Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia High Soccer Star Playing in NCAA Championship with Cal State LA

Antonio Rosas grew up playing soccer in Monrovia, where he earned accolades for his performances on the pitch.

Now, he is a member of the starting team for a Cal State LA Golden Eagles squad that will be making the program's first appearance in an NCAA Division II championship match since 1981 on Saturday at noon (PST) at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. He will conclude his college career on the grandest stage possible after a steady climb to the top.

Rosas was named the Rio Hondo League Most Valuable Player as a senior at Monrovia High School. He is now a senior defender for the Golden Eagles and a key reason for the program's success.

For Rosas, the road to the NCAA championship has not been easy.

He wasn't even certain that he would play collegiate soccer after enrolling as a student at Cal State LA in 2014. He said he initially planned on sticking solely to his academic pursuits, but he got the itch to play competitive soccer and he joined the Golden Eagles' soccer program in 2015, following a tryout.

"We knew he was raw, but he was extremely coachable," head coach Chris Chamides said. "We saw potential in him; what impressed us all was how hard he worked. He's learned the game and stays very simple. He's a rock for us and has become very strong both mentally and physically."

Rosas got his first game action in 2016 and has been a huge part of the Golden Eagles' defense ever since. He will be appearing in his 75th game on Saturday. As a freshman, he appeared in 14 games with 11 starts. He has started 60 games over the past three seasons. He has been a big part of a defense that has posted 15 shutouts this season and is second in the nation in goals against average.

He earned third-team All-West Region honors in each of the past two seasons and picked up second-team All-CCAA honors in 2018 and All-CCAA honorable mention in 2019.He has scored four goals in his Golden Eagle career with two assists and a total of 10 points.

Rosas said his introduction to college soccer was eye-opening.

"It was very professional and I really felt I needed to do a lot of work," Rosas said. "I saw everyone else around me and realized I had to get a lot better."

Rosas earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and is pursuing his master's degree.

Together, Rosas and his teammates of the last four years have been a part of 58 victories for Cal State LA with one Super Region championship, one CCAA regular-season championship and two CCAA Tournament titles.

He would love nothing more than one more victory together and an even bigger championship on Saturday.

Source: Cal State LA press release

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: New Rules for Shutting Off Your Water; Fire Chief Recognized

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/T76G7e) the City Council will ...

~ Consider new rules for turning off people's water if they don't pay. First, you get a monthly bill showing what you haven't paid. Then, if you don't pay by the 70th day, the city will mail you a shut-off notice. If you don't pay by the 77th day, you get a door hanger. If you don't pay by the 82nd day, your water will be switched off on the 83rd day. https://is.gd/S1yxjt

~ Recognize Fire Chief Brad Dover for successfully completing the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Executive Fire Officer Program. https://is.gd/nCEr5R

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Hon Sushi

Lunch at Hon Sushi, in the Vons shopping center. Got the One-Item Lunch Special with chicken katsu and miso soup (not shown) for $9.50 and an iced tea for $2  It was all fresh and tasty and I was surprised that the single item option filled me up. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Blue Christmas Service for Those Who are Blue

Monrovia’s Vineyard Church (223 S Encinitas Ave.) will hold a Blue Christmas service for those who are hurting. 

“You are not alone.  Blue Christmas is a gentle, contemplative service for those who are carrying pain or loss during this season of celebration.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Canyon Oaks High School Staff Serve Thanksgiving Dinner to Students

Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park staff served about 160 students a Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, a host of side dishes, and pumpkin and apple pies, all in honor of a 10-year tradition that celebrates community, perseverance and kindness.

"Our teachers really care about us because they don't have to prepare this awesome meal, but they do," senior Justin Cardona said. "It gives me and I'm sure, everyone else here, a more positive outlook."

The tradition began when current Monrovia High School Associate Principal Fil Lujan, who was a Canyon Oaks teacher at the time, discovered that almost half of his class had never enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal, so he decided to cook a turkey for his students. Soon, everyone was joining in.

Flint Fertig, Director of Alternative Programs and Adult Education, said that it is about more than just the meal.

