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Coronavirus Notice: Don't Send Sick Children to School

Dear Monrovia Unified Community,

On Jan. 21, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the first case of the new coronavirus found in the United States and, since then, two cases have been confirmed in California. Reports confirm that the two known California patients are receiving treatment in the hospital.

Though the CDC has labeled the virus low risk, our district nurse immediately contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for any additional information they could provide. Their recommendation, which we have since shared with all staff members, is to watch for symptoms which include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

According to the LA County Department of Public Health, "there is no immediate threat to the general public, no special precautions are required.”

The LA County of Public Health is working alongside the CDC, ensuring travelers who recently visited Wuhan, China and who are experiencing a fever or respiratory illness symptoms are tested for the virus and receive care. The CDC advises those traveling to China avoid contact with sick people, to avoid animals, animal markets, and to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If you have recently visited Wuhan City, it is recommended you contact a healthcare provider and receive care if you become ill within 14 days of your return. While there is no cure for the virus, healthcare providers can treat the symptoms and minimize the transmission.

While attendance is important for student success, our priority is health and safety. As always, we advise parents to not send their children to school if they are sick. This ensures your child is able to get the proper care and rest they need and protects the health and wellness of our students and staff.

We will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates should any new information come to light.

For more information on the coronavirus, visit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention: cdc.gov/wuhan and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: http://publichealth.lacountry.gov/media/Coronavirus.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Book Club Discussions at the Library

Enjoy reading? The Novel Ts Book Club meets at the Library on the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Library Community Room, for a book discussion. Here's what's coming up:

January 28 - To The Lighthouse by Virginia Wolf
February 25 - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
March 24 - There There by Tommy Orange
April 28 -  The Winter of our Discontent by John Steinbeck

- Brad Haugaard

Khufu: Statuesque Beauty and No Barking - Just Snorting

Khufu was named after an Egyptian pharaoh, and you can see why – she’s got the statuesque beauty of a sphinx! She’s such a sweetie, and loves when people sit on the floor and talk to her. And although she loves walks, she’d be happy to be your couch potato buddy. The cutest thing about her might be that she doesn’t really bark, but she makes adorable snorting sounds. If Khufu sounds like the perfect dog, it’s because she is!

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

Monrovia High Open House Showcases Various Student Pathways

Monrovia High School hosted its annual Open House while showcasing scholastic academies, career technical education (CTE) pathways, visual and performing arts programs and extracurricular activities on Jan. 15, giving Monrovia Unified students and their parents a comprehensive overview of what it means to be a Wildcat.

"If you have a passion, we are here to help you connect to it," Principal Kirk McGinnis said. "You will always be a Cougar or a Cub, but when you come to Monrovia High, we are all Wildcats. We all work together to succeed."

Families spoke with teacher and student representatives from Monrovia's Math and Science, Humanities and Digital Arts academies, Theater Arts Conservatory, Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Advanced Placement and eight CTE programs.

Club life, elective classes, student leadership and extracurricular activities were well represented, with students and faculty detailing a diverse array of campus life - including robotics, dual immersion, Renaissance leadership and band.

"Monrovia's Open House is a way to make our new students feel welcome, meet their new classmates, and lessen the anxiety of beginning high school," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "It also gives our high school students a chance to show their leadership skills by promoting the classes and activities that resonate with them."

Monrovia junior Marc Altamirano pitched the perks of enrolling in French class and joining the French club, which includes celebrating the French Epiphany - the date of the Three Kings - and eating traditional French pastries such as Galette des Rois.

"French class is really fun; I highly recommend it," Altamirano said. "The focus is on comprehension and immersion. We listen to a lot of French music and watch French New Wave cinema. Each week we come in and try to describe our weekend entirely in French."

