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:28 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Acacia when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and discovered the person was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The officer arrested the suspect for public intoxication and he was held for sobering.
Medical Assist
April 4 at 12:31 p.m., police responded to the report of a female subject passed out on a trail at Canyon Park, approximately a half mile from the waterfall. The officer arrived and found the woman was conscious and breathing. According to family members, she had grown dizzy and fainted after sitting down. She had no visible injuries. She was taken to a hospital to be checked out.
Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
April 4 at 18:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a gas station in the 1500 block of South Myrtle on the report of a male and female arguing inside of a vehicle. Upon arrival, the vehicle was located and the occupants were detained. Both subjects were determined to be intoxicated. The male driver was arrested for driving under the influence and the female subject was arrested for public intoxication. The subjects were held for a sobering period.
Incident Report – Vegetation Fire
April 4 at 11:17 p.m., Monrovia officers were handling a disturbance call at a residence in the 1100 block of Starlit Lane, where approximately 200 teenagers were causing a disturbance at the location. During this call, a small vegetation fire began on a property in the 300 block of Elfwood. One of the officers immediately contained the fire by using fire extinguishers until Fire Department personnel arrived and put the fire out completely. There was no structure or property damage reported, and no one was injured as a result of the fire. A blue truck with a camper shell was seen leaving the area at about the same time the fire was discovered, but the vehicle was not located.
Commercial Burglary
April 5 at 7:13 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. Employees arrived for work and discovered the front window of the business had been smashed. A search of the business revealed the building had been ransacked, but no items were found to be missing. The investigation is continuing.
Inside/Out Exhibit at Monrovia's Saga Fine Art
The exhibit, "Inside / Out," plein air and studio landscapes, will open April 7 at Saga Fine Art, on Lime just south of Library Park. Artist reception 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Trader Joe's Again Listed as a Top Supermarket
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's again snags top spot in best-ranked supermarkets. http://goo.gl/ezXDIC
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Candidate Austin Way Ahead in Fundraising | Music Scholarship
~ Star-News reports that Monrovia City Council candidate Scott Austin "has raised nearly as much money as the other seven candidates combined". http://goo.gl/brDjMO
~ The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will award the $250 third annual Alexander Ruggieri Memorial Music Scholarship this spring to a college undergraduate music student who lives in and/or attends school in Southern California (including high school seniors if they intend to enter college this fall). Applications will be accepted through April 24. For an application, contact the Ruggieri Scholarship Committee at ruggierischolarship@gmail.com or 626-579-2433.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will award the $250 third annual Alexander Ruggieri Memorial Music Scholarship this spring to a college undergraduate music student who lives in and/or attends school in Southern California (including high school seniors if they intend to enter college this fall). Applications will be accepted through April 24. For an application, contact the Ruggieri Scholarship Committee at ruggierischolarship@gmail.com or 626-579-2433.
- Brad Haugaard
Happy Easter, Monrovia | 100% Chance of Rain Tuesday
~ Happy Easter, Monrovia! He has risen!
~ 100% chance of rain on Tuesday. 10% Monday. http://goo.gl/c9h2ZR
- Brad Haugaard
~ 100% chance of rain on Tuesday. 10% Monday. http://goo.gl/c9h2ZR
- Brad Haugaard
Commenting on MonroviaNow Will Be Moderated Through Election
I'm a bit bothered by unsubstantiated and anonymous accusations against a couple candidates that keep appearing here, so I feel I now have to approve every comment that is posted. I'll be as lenient as I can. I had it open so anyone could post, including anonymously, because I wanted to encourage conversation, but I guess that I'll need to require approvals until the election is over. Expect a bit of delay before your comments show up. Sorry about that.
- Brad Haugaard
Tried Rita's Ice Custard Happiness
Tried Rita's Ice Custard Happiness in the Sprouts shopping center on Huntington. Got a Gelati for $4.19 (with tax). It is three layers in a cup. Frozen custard, ice, and custard on top. Different but good.
- Brad Haugaard
Papa Murphy's Pizza Coming to Monrovia
Papa Murphy's Pizza coming soon to Monrovia. In the Sprouts shopping center on Huntington.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Mayoral Candidate Offers $1,000 to Person Who Can Prove He Voted Against Gold Line
Tom Adams, who is running for Monrovia mayor, has offered $1,000 in a Facebook posting to the first person who can show from city council minutes where he voted against the Gold Line. Adams challenged Mayor Mary Ann Lutz' assertion in a campaign mailer that he voted against the Gold Line.
