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National Puppy Day Celebration/Fundraiser at Wingwalker Brewing

Wingwalker Brewing (235 W. Maple) will celebrate National Puppy Day this Saturday, March 23, from noon to 3 p.m. with a dog adoption and donation event together with the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society. Puppies will be present! Needed items for the Humane Society include pet food and office supplies. Details:  https://goo.gl/KdufBW

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Driver Ticketed for Heroin, Meth; Bike Rider Steals Bike; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for March 14-20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 446 service events, resulting in 93 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
March 14 at 11:16 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of S. Mayflower called to report that someone attempted to steal his vehicle. The resident discovered the steering column had damage consistent with an attempt theft. The suspects did not get the vehicle started, and rummaged through the contents of the vehicle before fleeing. Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary
March 14 at 1:05 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of E. Lime. The resident had returned home and discovered his front door was closed, but no longer locked. He walked through his home and saw it had been burglarized. He called police. The investigation is ongoing.

Grand Theft Auto
March 14 at 1:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. The vehicle is a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant that was parked on the street. The vehicle was taken sometime during the night. Investigation continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 7:47 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the officer saw the driver was acting suspicious and appeared to be concealing something behind his seat. A consensual search of the vehicle revealed the driver was concealing heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver also had a suspended license. He was arrested for the charges and taken into custody. He was later released on a citation to appear in court.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 11:32 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Walnut called to report a suspicious person loitering behind a tree. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. While the officers were speaking with the subject, he indicated he had a fixed blade knife concealed in his pocket, ready for use if needed. The knife was confiscated and the subject was arrested for the weapon offense without incident.

Grand Theft
March 15 at 7:44 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Crescent called to report someone had entered his unlocked vehicle during the night and took two laptop computers, gift cards, a purse, a wallet and miscellaneous credit cards. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 15 at 8:53 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista. A motorcyclist was traveling east on Foothill, approaching Alta Vista, when a vehicle made a left turn in front of him onto Alta Vista. The motorcyclist veered to avoid a collision, causing him to fall to the ground. The Honda continued south on Alta Vista without stopping. The motorcyclist complained of pain to his right leg and wrist, but did not want to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 9:59 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Sherman called police to report a known female subject that was in violation of an active domestic violence restraining order. Officers arrived and located her in the backyard of the location and she was arrested for violating the court order.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 1:04 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2000 block of S. Myrtle when he stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the officer suspected the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The officer conducted field sobriety tests and determined the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for DUI.

Public Intoxication / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 2:09 a.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 400 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety and a computer check revealed he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 2:30 a.m., a citizen called police to report a female subject in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle that was acting bizarre. Officers responded and located the subject. She was found to be in possession of used syringes and heroin. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Driving Under the Influence / Evading – Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 10:19 p.m., a caller in the area of Mountain and Huntington called police to report a possible drunk driver. Officers responded and located the vehicle and driver, who would not pull over. A brief, slow-speed pursuit was initiated, but the driver ultimately pulled over and complied. After investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI. A computer check revealed the driver had prior DUI convictions. He was booked for felony DUI and for evading.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 12:23 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the officer suspected the driver was under the influence of alcohol. An investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Prowling / Theft of Bicycle – Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 3:37 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Fano called police to report a male subject that jumped the wall of her complex carrying a bicycle. She then saw him riding a bicycle while carrying another bicycle away from the property. The suspect was detained nearby by officers and admitted to stealing the bicycle he was carrying. The suspect was arrested.

Bicycle Theft
March 18 at 8:18 p.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from outside a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim had left the bike in front of the store and when he came out, his bicycle was gone. There is no suspect information at this time. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 19 at 12:39 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of S. Ivy when he stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The driver showed signs of impairment and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was arrested and found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Petty Theft
March 20 at 5:09 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia reported someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his parked vehicle the day before. No witnesses were located. This investigation is continuing.

Door-to-Door Scam Alert
Over the past weekend, the Monrovia Police Department received reports of two types of door-to-door scams going on in Monrovia neighborhoods. In both scams, the suspects claim to be Monrovia High School students raising money. In the first scam, the suspects claim to be students and use the names of school staff in order to convince residents to purchase magazine subscriptions. In the second scam, the suspects are claiming to be students selling gift cards to raise money for college. Please be aware that these incidents are scams and do not hesitate to contact the Monrovia Police Department to report any suspicious activity. To report a scam, call the police information line at (626)256-8000 or dial 911 if the incident is of a threatening nature or you feel unsafe.

