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Blindness Doesn't Slow Monrovia Teen - He's Performing in 'Annie'

Blind Monrovia teen Mason Fessenden to perform in local production of Annie. "He just gets up and goes," his mother said. https://goo.gl/BrgPxJ

- Brad Haugaard

Free Pet Adoption on Dec. 8

On Thursday, Dec. 8, Pasadena Humane Society, which serves Monrovia, joins forces with KTLA 5 for Take 5 to Care, a day-long free pet adoption event and donation drive aimed at finding furry friends forever homes for the holidays.

During the event, the adoption fee will be waived for all available dogs, cats, rabbits and other critters. The adoption includes the spay/neuter surgery, a microchip and up-to-date vaccines. Many pets are available to go to their new homes the same day as adoption, while others may need to stay a few extra days at the shelter. After adopting, visitors can head over to the shelter's retail store to pick up food and other supplies for their adopted pet.

The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is located at 361 S. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena, California. Adoption hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular adoption policies and screening apply.

Website: http://pasadenahumane.org/

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Casa Jimenez

 
Dinner last night at Casa Jimenez, on Mountain in the Home Depot center. I got the Burritto de Carne Deshebrada (shredded beef) for $9.95 and a beer for $3.95. Good and quite filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Four Christmas Eve Services Scheduled at Fellowship Monrovia


Fellowship Monrovia's Christmas theme is that Christmas is really "about home, a home for anyone and everyone." The church invites the community to participate in one of its four Christmas Eve services "for a fun and special time where you, your family, and friends will experience diverse Christmas traditions and glimpses of home expressed through music, stories, and more."

December 24 at 2, 4, 6, and 9 p.m.
Monrovia High School Performing Arts Center
845 W. Colorado Blvd. Monrovia, CA 91016

Childcare will be provided at the 2, 4, and 6 p.m. services for children 4 and younger. To register for childcare and to learn more about the service, go to www.fellowship.christmas.

Fellowship Monrovia is a Gospel-centered, multiethnic, inter-generational church.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Parade

 
Pictures from the a Monrovia Christmas parade. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Christmas Tree Lit

 

The Munrovia Christmas tree has been lit! It's at the southeast corner of Library Park, at Lime and Myrtle.

- Bread Haugaard 

Santa's Monrovia Touring Schedule

This year, Monrovia will continue our tradition of celebrating the Christmas season by touring Santa Claus around city streets on top of a fire engine. Escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh, Santa will provide candy canes to the public. City employees will again volunteer their time to help make the program fun and successful.

Last year’s event was a great success! This year’s Santa Tour will be another exciting and fun time for members of our community when they see Santa visiting their neighborhoods. Everyone is encouraged to come out and wave to Santa.

  • Monday, December 12, 2016 – will tour streets south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries.
  • Tuesday, December 13, 2016 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.
  • Wednesday, December 14, 2016 – will tour city streets west of Myrtle, north of Foothill
  • Thursday, December 15, 2016 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, west of east city boundaries.
  • Friday, December 16, 2016 – will tour city streets west of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Huntington to Mayflower, between Myrtle and Fifth.


Assembly Time: 5:00 p.m. assembly at the City Hall parking lot, 415 S. Ivy, Monrovia, CA 91016

Tour Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The police car will be driven by police officers who volunteer their time. The police car will lead the procession using its red lights and siren. Christmas carols will be played over the police car’s P.A. system.

The fire engine will be driven by firefighters who volunteer their time. The fire engine will follow the police car. Santa will ride on top of the fire engine with spotlights shining on him as he wishes everyone a merry Christmas. The fire engine will be decorated with hundreds of Christmas lights.

