News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Citrus Receives American Association of Community Colleges Award


Receiving the award (L-R): Chris Clarke, protocol, government and community relations supervisor; Dr. Arvid Spor, vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president; and Dr. Gerald Sequeira, dean of enrollment services and acting vice president of student services. Photo courtesy Citrus College.

Out of more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States, Citrus College has been recognized as a leader in the nation for student success by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Citrus College was highlighted for establishing and promoting an associate degree for transfer pathway to four-year college and universities, and for introducing the Citrus College Promise, a program designed to cover enrollment fees and other college costs for first-time students for up to two years. As a result of the college's efforts, transfers have risen by 38 percent from 2014 to 2017.

Additionally, Citrus implemented the I Will Complete College (IWC) program, which includes academic advisement and completion counseling to students as they enter college. IWCC participants receive priority registration for their first three years at the college and qualify for the Citrus College Promise. The graduation rate for the first three cohorts of IWCC students is 8 percent higher than the rate of non-IWCC students. There has also been a steady increase in ADTs awarded, from 399 in 2014 to 1,027 in 2018.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Gemma, Sassy and Frisky Feline


Meet Gemma (A472653). She's a 2-year-old sassy feline who is frisky and full of personality! She loves to carry around her Hello Kitty toy, and seeks attention from people who are eager to meet her. Gemma will be sure to alert you when it's mealtime by gently chirping and meowing. If you're looking for a unique, clever kitty who loves playtime & treats, head on over to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and ask about this special girl.

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

Santa Fe Students All Issued Chromebooks


Students from Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School lined up to receive Chromebooks, chargers and laptop sleeves to protect the computers.

"A Chromebook gives students access to our digital world," Principal Geoff Zamarripa said. "By giving our students this competitive advantage, we are preparing them with the skills that employers desire and setting them up for a brighter future."

At Santa Fe, students will create, collaborate, develop, communicate, and interact online with the Chromebooks, adding a new dimension to the school’s curriculum. Many subjects such as English and math have available online curricula, and students and teachers can begin working on the transition immediately.

Digital instruction provides access for teachers to monitor the progress of assignments, ensuring each student is staying on track with classroom work. Teachers can switch focus more on project-based instruction, giving students the opportunity to learn new skills and master new concepts as they conduct research to complete projects.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent on Schools Accomplishments, Asks Help for Robotics Teams.

Superintendent Katherine Thorossian writes that as the district approaches the end of the school year, "I am inspired by our passionate educators and determined students, who have demonstrated such remarkable growth since September. Team work, perseverance, and a strong work ethic paid off for our robotics teams at the Regional Championships.

"Congratulations to Clifton Middle School’s Hippie Bots and Monrovia High’s Kings and Queens as they head to World Championships in Houston, Texas! Please consider contributing to the GoFundMe accounts for the Kings and Queens and the Hippie Bots to help get them to the Championships!

"In March, our school community came together to raise more than $25,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a Monrovia-based charity that funds research on childhood cancers. Several Monrovia Unified staff and students shaved their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. I’m proud of our school community for their compassion and drive to help others.

"Compassion and hard work are also embodied by our Monrovia Unified volunteers who were honored at the annual Golden Apple Awards on March 25. We are grateful for their dedication to our school community."

Source: Monrovia School District

- Brad Haugaard

Low-Water Gardening; Knit for Charity; Autism Awareness T-Shirts


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

~ Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is hosting a variety of workshops, including turf removal, leak detection, and drought tolerant landscaping and design. They are free but registration is required. Here's one next door in Duarte:  Garden Design Applications, Thursday, May 2 6 to 9 p.m., Duarte Community Center, 1600 Huntington Drive. To sign up: valeria@usgvmwd.org or call 443-2298.


~  Like to knit or crochet? Caring Crafters is a free program for adults at the Monrovia Community Center (119  W. Palm Ave.) that meets every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. It is for all skill levels and the group's goal is to support one another in crafting and knit and crochet items to be donated.

