Christmas Tree Pick-Up

The city says ... Curbside Christmas Tree Recycling will be available from Dec. 26 - Jan. 11. Please place your tree curbside on your regular trash collection day. In order for your tree to be picked up, all ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, nails, lights, and plastic or metal stands need to be removed. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Something a bit different this year. I liked this little Christmas devotional thought by Robert Hawker, an English cleric from the 1800s. Hope you do, too. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Drive Sober

Arcadia Police sent a reminder that through New Year’s Day the Arcadia Police Department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. I'm sure Monrovia PD will also be on the lookout.

- Brad Haugaard

Molly: Friendly, Loving, and Happy

Friendly, loving, and happy – do these sound like three adjectives you need in your life? Then come meet Molly! This beautiful tabby was brought in to the shelter after her owner died and no one else in the family could take her in. She’s only three years old and would love to find her forever home for the new year. If you’re looking for an all-around great cat, Molly is ready to wow you!

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

Auditions for 'A Little Night Music' on Jan. 12-14

Auditions for The Jewish Federation's JFed Players' Spring 2020 production, A Little Night Music, will be held Sunday, Jan. 12, from 2-4 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13, 14, from 7-9 p.m. Auditions are at the Jewish Federation, 114A Lime Ave. in Monrovia.

Set in 1900 Sweden, A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress, Desirée Armfeldt, and the two men who love her: a lawyer, and a Count. When Desirée performs in Fredrik's town, their passion rekindles, inciting a flurry of jealousy and suspicion between Desirée; Fredrik; Fredrick's very young wife, Anne; Desirée's current lover, the Count; and the Count's wife, Charlotte.

Both men - as well as their jealous wives - agree to join Desirée and her family for a weekend in the country at Desirée's mother's estate. With everyone in one place, infinite possibilities of new romances and second chances bring endless surprises.

For more information call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

Source: Jewish Federation press release

- Brad Haugaard

School Superintendent Thorossian's December Update

Dear Monrovia Unified School District community,

In December, I reflect upon the year – both successes and failures – before resolving to attain perfection in the new year. I am proud of our many accomplishments and recognize that nothing is accomplished without a team comprised of expert, determined, and thoughtful like-minded individuals committed to realizing their goal.

The Monrovia Unified School District is fortunate to have so many such individuals, accompanied by an equally committed, supportive, and hard-working community.

Monrovia Unified has received many notable awards and accomplishments over the years, including a variety of prestigious California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards for model programs and services. This month, the District received a Golden Bell Award at the CSBA Annual Education Conference for our Early College Program.

The Golden Bell Award recognizes outstanding programs and governance practices in school Districts and reflects the District’s effort to provide programs for students that lead to academic success.

At the conference, Monrovia Unified trustees participated in panels and gave presentations on how intervention and support programs are building stronger ties with parents, which in turn boosts student achievement.

The CSBA conference was the perfect event to culminate a successful first half of the school year – highlighting the strength of our programs as a model for instruction and parent engagement. Indeed, Monrovia Unified recognizes the power of its community support and partnerships as a key element in our students’ continued success.

Our commitment to ensuring that success has been showcased throughout the last few months.

At the beginning of the school year, Monrovia Unified’s Board of Education came together to celebrate the Grand Reopening of Wildcat stadium. The celebration highlighted the renovation done over summer.

At Monrovia High School, our WorkAbility and Transition Partnership program gained attention for its MHS Roasters program, which teaches students job skills and opens doors to job opportunities from local business partners.

In October, the District hosted its Inaugural State of the Schools Address, which outlined plans for student support and success. Ending the State of the Schools Address, Monrovia Unified premiered our District’s showcase video, which gave a look into student academic success and culture.

Our students continue to excel in programs such as our Spanish and Mandarin Dual-Language Immersion, robotics, coding, athletics, and more!

Thank you to all our Monrovia Unified team members who play critical roles in delivering the tools students need to succeed – from our dedicated staff to our talented teachers to our steadfast administrators. It is a true honor to witness your commitment to our students and the achievements that commitment helps inspire.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones, and I look forward to joining you all when we return in 2020 for the remainder of our highly successful school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Former Monrovia Teacher and Principal, Byron Greer, Has Died

Today, December 20, 2019, Monrovia Unified School District honors the legacy of former MUSD educator, Mr. Byron Greer, by lowering all District flags to half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Byron served over 40 years in MUSD as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal- primarily at Monrovia High School and Clifton Middle School. His efforts and impact on those fortunate enough to have known him will always be cherished. We find it only fitting to commemorate his life and service to the students and staff of Monrovia with this tribute.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Gueros

Lunch at Los Gueros, on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. Got the Seafood Soup for $15.95 and an iced tea for $2.95.  It was good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Gives Presentation at School Boards Association Conference

Monrovia Unified School District representatives gave presentations on how intervention and support programs are building stronger ties with parents to boost student achievement during the California School Boards Association's (CSBA) 2019 Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show held Dec. 5-7 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The conference featured over 120 workshops on topics that included teaching and learning, advocacy, engagement and community relations, equity, opportunity and access, wellness and safety, and funding, finance and facilities. Monrovia Unified School District was selected to present two of those workshops.