The public works truck will be driven by public works employees who volunteer their time. Our reindeer sleigh, bright with over 1500 Christmas lights, will play Christmas carols. Community members are welcome to ride with city employees and their families on back of the truck and trailer during the tour. Space is limited and participation is first come first served. Parents are reminded that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Night Burglary; Man With a Gun; Vehicle Thefts; Burglaries; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 28-30. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Felon With a Firearm / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer
November 28 at 9:01 a.m., officers were on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Pomona when they stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation that was occupied by a male and female subject. As the vehicle came to a stop, the male subject ran from the vehicle. One of the officers chased after the suspect on foot. The suspect was carrying a black bag, which he discarded as he was running. He ran south and jumped a wall into an industrial yard. Containment of the area was set up with assistance from neighboring agencies and the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, but the suspect was not found. The bag discarded by the suspect was found to contain a loaded gun. Officers will seek a warrant for the suspect's arrest and the investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
November 28 at 9:16 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 800 block of Oakdale. The victim called police to report that cash and gift cards were stolen from the center console sometime during the night. The vehicle had been left unlocked in the driveway. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 28 at 6:57 p.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm call at a residence in the 300 block of Terrace View. The resident advised that the security system showed there was motion inside the house. Officers arrived and contained the location. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter and a canine unit from a neighboring agency arrived to assist. The home was searched, but no suspects were found inside. A break-in was confirmed. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 28 at 6:58 p.m., the manager of a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called police to report a petty theft that had just occurred. A male adult came into the store and selected miscellaneous merchandise. The suspect attempted to pay with a credit card, which was declined. He then exited the store with the merchandise without paying. He entered a black vehicle and fled the area.

Vehicle Tampering
November 29 at 1:45 a.m., the victim of a vehicle tampering called police to report that someone had entered his unlocked vehicle and went through his glove compartment. The incident occurred in the 100 block of E. Scenic. It appears that nothing was stolen.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 29 at 2:06 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding several disturbing subjects that would not leave the location. After investigation, one female adult was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and a male adult for possession of methamphetamine and a no-bail warrant.

Grand Theft From a Vehicle
November 29 at 8:23 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of N. Ivy regarding a vehicle burglary that had just occurred. The suspects took gardening tools from the gardener's truck and fled south towards Foothill in a vehicle. Officers responded to the area, but were not able to locate the suspect vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 9:19 p.m., a grand theft auto was reported in the 200 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported his red, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg had been stolen from the street near his residence. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 5:37 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Myrtle called police to report a male adult taking items from his neighbor’s car. When the suspect saw the neighbor, he fled on foot. An officer arrived, and after a short foot pursuit, he detained the suspect. The suspect was arrested for petty theft and delaying and resisting arrest. The suspect was also found to be in possession of a baggie of methamphetamine, which was added to his charges.

Contributing Delinquency / Curfew Violation – Suspects Arrested
December 1 at 12:11 a.m., a burglary alarm was activated at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and detained two suspects, a male adult and male juvenile. The adult was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and the juvenile was arrested for curfew.

Hot Prowl Residential Burglary
December 1 at 12:23 a.m., police responded to a hot prowl burglary in progress in the 500 block of Hacienda. A male and female resident were awoken by two male subjects with flashlights that had broken into their house. When the male victim yelled at the suspects, they exited a window and fled in an unknown direction. An area search was conducted, but the suspects were not located. It appears the suspects thought no one was home, since there were no cars in the driveway. There was no loss reported at the time of the incident. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
December 1 at 3:53 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill regarding a burglary alarm activation. When they arrived, there was glass breakage on the west side doors, but no one was found inside. It appears the suspects attempted to pry open the rear door of the business, but failed. They then smashed the glass to one of the doors to gain entry. The suspects entered the office and attempted to pry the safe away from the wall, but did not succeed. The investigation is continuing.

Aldi, TJ Maxx, Homegoods Will Likely Open at Old Albertson's Center; Worley Parsons Consolidates to Monrovia; Etc.

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/jZWx5D ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports (among other things) that ...

~ Aldi Supermarket and TJ Maxx / Homegoods are tentatively set to locate in the former Albertson's Shopping Center. The Development Review Committee formally approved a facade remodel for the shopping center, which is being rebranded and renamed to be called, "Monrovia Landing." The Michael's store will move over next to O'Reilly Auto Parts.

~ Worley Parsons, the international engineering firm, will close its Arcadia facilities and move everybody to its Monrovia offices at 181 West Huntington. This means 300-400 more people who will work, dine, and shop while in town.

~ Starting Dec. 5, roadwork here:
Cherry Avenue - from Alta Vista to Myrtle
Chestnut Avenue - from Monterey to Myrtle
Cypress Avenue - from Alta Vista to Myrtle
Highway Esplanade - from Huntington to Chestnut
King Street - from Monterey to Mayflower
Maple Avenue - from Mayflower to Primrose
Montana Street - from Magnolia to Myrtle
Olive Avenue - from Mayflower to the western end of the cul-de-sac
Primrose Avenue - from Huntington to Central
Walnut Avenue - from Mayflower to Myrtle

~ This Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., as part of the street fair, there will be free family portraits at Charlie's House in Old Town (430  S. Myrtle Ave.).