~  The Monrovia Police Department is participating in Autism Awareness Month.  T-shirts are available for purchase at the Police Department and every Friday night in April at the Street Fair. Research shows the importance of recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking intervention.

- Brad Haugaard

A Nice Hike Above Monrovia



I just discovered a nice little hike to a great lookout (see the view in the video). Here’s how to get there (At your own risk, I hasten to add.). 

Go north on Alta Vista, then go left on Cloverleaf until you get here ...


The entrance to the Wilderness Area is the green arrow, not the red X. Follow the trail until you get to this gate ...


The main trail is to the left, but the foot trail to the right is what you want. The trail looks like this...


Take this trail until you get to this fork ...

Take the right fork until it ends at the lookout. It’s not steep and not too far.

But if you decide to hike anywhere in the hills you do it at your own risk. I recently saw a cute baby gopher snake that coiled and threatened me. Oops! Glad I kept my distance. It was actually a rattler. 

- Brad Haugaard 

The Play Godspell at IFGF Easter Weekend


The play Godspell, at IFGF Church, 147 W. Palm. April 18-20 at 7 p.m. & April 20 at 2 p.m. Presented by Centre Stage. Details and tickets: https://is.gd/Xh88MK

- Brad Haugaard

More Parking for Downtown Monrovia; We're Drinking Too Much; Etc.

New parking for downtown Monrovia.

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/PYcBuK) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Leasing two parking lots with up to 150 new parking spaces on Lime, just east of Ivy, for $12,250 per month (with a 2% increase per year) for up to 35 years from Monrovia Lime, LLC. A smaller lot is between the First Indonesian Baptist Church and the George Anderson House Museum, and the larger is just east of the Anderson House. https://is.gd/RYXobQ


~ Approve spending $934,080 to buy more water for the city. A thousand acre feet of water production rights from Azusa Valley Water Company for $767,280, and 200 acre-feet from Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster for $166,800. https://is.gd/6WZ8EY

~  Amend an agreement with Mountainside Communion Church (Magnolia and Colorado) to  allocate an additional $75,000 to the city's Housing Displacement Response Program, which is administered by the church. "Since the program launch, the HDRP has assisted fifteen families with a 'hand-up' in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500." https://is.gd/Fp2CdA

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Myrtle Tree Cafe


Lunch at Myrtle Tree Cafe, on the west side of Myrtle just south of Lime. Got the Super Hipster Avocado Toast from the Specials menu for $12 and an iced tea for $2.50. It was really good!


- Brad Haugaard 

Learn to Make a Video Public Service Announcement - Free!


Learn to make a 30-second public service announcement for your local non-profit for free. Develop a script, practice reading from teleprompter, learn on-camera skills, wardrobe and make up. Snacks. April 17, 6-7 p.m. at 847 E Olive. RSVP 357-4974 or kgemtv@gmail.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Tech Teacher Thomas Reale Dies at Age 57

Former Monrovia teacher Thomas Anthony Reale died on April 9, 2019 in Palm Springs after a brief illness. He was 57 years old.

Reale took a teaching position at Clifton Middle School as a science teacher in the early 90's and was a pioneer of technology in the classroom, becoming a full-time video production teacher first at Clifton, and later at Monrovia High.

Dozens of his graduates went on to careers in news casting, sports broadcasting, and video production. He was also a board member for Community Media of the Foothills (KGEM). Instead of flowers his family would prefer a gift to support the Monrovia High School Big M Boosters Association. https://is.gd/jCKWB2

Thanks to Karen Lujan for the tip.