"It shows, truly, how much we care about the students and their educational experience, their emotional experience and their overall well-being," Fertig said. "We are a small school, but we have a strong community that cares about its students."

Community volunteers, retired staff, Board of Education President Ed Gililland, Board Vice President Rob Hammond and Board Member Selene Lockerbie all pitched in to help serve students a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

"This is what being a part of a community is all about, especially in education; parents, teachers, staff and administration coming together to support our students," Board of Education President Ed Gililland said.

After the meal, staff took leftovers to Union Station and donated to the homeless.

"Monrovia Unified School District believes students thrive in an environment of support, not only academically, but emotionally, and Canyon Oaks exemplifies this thoroughly," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "We are thankful for our staff and volunteers who give their time to show our students are valued members of the school community."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglar Swipes Old Skateboard; Tailgater Causes Accident; Christmas Package Theft; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 5-11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 386 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
December 5 at 7:23 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Colorado called police to report items had been taken from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his residence. The next morning he found the vehicle ransacked and a small amount of cash left in the vehicle was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 5 at 7:00 p.m., a caller reported two vehicles had just collided into one another at the intersection of Huntington and Primrose, causing one vehicle to overturn. Officers arrived with Paramedics, however, no one was found to be injured. A collision investigation was conducted, and the driver at fault was issued a citation for failure to yield at a stop sign.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 7:00 p.m., a motorist went around a police barricade on Maple at Primrose that was set up for the holiday parade. A parking enforcement officer stopped and contacted the driver, who was believed to be intoxicated. When the parking officer called for a police officer to assist, the driver fled the area, heading south on Primrose. Officers stopped the driver two blocks away. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 5 at 8:26 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista reported someone just shot a BB through one of the windows of his home, completely shattering it. Officers responded, but no suspects were located. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
December 6 at 7:44 a.m., a burglary was reported at an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. Foothill. Unknown Suspects broke the frame around the complex laundry room door to gain entry. Four washing machines were broken into and coins were taken. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary
December 6 at 7:50 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Duarte reported a burglary that occurred sometime overnight. A suspect entered through a previously broken window and stole an old skateboard from an office. No other items were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 6 at 6:18 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Huntington and Shamrock. Officers responded and found a passenger in one of the vehicles complained of neck pain. Paramedics responded, but medical treatment was refused. Both drivers had been approaching a red light. One of the drivers admitted to following too closely and was not able to stop in time, colliding into the vehicle in front of him.

Vandalism In Progress – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 7:21 p.m., a caller reported a male subject spray painting on the public sidewalk in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers located the subject with the spray paint can next to him and fresh spray paint residue on his hands. The suspect admitted to writing graffiti on the sidewalk. After the witness positively identified the suspect, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
December 7 at 2:24 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive called police to report his vehicle had been burglarized two nights prior. He parked his car on the street in front of his house and locked all the doors. There was no sign of forced entry, but several tools were taken from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
December 7 at 7:06 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1000 block of S. Mountain. The victim left his keys on a patio table outside. In the morning, he discovered his vehicle was missing. The vehicle taken was a maroon Honda Accord.

