School Board to Declare Special Days, Weeks and Month

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board (https://is.gd/rT78d2) of Education will consider naming ...

~ May 6-10, as National Teacher Appreciation Week.

~ May 7, as the Day of the Teacher.

~ May 19-25, as Classified School Employee Week.

~ April 22-26, as Administrative Professionals Week.

~ April 24, as Administrative Professionals Day.

~ May 6-10, as School Health Services Appreciation Week.

~ May 8 as National School Nurse Day.

~ May 2019 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

And, it will consider a resolution, In Remembrance of those Lost to Genocide and Man's Inhumanity to Man, recalling the Armenian Genocide.

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Peach Cafe

Breakfast at Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado just west of Ivy. Got the 2+2 and a cup of coffee, $9 for both. Good. And bacon really excellent. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday

- Brad Haugaard

Wild Rose Teacher Dana Elliot on News Radio

Wild Rose School of Creative Arts teacher and Monrovia Unified's Elementary Olympic Games event founder, Dana Elliott, joins students n California School News Radio to discuss school spirit and how physical education brings out the best in students.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Doped and Drunk; Man Hits Woman; Copper Wire Thefts; Dump Truck vs Bus; Men Fight on Freeway, Exit and Continue Battle; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 11–17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 11 at 9:11 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle and observed a window smashed on a pickup truck in a business parking lot. The vehicle was registered to a local business. The responsible party was contacted and the investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On April 12 at 12:50 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he saw a suspicious vehicle parked in a parking lot with multiple closed businesses. A male subject was inside the vehicle. The officer contacted the subject and he granted consent to the officer to search the vehicle. The officer discovered a methamphetamine pipe. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and released on a citation to appear in court on the charge.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On April 12 at 9:41 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 500 block of W. Huntington. During the traffic stop, the driver consented to a search of his person. While the officer was conducting a pat-down search, the subject pulled away and started throwing cocaine out of his pocket. The subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance without further incident and was taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On April 13 at 2:35 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 900 block of S. Mountain. During the stop, the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. The driver was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On April 13 at 3:13 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista called police to report a suspicious person in the area. Officers arrived and located the subject. During a consensual search of his property, an officer located methamphetamine and a pipe used to smoke narcotics in his possession. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On April 14 at 12:47 a.m., a citizen called police and reported a male subject hitting a female subject in an alley in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and located the subjects. The female subject did not have any visible injuries; however, multiple witnesses reported seeing the battery occur. The male subject was heavily intoxicated. After a thorough investigation, the male subject was arrested for domestic battery.

Weapon Offense / Warrant – Suspect Arrest
On April 14 at 3:01 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a bicyclist loitering in the 100 block of W. Foothill behind a business that had recently been burglarized. When the bicyclist saw the officer, he started riding west on Foothill. The officer detained the subject, pending an investigation. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A search incident to arrest was conducted and a dirk/dagger was located in his possession. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On April 14 at 9:58 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of S. Ivy when he saw a vehicle traveling the wrong way in a lane of traffic. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the subject was arrested for DUI.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 15 at 7:11 a.m., an employee of a utility company in the 1400 block of S. California called police to report one of their company vehicles had been burglarized sometime during the night. The suspect took tools from inside the locked truck. The suspect also entered the gated yard to the business and took copper wire used for electrical lines. Investigation continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On April 15 at 9:19 a.m., a caller reported that a motorist just collided into an occupied parked vehicle in the 200 block of S. Mountain. Officers responded and found that none of the parties were injured and they only wanted to exchange insurance information. One of the drivers admitted to being at fault for the accident.

Public Intoxication / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
On April 16 at 2:19 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Olive called to report multiple subjects causing a disturbance in the area. Officers arrived and located three male adults in an argument. Two of the subjects were too intoxicated to care for themselves and the third subject had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The three subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
On April 16 at 8:51 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut walked outside his home to leave for work and discovered someone had stolen the tailgate off his truck sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
On April 16 at 8:58 a.m., employees of a utility business in the 1400 block of S. California arrived to work and discovered someone had gained entry to their gated lot sometime during the night and took copper wire used for electrical lines. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
On April 16 at 9:34 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of E. Palm saw a vehicle parked in the public parking lot with no license plates. A check of the vehicle identification number revealed the vehicle was reported stolen to the Inglewood Police Department. Officers recovered the vehicle and found the license plates hidden inside. The suspect was not located.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
On April 16 at 11:35 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Colorado found her car had been hit by another vehicle while parked in a student parking lot. The driver of the other vehicle did not leave a note before they left the lot. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
On April 16 at 3:35 p.m., the customer of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported her wallet was stolen from her shopping cart while she was shopping. She did not see who took her wallet. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On April 16 at 3:50 p.m., a caller reported that a dump truck had collided into a small unoccupied bus that was parked in a private parking lot in the 600 block of S. Mountain. Officers responded to investigate the collision. Insurance information was exchanged and a report was taken.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On April 16 at 4:49 p.m., two Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies reported a male and female subject chasing one another in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista. Officers responded and the two subjects were detained. Through investigation, it was discovered that the two are involved in a relationship and that the female subject had bitten the male subject on the back, which was why he was running from her. The female subject was arrested for domestic violence.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On April 16 at 5:06 p.m., a caller reported two male subjects in a vehicle hitting one another in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and detained both subjects. The subjects are in a dating relationship. They began hitting one another on the 210 Freeway, where they exited and continued hitting one another. The subject that was found to be the aggressor was arrested.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On April 17 at 9:51 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting two motorists had collided into one another at the intersection of Grand and Foothill. Officers responded and found that no one was injured in the collision. After investigation, the party at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
On April 17 at 10:46 a.m., an officer on a traffic assignment in the 800 block of S. Mountain saw a male subject on a bicycle committing multiple vehicle code violations, riding in and out of traffic. He stopped the bicyclist and found he was in possession of methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On April 17 at 1:53 p.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the 800 block of W. Colorado. Officers responded and found no one was injured. Both parties chose not to file a report and exchanged information with one another only.

Attempt Burglary
On April 17 at 7:41 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of E. Greystone called to report an unknown subject had removed the window screens on his home. The home was occupied at the time by his wife. The screens had been pried off with a metal tool, but the suspect did not gain entry to the home. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Is Number 1 Best Employer in Country

Forbes Magazine has rated Monrovia-based Trader Joe's market as number 1 in its list of America's Best Large Employers, followed by Southwest Airlines, Lilly, and Costco.  https://is.gd/ihncCZ

- Brad Haugaard

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