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New Playground for Mayflower School; Superintendent Honored by Defense Department

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/cJPKB6) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Buying and installing new playground equipment for Mayflower School. Included: an Arch Climber, Rock Climber, Beanstalk Climber, and Ribbon Climber. https://is.gd/lXTunx

~ Contracting with Mission Paving and Sealing to remove and replace 8,996 square feed of asphalt at Santa Fe School for $39,500. https://is.gd/ei2KGC

~  Contracting with McKinley Elevator Corporation for $34,500 to replace a wheelchair lift at Clifton Middle School. https://is.gd/0wBvrs

~ A staff report certifying that the district is "able to meet our financial obligations for the current and subsequent two fiscal years." https://is.gd/1TBeF3

~ Honoring its March Employees of the Month:

  • Renee Dakin, Instructional Aide - Bradoaks ESA
  • Erinn Dickinson, Teacher - Bradoaks ESA
  • Maria De La O, Campus Assistant - Wild Rose SOCA
  • Geovanna Loeza, Teacher - Wild Rose SOCA


Also, the board will congratulate Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian on receiving the Patriot Award from the United States Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

- Brad Haugaard

City Preps for Coronavirus

The City of Monrovia has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, but is preparing, with tasks for each city office:

City Manager's Office

The City Manager's Office is responsible for preparing public notices, press releases and communicating on behalf of the City. At this time, the City Manager's Office is preparing to provide daily updates related to COVID-19 so Monrovians know where to get latest information.

In addition, the City Manager is designated as the City's Emergency Services Director. This means that in the event a Disaster Proclamation is necessary, the manager would request the City Council to make such a proclamation if Council is in session, or may issue the proclamation when out of session, provided Council formally adopts within seven (7) days. A Disaster Proclamation recognizes the existence of a local emergency and assists the City to mobilize resources and provide emergency response.

Personnel policies and procedures, as well as general updates to employees, are also provided by the City Manager's Office. Communicating effective training, hygiene and updates are important for our first responders, public works crews and hundreds of city employees to pursue a safe working environment.

Police Department

In the police department, the Dispatch Center is handling all emergency calls as it normally would. However, dispatchers are questioning callers and determining if a call concerns a person who may have signs or symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19. This query process is helpful in determining if other first responders, such as police officer or firefighters/paramedics, should prepare for a response by using personal protective equipment recommended for COVID-19. Staff is also preparing operational activities that could be necessary if a case is confirmed in Monrovia in addition to preventative measures such as supplying vehicles/equipment with personal protective equipment and training.

Fire Department

The Fire Chief is designated as the Deputy Emergency Services Director and is largely responsible for field operations during emergency events. The department has equipped vehicles with necessary supplies and is providing coordination, training and distribution of information about the event. They coordinate with healthcare providers in the area to ensure that if someone is exposed to COVID-19, that proper communication happens between the City and agencies that need to be involved, including healthcare providers, the CDC and other regional authorities.

Public Works Department

Currently, Public Works staff is ensuring all public facilities are functioning as they normally would during regular business hours. They are working hard to ensure sufficient hand soap and paper towels are available in all locations and that trash services are being collected.

According to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the risk for contracting COVID-19 still remains low in LA County; however, all are encouraged to practice social distancing strategies that limits exposure to others who may be ill. Implementing social distancing strategies is as simple as having verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs, not sharing utensils, cups and linens and staying six feet apart from others at public events.

To further prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, it is recommended that all "high-touch" surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, trash cans, phones, remote controls, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables are frequently cleaned and disinfected. When cleaning, use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product that cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs). As always, please follow the instructions on the labels of cleaning products and disinfectants.

The City is operating in a "business as usual" context although we have made small enhancements/changes to some of our operations to address COVID-19. The City will continue to remain vigilant and committed to providing updates, information and advisories from our local, state and federal public health agencies as they become available. These updates can be seen on our website, and social media platforms: Facebook and Twitter. The next regularly scheduled update will be on Monday, March 9.