- Brad Haugaard

School District Considers Anti-Smoking Instructional Materials


The Monrovia Board of Education is considering adopting anti-smoking instructional materials called, "The Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit: Modules for Tobacco and Nicotine Education," which you can see here:

https://med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit.html

If you have any comments about the materials send them to the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services by May 10, 2019. https://is.gd/hKGYOQ

- Brad Haugaard

Auditions for Mary Poppins Play

Auditions for the Taylor Performing Arts Center production of Mary Poppins. Parts for kids and adults. Details: https://is.gd/eUQNaN

- Brad Haugaard

Free Ladybugs at Armstrong's

Armstrong's Garden Center (Huntington and Monterey) will be handing out a free sample packet of 150 ladybugs with a purchase today through Sunday. One per family while supplies last. (Thanks to Kelly for the tip.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Representative to Citrus College Board to Be Honored


Joanne Montgomery, a long‐standing member of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, will be honored for her many years of service during an upcoming conference of the Community College League of California (CCLC).

Next month, Mrs. Montgomery will be presented with a Fulfilling the Trust award during CCLC's 2019 Annual Trustees Conference. Designed to recognize the enduring dedication and service of California's community college trustees, the award is given to trustees who have achieved 20 years of service at a California community college.

Mrs. Montgomery, who represents Monrovia, Bradbury and portions of Duarte on the college's governing board, was first appointed to fill a vacancy in 1998. She was later elected in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

"During her more than 20 years of service to Citrus College and the communities it serves, Trustee Montgomery has contributed greatly to the college's growth and progress. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing Citrus College as a national leader in higher education," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "On behalf of the college community, I congratulate Trustee Montgomery on receiving this very special honor and thank her for the decades of guidance and vision she has provided."

In addition to her involvement on Citrus College's board, Mrs. Montgomery is active in her community, serving as a member of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and the chamber's BEACON (Business, Education and Community Outreach Network) Committee. She is also a member of the Monrovia Coordinating Council. She was previously on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills, as well as the board of directors of the 48th District Agricultural Association.

Mrs. Montgomery has also served her community as an educator. For 32 years, she worked as an elementary school teacher for the Monrovia Unified School District. She was also a master teacher for several universities and served on numerous school committees.

"I have always been passionate about empowering others and making a difference in my community,"

Mrs. Montgomery said. "It is an honor to receive a Fulfilling the Trust award from the CCLC. I am grateful for the continued trust my community has given me and for the opportunity I have had to serve Citrus College for so many years."

Mrs. Montgomery's passion for education and for giving back to the community has earned her several recognitions. Her many honors include a Teacher of the Year award, being selected as the 2003 recipient of the Dick Lord Award from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and being named the 2015 Woman of the Year for Monrovia for California's 48th State Assembly district.

Most recently, the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association presented Mrs. Montgomery with their Outstanding Educator Award in November 2018.

"I am pleased that Joanne's service to California's community colleges is being recognized. Her enduring commitment to the community and to Citrus College is inspirational," said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "It has been an honor to serve beside her on Citrus College's governing board, and I am certain my fellow board members join me in offering our most heartfelt congratulations."

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Free Compost and Mulch Tomorrow

Free compost and mulch, tomorrow, Saturday, April 13 from 8-11 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Works Yard at 600 S. Mountain. Self serve, bring your ID or Athens bill, bring sturdy containers. No plastic bags allowed. Shovels provided. While supplies last.

- Brad Haugaard

Bishop Dr. William La Rue Dillard Retiring

Retirement celebration set for Bishop Dr. William La Rue Dillard, pastor of Monrovia's Second Baptist Church.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drunks, Drugs, Burglaries, Shoplifting, and Stuff Like That

