- Brad Haugaard
Plymouth Elementary School Students Display Coding Skills
"Our Epic Build Showcase gives our community the opportunity to not just see pockets of excellence in a few classes, but witness displays of learning in every classroom with the opportunity of every student learning computer science at a high level," Principal Dr. Greg Gero said.
Through Code to the Future, students work with block-based coding and JavaScript and engage in hands-on programming, robotics, and analog activities. Beginning in transitional kindergarten, students apply the logic of computer science by creating loops, sequences, and animations. By second grade, students begin building video games; by fifth grade, students skillfully combine coding with integrated stories.
"At Monrovia Unified, preparing our students for college, career and beyond is at the forefront of everything we do," Board President Ed Gililland said. "Our students are learning how to problem solve and think critically, and develop technological literacy, on which they can expand throughout their educational experience at Monrovia Unified."
At Plymouth Elementary, coding can become a second language for students and, for its Mandarin Dual Language Immersion students, coding can become a third language.
The school focuses on educational skills composed of the four Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Gero explained that the showcase was not just a celebration of coding, but a celebration of the skills students are developing, which prepare them for college and career success.
"Plymouth's Epic Build showcase gives our students the opportunity to not only engage with one another, but with parents and community members as well," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Through our coding curriculum, our students, at an early age, develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue science and technology career paths in the future."
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Library's Veterans Resource Center Wins Certificate of Recognition
The Monrovia Public Library's Veterans Resource Center was awarded a California State Senate Certificate of Recognition for its work supporting veterans and ensuring their access to resources. Senator Anthony Portantino awarded the certificate.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Free Thankful and Grateful Holiday Gathering on Nov. 26
There will be a free "Thankful and Grateful Holiday Gathering" at Monrovia Library Park from 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 26. Live Entertainment, Truck Petting Zoo, Library Story Times, Community Booths, Arts & Crafts, Hay Rides, and a Community Art Project. Plus a certain "jolly guest" will help light the Christmas tree.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Firefighters Will be Collecting Money to Fight Muscular Dystrophy
~ Monrovia firefighters will be at the corner of Huntington and Mayflower on Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, for their annual Fill the Boot drive, helping raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
- Brad Haugaard
REI Employees Remove Invasive Plants in Canyon Park
City Manager Dylan Feik reports that on Nov. 5, 55 REI employees from Arcadia visited Canyon Park and spent more than two hours removing Ageratina adenophora, an invasive plant species, from along the stream below the waterfall. This invasive plant makes conditions less favorable for native plants and alters the water flow. It has to be pulled up by hand. The REI crew covered approximately 1 mile of the waterfall trail, helping restore the biological integrity of Canyon Park.
Loss Ends Wildcats Shot at CIF Championship :-(
A 24-20 loss to the Newport Harbor Sailors in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Playoff ended the Wildcats chance for a CIF championship. https://is.gd/zw8j7E
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Again Honored as Good School for Hispanic Students
Earlier this fall the magazine ranked Citrus in the top 10 in two categories: sixth in the nation for awarding English language and literature degrees to Hispanic students, and seventh for awarding social science degrees to Hispanic students.
- Brad Haugaard
Roy Knows Lots, Especially About 'Endless Fetch'
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.
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
Anderson House Museum Needs New Roof
In 1979 the Monrovia Historical Society was formed to care for the Anderson House, a 1886 Queen Anne Victorian that was one of the first houses built in the new town of Monrovia. Today the home is a museum, but the roof is in dire straits and needs to be replaced. Materials for that purpose have been secured, but the cost to install them will run about $10,000. The Society has set the end of February as the deadline for taking donations.
Because the Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, donations are tax-deductible and can be made in two ways:
1. Mail a check to:
Monrovia Historical Society
P.O. Box 1898
Monrovia, CA 91017
(Note: Write Anderson House Roof Fund on your check.)