The Open House was the first step in preparing incoming freshmen for high school. On Jan. 16-17, MHS reps traveled to Clifton and Santa Fe middle schools to make program presentations. A campus tour for all eighth-graders is scheduled for Feb. 4. Fall registration begins July 15 and new freshman orientations will be held Aug. 10

"The Monrovia High Open House is a community event, and it's not unusual to see MHS alumni here with their children, talking with their former teachers and just as excited as their kids," Board of Education Vice President Bryan Wong said. "Our mission is to provide equity and opportunity to every student and encourage them to find the academic path that will help them to become lifelong learners."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Diplomat

Dinner at The Diplomat, on the north side of Lemon just east of Myrtle. Got the Chicken Fattoush Salad for $14 and a beer for $5. Excellent!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Helicopter Assists in Arresting Two Following Pursuit and Crash; Police Pursue, Arrest Car-Theft Suspect; Jewelry Burglarized from Myrtle Store; Vehicle Burglar Drives Caddy

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 382 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
January 16 at 9:30 a.m., a petty theft was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte. The victim called police to report items were stolen from their unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The victim’s wallet and garage remote control were taken. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 16 at 11:58 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Foothill. There was video surveillance that showed a white Cadillac Escalade pulled up next to the victim’s parked vehicle and a passenger exited and smashed two of the vehicle windows. Two iPads were stolen from inside the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Warrant / Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
January 17 at 12:21 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mayflower and Fano when he saw two subjects he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had two outstanding warrants. There was also a restraining order protecting the other subject from the subject with the warrants. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants and violating the restraining order.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 17 at 7:08 a.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision near the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. A motorist was stopped at the railroad tracks, facing south, and another motorist rear-ended the stopped vehicle. One of the drivers complained of pain and was treated at the scene by Monrovia Paramedics.

Grand Theft Auto / Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
January 17 at 8:44 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of S. Myrtle, when he was notified of a stolen vehicle in the area. The officer located the vehicle traveling north on Myrtle and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not yield. A pursuit ensued until the vehicle went down a dead-end driveway and had to stop. A high-risk felony stop was conducted, and the solo occupant was arrested for grand theft auto and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
January 18 at 2:52 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a female subject had concealed merchandise in her purse and exited the store without purchasing the items. She was detained by loss prevention and the property was recovered. Officers arrived, conducted an investigation and the female was arrested for shoplifting.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 18 at 4:09 p.m., a motorist was traveling north on Peck, approaching Longden, and another vehicle was traveling west on Longden, approaching Peck. The motorist traveling north failed to stop at the stop sign and collided into the other motorist. One of the drivers complained of pain to his leg and was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation for the traffic violation.

Drug Activity / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Cited
January 18 at 7:34 p.m., a resident in the 2600 block of California called to report a male and female subject that were possibly selling drugs from a parked vehicle. They reported people were approaching the vehicle and it appeared drug transactions were being made. Officers arrived and located the male and female. The female had syringes on her person and in her belongings. She also had other drug paraphernalia in her possession. The male didn't have any contraband. The female was issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 12:51 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Lime and Myrtle when he saw a male subject lying on the sidewalk. The officers checked the subject’s well-being and discovered he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Providing False Information to a Police Officer / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 7:56 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mountain and Lime when she saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. The officer stopped the motorist for the traffic violation. The driver did not have any form of identification and there was no DMV record of him having a driver’s license. He was arrested and taken into custody in order to obtain his identify. He was eventually identified by his fingerprints. It was then discovered he had provided false information to the officer and had four outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Commercial Burglary
January 21 at 1:58 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle on an alarm activation and found the front window to the business was shattered. An interior check was conducted, but no one was found inside. A review of the video surveillance showed two suspects wearing dark clothing and hoodies shattered the front window to gain entry. One suspect entered the store, while the second suspect waited outside as a lookout. The suspect took gold jewelry and diamond rings from the display cases. The suspects were inside the store for 60 seconds. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 22 at 6:51 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of S. Fifth. The victim reported his vehicle was parked in a hotel parking lot and sometime during the night, his vehicle was taken. The vehicle was entered into the computer system as stolen and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 8:21 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male subject entered the business, concealed items on his person and exited the store without paying for the items. He was detained by employees and was cooperative. An officer arrived and conducted an investigation. The suspect was issued a citation to appear in court on the charges. The items were recovered and returned to the store.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
January 22 at 5:57 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of S. Myrtle when he received a stolen vehicle alert from his vehicle’s monitoring device. The officer stopped the vehicle and performed a felony high-risk stop. A female passenger exited the vehicle and ran. The vehicle then sped off, attempting to evade officers and crashed into a building in the 200 block of W. Foothill. At that time, the male driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter assisted and was able to locate the suspect. Officers set up a perimeter, and both the driver and passenger were located and taken into custody. The suspects were arrested for grand theft auto, felony evading, and felony hit and run.

Troubles at Burgerim

Once upon a time Monrovia was going to get two Burgerim hamburger restaurants. I'm not aware that either has opened. The company has been having very serious problems. Here's a quote from an article in Restaurant Business titled "The Burgerim Disaster":

"Burgerim was once one of the hottest, fastest-growing brands in the U.S. Then its founder left the country, leaving behind a wreckage of unpaid workers, bankrupt franchisees and others struggling to make it work."

Source: https://is.gd/WHeLIS

- Brad Haugaard

KABC Report On Monrovia's Hippie Bots Robotics Team as It Prepares for International Competition in Spain



This is the KABC report on Clifton Middle School's Hippie Bots robotics team, which is heading to Spain as the only team from the United States invited to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge Barcelona Championship.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayoral Candidate Grollnek Endorses Mayoral Candidate Taylor

Stephen Grollnek is running for mayor of Monrovia in a three-way contest with incumbent Tom Adams and challenger Melissa Taylor. But what's weird is that he has lawn signs for Melissa Taylor (also running for mayor) in his front yard, and none for himself.

Why?

Grollnek told me that he was thinking of running for mayor but found out that if he was the only challenger that the city would have to pay 80-some thousand dollars for an election.

So at first he decided not to run, but then he heard that Melissa Taylor had filed to run, so the election was on regardless.

So he decided to run.

Then he met Taylor, found that they agreed "on everything except global warming," and decided she would make a good mayor.

So why not drop out?

He said at this point he can't get his name off the ballot, and besides he wants to be at the Feb. 5 candidates forum so he can publicly come out in favor of Taylor at that time.

(Note: With 10 comments on the Monrovia Now blog or MonroviaNow's Facebook page, I think I've met the requirement to publish this. If you don't understand what I'm talking about, it really doesn't matter.) 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company Getting Into Cannabis Distribution Business

Monrovia-based Sugarmade, Inc., is getting into the cannabis delivery business and moving away from hydroponics for cannabis cultivation.

It's newly redesigned web site says, "Enjoy California's Newest Premium Cannabis Delivery Service."

Sugarmade CEO Jimmy Chan said, "We see significantly larger opportunities in the California cannabis distribution arena and have entered into advanced talks to make a strategic move into this area." https://is.gd/sNFdaT

The company's stock dropped today and closed at less than a penny per share.

- Brad Haugaard

Why Is One Mayoral Candidate Displaying the Lawn Signs of Another Mayoral Candidate?

Well, here's something you don't see every day.

Stephen Grollnek is running for mayor of Monrovia, in a three-way contest with incumbent Tom Adams and challenger Melissa Taylor.

So, since Grollnek is running against Melissa Taylor, why is he displaying HER signs in his front yard?

I called him up to ask.

He told me the whole reason but then asked me not to publish it yet unless at least 10 people comment on this article.

Hoo Boy!

Anyway, please comment so I can write the rest of this story. I think either here or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/monrovianow/) will work fine.

- Brad Haugaard

Artist Eric Watkins Paints Utility Box

Artist Eric Watkins is painting a utility box at the corner of Foothill and Magnolia with the founding fathers of Monrovia. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Artists, You Can Paint a Utility Box; Read in a Monrovia Classroom; Construction on Ivy; Canyon Park Volunteers


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

~ The utility box painting program - Art on the Box - is returning. Want to paint a box? Applications are being accepted through March for artists of all ages. General information: https://is.gd/Mx7eqY and application form: https://is.gd/EE4tMv

~  Monrovia Reads will host Read Across Monrovia on Thursday, March 5, at 8 a.m. If you would like to read a story in a classroom, fill out this application: https://is.gd/thI41S. If you need help picking a book, the Library can help.

~  Monrovia Canyon Park recognized three volunteers:  Cree Horner, Joanie Ruggles, and Carl Jack. Cree "brings a great attitude and positive vibes to our hard-working crew of trail builders." Ruggles does "everything" with a "great smile and a passion to serve." Jack has been involved in numerous projects at Canyon Park "for nearly two decades."

~  Beginning Feb. 3, SCE and other contractors will be working around Ivy next to City Hall to make improvements to aging underground equipment and infrastructure. The project should last through March and will require traffic lane and sidewalk closures. Those affected will be notified of two planned power outages. For questions call Public Works at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Sky Cat: Friendly to Everyone

Tian Mao is two years old and loves to play. Her name means "Sky Cat" in Chinese, which may be due to her owl-like features (didn't you know that owls are the cats of the sky?). This gorgeous kitty isn't just playful, she's also very friendly with everyone, even people she's just met. And unlike the owl that lives in the tree outside your house, Tian Mao loves to be pet (disclaimer: don't pet wildlife.). If you're looking for a cat that checks all the boxes, Tian Mao is the sky cat for 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

YMCA Senior Summit Luncheon

Santa Anita Family YMCA senior community will hold its second Annual Senior Summit on Friday Jan. 31 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Monrovia Y's Multipurpose room.

Executive Director, Eric Boyd, and the leadership team will discuss the plan for year 2020. Free food and drinks. Sign up today at the Welcome Center in person or email julieflores@ymcala.org. Call the Y at 359-9244 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Trying to Find Arcadia Resident

The Arcadia Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating Charles Henry Washington, a 70-year-old Arcadia resident.

On Sunday Jan. 19, at approximately 8 a.m., Washington checked out of a local hospital against medical advice. Washington returned to his home, in the 800 block of West Duarte Road. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Washington was last seen walking eastbound in the 800 block of West Duarte Road. Washington requires daily medication. Neighboring law enforcement agencies and hospitals were contacted; however, Washington has not yet been located.

Washington is described as a male, Black, 6'01" tall, 250 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Washington was last seen wearing a blue and green colored button-down shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes.

Contact Arcadia Police if you have any information: (626) 574-5151

- Brad Haugaard

Financial Auditor Gives Monrovia Schools a Thumbs Up

Monrovia School District's auditor reports that the district's finances appear to be correctly stated in its financial documents.

These statements, according to auditor Nigro and Nigro, "present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of Monrovia Unified School District, as of June 30, 2019." https://is.gd/57YMlm

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Nano Cafe

Lunch at Nano Cafe, at the corner of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Got the fried chicken off the lunch specials menu for $12.99 and an iced tea for $2.79.Came with a cup of soup (I got split pea), which was delicious, as was the rest of the meal

- Brad Haugaard 

Council to Consider 310-Unit Apartment Complex Near Train Station, Adding to Wilderness Preserve; Evaluate City Manager

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/0N3Lic) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider okaying a seven-story mixed-use residential/commercial development which would include 310 apartment units, 10,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and a three-level (two underground) 479-space parking garage. It would be take up the block just west of Myrtle and immediately south of the freeway. https://is.gd/mVLHZo

~ Consider changing the zoning for two north Monrovia properties off Highland Place (which were donated to the city) from residential to Hillside Wilderness Preserve, which basically means nobody can build on them. https://is.gd/pxzdlF

~ Evaluate (in closed session) the city manager. https://is.gd/XE8hfF

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton's Hippie Bots Is Only US Robotics Team Selected to Compete in Spain!

The 2019-20 Clifton robotics team, Hippie Bots, has been chosen as the sole representative of the United States in the FIRST Tech Challenge Barcelona Championship in Vic, Spain in February, 2020. If you'd like to help the team get to Spain (i.e. - give money), click this link: https://is.gd/NxbEAW

- Brad Haugaard