Comment: My suspicion is that Lutz is referring to Adams' opposition to selling the property next to Home Depot to the Gold Line for a train maintenance yard. At the time, if I recall correctly, he argued that the yard could stay in LA where it had been and that the sale of that property to a governmental agency would take that property off the tax roles. But I'm guessing and I would welcome clarification from the Lutz campaign.
- Brad Haugaard
Comment: My suspicion is that Lutz is referring to Adams' opposition to selling the property next to Home Depot to the Gold Line for a train maintenance yard. At the time, if I recall correctly, he argued that the yard could stay in LA where it had been and that the sale of that property to a governmental agency would take that property off the tax roles. But I'm guessing and I would welcome clarification from the Lutz campaign.
- Brad Haugaard
Opinion: How About an Award For Best Low-Water Landscaping?
Governor Brown's emergency drought orders ( http://goo.gl/5m4Lgv ) reminded me of a suggestion I made some time ago that Monrovia ought to give out awards for the best low-water landscaping. I still think it is a good idea. After all, we give out awards for the best decorated homes for Halloween and Christmas. Same concept.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council: Oppose Change in Municipal Bond Law; Historic Preservation
At its April 7 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/ovKFQo ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ sending a letter to federal officials objecting to a reduction in the amount of interest on municipal bonds that is tax deductible. The report says that, "included in President Obama's FY 2016 budget request is a proposal to cap the tax-exempt municipal deduction at 28 percent. Had this 28 percent cap been in place over the last decade, it would have cost state and local governments an additional $173 billion in interest payments." http://goo.gl/RWyZib
~ applying to be part of the Certified Local Government Program, "a national program designed to encourage the direct participation of a local government in the identification, registration, and preservation of historic properties located within the jurisdiction of the local government." http://goo.gl/i9dyfV
- Brad Haugaard
~ sending a letter to federal officials objecting to a reduction in the amount of interest on municipal bonds that is tax deductible. The report says that, "included in President Obama's FY 2016 budget request is a proposal to cap the tax-exempt municipal deduction at 28 percent. Had this 28 percent cap been in place over the last decade, it would have cost state and local governments an additional $173 billion in interest payments." http://goo.gl/RWyZib
~ applying to be part of the Certified Local Government Program, "a national program designed to encourage the direct participation of a local government in the identification, registration, and preservation of historic properties located within the jurisdiction of the local government." http://goo.gl/i9dyfV
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Cafe X2O
Dinner recently at Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill a couple blocks west of Magnolia. Got a chicken kebab ($10) and a beer ($5). It was fine.
- Brad Haugaard
Man Shot Near Monrovia | Tribune Endorses Lutz, Austin, Crudgington
~ Man shot looking for recyclables in county area near Monrovia. http://goo.gl/qpYnyW
~ Tribune endorses Lutz, Austin an Crudgington. http://goo.gl/uSTnsg
- Brad Haugaard
~ Tribune endorses Lutz, Austin an Crudgington. http://goo.gl/uSTnsg
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Burglaries; Refusing to Leave Hotel; Drunk in Public
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 30 - April 1. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.
Vandalism
March 30 at 7:21 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Canyon regarding a vandalism incident. Unknown suspect(s) spray painted a block wall to a preschool center. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
March 30 at 8:51 a.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of East Colorado on the report of vandalism to a vehicle. The victim parked his van on the street. When he returned to his vehicle, someone had vandalized the sliding door of the truck with a green marker. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
March 30 at 10:51 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of California. The residents left the location for the weekend. When they returned home, they found the rear sliding door had been smashed out with a large rock. Officers checked the inside of the residence, but did not locate any suspects. The only items taken were two jewelry boxes. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 31 at 8:58 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a hit and run traffic collision in the 600 block of West Maple. The reporting party witnessed the collision and knew the suspect, who had been recently served with a restraining order by his ex-girlfriend. It appears the suspect tried to enter the ex-girlfriend's driveway and hit the neighbor's vehicle and then fled the scene. The officer located the suspect vehicle at the suspect's residence in the 400 block of South Alta Vista. The suspect was not at the residence. The vehicle was towed as evidence of a hit and run and a verified complaint was filed against the suspect for violating the restraining order.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 7:05 a.m., staff from a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue phoned police to report a former guest that had been evicted for nonpayment was in their lobby and would not leave. The manager told the officer that the subject was not welcome on the property. An officer responded, but the subject had left the location. The staff called again at 2:45 p.m. as the subject had returned. Police responded and located the subject passed out in the lobby. The suspect was arrested for trespassing.