2. A GoFundMe account has been set up to take donations. Click here to donate: https://is.gd/lXN1Ih
Source: Monrovia Historic Preservation Group: https://is.gd/eNmjkF
- Brad Haugaard
Old Phone Company Building on Lime May Become Self-Storage Facility
The proposal, which requires general plan and zoning changes - among other things - has already been unanimously approved by the Development Review Committee and Planning Commission.
Although the space could be used as an office building, city staff argues that "could potentially cause severe parking and traffic congestion impacts due to the building's extremely high occupancy capacity and very little onsite parking," while a self-storage facility would be "a low impact use, with an extremely low parking demand."
The owner proposes to "enclose the exterior staircases on the north elevation as well as add a new elevator to allow customers easier access to the storage units for their bulkier items." https://is.gd/4wslTL
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Baja Mar Fish Taco
Lunch at Baja Mar FIsh Taco, at the corner of Foothill and May. Got the lunch special with two tacos (fish and pork) for $7.99, drink included. Good food; quick service.
- Brad Haugaard
A Message from Monrovia Unified School District Regarding Saugus High School Tragedy
Dear Monrovia Unified Community,In reflecting upon the tragic unfolding of events at Saugus High School, I am angered that children today must endure such horrific acts of cowardice and heartbroken for the children and families who lost loved ones.
School safety is our first priority. Teaching and learning can only occur in a safe environment, and Monrovia Unified takes clear steps to establish and maintain safe schools.
The District does this by:
• Developing an integrated safety plan for each school, tailored to its unique needs and population.
• Reviewing these plans yearly with our partners, Monrovia Police Department.
• Conducting monthly drills at each school.
• Initiating anti-bullying programs on every campus.
• Providing counseling services at every school.
We also are continually seeking new avenues through which to promote safety.
Monrovia Unified Board of Education passed a gun safety resolution during its regular board meeting on Nov. 13, intended to disseminate gun safety protocols.
We do not take chances with the safety of our students or staff, and encourage all members of our community to immediately contact authorities – on campus or local law enforcement – if you hear or see something of concern.
Posting potential threats on social media tends to interfere with law enforcement and will cause undue panic.
We also encourage our families to have an open dialogue with their children about their challenges.
The National Association of School Psychologists offer helpful resources for talking to children about violence: https://bit.ly/2OcpM37.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent
Superintendent
Bradoaks Transitioning to Science-Emphasis School - Holds Moon Party
“I always thought that Jupiter was one of the smallest planets in the solar system,” Rose said. “I actually learned that Jupiter is the biggest planet when I looked at it through the telescope.”
Clifton Middle School science teacher Tom Traeger is a member of the Monrovia Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers, which partnered with Bradoaks Elementary to host the Nov. 7 event.
“Our members come from all walks of life; I am a teacher, some of our members are scientists, some are engineers, some are retired and some are people who just have a love of the night sky,” Traeger said. “The purpose of the event is to give the Bradoaks community an evening where they can learn about astronomical objects like Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and the Moon that are in the evening sky.”
Refreshments were provided while students and their families looked at the night sky through four telescopes provided by the Sidewalk Astronomers.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and parents to learn and explore together,” Board of Education President Ed Gililland said. “Monrovia Unified is dedicated to the academic and personal growth of our students, and events like this shine a light on that focus.”
“Telescopes in the Sky” is just one example of the many science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused events that Bradoaks Elementary plans to implement as it transitions to a science emphasis school.
“Transitioning to a science emphasis school will foster a love of STEM education in our students and prepare them for pathways in engineering, computer science, math and much more," Principal Jayne Nickles said. “We are grateful to our community partners who help us put on these special events for our students and their families.”
“Monrovia Unified wants to expand the lens through which our students see the world, and what better way than by providing them with a glimpse of the world beyond the terrestrial?” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “Thank you to our teachers, community partners and families for supporting memorable enrichment opportunities.”
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Cop Applies Tourniquet; Vehicle With Two Different License Plates - Both Wrong; Drugs and Alcohol; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 370 service events, resulting in 90 investigations.
