Monrovia's Robotics Team Finishes in Top 100 Worldwide

Monrovia High School's robotics team The Kings and Queens returned Monday from St. Louis where they spent the past week competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics World Championship.  The team posted a respectable Championship record of four wins and five losses to finish the season ranked 86th out of 4,410 FIRST Tech Challenge teams around the world.  This was an improvement over The Kings and Queens record of the prior season which saw them earn three wins and six losses for a final ranking of 101.  The team's robot "Sir Lancelot" performed well, making it through the grueling two days of qualifying matches without a single mechanical failure.

Team captain Melissa Johnson commented, "Last season at Worlds we had a lot of mechanical problems with our robot.  So this season one of our primary goals was a create a new robot that would be strong and well-designed so parts wouldn't break and fasteners wouldn't come lose.  The World Championship is an endurance contest and your robot has to hold up or you're quickly out of the running.  We met that goal and then some.  We didn't have to do any repairs or replace any parts during the entire tournament."  Two other teams from Southern California were on track to be tournament finalists before major mechanical failures saw them eliminated from contention.

The Kings and Queens are proud of their season but they know they have more to learn if they want to be one of the top robotic teams next year.  As team member Roberto Orozco noted, "The teams that make it to the World Championship after a season of elimination tournaments are very good and have excellent robots.  We've shown that we can design and build a world-class robot and that the rest of our team program is good enough to get us to Worlds two years in a row.  Now we have to concentrate on doing the game tasks faster and making everything better without losing any of the ground we have gained. That's how we will become a World Championship finalist."

The Kings and Queens will be losing all four of their veteran team members from last year's team to graduation in June.  That will leave the members new to the team this year with some big shoes to fill.  Amanda Sullivan, the team's only four-year member, commented, "We've tried hard this year to pass as much of our knowledge and experience on to the new members as we could but it is hard for them to understand without having been through the experiences that those of us have been through that have been doing this for years.  Going to Worlds was an important part of the learning process.  Now they have seen top-level robots in action, talked to kids on top-level teams, and experienced both the pressure and excitement that comes with competing against the best of the best. They can come back next season with a better understanding of what it means to be a top robotics team and what it takes to get there.  I guess that is the legacy the Seniors will leave behind."

Source: Brian Johnson with the Kings and Queens

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Warrant Arrests; Car Knocks Out Lights; Drunkenness; BB Through Window; Hit and Run Suspect Arrested; Sleeping in Park

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 23-26. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the area of Linwood and Magnolia regarding a male subject that was possibly intoxicated and was staggering on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, the officer found the subject seated and leaning up against a parked vehicle. The officer determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own personal safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 12:27 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 700 block of East Lemon saw a suspicious subject loitering at a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the subject for the warrant.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 2:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Longden when she observed a motorist exceeding the posted speed limit. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and determined the driver to be intoxicated. The officer arrested the driver for driving under the influence. The driver was later released on a citation after sobering.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 4:37 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle in a shopping center parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington for a vehicle code violation. A computer check of the driver revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and was driving without a license. The warrant was for a criminal case against the driver that was initiated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:04 p.m., an officer conducted a warrant service at a location in the 200 block of Valle Vista. The officer located the suspect at the location and arrested him per the authority of the warrant. The suspect was taken into custody and remained housed pending his court appearance date.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:51 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of East Altern when he saw a male subject in a driveway and recognized him from prior contacts. The officer knew the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He made contact with the suspect and confirmed the warrant. He arrested the suspect per the authority of the warrant.

Weapons Offense/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Norumbega regarding the report of a suspicious subject in the area. The officer located the subject and detained him. During the course of the investigation, the officer found the subject to be in possession of a dagger and a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for the weapons offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:09 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of East Lemon when he stopped a subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the suspect per the authority of the warrant.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:53 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Peck and Live Oak stopped a motorist for lane straddling. Further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence, taken into custody and held for sobering.

Vandalism
April 26 at 1:32 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 700 block of West Olive. Unknown suspect(s) shot a BB through a glass door window of a residence. A silver, 4- door, compact vehicle being driven by a female was seen slowing down in front of the victim's home. Two or three shots from what is believed to be an Airsoft BB gun were fired at the residence. The suspect vehicle then fled toward Monterey. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision with Property Damage
April 26 at 7:28 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Myrtle and Chestnut Avenue. A young female driver made a wide turn onto Myrtle and went onto the curb, striking the intersection control box. She destroyed the box and the intersection went dark. She was not injured. Signal maintenance was notified to respond to the location.