To stay up-to-date with accurate information on COVID-19, those in LA County can call 211, or view the following websites:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Global Cases Dashboard
COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment
Source: https://is.gd/9138aW

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Ikonicks

Lunch at the new Ikonicks Burgers, on the east side of Myrtle near Lime. Got “The Alpha,” a two slider meal for $9. I got the Greek lamb and the Dry-Aged Beef. Also a beer for $6. Very tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Cop Punched; Paintball Shooter Shatters Car Windows; Suspect Challenges Officer to Fight; Boyfriend Busted for Beating Girlfriend; Gang Graffiti at Station Square; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 27 - March 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 106 investigations.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 8:52 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Valle Vista called to report a female acquaintance was trying to steal a car parked in his driveway. Officers arrived and contacted the female. A computer check indicated she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Grand Theft Auto
February 27 at 12:32 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of El Nido called to report his blue Honda Insight was stolen sometime during the early morning hours. A spare key was left inside the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 2:09 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious male subject wielding an object, possibly a wrench, at a business in the 100 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject consented to a pat-down search, and while the officers were searching the subject, he suddenly turned and punched one of the officers in the face. The officers restrained the subject and took him into custody.

Embezzlement – Suspect Cited
February 27 at 2:56 p.m., a manager from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that an employee embezzled money from the business. An officer responded and questioned the suspected employee. The employee admitted to stealing cash deposits for two days. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 7:18 p.m., an intoxicated subject was reported in the 400 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description. The officers spoke with the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
February 27 at 10:05 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of E. Lemon called to report that someone shot four vehicles with a paintball gun. The reporting party did not know if the suspects were on foot or in a vehicle. Officers arrived and saw four vehicles had paint splatter on them and three windows had been shattered. At 11:05 p.m., Monrovia dispatch received another call of two additional vehicles vandalized with paintballs in the 400 block of E. Foothill, with one window also shattered. The suspect vehicle was reported as a white Honda with its lights off. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 11:13 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Magnolia and Walnut when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and it was learned that the male driver was on probation for a drug offense and had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. A search incident to arrest revealed heroin hidden beneath a seat, which the driver admitted belonged to him. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
February 28 at 4:06 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Myrtle called to report the catalytic converter was stolen off his vehicle sometime during the night. The victim had left his vehicle parked overnight on the street and did not discover the theft until late afternoon the next day. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
February 28 at 11:05 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle in the lot and went into a business. When he returned to his vehicle, he found one of the windows had been shattered and items in the vehicle were missing. Investigation continuing.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 29 at 7:47 a.m., officers responded to the area of Mayflower and Evergreen regarding a disturbed subject waving a knife around. Officers arrived and located a subject who matched the description that was provided to police dispatch. The subject had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. A search incident to arrest revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
February 29 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of King called to report a vehicle that had been parked in the area for several days. An officer arrived to investigate and recognized the vehicle as one he had taken a grand theft auto report on several days prior. The officer processed the vehicle for evidence and it was returned to the owner.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Resisting a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
February 29 at 4:37 p.m., a battery incident that just occurred was reported in front of a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. There were multiple witnesses and a good suspect description. Officers arrived and located the suspect. He immediately challenged the officer to fight, then threatened suicide by cop, resulting in a multiple officer response. The suspect was eventually restrained by officers and taken into custody. The investigation showed the battery incident rose to the level of an assault with a deadly weapon, and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 29 at 6:31 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of W. Foothill. A driver was arguing with his passenger when he struck a parked vehicle on the north side of the street. Officers responded and during the course of their investigation, they determined the driver showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. After a DUI investigation was conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 29 at 11:02 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Mountain and Royal Oaks. A motorist traveling south on Mountain was stopped at a red light waiting to make a right turn onto Royal Oaks. When the light turned green, the motorist turned and was suddenly struck by another vehicle traveling north on Mountain that ran the red light. One of the occupants complained of pain and was treated at the scene by Monrovia Paramedics. The driver at fault was issued a citation for the traffic violation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 1 at 5:48 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower called to report a domestic battery that occurred on Friday, February 28. A couple had been drinking and were involved in an argument. The argument escalated and the boyfriend head-butted and punched his girlfriend. He proceeded to kick her and pushed her to the ground. She sustained multiple bruises on her body. An investigation was conducted, and the boyfriend was located and arrested for domestic violence.