Vehicle Burglaries
April 1, at approximately 12:10 p.m., two vehicle burglaries were reported that occurred in a parking structure in the 700 block of South Myrtle Avenue. Both vehicles were locked and had been parked in the secured resident parking area. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 1:04 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Myrtle Avenue and Huntington Drive. A passenger vehicle had rear ended an MTA Bus. During the investigation, the driver of the passenger vehicle was determined to be intoxicated. A passenger from the bus complained of pain and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody.
Commercial Burglary
April 1 at 2:44 p.m., employees from a church in the 400 block of East Huntington arrived at the location and discovered several items were missing from the facility. Employees could not confirm if the building was locked the night before. The investigation is continuing.
Trespassing / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 3:20 a.m., employees of a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue called and stated there was a male adult subject causing a disturbance in their lobby and he refused to leave. Officers arrived and arrested the male adult for trespassing and being drunk in public. This was the second time the subject was arrested for trespassing at the location within 24 hours. He was held for the likelihood of reoccurrence, pending his court appearance.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.
Vandalism
March 30 at 7:21 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Canyon regarding a vandalism incident. Unknown suspect(s) spray painted a block wall to a preschool center. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
March 30 at 8:51 a.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of East Colorado on the report of vandalism to a vehicle. The victim parked his van on the street. When he returned to his vehicle, someone had vandalized the sliding door of the truck with a green marker. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
March 30 at 10:51 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of California. The residents left the location for the weekend. When they returned home, they found the rear sliding door had been smashed out with a large rock. Officers checked the inside of the residence, but did not locate any suspects. The only items taken were two jewelry boxes. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 31 at 8:58 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a hit and run traffic collision in the 600 block of West Maple. The reporting party witnessed the collision and knew the suspect, who had been recently served with a restraining order by his ex-girlfriend. It appears the suspect tried to enter the ex-girlfriend's driveway and hit the neighbor's vehicle and then fled the scene. The officer located the suspect vehicle at the suspect's residence in the 400 block of South Alta Vista. The suspect was not at the residence. The vehicle was towed as evidence of a hit and run and a verified complaint was filed against the suspect for violating the restraining order.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 7:05 a.m., staff from a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue phoned police to report a former guest that had been evicted for nonpayment was in their lobby and would not leave. The manager told the officer that the subject was not welcome on the property. An officer responded, but the subject had left the location. The staff called again at 2:45 p.m. as the subject had returned. Police responded and located the subject passed out in the lobby. The suspect was arrested for trespassing.
Vehicle Burglaries
April 1, at approximately 12:10 p.m., two vehicle burglaries were reported that occurred in a parking structure in the 700 block of South Myrtle Avenue. Both vehicles were locked and had been parked in the secured resident parking area. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 1:04 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Myrtle Avenue and Huntington Drive. A passenger vehicle had rear ended an MTA Bus. During the investigation, the driver of the passenger vehicle was determined to be intoxicated. A passenger from the bus complained of pain and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody.
Commercial Burglary
April 1 at 2:44 p.m., employees from a church in the 400 block of East Huntington arrived at the location and discovered several items were missing from the facility. Employees could not confirm if the building was locked the night before. The investigation is continuing.
Trespassing / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 3:20 a.m., employees of a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue called and stated there was a male adult subject causing a disturbance in their lobby and he refused to leave. Officers arrived and arrested the male adult for trespassing and being drunk in public. This was the second time the subject was arrested for trespassing at the location within 24 hours. He was held for the likelihood of reoccurrence, pending his court appearance.
5/10K Race to Benefit City of Hope
Runners are queuing up to participate in the second annual 5/10K road race to benefit the City of Hope medical research center on Saturday, April 18, just before the 57th Annual Mt. SAC Relays – which have been drawing world-class athletes for decades.
This year the event will include both 5K and 10K races, and runners will finish in the stadium before family, friends and athletes competing in the Mt. SAC Relays, which typically attracts more than 15,000 viewers. A portion of each registration fee goes to City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases located next door in Duarte. For more information or to register please visit www.runmtsac.com
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
This year the event will include both 5K and 10K races, and runners will finish in the stadium before family, friends and athletes competing in the Mt. SAC Relays, which typically attracts more than 15,000 viewers. A portion of each registration fee goes to City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases located next door in Duarte. For more information or to register please visit www.runmtsac.com
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Warn of Distracted Driving
To save lives and educate all Californians, especially young drivers, about the dangers of distracted driving, the California Office of Traffic Safety and more than 200 law enforcement agencies statewide, including the Monrovia Police Department, are working on increased education and enforcement efforts for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April and California Teen Safe Driving Week, the first week of April.