- Brad Haugaard

Walking Tour Of Old Monrovia

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours, and participants will walk eight blocks. $5 per person. Reservations not necessary, just meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Craigslist Carjacking; Fire at Apartment Complex; Tossing Firearms; Lost in the Mountains; Screwdriver Burglar; Drunk in Public; Explosives Warrant; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 21-27. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle
November 21 at 11:02 a.m., an officer was conducting a traffic stop in the 100 block of W. Cypress. After clearing the stop, he noticed a parked vehicle partially blocking traffic. He ran a computer check of the license plate, which revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen. The vehicle was recovered.

Residential Burglary
November 21 at 12:28 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 100 block of N. Alta Vista. An officer was dispatched to the location. The victim had been away from the home for a short time, and when they returned, they found the inside of their home had been ransacked and items were missing. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 21 at 1:09 p.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 1000 block of E. Huntington regarding a burglary in progress. A resident heard glass break outside his front door. He walked outside and saw a male suspect with a screwdriver, and then observed that his neighbor’s front window was broken. The suspect attempted to run, but dropped the screwdriver. The suspect stopped, picked up the screwdriver and then threatened the witness with the screwdriver. He then fled north through the complex. The suspect was described as a tall, thin male Black, wearing all white clothing and a backwards baseball cap. He had tattoos on his upper right forearm. An extensive search was conducted with assistance from local agencies and the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
November 21 at 7:29 p.m., officers were dispatched on the report of two intoxicated subjects in a business parking lot in the 500 block of Duarte Road. The two subjects were entering a vehicle. The officers detained the subjects and determined they were extremely intoxicated and unable to care for themselves. The subjects were arrested for being drunk in public. They were taken into custody and held for a sobering period. Their vehicle was stored.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspects Arrested
November 21 at 10:51 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding two female adults that were intoxicated and trying to leave in a vehicle. Witnesses told the officers that one of the females had entered the vehicle and had driven it closer to the front doors so her friend could get in the vehicle. After investigation, one suspect was arrested for driving under the influence and the other for being drunk in public. Both subjects were held for a sobering period. The vehicle was stored.

Vehicle Burglary
November 22 at 1:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of E. Walnut regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked the vehicle on the street. An unknown suspect forced open the rear tool crib on the truck bed and stole roofing tools. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 22 at 2:29 p.m., officers were extra patrolling a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington when they saw a known gang member and his girlfriend. A computer check revealed the male subject had a traffic warrant out of El Monte and the female had an explosives warrant out of San Bernardino. The female subject was in possession of postal arrow keys for mailboxes, checks, identification cards and fraudulent credit cards. Both suspects were arrested and turned over to federal postal investigators.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 11:52 p.m., an officer contacted a male adult subject camping at a business in the 100 block of E. Maple. A computer check of the subject revealed a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 1:48 a.m., a single vehicle traffic collision was reported at Mountain and Evergreen by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, who were on scene. A vehicle had crashed into a traffic signal. Monrovia officers responded and conducted an investigation. It was determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and there was an outstanding warrant for the driver's arrest for a previous DUI. He was arrested without incident.

Structure Fire
November 24 at 2:28 a.m., dispatch received calls regarding a structure fire at an apartment complex in the 100 block of N. Canyon. Officers arrived and found an adult male still inside the location, attempting to fight the fire. The subject refused to leave and had suffered severe burns. Officers were able to get him out of the home, but the subject had to be restrained to keep him from going back into the building. He was taken to a hospital with serious burn injuries. Two additional families were displaced from their units, as well. The American Red Cross responded to assist the residents.

Commercial Burglary
November 24 at 2:35 a.m., an alarm activation was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. A burglary was confirmed. The suspect smashed a front door window to gain entry to the location. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 1:08 p.m., a witness saw a vehicle collide into a parked vehicle in the 100 block of W. Lemon Avenue. The driver of the vehicle continued driving east and then south on Primrose. Officers responded and conducted an area search. The vehicle was located in an alley in the 100 block of W. Lemon. The driver was also located. The vehicle was towed and the driver received a citation to appear in court on the hit and run charges.