Possession of Methamphetamine and Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
March 2 at 6:40 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of E. Huntington when he saw a motorist driving a vehicle with no license plates. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver was driving with a suspended license. During a search of the vehicle and occupants, the officer found both the driver and his passenger were in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine and the type of tools commonly used to commit burglaries. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
March 2 at 9:50 a.m., the manager of a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported the store's delivery truck had been stolen sometime during the night. The vehicle is a white, 2010, Ford Ranger truck. Officers searched the area for the vehicle, but couldn't locate it. The vehicle information was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
March 2 at 1:14 p.m., an employee of a clothing store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject left the store with merchandise without paying for it. She entered a waiting vehicle and both subjects drove away. Officers searched the area, but could not locate the vehicle. The license plate was obtained for the vehicle and the investigation is continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon
March 2 at 1:35 p.m., employees of an automobile parts store in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported two male subjects were fighting at the location over a part they both wanted. During the fight, one of the subject brandished a pocket knife and cut the other subject's forearm, then fled the location. Officers and paramedics responded. The victim refused to be transported to a hospital and was treated at the scene by paramedics. The suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
March 2 at 5:02 p.m., the manager of a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported someone forced entry into two of the store's locked storage containers sometime during the weekend and took a significant amount of merchandise. The containers are kept behind the store. This investigation is continuing.

Graffiti Vandalism at Station Square
March 3 at 3:22 p.m., an officer was patrolling Station Square Park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he discovered the open bathrooms had been vandalized. The vandalism was green, gang related graffiti. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen Motorcycle
March 3 at 4:59 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill discovered someone had stolen his off-road motorcycle from the bed of his truck. Officers responded and entered the vehicle into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 4 at 10:50 a.m., a caller reported that a traffic collision just occurred at the intersection of Monterey and Huntington. Two vehicles collided in the intersection and the cause of the collision is under investigation. One party complained of pain and was treated at the scene by Monrovia Paramedics. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 11:55 a.m., a caller reported a hit and run traffic collision near Alta Vista and Duarte. A motorist struck an occupied parked vehicle, injuring the two occupants. Moments later, the suspect vehicle struck another parked vehicle near Pomona and Magnolia. Officers responded and checked the wellbeing of the injured parties. Additional officers responded and located the suspect vehicle. The driver of the suspect vehicle displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for felony hit and run and felony driving under the influence, and held for a sobering period.

Tree Tour at Library Park

On Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to noon, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden’s Botanical Information Consultant, Frank McDonough will lead "Secrets of the Quercus," a walking tour of Library Park to "uncover all of the hidden secrets of our beloved oak trees." All attendees will have a chance at winning a free copy of The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Meet in front of the Library.

- Brad Haugaard

City Tips on Avoiding Coronavirus

The City of Monrovia is reminding the community to take proper precautions as the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health (DPH) declares a local health emergency.

Earlier today, DPH confirmed six additional cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), totaling seven cases in LA County. Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, there are steps that every person can take to prevent illness.

The community is advised to:
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Get immunized against the flu to protect yourself and your family, and reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system, which may be impacted by COVID-19 concerns.
According to DPH, at this time, there is no immediate threat to the general public. Los Angeles County residents, students, workers and visitors are encouraged to engage in their regular activities and practice good public health hygiene, as this is the height of flu season.

The City of Monrovia will continue to monitor COVID-19 and update the community. To stay up-to-date with accurate information on COVID-19, view the following websites:
Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Middle School Gets a Precautionary Cleaning to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

Clifton Middle School got a deep cleaning last night after a parent came in contact with someone who have the coronavirus, though neither the parent or children showed any signs of having contracted the disease.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Prepare for Coronavirus

Dear Monrovia Unified Community,

As you may be aware, Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency on March 4 as a proactive step to more effectively prepare to respond to COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

The World Health Organization has informed the public that the illness does not appear to be easily spread by people who are not experiencing symptoms themselves. This is good news, as it means there is greater likelihood of containing the virus.

While the number of cases in the U.S. remains relatively small, experts expect the figure to grow as testing increases and more individuals seek care.

The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Monrovia Unified School District will continue to work closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in a coordinated effort to address the many issues that COVID-19 presents.

Currently, the key recommendations from public health agencies to prevent the spread of coronavirus are to thoroughly wash hands regularly and to keep symptomatic individuals home rather than go to work or school. We echo this recommendation and ask that students with any signs of respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms be kept home.

Monrovia Unified is updating protocols and preparing plans for virtual learning in the event of a prolonged emergency of any kind, including COVID-19. We will share with you any developments that affect our students, staff, families, schools, and our District.

Our team continues to discuss how student learning will continue if one or more schools are temporarily closed. We are developing strategies for providing age-appropriate, remote lessons to students, taking accessibility into consideration, as well as tools for staying connected as a community should it become necessary. We will communicate more details about what this will look like if it becomes necessary.

Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the psychological impact of this situation.

The organized worldwide response has been robust and generally encouraging. However, it has also been a challenge for students (and really our entire community) to process. This New York Times article gives some good strategies on how to talk to children about coronavirus.

I have been struck by the patience, support, and resilience I’ve seen in our community as we tackle these challenges. You are our greatest resource. Should our schools need to close or if the situation changes quickly, we will notify you directly through our regular communication tools. If the situation remains stable, we will continue to provide regular updates.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Bradoaks to Become Bradoaks Science Academy

Monrovia School District has tweeted that Bradoaks Elementary will be rededicated as Bradoaks Science Academy on March 17. "The school's new curriculum will include an integrated science-based education, cross-curricular studies and project-based learning, fostering the skills necessary for future success."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Election Results

UPDATE 2:


UPDATE: Incumbents still ahead:

Mayor:
Tom Adams, 1,885 (54.78%)
Melissa Taylor, 1,452 (42.20%)
Stephen Grollnek, 104 (3.02%)

City Council (for two contested seats):
Becky Shevlin, 2,139 (39.82%)
Gloria Crudgington, 1,973 (36.73%)
Donna Baker, 1,259 (23.44%)


=======

Incumbents are ahead in early voting:

Mayor:
Tom Adams 1,299 (57.73%
Melissa Taylor 868 (38.58%)
Stephen Grollnek 83 (3.69%)

City Council (for two contested seats):
Becky Shevlin 1,377 (39,96%)
Gloria Crudgington 1,287 (37.35%)
Donna Baker 782 (22.69%)

If you want to stay up late, here's where you can track the results: https://results.lavote.net/#year=2020&election=4085

- Brad Haugaard

DUI Checks in Monrovia March 13 and 17

The Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday night, March 13, and a DUI Saturation Patrol on March 17, both between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. for Saint Patrick’s holiday weekend.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment checking drivers for proper licensing. During the DUI Saturation Patrol, officers will be driving throughout Monrovia specifically looking for DUI drivers.

The Monrovia Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a prohibition from driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana is also impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. In 2018, the Monrovia Police Department investigated thirteen DUI related collisions, which resulted in one person killed and seventeen injured.

The Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe weekend of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
  • Always use a designated sober driver to get home – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation.
  • If you see someone who is clearly impaired about to drive, help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
  • Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and find out how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers arrested for DUI may incur costs upwards of $13,500 out of pocket. This includes court fines and fees, mandatory DUI classes, DMV license suspension, attorney fees, and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Event; News Helicopters; Earthquake Safety Grants

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

~  The Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day will take place on April 11, at Recreation Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. It will feature arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities to teen activities. music, fun, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. For additional information, contact the Department of Community Services at 256-8246.

~ If you were wondering, the helicopters during the recent bear incident were not city helicopters. (The city shares a helicopter with other local governments), but were all news helicopters. "Unfortunately," Feik writes, "it is free air space so we do not have control over the news helicopters."

~ The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program is accepting applications through March 19. This program provides homeowners up to $3,000 to strengthen their home and lessen the potential for earthquake damage. https://is.gd/wpEHRV

- Brad Haugaard

Shadow - Mature Kitties Can Still Learn New Things

Shadow was surrendered to the shelter at the age of seventeen. Originally adopted from us when she was just a year old, she hasn't known anything other than a home for sixteen years. We're excited to see her progress as a part of the Jackson Galaxy Project's #CatPawsitive program, so come see what she's been working on! Shadow is proof that a mature kitty can definitely learn new things. This beautiful girl enjoys head scratches and has so much love to give in return. Will you take her home?

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

Trader Joe's Founder Dies

The founder of Monrovia-based Trader Joe's, Joe Coulombe, has died at 89. The chain was begun in Pasadena but the headquarters later moved to Monrovia. https://is.gd/WzUftK

 - Brad Haugaard

Clifton Middle School Presents 'Fame Jr'

Clifton Middle School students will perform the play, Fame Jr., on the weekends of April 16, 17, and 18, 23 at 7 p.m., and on April 24, 25 at 5 p.m. at the Clifton Middle School Theater, 226 S. Ivy Ave. General Admission $10;  Monrovia students with ASB card, $5. Tickets available at www.onemusicstand.com/famejr beginning March 1, or at the door.

The play, based on a hit motion picture turned long-running television series, takes place at New York's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts in the 1980s and follows the bittersweet but inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work to achieve their dream of putting their name in lights. The show explores issues that confront many young people today, including prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy and perseverance.

"Clifton Middle School students are learning and exhibiting these same life skills and discipline through their process of staging Fame Jr.", says Danielle Munoz, Director & Founder of One Music Stand Voice & Production and Fame Jr. Director.

Sponsorships and program ads are also available by contacting Danielle Muñoz at onemusicstand@gmail.com. Follow the performance at @onemusicstand and www.onemusicstand.com/famejr.

- Brad Haugaard

Boba Box Coming to Myrtle and Foothill


Here’s what’s coming next at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard 

Community Garden Team Honored; Planning Kids Garden Workshop for March 7

The leadership team of the Monrovia Community Garden project at Mountainside Communion Church (at Colorado and Magnolia) has been awarded the Community Service Award by the California Parks and Recreation Society, District 13, "in recognition of outstanding service to the field of Parks and Recreation," The team was honored for its commitment to community service, maintaining the garden, teaching workshops, and helping plot holders successfully raise vegetables.

The garden leadership team, headed by Garden Director Kristin Ritzau, PhD, will host a Kids Gardening and Crafts workshop on Saturday March 7, 9-10:30 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Burger Basket

Lunch at Burger Basket, at the corner of Duarte Road and Mayflower. Got the #1 Special, a cheeseburger, fries, and soft drink for $6.50 (cash only). Good meal for.a good price. 

- Brad Haugaard 

New 302-Unit Residential Complex Planned Near Train Station

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/f9FJbR) the Monrovia City Council will consider changing the land use designation for 2.9 acres of land near the train station to "allow the construction of a new transit oriented, mixed-use residential/commercial development consisting of 302 apartment units, including 15 very low income units and 3 live/work units, and 7,080 square feet of commercial space in a five-story (6-level) building with an eight-level (seven story) parking structure."

The project site is just below the freeway, between Magnolia on the west and Primrose on the east. The south side is on Pomona. (See map.)

https://is.gd/KwG5mD

- Brad Haugaard

Where to Vote in Monrovia

Wondering where to vote? Here's a list of four locations in Monrovia, although under the new system you are not required to vote at a particular location. https://is.gd/L0yMCN

Notice that one of the centers, Calvary Grace Church, opened on Feb. 22, while the others open this Saturday, Feb. 29.

City Clerk Alice Atkins explained why the difference in opening dates:
As part of implementing the Voters Choice Act, it was the County’s goal to identify 250 vote centers for the 11-day voting period, increasing to a total of 1,000 vote centers for the final 4-day voting period, including election day.
Part of what determines 11-day versus 4-day I believe is size (most are “large” centers that can accommodate 50 ballot marking devices), as well as location (to spread across the county), and facility availability. The Community Center and Second Baptist Church are both medium vote centers, I believe, and the Library is a small vote center. Another consideration would be impact to community programs (as rooms have to be blocked for an extended period before and after for delivery, set-up, breakdown, and pick-up of equipment).
- Brad Haugaard