Monrovia Robotics Teams Need Help to Get to Houston


The Kings and Queens, and the Hippie Bots, the two Monrovia robotics teams that have won a spot to compete in the World Robotics Championship Tournament in Houston on April 16-20, have been raising money to get there. So far ...

Monrovia High's Kings and Queens has raised $1,080 of a $16,000 goal, and Clifton's Hippie Bots has raised $600 of a $15,000 goal. Still a long ways from their goals.

If you'd like to help them out ...

Donate to Kings and Queens here: https://goo.gl/NAzmRE
And donate to Hippie Bots here: https://goo.gl/WGcQHM

- Brad Haugaard

Arcadia Police: Seat Belt Enforcement Week

Arcadia Police will join other county police agencies next week in enforcing child and adult safety restraint laws.

Beginning on Monday, March 25, through Saturday, March 30, Arcadia Police will be looking for violations and making enforcement stops and enforcing both child and adult safety laws.

California Highway Patrol reports more than 80% of the children under four years of age killed in traffic collisions since 1990 could have survived if they were properly buckled up.

Here are the rules:

  • Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360.)
  • ​Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
  • Children who are 8 years of age or have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)
  • Passengers who are 16 years of age and over are subject to California's Mandatory Seat Belt law.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Counseling for Monrovia Schools Students and Staff

Monrovia Unified students, staff, and families can now use - for free - Care Solace, a live, 24/7 hotline to help people find local mental health and counseling services. The program accepts all types of insurance. https://goo.gl/U6obFP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Students and Staff Go Bald to Fight Cancer


Clifton Middle School eighth-grader Erin Byrnes raised more than $150 to fight cancer.

More than 15 Monrovia Unified School District students and nine MUSD employees got the bald look at the fourth annual Old Town Monrovia FuzzFest on March 15, when they helped raise more than $25,000 for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Students from Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School, Monrovia High School, Clifton Middle School, and Monroe and Mayflower Elementary schools raised money.

Mayflower Elementary and Monrovia High School claimed two of the top three fundraising spots, raising more than $8,000 collectively. https://goo.gl/M8iGvF

- Brad Haugaard

Complying With Storm Water Law Will *Only* Cost $140 Million; Less City Control Over Development; Etc.

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

~ The cost for Monrovia to comply with state law regarding the treatment of storm water has been reduced by 90 percent, from $1.4 billion "yes... BILLION," Chi writes. So - if my math is correct - that's $140 million. Chi said "the LA Regional Water Board unanimously and emphatically approved our region's Revised Enhanced Watershed Management Program plan!" There will be Measure W money available to help pay the bill. Comment: Ouch! I'll grant this is good news but even the good news is horrendous.

~ Recent State legislation prevents cities from preventing housing development projects, or imposing conditions that they be developed at a lower density if the developer seeks no variances or exceptions, "unless strict findings can be identified which indicate that a project would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety."

~  Assemblyman Chris Holden has named Christine Geltz as Monrovia's 2019 Woman of Distinction. She serves as President of the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.

~  Friends of the Monrovia Public Library is sponsoring its annual Bookmark Contest, which is open to artists of all ages. Entry forms (here: https://goo.gl/b13bzM) can be turned into the Youth Reference Desk by Saturday, April 13, by 5 p.m.  Winners will be notified by April 27. Winning bookmarks will be printed and available for all in time for Summer reading.

~ Don't be surprised if you see a lot of phone company trucks around town this year. Southern California Edison will be repairing approximately 550 various pieces of equipment throughout town over the next 9 months.

- Brad Haugaard

Bowmore - Timid, But Good with a Glass of Scotch


Bowmore (A470047) is a timid 8-year-old domestic shorthair with cool black smoky coloring. When he came in to the Pasadena Humane Society as a stray in mid-December he didn’t really know what was going on. He would lay under his Kuranda bed avoiding reach with a tense body posture and tucked tail. Three months later he’s doing much better and is opening up. He isn’t the extroverted type, and may never be super confident and rambunctious. He just hasn’t let his introverted tendencies stop him from a few pets now and again. He can’t resist the Churu volunteers bring him so he’ll accept some pets in exchange for the delicious snack and if he wants more attention from them, he’ll head bump their arms and hands. It might be time for a good book, a glass of Bowmore Scotch, and some Bowmore cuddles.