Vandalism
April 26 at 7:50 a.m., officers responded to Madison and Foothill on the report of a possible vehicle burglary. They arrived and located a vehicle with a shattered side window. Police located the registered owner and informed him of the damage. He said he had parked his vehicle the night before and the window was not shattered. Nothing was missing from the vehicle and it did not appear ransacked. The registered owner did not want to file a report for the damage.

Disturbing Subject/Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:12 p.m., a staff member from a motel in the 900 block of East Huntington called police to report a disturbing subject at the location who could not pay for a room. When police arrived, they encountered a male subject who was extremely intoxicated and uncooperative. He was placed under arrest for public intoxication and held for sobering.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision with Injury – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 3:55 p.m., police responded to a hit and run traffic collision with possible injuries in the area of California and Duarte. Assisting officers were given a vehicle description and license plate for a possible suspect. They went to the address for the registered owner in Duarte and located the vehicle and suspect driver. The suspect was positively identified and arrested for felony hit and run. The victim complained of pain and had a laceration on her leg. She was treated on scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.

Municipal Code Violation/Being in a Park After Posted Hours – Suspect Cited
April 27 at 2:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of East Lemon and noticed a subject sleeping in the park after the park was closed. The subject was issued a citation for being in the park after posted hours.

Monrovia Responds to Nepal Earthquake

~ Teams from Monrovia-based World Vision are beginning aid efforts to assist those impacted by the 7.8 magnitude quake that struck Nepal. The Christian relief agency has sent teams to assess the damage in rural areas and says that food is running out. It is also hearing reports that whole villages may be buried in rockslides. "World Vision is planning to respond in its initial phase to 50,000 people, meeting their immediate needs including providing first aid kits, sleeping mats, blankets and jerry cans; temporary shelter; and protection for children." http://goo.gl/50bFP9

~ The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened a Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and the aftermath. You can send or drop off contributions to "Attn: Nepal Earthquake Relief, Jewish Federation, 114A W. Lime Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016," or donate on-line at www.jewishsgpv.org/donate and indicate it is for Nepal Earthquake Relief. All funds will go to social welfare agencies in the affected areas and The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs. For more information call 445-0810 or send an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robotics Team Heading Home From St. Louis

Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team reports:

"We ended up not winning any judged awards at the FTC Championship awards ceremony but we are content with the knowledge we have gained, the experiences we have shared, and the friends we have made. Tomorrow we get to sleep in, and then we are going to take in the sights and attractions of St. Louis before we fly home on Monday. Thank you to the organizers and many volunteers who made the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship such a great experience for us."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Painting

A Monrovia painting by an un-renowned Monrovia artist. Me. If you can't figure out where this is, there's no hope for me as an artist. (The glare on this snapshot isn't helping any.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Keeps Its Lead in Baseball

Monrovia maintains its 3-game lead. "There's no let up with the Monrovia High School baseball team." http://goo.gl/4l1aU4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Consider New Street Fair Company | School Board: Moving to Common Core; Refinancing Bonds

~ The Monrovia City Council will hold a special session Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. to consider having Los Angeles PartyWorks handle the Friday night street fair. The city expects to get an annual fee of $18,000 which will be paid on a monthly basis. http://goo.gl/mWgpHS

~ Meanwhile, over at the school district, at its April 29 meeting the Monrovia School Board (agenda: http://goo.gl/XyxyCm ) will ...

- consider adopting "bridge" math materials for the transition to Common Core state standards. http://goo.gl/aSjiuZ

- consider refinancing $30 million of the district's school bonds at today's lower rates. http://goo.gl/4G1Ep6

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Zen Buffet

Had dinner at Zen Buffet last night, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Huntington. Cost is $15.99, which is well worth it if you go back a lot, which I, uh, did. Very nice selection. Plus I had a beer for three dollars. Everything was really quite tasty, even better than I remember it from last time.

- Brad Haugaard

Official Count in - No Change

It's official now: Tom Adams has been elected mayor and Becky Shevlin and Gloria Grudgington are council members. http://goo.gl/RTXeJ1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Seniors Select 'Revered' Teachers

The Monrovia High Senior class has selected four instructors as "Revered Teachers" for its graduation ceremony this year ( http://goo.gl/AfnhP9 ).  The four are:
1) Mr. Duff
2) Mrs. Harrison
3) Mr. Dols
4) Mr. Miller

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Banged Up in Car Crash; New Girlfriend vs. Old Girlfriend; Drunk Driving

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 20-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 359 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 20 at 7:15 a.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at Mountain and Royal Oaks. A vehicle traveling southbound failed to stop for a red light. The vehicle struck a westbound vehicle traveling through on green light. There were six passengers between the two vehicles. All of the passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 22 at 7:30 a.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of South Ivy in front of a school. A driver stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake, causing a minor dent to the vehicle and a minor scrape to school property.