Monrovia Unified Board of Education Clerk Maritza Travanti, Director of Counseling, College, and Career Dr. Catherine Real, and Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian gave a workshop on how the District's Wellness Center Model supports students in all District schools by establishing community-based partnerships. 

"Monrovia Unified wants to share with our partners in education what we are doing right, as well as learn from our partners what we can do better," Travanti said. "The Annual Education Conference is a great opportunity for us to expand our knowledge and bring back new ideas to help our students succeed."

More than 3,000 school board trustees attended the conference to collaborate with their colleagues, participate in workshops and hear keynote speeches from distinguished guests, such as physicist and futurist, Dr. Michio Kaku and Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Ron Suskind. 

Monrovia Unified Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sue Kaiser and Instructional Specialist Stacy Wilkins also presented a workshop on the District's supplemental summer intervention programs in reading and math, targeting students two or more years behind in achievement. The programs result in students completing an estimated six months of learning in just four weeks. 

The highlight of the conference was the presentation of Monrovia Unified School District's 21st Golden Bell Award for its Early College Program at Monrovia High School. The Golden Bell is awarded for innovative programs that have yielded positive results for students in the State of California.

In receiving the award, then Board President Ed Gililland said, "This award reflects the vision of this Board of Education in creating opportunities for students which will promote their success in college and in their future career choices."

"Our District is a community dedicated to student achievement, and what better place to share, study, and seek new approaches to educating our students than at the California School Board's annual conference?" Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Monrovia Unified is proud have presented at this year's conference and to collaborate with our colleagues who are just as excited about education as we are."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Conference Call First, Then Report Burglary in Progress; Resident Finds Grenade While Gardening; Fake Bail Scam; Package Theft Suspect Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 12-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 12:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Colorado regarding a report of possible drug activity. They arrived and contacted a male subject to the front of the location. The subject walked away from officers and discarded methamphetamine. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance / False Information – Suspects Arrested
December 12 at 4:18 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a female suspect run out of a business who was being followed by store employees. The suspect entered a vehicle and fled the area. A traffic stop was conducted and the suspect admitted to the theft. She was arrested and taken into custody. During the booking process, it was discovered she also had methamphetamine hidden on her person. A passenger in the car lied to officers about his identity and was also arrested for providing false information.

Theft of Package / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 4:44 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Alta Vista called police to report a male subject had taken packages from her neighbor’s porch. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The packages were located and returned to their owner. It was discovered the suspect also had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 7:12 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of W. Olive regarding a family member causing a disturbance. The caller stated that when he came home that evening his brother was outside yelling. He told his brother to come inside and be quiet, but they became involved in an argument and the police were called. The investigation revealed the brother had warrants for his arrest. Once officers arrived, he was detained and arrested for the warrants.

Theft From a Vehicle / Fraud
December 13 at 8:59 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut called police to report his wallet was stolen from his vehicle. His credit cards were used at several business locations. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 13 at 11:58 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Sombrero called to report his vehicle had been broken into while it was parked in the driveway. A window was smashed on the vehicle and a canvas tool bag containing tools was taken from inside. Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary
December 13 at 1:29 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a resident in the 200 block of Melrose stating his neighbor’s home had just been burglarized. Four male suspects in a white Kia arrived and went around to the back yard. The suspects were wearing masks or hoods and they left carrying bags of belongings out to the waiting vehicle. The witness did not call police right away as he was on a conference call. The home owner responded to the location. Entry into the home was gained through a window in the back yard. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting / Parole Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 13 at 4:15 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a subject was being detained for shoplifting. Officers arrived and discovered the subject also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from parole. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
December 14 at 2:12 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of W. Chestnut. The victim parked his vehicle the day before and when he returned the following day, his vehicle was gone. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 14 at 2:41 p.m., an injury traffic collision occurred in the 400 block of W. Foothill. A motorist was parked in a stall with the driver's door open. She was standing next to the door when another motorist attempted to park next to her and struck the driver's door mirror. This caused the door to swing back and hit the other driver on the head. She sustained a minor laceration. Monrovia paramedics arrived on scene and treated her for her injuries. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 5:24 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte when he was notified of a stolen vehicle traveling ahead of him. Officers located the vehicle as it was entering the 210 Freeway at Myrtle, heading west. A traffic stop was initiated and the vehicle exited at Santa Anita and yielded. One female suspect was taken into custody. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 15 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