Vehicle Burglary
November 24 at 9:45 a.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 400 block of W. Lemon. The victim parked his vehicle in front of the location the evening before and secured the vehicle. He returned in the morning and saw one of the windows to his vehicle was shattered. Items were missing from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Firearm Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 10:16 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle run a stop sign at Mayflower and Evergreen. He attempted to stop the vehicle in the area of Fano and Alamitas. As the vehicle made a left turn onto Alamitas, a passenger tossed an item from the open window into the front yard of a residence. The vehicle came to a stop and two passengers fled the vehicle on foot. The driver was detained and the investigation revealed a loaded firearm behind the driver’s seat. The item tossed out of the window was found to be an additional loaded firearm. The suspect was arrested for the firearm violation. An extensive search was conducted for the passengers of the vehicle, but they were not located. The driver was found to be a convicted felon. He was arrested and held pending his court date. The investigation is continuing.

Missing Person
November 25 at 11:26 p.m., a female subject called police to report her husband and seven-year-old son were lost on a trail above Monrovia. She said her husband and son left at 12:00 p.m. to take a mountain bike ride from Mount Baldy into Monrovia on one of the mountain trails. She became concerned after several hours when they did not return. She received a text message at 9:50 p.m. from her husband, stating the ride was much longer than anticipated and he was attempting to locate the trail exit into Monrovia. Police made contact with the subject and by using his flashlight, the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was able to locate the victims on the top of the Monrovia ridge and they gave police a GPS location. The Los Angeles County Search and Rescue unit was requested and they responded and safely rescued the victims.

Commercial Burglary
November 26 at 3:36 a.m., the Monrovia Fire Department responded to a smoke detector activation at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. When they arrived, they found the glass entry door had been smashed. Officers responded, searched the interior and determined a burglary had occurred. The suspects forced entry into the business by smashing the front door and made their way to a back office, where the suspects smashed open a safe and stole cash. The investigation is continuing.

Felony Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 26 at 7:13 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a hit and run traffic collision in the area of Myrtle and Colorado. A vehicle hit a pedestrian who was walking in the crosswalk and fled the scene. Monrovia paramedics arrived on scene and provided medical treatment for the pedestrian. The pedestrian complained of pain to her left shoulder and right hip, and was taken to a local hospital for her injuries. An extensive search was conducted for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Carjacking / Robbery
November 27 at 3:25 p.m., a carjacking/robbery was reported in the area of Royal Oaks and Bradbury. The victim met with the suspect, a male white adult, to sell a computer tablet he had listed on Craigslist. The victim did not want to meet the buyer at his residence, so they agreed to meet at Royal Oaks and Bradbury. The victim requested the buyer email him a photo of himself so he would know who to look for and the buyer sent one.

The victim met the suspect at the location and they got into the victim’s vehicle to complete the sale of the tablet. While in the vehicle, the suspect sprayed the victim in the face with pepper spray. The suspect grabbed the victim and attempted to keep him inside the vehicle, but the victim managed to get out of the car. The suspect then climbed into the driver’s seat and drove off in the victim’s car, a white, 2014 Ford Mustang. The vehicle the suspect arrived in, a yellow Ford Focus, was driven off at the same time. The victim then walked back to his residence and phoned police. Officers arrived and conducted an area search, but the suspect was not located. The victim's vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database. The photo the victim received was of the suspect who committed the crime. The investigation is continuing.

Sow House Becomes Craft Hill


The Sow House restaurant (at the corner of Myrtle and Lime) has changed its name to Craft Hill and changed its menu, which you can see here: https://goo.gl/QfqCT7

Comment: Probably a good thing. It wasn't clear whether it was "sow" as in "sow seeds" or "sow" as in "oink."

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Fire Fighters Collect Toys

 
Monrovia fire fighters are in front of the Krikorian theater on Myrtle today collecting toys for the Spark of Love toy drive, which collects Christmas toys for needy children and teens. 

- Brad Haugaard 

'Annie' at Monrovia Church Dec. 8-11


A stage production of "Annie," by Monrovia's Center Stage, will be held at the International Full Gospel Fellowship church (at the corner of Palm and Primrose) on Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Showtimes and tickets: https://goo.gl/rDa1UK

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Las Marias

 
Had lunch today at Las Marias, a little restaurant in the 7-Eleven strip mall on Foothill. I got two carnitas tacos and a regular size iced tea for $9.24, including tax. Very fresh and tasty and the staff was friendly.