Grand Theft
November 7 at 8:29 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Norumbega called to report several personal items were stolen from his unlocked vehicle overnight. Hand tools worth over one thousand dollars were taken. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto / Possession of Shaved Keys – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 10:13 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of S. Myrtle when a license plate reader detected a stolen vehicle traveling north on Myrtle. The officer located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and the driver was detained without incident. The driver was found to be in possession of shaved keys, which he used to operate the vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 7 at 6:38 p.m., a motorist was traveling in the 600 block of Court Street when they struck a parked vehicle, causing their vehicle to roll over. The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Monrovia Paramedics. The owner of the parked vehicle was notified.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 7 at 7:04 p.m., a motorist was traveling south in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle and proceeded to make a left turn onto eastbound Pomona, failing to yield to oncoming traffic. Another motorist was traveling north on Myrtle and the two vehicles struck each other. The party at fault was issued a citation.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 1:11 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist and explained the reason for the stop. A computer check revealed the bicyclist had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 8 at 2:53 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 800 block of S. Mayflower. Officers arrived and checked on the drivers. One of the drivers had a large laceration on her foot and was bleeding heavily. The officer used his tourniquet on her leg to stop the bleeding. Monrovia Paramedics arrived and treated the driver for her injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Investigation continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 6:25 a.m., employees of a bank in the 200 block of S. Myrtle reported a suspicious male subject sitting in his car most of the day, parked in the bank's parking lot and he was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. The subject was also found to be in possession of illegal hydrocodone pills and a hypodermic syringe. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 8:44 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 3300 block of S. Peck when he saw a motorhome illegally parked. A computer check of the license plate revealed there was a warrant for the registered owner. The officer saw a male subject standing next to the motorhome who identified himself as the registered owner. His identity was confirmed and he was arrested for the warrant.
Petty Theft
November 8 at 11:13 p.m., a customer of a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill left his backpack on a table in front of the store, then walked away for about five minutes. When he returned, his backpack had been stolen. The backpack contained an iPhone, a speaker, and his wallet with his identification and cash. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 9 at 7:33 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Eighth and Duarte. An officer responded and checked on the welfare of both drivers. One driver complained of pain. Paramedics arrived on scene and treated the injured party. The driver at fault was issued a citation.
Vandalism
November 9 at 3:19 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a business parking lot in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The victim parked his vehicle behind the business and went into work. Sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. his vehicle was spray painted with graffiti. Investigation continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 9 at 4:02 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. An officer responded and checked on the welfare of both drivers. One of the drivers complained of pain to her chest. Paramedics arrived and treated the injured party and she was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Investigation continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Issued Citation
November 9 at 9:42 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of E. Huntington when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the bicyclist, who admitted to being in possession of a methamphetamine pipe. The officer recovered the pipe and the subject was issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
November 10 at 11:21 a.m., a caller reported a possible drunk driver in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Officers responded to the location and saw the vehicle parked in a parking lot of a business. There were two occupants inside the vehicle. After investigation, both subjects were determined to be under the influence and in possession of narcotics. They were arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
November 10 at 7:30 p.m., a resident from the 1500 block of S. Mayflower called police to report his vehicle had been stolen from the front of his residence. The vehicle is a red, 1997, Nissan pickup with Arizona plates. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Issued Citation
November 11 at 1:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. He was stopped and found to be in possession of heroin. He was issued a citation to appear in court on the charges and released.
Petty Theft of Package
November 11 at 8:45 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of California called to report a package was taken off his porch without his permission. Investigation continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 10:26 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle make a left turn from the wrong lane in the 900 block of E. Evergreen. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Falsifying Vehicle Registration – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 3:34 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of E. Olive when he saw a vehicle with two different license plates attached to it, neither matched the actual vehicle. There was one occupant in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the subject put two different license plates on the vehicle because the vehicle registration was expired. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Theft / Fraud
November 12 at 2:42 p.m., a caller reported her wallet was taken while she was shopping at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. She said a female subject distracted her while she was looking at items. When she went to the checkout stand to pay for her merchandise, she noticed her wallet was missing. Shortly after, she called her bank to report her credit card stolen and was advised it had already been used at two locations. Investigation continuing.
Shoplifting
November 13 at 2:22 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a known female from previous shoplifting incidents had returned to the store. The subject concealed several items in a bag she brought in with her. She exited the store with the concealed merchandise without paying. Officers checked the area, but did not locate the subject. Investigation continuing.
Celebrating 60 Years of Water Management With New Video
Upper District’s Board of Directors held their first meeting on January 7, 1960 in Temple City. For the past 60 years, we have played a vital role in supplementing local water supplies with imported water from the State Water Project and replenishing the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin. Today, Upper District has taken a leadership role in educating the public on their local water supply and the benefits of long-term, sustainable water efficiency practices.
It is with this in mind that Upper District is proud to release our new water supply educational video for public use. We take great pride in the collaborative work that the local water agencies undertake to manage the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin. Thanks to several key local, regional and federal agencies in the water community, every time you turn on the faucet you are tapping into a complex water delivery system.
Source: Upper District press release
- Brad Haugaard
City Utility Boxes Painted 'Rock and Roll'
Gem City Images has found some city utility boxes newly painted in nostalgic 50s rock and roll style. https://is.gd/Mij0U0
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Opens in San Francisco Despite Ban on Chain Stores
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Architecture Program
Citrus College Governing Board Member
Anna Ortega is a Citrus College freshman and Monrovia resident currently enrolled in the college's highly successful architecture program. As part of the career, technical and continuing education division at Citrus College, the architecture program offers students a structured pathway to careers in architecture, interior design, project management, urban planning and contracting, among others.
For Anna, the program was a perfect fit. Wanting to become an interior designer, Anna also had aspirations of designing buildings, an endeavor that would require a license in architecture. Trying to decide what career path she favored was stressful, until she spoke with Dr. Richard Fernandes, a full-time faculty member in the college's architecture program.
Dr. Fernandes, a former Disney Imagineer, explained that obtaining a degree in architecture would qualify Anna to accomplish both goals. No separate training would be required: interior design would simply be Anna's focus within architecture once she transferred to a university. Excited about her future, Anna is now working on a special project in Dr. Fernandes' Introduction to Architecture course that requires students to research, write and present about a piece of cultural architecture in the greater Los Angeles area.
As Anna continues taking challenging courses each semester, she will be in the same position as Citrus College student Kenneth Morales in a year and a half.
Preparing to graduate in June 2020, Kenneth is working on a digital modeling of acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House - a project that necessitates competency in Autodesk Maya, a 3D computer graphics application used by industry experts in architecture, film and videogame design. Dr. Fernandes is among a small group of architects within California licensed to teach Autodesk Maya. This specialized training gives Citrus College students a competitive edge when applying to universities.
"Our transfer connections to universities, such as Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Baptist University, are incredibly strong," said Dr. Fernandes. "These institutions know that when they accept an architecture student from Citrus College, they are gaining an individual who has received a stellar education and possesses an advanced understanding of drafting, 3D imaging, physics and other architecture fundamentals."
Citrus College's Architecture program enjoys such a solid reputation with these universities that Citrus College students are consistently placed a year above applicants transferring from other colleges. This reduces the standard five-year route to an architecture degree to four years for students transferring to Cal Poly Pomona or Cal Baptist University. Upon graduation, students who began their journeys at Citrus College will have saved time and money compared to their peers, and they will be thoroughly equipped to enter the workforce.
As Monrovia's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am incredibly proud of the college's architecture program. Many of its alumni have gone on to successful careers as preservationist architects, urban planners and award-winning modern architects. They have contributed to the construction and preservation of some of the most celebrated structures and areas in the world, including Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Orlando, Florida, and the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris.
For college students seeking to build a bright and promising future, I would strongly recommend the Citrus College Architecture program.
- Brad Haugaard
Join the Lego Club at the Library
- Brad Haugaard
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