Battery
April 22 at 4:00 p.m., a battery incident was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. The victim was struck in the face by her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend. The suspect struck the victim and fled the location. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 8:24 p.m., two officers were driving south on Myrtle when they observed a vehicle making a left turn onto east Central, against traffic. The vehicle hit the southeast curb of the intersection and continued east on Central. After stopping the vehicle, the officers found that the female driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody. The driver was extremely intoxicated. Fearing possible alcohol poisoning, she was cited for DUI and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz Says Thanks

Letter from outgoing Mayor Mary Ann Lutz:

My fellow Monrovians,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve these past six years as Mayor of Monrovia, and for the six years before that on the City Council. I am proud of the accomplishments of those years and am honored to have worked alongside many fine council members and outstanding staff.

I am proud, too, of the campaign we ran these past several weeks and more grateful than I can say for the many, many Monrovians who gave their time, their dollars, their energy and their love to our effort.

I wish the new Mayor and Council all the best as they now pick up the torch.

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz



- Brad Haugaard

Examples of Water Waste in Monrovia

At Monterey and Huntington.

A Monrovian writes to say that he has contacted the city several times during the past two years about water regularly running down streets but hasn't seen any change. He wrote me a letter, which I have edited, here:

- First is all the way down Huntington Drive, from the shopping center with Oto Oto, Tashio and the old Daphne's Greek restaurant. Probably thousands of gallons every day wasted. Do you ever see the puddles around the Shell Gas Station in the mornings all the way to Highway Esplanade?

- Second is Live Oak Cemetery. Water flowing down Walker Ave, Taylor, Duarte Rd, El Norte, and Myrtle, plus down our driveway and always into our machine shop.

- Third is I believe coming from around the shopping area with the Jack In The Box at Myrtle and Duarte every morning.  Water flowing past Spanner on Myrtle [three blocks away].

Still has not stopped. The cemetery been happening for over eight years, and Huntington Drive for as long as I can remember!

I send pictures, times and dates. The city says that someone will investigate, but it's still happening.

UPDATE: A relevant letter.

I am the owner of the Shell Station at Huntington and Monterey.  First off, thank you for your involvement with the city and keeping the public updated.  I follow your website daily as a business owner.  

Regarding the water waste, I just want to make sure its clear to your readers it is not coming from the Shell Station.   We have seen that water flow for many years and I believe the City did investigate.  Not sure what the conclusion was.

We take the water shortage seriously and hope the water wasting will stop.

Thank you,
Ramzi Rabadi

- Brad Haugaard

Flamzz Pizza Out of Business

Apparently Flamzz Pizza (southwest corner of Colorado and Ivy) is out of business. Too bad. http://goo.gl/eMIoxk

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College President Honored

Citrus College Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. was recently recognized by the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with its Shirley B. Gordon Award for Distinction. Citrus College serves Monrovia. Dr. Perri was the only college leader from California to receive the award, which was presented on April 17 in San Antonio. Every year, presidents and CEOs from the nation’s 1,137 community colleges are nominated to receive the award. Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Yard Sale at Monrovia Church to Support Financial Seminars

Yard Sale at Calvary Road Baptist Church on May 9 from 7 a.m.-noon. To support the Financial Peace University program, a Dave Ramsey class that has been meeting at the Monrovia Library every Thursday night.

- Brad Haugaard

Sausage Sold at Trader Joe's Recalled

The 8-ounce sausage packages of Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage sold at Trader Joe's - based in Monrovia - are being recalled. There may be bits of plastic in the sausage. http://goo.gl/fHkTYj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over La Canada in Softball

Monrovia victorious over La Canada in softball. 7-1. http://goo.gl/sIF7xY

- Brad Haugaard

May Events in Monrovia

~ Thursday, May 7 - Interfaith Council of Monrovia will hold a National Day of Prayer event at United Methodist Church, 140 E. Palm, 7 p.m. For more information call Bobbi Rahmanian at 215-2704.

~ Saturday, May 9 - Fire Service Day and Monrovia Firefighters Association Annual Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 101, 141 E Lemon Ave in Old Town; Jr. Firefighter Challenge, Raffles, Displays, Bounce House, Live Demonstrations. Tickets at event; Kids Under 3 eat free. For more info call 256-8181.

~ Saturday, May 9, Fourth Annual Fountain to the Falls 7 mile Run/Walk, starting at Library fountain at 7 a.m. Registration through the City at http://goo.gl/N0dHvs . For more info call Community Services at 256-8246.