LASD Bomb Squad Response
December 15 at 10:21 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of N. Magnolia was gardening when she came upon a grenade in her backyard. She picked up the grenade, placed it into a cement pot and called the Monrovia Police Department. Officers had the residents evacuate the home. LASD Bomb Squad was notified and responded to the location. The grenade was found to be inert and was removed. No other evacuations were needed.

Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
December 15 at 2:01 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report two male subjects had concealed jeans on their person and exited the store without any attempts to pay for the merchandise. They were detained by loss prevention. Officers arrived and learned that one of the subjects had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 15 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Palm when he saw a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
December 16 at 7:53 a.m., a caller reported their vehicle was stolen while it was parked in the area of Fifth and Duarte. An officer responded and completed a report. Shortly after the report was completed, Arcadia Police Department located the vehicle and the occupants were arrested.

Suspicious Person / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 12:34 p.m., security for a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a suspicious male subject in their parking lot who they recognized as stealing merchandise from one of their stores in another city. As officers responded, the suspect fled in a vehicle without taking any merchandise. Officers stopped the suspect and a computer check revealed he had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. His identity was provided to the neighboring police agency for their theft investigation.

Suspicious Person / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 1:09 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious female loitering in the south alley in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located the subject. A computer check revealed she had two warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
December 18, at 1:38 p.m., an elderly female resident who lives in the 300 block of W. Palm received a telephone call from a male suspect who said he had her daughter in jail with a bail for a large sum of money. He told her if she wanted her daughter out, she would have to pay the cash bail. The victim went to her bank and withdrew the requested amount. The suspect met her at her house and she gave him the cash. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 18 at 3:33 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Foothill and Fifth. Officers responded and found both drivers had minor visible injuries and paramedics responded. Both subjects were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

New Year's Eve in Monrovia

Coming up after Christmas:

Noon Year's Eve family event Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Library Park. For details call Community Center at 245-8246.

New Year's Eve on Myrtle Avenue, from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Child care at Monrovia Community Center (Residents $25, non-residents $50).

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Home and Business Decorating Winners

Here are the winners of this year's home (and business) decorating contest. See map full size here: https://is.gd/64jjz2

2019 Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners

• Best Still Display Award - 214 South Alta Vista
• Best Outdoor Display - 333 Norumbega Drive
• Most Effective Use of Lighting Award - 380 Norumbega Drive
• Best Neighborhood Effort Award - Valmont Drive and Valmont Place
• Santa’s Workshop Award - 436 North Primrose Avenue
• Holiday Spirit Award - 2400 & 2500 Block of Rochelle Avenue
• Children’s Choice Award - 309 North Madison Avenue
• Judges Award - 300 Block of North Alta Vista Avenue

2019 Old Town Merchant Window Decorating Contest Winners

• Best Holiday Display – Paint N Play
• Most Spectacular – Monrovia Floral
• Judge’s Award – Monrovia Chamber of Commerce
• Honorable Mention - St. Clair Bridal
• Honorable Mention – Sugarland

- Brad Haugaard

Chase: A Real Cool Dog! No Drama

Two-year-old Chase is a real cool guy! He’s happiest when he’s around people, and his smile is cute as a button. He’s gone on a number of Foster Field Trips with our volunteers, and has been a calm and well-behaved boy on all of them. Whether he’s relaxing with you at home while you work, or going in the car with you to local pet stores and dog-friendly restaurants, Chase will fit in with every aspect of your life!

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

Need a Book for a Gift? Library's Bookstore Is Open

Looking for a Christmas gift for a bibliophile? "The only bookstore in town" - the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Book Store in the Library is open Monday - Saturday, noon - 4:30 p.m. All proceeds  fund library programs such as Summer Reading, Veterans programs, the Makerspace Collection, and the Chinese Language Collection.

- Brad Haugaard

Donate to Help Injured Veterans

The Library's Veterans Resource Center is partnering with the local American Legion Women's Auxiliary to support military personnel who are hospitalized from injuries sustained during service. They are collecting:

• White socks for men and women
• Coloring books for adults
• Coloring pencils, markers, pens
• Board and card games for adults

Drop donations in the large blue box in the Library's main lobby. For questions contact Mabel Cross, Adult Services Librarian, at 256-8294.

- Brad Haugaard

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