- Brad Haugaard 

Ceramic Sale to Benefit Monrovia Adult School


Monrovia Adult School's Wheelhouse Ceramics is having its holiday sale on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6-9 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m,-4 p.m. at 1833 Santa Fe Place (behind AAMCO and Troy's Burgers). Cash or check only. Wheelhouse Ceremics is a non-profit group and proceeds help fund the studio.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Safety Tips Seminar

The Monrovia Police Department will host a holiday safety tips event titled, "Don't Let the Grinch Ruin Christmas" on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m., in the Library Community Room.

This past year, the City of Monrovia has seen an approximate 25 percent increase in crime activity, a situation which law enforcement personnel have attributed to new laws that have been adopted in California.  Those laws include AB 109 and Proposition 47, as well as the recently approved Proposition 57, which will result in an estimated 10,000 incarcerated individuals who will be released from prison during the next few months.

With the increase in crime activities, safety is a high priority for all residents.  Join us as representatives from the Monrovia Police Department address public safety issues, answer questions and concerns, and provide information on ways to stay safe during this holiday season.  

For more information about this event, please contact the Monrovia Police Department at 256-8000.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Sunny Thanksgiving; Rainy Saturday?

It should be sunny for Thanksgiving and Friday, but then hopefully some rain. 80% chance on Saturday and 40% chance on Sunday. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Crime Up 20% in Monrovia; 10% Off Emergency Supplies; Signs and Seating on Myrtle; Christmas Light Swap; For Vets in Hospitals

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/qeE0y1 ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ Crime is up about 20 percent in Monrovia compared to last year, so the police department will hold a safety seminar Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Library. The department says part of the problem is new laws (AB 109 and Proposition 47). Also, newly approved Prop 57 means "an additional 10,000 incarcerated individuals will be released from prison during the next few months, which could further negatively impact crime rates."

~ Monrovia has worked a deal with a couple online emergency-supply stores to help Monrovians with emergency preparations. You can get 10% off on emergency preparedness supplies at Super Gen Products ( http://www.supergenproducts.com - enter promo code MONROVIA at checkout), and at SOS Survival Products ( http://www.sosproducts.com - enter promo code HC02591M at checkout).

~ The city is concerned about outdoor displays, signs, banners, and restaurant seating in Old Town, and will be "working with businesses to ensure that all necessary City reviews and permits have been satisfied."

~ The city and Metro believe they can work out an arrangement by February or March for non-transit parking at the Monrovia Gold Line station during low-traffic times.

~ You can swap incandescent Christmas light strings for new LED light strings on Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Friday Night Family Street Fair. You must be a SCE customer (bring a bill), with valid ID. The strands you turn in must have at least 50 lights. While supplies last.

~ The Library's Veterans Resource Center is collecting new items for veterans in hospitals: White Socks for both men and women; adult coloring books; colored pencils; crayons; markers; board and card games for adults. A donation box is in the library lobby. For information contact Mabel Cross at 256-9294, or mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us.



Monrovian Collects 1,009 Christmas Gifts for Children Around the World



Sixteen year old Monrovian, Grayson Wade, has been supporting Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child for seven years since being introduced to it as a Cub Scout.  Monday he delivered 1,009 shoebox gifts to the relay center in Arcadia.  From there the shoeboxes are transferred to a collection center in Orange County.  Once processed, they will ship all over the world to children in need.

Grayson's shoeboxes contain school supplies, hygiene items, toys, puzzles, art supplies, games, stuffed animals, musical instruments, clothing, etc.  In addition to the items he places in the shoeboxes, he includes $7 per box for shipping costs, so he needed to raise a substantial amount of money.  Grayson launched an aggressive door to door campaign to raise money for the boxes he packed at home.  Monrovians not only donated money, but also items for sewing kits, toys, stuffed animals, games, as well as packed shoeboxes.  He appealed to Monrovia Rotary Club and Monrovia Kiwanis Club.  Local stores, A Snail's Pace, Payless and Marshall's, saved empty shoeboxes for Grayson.  Also supporting his efforts were kids from scout troops and student clubs from several local high schools, including his own, Bosco Tech.

- Brad Haugaard