~ Saturday, May 9 - The Taylor Performing Arts Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., presents Broadway Star and Tony nominee Susan Egan in her award winning one woman show "The Belle of Broadway" for one performance only. MHS music and drama students will perform in several ensemble numbers. 7 pm; tickets available on www.brownpapertickets.com

~ Sunday, May 10 - MOHPG Mother's Day Old Homes Tour - 10 am to 4 pm; Advance Tickes; adults $20; Seniors 65 $15, Teens $15; 12 years and under free; Day of Tour Tickets sold at the Historical Museum, 742 E. Lemon Ave; add $5 to each ticket with kids under 12 being free; advance tickets available at Old Town Friday Festival on S Myrtle 5 - 9 pm from 4/3 - 5/8; Chamber of Commerce, 620 S Myrtle Ave; Dollmakers, 412 S Myrtle; Curves, 1159 E Huntington Dr., Duarte or go to www.mohpg.org to order.

~ Wednesday, May 13 - Monrovia Chamber with the City of Monrovia present "Economic forecast for the SGV" with Cynthia J. Kurtz President and CEO of the SGV Economic Partnership; 11:15 am - 1 pm Location - Contact Chamber (626)358-1159 for more info or go to www.monroviacc.com

~ Thursday, May 14 - Monrovia Providers Group "Mad Hatter Tea"; Monrovia Community Center, 119 W Palm Ave; $5 or free if you wear a tie or a hat! 2 - 4 pm; more information contact Rebecca at the Monrovia Community Center (626)256-8232 ; website www.monroviaproviders.org

~ Thursday, May 14 - The Taylor Performing Arts Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., presents "Superstars of Music Showcase" featuring more than 600 vocal and instrumental music Students from Monrovia Unified School District; 6:30 PM; tickets available at the door; all proceeds go to benefit MUSD's vocal and instrumental music programs.

~ Friday, May 15 - 17th Annual Don Montgomery Annual Golf Tournament; Azusa Greens Country Club, 919 W. Sierra Madre Ave, Azusa; 11:30 Registration; 1 pm Shotgun Start; 6 pm Social Hour; 7 pm Dinner Seating; 7:30 pm Awards, Raffle and Live Auction; participate all day or just Come for Dinner and Awards, etc.; reservations/registration please contact Chuck Pollard, 257 Aspen Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016 (626)358-0010

~ Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 - Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Spring Book Sale; Monrovia Public Library Community Room, Friday noon-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; $5 Bag Clearance Sale will be Saturday from 4-5pm

~ Saturday, May 16 - Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host its inaugural Walking Tour of historic Downtown Monrovia. Meet at the SW corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues at 10 am.; Cost is $5 per person (12 and under free) and reservations are required. Go to the Online Store at www.mohpg.org to reserve a space.

~ Saturday, May 16 - Monrovia Days "Myrtle Madness" featuring live entertainment, games, booths, music, Family fun festival; Library Park 8 am - 3 pm. $7 Pancakes in the morning and BBQ in the afternoon; information go to www.centrestageinc.com or call Keely Milliken at (626) 297-4758

~ Saturday, May 20 - Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center "Mothers & Others" Friendship Tea; shopping, special message, fashion show plus a gold/silver buy back event; United Methodist Church 140 E Palm Ave; 22 am - 2 pm; call for reservations 303-2783 or 358-2122; $10 advance, 2 for $18; $15 at the door.

~ Saturday, May 23 - Gold Line Construction Authority Operations Campus Grand Opening and Veterans Plaza Dedication Ceremonies; Veterans Plaza Dedication 8-9 am at southeast corner of Evergreen and California Avenues; Gold Line Operations Campus Dedication Ceremony 10-11 am and Open House 10 am - 1 pm.

Comment: Many thanks to Becky Shevlin, from whose most excellent calendar I swiped all this stuff.

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Bill Approved by Committee | Roush Joins STAAR | Francis Second in Race

~ The Assembly Judiciary Committee today overwhelmingly approved Assembly Bill 425, co-authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. AB 525 makes it more difficult for chains to terminate franchise operators by prohibiting corporations from closing a franchise business unless there has been a substantial violation of the contract, the law or local regulations. It also allows franchisees to keep the equity they invested in the event of termination. Source: Holden press release

Comment: You can see the bill here ( http://goo.gl/d8GVBI ). What is interesting is that Holden introduced a bill that would impose higher fines on private investigators (see original: http://goo.gl/TuRt0q ), but then it was apparently gutted by amendment and turned into a bill regulating franchises.

~ J. Steven Roush, CPA, has been appointed to the board of Monrovia's STAAR Surgical. http://goo.gl/mXgZON

~ Monrovia's Empire Bikes reports that its own Scott Francis came in second in the Pro 1-2 at the Los Angeles Circuit Race.

- Brad Haugaard