Attempt Mail Theft / Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 7 at 6:27 p.m., a resident in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a male subject took a gift package from her neighbor’s home, but when he saw the witness, he dropped the package and fled the area on a bike. Officers responded to the area, but could not locate the suspect. An hour later, an officer patrolling the area found a male subject matching the description. The witness could not be located to identify him. The suspect was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe and he had two warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 7 at 10:35 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington, when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Vandalism
December 9 at 7:52 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Duarte walked outside his home to go to work and discovered someone had shattered one of his car windows. Nothing was taken from inside his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Bicycle
December 9 at 8:42 a.m., a guest at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported their bicycle worth $2,000 was stolen from the hotel property. The guest had locked their bike to the hotel's barbeque by the outside patio earlier that morning. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 9 at 11:05 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower discovered his vehicle had been burglarized sometime during the night. The suspect broke the door lock and took a set golf clubs, an apple watch and several other items that he had left on the front seat. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
December 9 at 1:45 p.m., a gardener doing work in the 200 block of N. Canyon reported the tools from the bed of his truck had just been stolen by two male suspects. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle. Officers responded to the area, but could not locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run, Non-injury Traffic Collision
December 9 at 5:27 p.m., a motorist reported she was just in a collision with three other motorists in the 600 block of W. Duarte. While officers were responding, one of the drivers fled the scene. Officers searched for the hit and run suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Package Theft
December 10 at 9:05 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Myrtle reported she never received her gift packages from Amazon, but was advised they were delivered to her front porch the night before. She reviewed her video and saw a male suspect taking her packages, which contained Christmas gifts. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 10 at 10:04 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of Genoa. The victim walked outside his apartment and discovered someone had burglarized his parked car sometime during the night. It is unknown how the suspect overcame the locking device for the vehicle. Several personal items were taken, including the victim's wallet. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 10 at 11:31 a.m., a motorist was involved in a collision with another motorist at the intersection of Olive and California, and had pain, but no visible injuries. Officers and paramedics responded. After investigation, the driver who caused the collision was issued a citation.

Grand Theft
December 10 at 2:42 p.m., an employee of a clothing store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported two male suspects left the store four hours earlier with a large dollar amount of merchandise and did not pay for the items. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 10 at 10:23 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim called to report he just saw a driver hit his parked vehicle and drive away. The employee wrote down the license plate, which returned to an address in Arcadia. Officers went to the location, but the vehicle was not there. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
December 11 at 5:40 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Lime called police to report his 2002 Chevy van, which had a large quantity of tools inside, was stolen from the front of his residence. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 11:35 a.m., officers were patrolling the Station Square Park in the 1600 block S. Primrose when they located a male subject who was heavily intoxicated and carrying an open alcohol container. The subject was yelling at people and was determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety or the safety of others. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Petty Theft
December 11 at 2:43 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A 93-year-old customer reported to officers that a female suspect stole the items he had just purchased out of his shopping cart. His bag of merchandise also included his wallet, identification, credit cards and money. He was unable to chase after her, but yelled for help. Employees ran to assist him, but the female suspect was already gone. Officers responded and were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Winter Edition of Monrovia Today Now Online

Your winter copy of Monrovia Today magazine should be arriving in your mailbox shortly. In the meantime you can take a look at the online edition: https://is.gd/6nwrMk

- Brad Haugaard

Newspaper Reports Bob Bartlet Mosaic Vandalized By Man With Machete

Monrovia Weekly reports that a vandal with a machete defaced the mosaic of former Monrovia mayor Bob Bartlett at the train station. The artist estimates it'll cost $3,500 to fix. https://is.gd/XzIxe3

- Brad Haugaard

YMCA Winter Wonderland Festival Friday

Santa Anita Family YMCA (501 S. Mountain) is sponsoring a free Winter Wonderland Festival on Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m. Games and healthy activities, gingerbread house building, family board games, sugar cookie decorating, arts and crafts, photo booth.

- Brad Haugaard

Walking Tour of Old Monrovia

Pasadena Walking Tours is offering a tour of downtown Monrovia this Saturday, Dec. 14, for $20. Here's its description:

"With small town charm and a bustling downtown district, you may have seen Monrovia as a filming location for Picket Fences or Netflix's Bird Box. We will go beyond the beautiful scenery to bring you the rich and fascinating history of LA's fourth-oldest city. From railroad builder William Monroe to Samson the Hot Tub Bear, Monrovia has been home to many illustrious citizens, and has residential and commercial architecture that traces the history of Southern California from the 1880s to the present!"
Tour meets at the southeast corner of Library Park, at Myrtle and Lime, in front of the Christmas Tree. Details and tickets: https://is.gd/11kM98

- Brad Haugaard

No More Risque Entries in Parade; Warning to Old Town Merchants; Vacancy on Historic Preservation Commission

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

~  With 108 parade entries in the Christmas parade, we "smashed the previous record of 80." However, Feik also draws a few lessons from the event:

1. Because one of the entries in the Christmas Parade, a vehicle with "risqué and quite inappropriate imagery on the exterior" [I saw it - a VW with a nude woman], the city is tightening its application process, check-in and registration, "to ensure inappropriate floats are not permitted to participate."