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and- wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Newcomers Group for Women

Women are invited to attend the next general meeting of the social club, Newcomers and Friends of San Gabriel Valley. On April 3 there will be a 10 a.m. "meet-and-greet" coffee in Jordan Hall at Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 West Duarte Road, in Arcadia.  Free but register here: https://goo.gl/aTDHmB

Club activities include a book club, bridge, crafting, day trips, games (Bunco, Rummikub, etc.), golf, hiking, happy hour, Lunch Bunch, Mah Jongg, movies, Pinochle, and wine tasting. For more information email sgvnewcomers@gmail.com or visit www.sgvnewcomers.com

- Brad Haugaard

Glimpse the Heavens Tonight

If you want a look through a telescope the Monrovia Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the corner of Myrtle and Lime for about two hours tonight, starting at about 7 p.m. tonight.

- Brad Haugaard

Magazine Sales People Not From Monrovia High

Monrovia Schools Superintendent Katherine Thorossian reports that the district has "been alerted to a door-to-door sales scam in our community by individuals claiming to be Monrovia High School students and using the names of school staff in order to convince families to purchase magazine subscriptions." She says they're not students and the district "does not sanction door-to-door selling by its students." https://goo.gl/hUUWMK

- Brad Haugaard

New Ladder Fire Truck for Monrovia; County Leaving GoMonrovia Program; Balanced Energy

Dark purple area will not be in GoMobnrovia service area. Just light purple.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/LR8etW) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Buying a KME ladder truck for the Fire Department for $1.5 million paid for using a lease-to-buy option with annual payments of $341,000 and an interest rate of 3.45%. https://goo.gl/FZCeyj

~ The GoMonrovia service area will be 31% smaller (Just a bit more than Monrovia proper now. See map) because LA County is not willing to pay the $1 million needed to service county area. Currently the County is paying $225,000 a year. https://goo.gl/hfTBZN

~ Dropping out of the County's Congestion Management Program, which the staff report says is "antiquated." https://goo.gl/Y3njKN

~ Adopting a resolution which "supports balanced energy solutions and the maintaining of local control of energy solutions." This because the State has mandated that the state rely "entirely on zero-emission energy sources for its electricity by the year 2045." The city, however, says this could cost the average family $7,200 to switch their homes to all electricity and $388 a year more in energy bills, and besides, 80% of Californians oppose prohibiting gas appliances.

- Brad Haugaard

Rain and Mosquito Breeding - Topic at Garden Club

Levy Sun, with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control, will speak at the Monrovia Garden Club at its March 26 meeting. 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room of Monrovia First Presbyterian Church, at Myrtle and Foothill. Topic: How the recent rains create breeding places for mosquitoes. Bring a friend, and if you like, a snack to share.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Baja Fresh

Lunch at Baja Fresh, on Huntington at Fifth. Got a BBQ chicken salad for $8.69 and an iced tea for $2.29. Nice, and as the name says, very fresh.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Oops! Forgot to Put the Brake On; Domestic Violence; Lots of Crimes Involving Cars; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for March 7-13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 414 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Theft / Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 3:38 a.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject attempting to enter his neighbor’s vehicle in the 700 block of W. Olive. Officers responded and located the suspect. The investigation revealed the suspect had stolen items from an unlocked vehicle in the area and attempted to enter another. He also provided a false name to officers. After being positively identified, he was found to be on parole. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
March 7 at 6:12 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 2600 block of Doray Circle. The victim reported both the front and back driver-side windows were shattered on his vehicle, and the suspect ransacked the center console. It did not appear anything was taken from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
March 7 at 8:38 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 2600 block of Doray Circle. The victim reported that the rear driver-side window of her vehicle was shattered. Officers responded and conducted an investigation, but no suspect was identified. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 1:57 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Olive and Myrtle when he saw a known male subject he knew had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was riding a bicycle and tried to flee when he saw the officer. The officer followed the suspect and called for additional officer assistance. While attempting to evade the officers, the suspect crashed his bicycle and then tried to run. He was quickly taken into custody. He was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery
March 7 at 5:33 p.m., a female subject reported a battery incident in the 900 block of W. Duarte. She was involved in an argument with her daughter, and her daughter pushed her and caused some scratches. Officers arrived and found the daughter had fled prior to their arrival. The investigation is ongoing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 7 at 5:52 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. The suspect stole keys, receipts, earrings, and other miscellaneous items sometime during the previous evening. The investigation is ongoing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 7 at 7:37 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Peck and Live Oak. A driver was stopped at a red light at the intersection and was rear-ended by another vehicle. The suspect driver reversed the vehicle and fled the area, heading north on Peck Road. Officers arrived and checked the area for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 8 at 7:16 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision at Duarte and Mayflower. A vehicle was traveling north on Mayflower, when another vehicle traveling south made a left turn and collided into the driver-side rear portion of the vehicle, causing it to flip over. Both drivers complained of pain, but refused transport to the hospital.