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 4–10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 417 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Attempt Burglary
On April 4 at 1:34 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia called police to report an attempt burglary. A window on the north side of the business was open and it appeared that someone had attempted to gain entry. There was nothing taken. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 6 at 5:29 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Lemon called to report his vehicle was broken into sometime overnight. The vehicle was parked in a secured parking structure and the front passenger window was smashed in order to gain entry. The vehicle was ransacked, but nothing was stolen. Investigation continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On April 6 at 3:07 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of N. Grand saw a female subject who is known to be involved with drugs. Officers contacted the subject and a consent search resulted in the female being arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
On April 6 at 6:10 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Sierra Vista called to report a hit and run traffic collision. Sometime during the previous night, a vehicle collided into the side of her parked vehicle, causing minor damage. Investigation continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On April 7 at 1:21 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 400 block of S. Myrtle when they saw a disorderly subject standing in front of a business. As officers approached the subject, he attempted to lean against a gate, but fell down. Officers checked on his welfare and determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On April 7 at 2:03 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of W. Duarte when he saw a vehicle committing multiple vehicle code violations. The officer conducted a traffic stop and, after field sobriety tests were conducted, the subject was arrested for DUI.

Vandalism
On April 8 at 2:16 p.m., the owner of a business in the 1100 block of S. Mountain arrived to work and discovered someone had spray painted illegible graffiti on the side of his building wall. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
On April 8 at 2:26 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Fano walked outside her home to leave for work and discovered her car wouldn't start. She checked inside the engine compartment and found the catalytic converter had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On April 8 at 9:32 p.m., a caller reported a non-injury traffic collision in the 300 block of W. Huntington. A motorist failed to stop in time and rear-ended another motorist, which in turn rear-ended the motorist in front of him. An officer arrived, conducted an investigation and the motorist at fault was issued a citation.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
On April 9 at 6:59 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Peck and Longden. Officers arrived and found that no one was injured. The drivers involved chose to exchange information only, no report was taken.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
On April 9 at 7:53 a.m., a business owner in the 1800 block of S. California called to report he had located his stolen work truck. He found it parked down the street at the corner of Camino Real and California. He said he did not park it that far from his business. The vehicle was removed from the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
On April 9 at 2:12 p.m., officers responded to the report of a traffic collision in the 400 block of E. Huntington. Monrovia paramedics also responded to treat one of the drivers for minor injuries. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
On April 9 at 4:01 p.m., a motorist call police to report she had just collided into another vehicle at the intersection of Mountain and Central. Officers responded to investigate. No one was injured in the collision, and the party who was found at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On April 9 at 7:07 p.m., a motorist called police to report he had lost control of his vehicle and collided into a building in the 400 block of W. Chestnut. There were no injuries as a result; however, Monrovia Fire Department personnel responded to evaluate the structure. Officers also responded to investigate.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On April 9 at 7:51 p.m., a female adult subject was reported causing a disturbance in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and determined the female was too intoxicated to care for herself or the safety of others. She was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 10 at 8:38 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth walked outside his apartment to go to work and discovered someone had burglarized his vehicle sometime during the night. The suspect gained entry by shattering a window on the vehicle. The suspect stole the apartment complex gate transponder. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 10 at 9:21 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of El Nido called police to report a vehicle burglary. While the resident’s gardener was working in the yard, someone broke into the locked camper on his truck and stole gardening tools. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
On April 10 at 12:02 p.m., security at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported two female subjects had just stolen merchandise and left the store without paying. Officers responded to the area and located the suspects one block away from the store. They were detained inside their vehicle and the stolen property was recovered. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On April 10 at 11:43 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a suspicious vehicle. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled and eventually crashed into a building in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The driver attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly detained by officers. The driver was also found to have a felony warrant and was in possession of methamphetamine and stolen credit cards. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Wine Walk, This Saturday

- Brad Haugaard

Dispose of Old Prescription Drugs - No Questions Asked

On April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Monrovia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. This will be the 17th National Take Back Initiative event. Bring your medications for disposal to the Monrovia Community Center at 119 W. Palm Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

The goal of this program is to allow Southern California Residents to deliver all of their unwanted medications to law enforcement officials who can in turn dispose of these controlled substances in a secure and non-hazardous manner, potentially saving lives and protecting the ecosystem. During the previous events, tons of prescription drugs were collected nationwide.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs getting into the wrong hands. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from the medicine cabinets of family and friends. Previous methods of disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard