Help Cats and Dogs Have a Great Christmas

(The MODA is that new multi-unit residential complex next to the Monrovia train station.)

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters Collecting Toys; Be on the Sales Tax Advisory Committee; Replanting Trees at MHS; Home Decorating; Sandbags

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

~ Help Monrovia Fire & Rescue stuff a fire truck with toys as a part of the Spark of Love Toy Drive, on Nov. 29 - 30. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. firefighters will be parked in front of Studio Movie Grill to collect new, unwrapped toys for under-served children and teens.

~ The Measure K sales tax will go into effect on April 1, 2020 and the city will be forming a five-member Measure K Citizen Advisory Committee [I guess to suggest ways to use the money]. If you'd like to be considered for the committee, get in touch with a city councilmember: https://is.gd/P1a4rI

~  City crews are planting about 40 Brisbane Box trees along Madison Avenue, adjacent to Monrovia High School, to replace trees that were removed during sidewalk improvement. Plans for planting trees along the front of the school are still in development as a part landscape improvements at the High School.

~ Holiday Home Contest is coming up. Friday, December 13 is the application deadline. Details here: https://is.gd/tXSw0E

~ Nervous about flooding during the rainy season? Get sandbags here: Public Works Department: 600 S. Mountain, Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fire Station 101: 141 E. Lemon, Monday - Thursday  7 a.m.to 6 p.m.; Community Center: 119 W. Palm, Monday -Thursday (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Friday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) And gravel to fill them with (bring shovels, gloves, and eye protection) at Skate Park parking lot: 847 E. Olive.

- Brad Haugaard

Thomas the Formal Feline Is Curious and Sweet

It's no secret that we've been getting really into the holidays probably way too early this year. But have you thought about New Year's yet? Thomas is ready. This chill guy isn't the loud party type, but he'll still get all dressed up to watch the ball drop on TV with you. When he's not in his formalwear, Thomas enjoys playing with wand toys, and although he doesn't go into hardcore zoomie mode like a kitten, your heart will melt seeing him bat at the ribbon on a stick. He's a curious boy, and if you visit him in our communal cat room, he'll probably come right out to the middle of the room to say hi and get some head pets. Come meet this sweet guy today and celebrate the holidays with him.

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

Burgerim on Myrtle Hiring

The new Burgerim at 406 S. Myrtle is hiring “fun, energetic“ people. Open interviews Nov. 19, 29, and 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 358-4888 or apply at https://www.burgerim.com/careers/

- Brad Haugaard 

Citrus College wins Marketing and PR Awards

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, was recently awarded top honors from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 6. NCMPR is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior and technical colleges.

The college's office of communications and external relations was presented with five Medallion Awards during the organization's District 6 Conference in Park City, Utah, in late September. The awards recognize outstanding achievement and excellence in design and communication, with winners receiving gold, silver and bronze designations. Citrus received gold, silver and bronze in the outdoor media category; gold in the postcard category; and silver in the social media category.

Melissa Utsuki, executive director of communications and external relations, said, "It is rewarding to be recognized for the great work we do for Citrus College."

Also, Doug Schultz, Citrus's communications supervisor, was named the District 6 "Rising Star" recipient for 2019. This award recognizes newcomers who have demonstrated special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations, and who show evidence of a promising future in the field.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at T Burger

Lunch at T Burger, on the south side of Foothill just east of Magnolia. Got the Chef Salad for $8.99 and an iced tea for $2.39. Nice salad. Fresh and tasty. I cut up the tomatoes and bell peppers a bit more to suit my style. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Holiday Sounds Dec. 7 in Library Lobby

- Brad Haugaard

Plymouth Elementary School Students Display Coding Skills

Plymouth Elementary students demonstrated how they created animated characters for digital stories and video games during the school's annual Epic Build Showcase on Nov. 15, an event that celebrated the school's computer science immersion program, Code to the Future.

"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

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

Citrus College Again Honored as Good School for Hispanic Students

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, is one of the top colleges and universities in the nation for Hispanic students, according to an annual list published by the Hispanic Outlook on Education.

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'

Roy is such a smart dog! This six-year-old pup has his Blue Ribbon, which means he knows sit, down, and stay. He also knows shake (with both paws! Wow!). His favorite game is called Endless Fetch, and he’ll play it for as long as you’re able to throw. And even when he’s playing Endless Fetch, he knows even MORE cues, such as “drop it” and “wait”. He’s been described as a “delightful dog” by our volunteers. If a smart dog who loves learning new things is exactly what you’re looking for, then come meet Roy!

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

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/xB3aN0) the Monrovia City Council will consider a proposal that will let the old phone company building on the north side of Lime just east of Myrtle to be converted into  a self-storage facility with storefronts on the ground floor.

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

Bradoaks Transitioning to Science-Emphasis School - Holds Moon Party

Bradoaks Elementary second-grader Brendon Rose held onto the lens of a powerful telescope and searched the stars for a glimpse of Saturn, Jupiter and Venus during a “Telescopes in the Sky” Moon Party family event that celebrated the school's effort to transition to a science emphasis school.

“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