Weapon Offense
March 8 at 7:29 p.m., a caller reported a male suspect talking to himself while holding a knife inside a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and saw the suspect carrying a switchblade. The suspect was cooperative with officers. He was arrested for being in possession of a switchblade knife.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 9 at 3:04 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle hit a parked car while traveling west on Chestnut. Officers checked the area and located the unoccupied suspect vehicle stopped in the middle of the street at Mayflower and Chestnut. After further investigation, officers located the suspect in her nearby apartment. The suspect admitted to the collision. A report was completed and sent to the District Attorney’s for possible filing of charges.

Grand Theft
March 9 at 10:45 a.m., a caller reported that someone stole the catalytic converter off his parked vehicle in the 800 block of W. Walnut. Officers arrived and a report was taken. The investigation is ongoing.

Domestic Violence / Robbery
March 9 at 10:54 a.m., a domestic violence/robbery incident was reported to police. The female victim advised she had just been assaulted by her ex-boyfriend while they were driving near the intersection of Lemon and Mountain. The two subjects were arguing and the victim asked the male subject to exit the vehicle. As he did, he grabbed her cell phone. She attempted to reach for her phone and he punched her in the face. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. The suspect is known and a wanted person warrant was issued for his arrest.

Domestic Violence
March 9 at 10:58 a.m., an officer responded to a domestic violence report in the 200 block of Terrace View. The victim was involved in an argument with her boyfriend, who lives with her. He became angry and began hitting and slapping her, causing her to hit her head on the marble seating in the shower. He then began kicking her and drug her down the stairs. He then left the location prior to police arriving. The victim sustained multiple cuts and bruises, and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The suspect is known and a wanted person warrant was issued for his arrest.

Grand Theft of Catalytic Converters
On March 9, police received three separate calls reporting the thefts of a catalytic converters. The thefts occurred in the 500 block of Parkrose, the 1100 block of Teresita Circle, and the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista. The investigations are ongoing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 10:06 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Mayflower and Evergreen. The subject was found to be on probation and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
March 9 at 10:13 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting that a vehicle had collided into a building in the 1100 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and found a delivery driver had forgotten to place his vehicle into park when getting out for a delivery. The vehicle then rolled into the building, causing minimal damage. A report was taken.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
March 10 at 3:03 a.m., a driver was traveling in the 800 block of Magnolia when he collided into multiple parked cars. Officers arrived and found the vehicle had rolled over onto its side. The driver appeared to be intoxicated. He complained of pain to his neck and chest, and was taken to a hospital for treatment. A report was completed and sent to the District Attorney’s office for possible filing of DUI charges.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 3:10 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Duarte and Enterprise Way. During the traffic stop, the officer suspected the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 4:04 a.m., a caller reported a driver passed out inside a vehicle that was still running in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and saw the vehicle on the curb. Further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested for DUI.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 4:44 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. The driver appeared intoxicated and field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 5:45 p.m., officers arrived at a residence in the 600 block of Vaquero to assist a domestic violence victim in retrieving her property. The male suspect was at the location and was contacted by officers outside the home. He was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 10:11 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding a family disturbance. An investigation revealed a couple had been arguing and the alteration became physical. One of the male subjects suffered an injury as a result. The other was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested for domestic violence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 3:35 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle was driving with only three tires near the intersection of Mountain and Central. Officers responded to the area and conducted a traffic stop. The driver showed signs of intoxication. After field sobriety tests were conducted, she was arrested for DUI.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 12 at 7:48 p.m., a vehicle traveling near the intersection of Duarte and Magnolia turned left directly into another vehicle. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. One driver complained of pain, but refused medical treatment. The driver of the first vehicle was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 9:45 p.m., a female caller reported she had been assaulted by her boyfriend in the 300 block of S. Lincoln. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation that revealed the female caller was the aggressor. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
March 13 at 1:15 p.m., a female customer of a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Huntington reported that someone had stolen her wallet from her shopping cart while inside the store. Her wallet was inside her open purse in the shopping cart. She believes someone took the wallet out of her purse when she wasn't looking. The investigation is ongoing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 13 at 2:20 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Magnolia and Central. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. One of the drivers was transported to a nearby hospital to be checked out. The other driver was not injured.

Monrovia Today Magazine Online

You should have received a paper copy of the Monrovia Today magazine, but if you'd like to flip through it online, here it is: https://goo.gl/WdsFkn

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robotics Teams Need Money - Lots! - To Get To Championship Games

The Hippie Bots

The Kings and Queens

To donate to Kings and Queens: https://goo.gl/NAzmRE
To donate to Hippie Bots: https://goo.gl/WGcQHM

Monrovia High School's "Kings And Queens" robotics team and Clifton Middle School's "Hippie Bots" are two of seven SoCal Region teams to earn spots in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship to be held in Houston April 17-20.