2. The city is going to review its policies regarding street vendors to "balance the need to provide efficient, effective public safety while also allowing businesses to vend."

3. It'll also review its safety policy. "To avoid viewers running into the parade route, our parade policy does not permit participants to throw items into the crowd. Some entries did manage to distribute goodies."

~ "Over the past month, the City has received an increase in the number of complaints that some Old Town merchants are not properly disposing of their trash or maintaining their trash enclosures.  In response, City staff sent out letters to all merchants as a reminder of the rules and of their responsibilities."

~ With the death of Historic Preservation  Commissioner Bruce Carter, there is a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission. If you'd like to be considered for the position submit an application by 6 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 16. Questions? Call the City Clerk's Office at 932-5599.

- Brad Haugaard

Toddler Prom Winter Ball Tomorrow

Monrovia Public Library will hold its Toddler Prom Winter Ball tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. Dress kids in prom dresses and formal wear. Parents and guardians are encouraged to dress up too. There will be a winter themed story-time, some music and dancing, light refreshments, and a photo-booth. This event is for children ages 0-5 and their families. https://is.gd/ECfSjV

- Brad Haugaard

Here's Santa's Monrovia Schedule

Santa will be touring each Monrovia neighborhood on a decorated fire engine passing out candy canes, escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh.

To ride with Santa, be at Monrovia City Hall's back parking lot at 5 p.m. on a tour night. Participation is first-come first-served. Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Wear warm clothing.

Note: An earlier version of this was incorrect. I've updated it with information from the city, in blue.

The schedule:

Monday, Dec. 16, east of Myrtle and north of Foothill.

Tuesday, Dec. 17, west of Myrtle, south of Foothill to Huntington, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, east of Myrtle and south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, to east city boundary.

Thursday, Dec. 19, west of Myrtle and north of Foothill.

Friday, Dec. 20, from Huntington to south city boundary, west of Myrtle to Fifth. Also Valley Circle.

- Brad Haugaard

Parm Wants a Quiet Home in the Sun

Parm came into the shelter with SIX kittens, and now she's ready to be adopted. This young mama kitty isn't thinking about PTA meetings or college tuition, she's just dreaming about a quiet home where she can lay in the sun or curl up on the couch. And if this home has unlimited treats, so much the better. If her kitten-like appearance and cheese-themed name don't draw you in, maybe the cute little dot on her nose will?

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

Candidates for Monrovia City Council

Here are the candidates (https://is.gd/FckZLv) who have filed to appear on the ballot for city council next year:

• Tom Adams (incumbent)
• Becky Shevlin (incumbent)
• Gloria Crudgington (incumbent)
• Melissa Taylor (challenger)
• Stephen Grollnek (challenger)
• Donna Baker (challenger)

- Brad Haugaard

A Valmont Christmas

As always, Valmont Drive in North Monrovia does it up right for Christmas.

Drive north on Norumbega from Foothill. It’s on the left. If you get to a bridge, turn around, you just passed it. 

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board Reorganization; Big Bucks on Batteries; Jennifer Maljian 'Teacher of the Year'

The Monrovia Board of Education will hold its organizational meeting this next Wednesday (https://is.gd/2zzkoT) to decide which board members will hold which offices. Normally, the board vice president, that's Rob Hammond, rotates into the role of board president.

Also, the board will consider spending $36,594.80 on batteries, a power distribution unit, and licensing. Wow! Must be some special batteries. (Probably not like those pictured :-)  https://is.gd/ZYdlvN

At a special 5 p.m. session the board and personnel commission will honor Jennifer Maljian as the "2019 Teacher of the Year for Monrovia Unified School District." https://is.gd/URlDoq

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at 1776

Lunch at 1776, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Lemon. Got the LA Dog for $10 and an iced tea for $2. The dog was bacon-wrapped, so delicious. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Parade

Big crowd along Myrtle for the Christmas parade. 

Monrovia High band...

Horse carriages...

Panda bears, and lots more. 

- Brad Haugaard