"Driving takes your full attention and any distraction can have deadly, dangerous consequences," said Sergeant Daniel Verna of the Monrovia Police Department. "Imagine driving four or five seconds while blindfolded. That can be the effect of looking down to send a text message. In the average time it takes to check a text message - less than 5 seconds - a car traveling 60 mph will travel more than the length of a football field." Throughout the month of April, traffic enforcement will focus on educating the public about the dangers of driving distracted.
The urge to read or answer an incoming message when we hear the text sound can be almost overwhelming. OTS is using a message of "Silence the Distraction" in new public service announcements aimed at getting drivers to turn off their phones while driving so they won't be tempted. "No text, call, or social media update is worth crashing," said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. "With an average of less than a second to react to an urgent situation, drivers need to have all their attention on the roadway."
While distracted driving can take on many forms and affects all road users, young drivers are at a greater risk. During "California Teen Safe Driving Week," April 1-7, Impact Teen Drivers will focus on educating teens that their number one killer - reckless and distracted driving - is 100% preventable. "People are realizing that everyday behaviors, such as texting or reaching for a dropped item, can be lethal when done behind the wheel," Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers, said.
"Each of us must drive responsibly, keeping full attention to the task at hand - DRIVING. If you have teenagers in your family who are driving, make sure they understand driving laws," Sergeant Verna added. "The collective goal with this month-long campaign is to change the behavior of all drivers. That change begins with education."
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
"Driving takes your full attention and any distraction can have deadly, dangerous consequences," said Sergeant Daniel Verna of the Monrovia Police Department. "Imagine driving four or five seconds while blindfolded. That can be the effect of looking down to send a text message. In the average time it takes to check a text message - less than 5 seconds - a car traveling 60 mph will travel more than the length of a football field." Throughout the month of April, traffic enforcement will focus on educating the public about the dangers of driving distracted.
The urge to read or answer an incoming message when we hear the text sound can be almost overwhelming. OTS is using a message of "Silence the Distraction" in new public service announcements aimed at getting drivers to turn off their phones while driving so they won't be tempted. "No text, call, or social media update is worth crashing," said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. "With an average of less than a second to react to an urgent situation, drivers need to have all their attention on the roadway."
While distracted driving can take on many forms and affects all road users, young drivers are at a greater risk. During "California Teen Safe Driving Week," April 1-7, Impact Teen Drivers will focus on educating teens that their number one killer - reckless and distracted driving - is 100% preventable. "People are realizing that everyday behaviors, such as texting or reaching for a dropped item, can be lethal when done behind the wheel," Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers, said.
"Each of us must drive responsibly, keeping full attention to the task at hand - DRIVING. If you have teenagers in your family who are driving, make sure they understand driving laws," Sergeant Verna added. "The collective goal with this month-long campaign is to change the behavior of all drivers. That change begins with education."
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Robotics Team Advances to World Championship
Kings and Queens and their robot, Sir Lancelot.
The ten Monrovia High School students of the "Kings and Queens" robotics team and their purple robot "Sir Lancelot" qualified to advance to the 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics World Championships for a second year in a row as a result of their excellent performance at the West Super-Regional Robotics Tournament held in Oakland this past weekend. The three-day tournament brought together the 72 top teams who were winners of state and regional competitions from 13 western states. The Monrovia team is one of four qualifiers from the Los Angeles area who will be among the 128 top teams from around the world to compete at the World Championships which will be held at the historic Union Station in St. Louis April 22-25. Only 35 U.S. teams who competed in last year's World Championship have earned the right to come back again this year.
The Kings and Queens team, four seniors, one sophomore and five freshmen, designed and built their own 18 by 18 inch robot from t-slot channel, Plexiglas, and formed aluminum to compete in the annual FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics competition. The Kings and Queens are well known in the FTC community for their driving skill, unique robot designs, their signature costumes of purple velvet gold-embroidered renaissance dresses and gold tiaras for the girls and fur-trimmed black velvet jerkins with purple capes and gold crowns for the boys, and their supporter's cheer of Huzzah! every time they score points.
Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
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