On Saturday March 10th two student robotics teams from Monrovia schools emerged as the victors of the SoCal Region FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Regional Robotics Championship held at Monrovia High School. The competition featured the top 48 teams from the SoCal region, which stretches from Santa Barbara to the San Diego County border. Those teams were competing for 7 coveted advancement slots to move on to the FTC World Championship to be held in Houston, TX on April 17-20. After a grueling day of competition an alliance made up of Kings and Queens, Hippie Bots, and team Brain Stormz of Camarillo overcame mechanical failures and fatigue to not only win the event, but also put up two of the top 10 match scores in the state for this season. Out of over 7,000 FTC teams around the world, only 320 qualify to compete in the World Championship, and only 148 advance from performance on the competition field.

Each FIRST Tech Challenge student team designs and builds their own robot each season from aluminum shapes, metal and plastic sheet, and customized machined metal and 3D-printed parts. Robots compete in teams of two in "alliances" against other pairs on a 12 by 12 foot field to see which alliance can complete the most game tasks in a 2-1/2 minute period. Before the start of the match the robots have to fit into an 18x18x18 cube, but can unfold and expand to any size once the match begins. This year's game "Rover Ruckus" has a space theme where robots act as though they are exploring a distant planet and navigating obstacles to gather mineral samples and claim territory by dropping a team flag in a designated spot. In matches the robots are required to detach from hanging above the field surface on a raised hook on a simulated planetary lander, identify objects on the field by color, and navigate accurately around the field to park in a simulated "crater." Then the robots collect plastic cubes and ball "minerals" from inside the crater, separate them, and deposit them into storage hoppers in the lander 30 inches off the floor. Finally the robot has to reattach to the hook on the lander and raise itself back above the surface to prepare to return to Earth. All this while coordinating with a partner robot and while sharing the field with an opposing team of robots intent on accomplishing the same tasks.

Though each FTC team designs their robots to accomplish the same objectives, the robot they design and the team's choice of name and identity are distinctly different. The Monrovia teams are no exception. The Kings and Queens are true to their name and compete resplendent in purple and black renaissance costumes with gold crowns for the boys and eyecatching purple and gold dresses and gold tiaras for the girls. Their robot, named "Sir Gawain" is striking for his regal purple and gold livery and for his elegant design. The Hippie Bots sport a red-white-and-blue tie dye look harking back to the 1960's. Their robot, named "Bot Marley," is a purposeful square design that is all business. Both robots are strong performers. This marks the fourth year that Monrovia High School's nine-year-old FTC robotics program has sent a team to the World Champions. This is the first time Clifton Middle School has advanced a team. The success of the Kings And Queens and Hippie Bots caps a strong year for the robotics programs of the Monrovia School District which fields ten FTC teams, six at Monrovia High and two each at Clifton and Santa Fe Middle Schools. Of the ten Monrovia teams, five qualified as one of the 48 teams that advanced to the Regional Championship. The Kings and Queens and the Hippie Bots are actively seeking tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the approximate $17,000 cost each of taking the teams to Houston in April. Donations may be made through their GoFundMe pages at https://www.gofundme.com/kings-and-queens-to-worlds-2019 or https://www.gofundme.com/hippiebots2019

For more information please contact Thomas Dobson, Monrovia High School Physics Teacher, MHS Robotics coordinator (FIRST Tech Challenge), tdobson@monroviaschools.net, 471-2800 Ext: 7243. Or contact Paul Flores, Clifton Middle School History Teacher, Hippie Bots Coach, pflores@monroviaschools.net, 471-2600 Ext: 4621.

- Brad Haugaard

Intro to Kindergarten Meeting Monday

There will be a meeting to introduce parents to the various kindergarten programs Monrovia Schools offers. It'll be Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m at the Monrovia Unified District Office, 325 E. Huntington Dr. https://goo.gl/q1CVNs

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robotics Teams Advance to World Championship Competition

Two robotics teams from Monrovia High School and Clifton Middle School are advancing to the FIRST Tech Challenge  World Championships in Houston, Texas. https://goo.gl/WNMfQh

- Brad Haugaard

Friends of Library Book Sale This Weekend

This Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19, the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its Spring Book Sale at the Library. Hundreds of books for all ages for sale at rock-bottom prices. Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and from 4-5 p.m. for the $5-a-Bag sale. https://goo.gl/orgVCA


- Brad Haugaard