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Monrovia Schools Consider Possible Event Cancellations

Dear Monrovia Unified Families,

As we continue to monitor the conditions in LA County, and throughout the world, revolving around the coronavirus (COVID-19), new developments emerge almost daily.
As a result, recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) can change almost daily. Today is a prime example of that dynamic.

On March 11, 2020, we received an advisory recommending limiting large group assemblies and non-essential travel. As with previous recommendations, we will follow these social distancing strategies to minimize the potential person-to-person transmission of this virus. LACOE, in conjunction with LACDPH will be reevaluating these guidelines at the end of March. However, there is always the possibility of more restrictive measures being implemented at a moment’s notice.

We will discuss every event and activity on the busy MUSD calendar on a case by case basis to avoid blanket cancellations, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the health and safety of Monrovia Unified’s students and staff. This guidance impacts open houses, flag ceremonies, assemblies, field trips, athletics, and tournaments.

Principals, in collaboration with their site leadership teams, will make final determinations for the unique needs of each school and communicate those decisions with their respective community.

We will be limiting visitors to our schools and offices by not admitting those with symptoms of fever and/or respiratory infection or who have a travel history over the course of the last 14 days to an area identified by the CDC as Level 3 Travel Health Notice.

If you have plans to travel during spring break, please check the travel advisories by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/communication-resources.html) and State Department (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/) before embarking on your adventure.

Please remember, these are precautionary practices. There are no instances of COVID-19 within our school communities at this time. Our schools are a safe, stable environment for learning.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff as we navigate these ever-changing waters.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Gold Line Train Hits Car; Carjacking - Car Chase; Threatening Man with Hammer Arrested; Fake Car Seller Wanted Amazon Gift Card; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 404 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Vandalism
March 5 at 8:17 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Lime called police to report that the window on his vehicle had been shattered sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Battery
March 5 at 7:17 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at California and Huntington. The suspect vehicle left the scene prior to exchanging information. The reporting party was able to obtain the license plate of the suspect vehicle. Officers went to the registered owners address and spoke with the second motorist. He said a traffic collision did occur and that the other motorist had exited his vehicle, ran up to his driver-side door and stabbed him in the upper arm with something. He drove home and was not going to report it. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
March 6 at 5:08 a.m., officers were dispatched to an alarm activation at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and discovered a glass door had been shattered. The building was searched, but no suspects were located. It is unknown at the time if there was anything missing. Investigation continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Receiving Stolen Property / Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 7:22 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of W. Colorado when he saw a subject he recognized from prior contacts who appeared to be under the influence. The officer contacted the subject and, through further investigation, determined the subject was under the influence and he was also found to be in possession of stolen property. He was arrested and taken into custody. He was later found to be in possession of illegal narcotics.

No-Bail Warrant / Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 9:30 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he saw a suspicious person looking into vehicles in a business parking lot. The officer contacted the subject and discovered he had a no-bail warrant for carjacking. A search incident to arrest revealed he also had illegal drugs in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Threatening – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 1:30 p.m., a female subject called police to report a male subject that just threatened to kill her and her daughter as they were walking into a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded, located the male suspect and saw that he had a hammer in his back pocket and was acting strange. The suspect would not comply with the orders given by officers. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud Report
March 6 at 6:08 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Sierra Vista called to report that he purchased a vehicle after seeing an ad online. The person selling the vehicle told him to get an Amazon gift card for a certain amount of money and give him the numbers over the phone. The victim complied and hasn’t seen the vehicle or heard from the seller. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 6 at 10:48 p.m., an injury traffic collision occurred in the area of California and Duarte, involving the Gold Line train. When officers arrived, they determined the vehicle traveled north on California, from Duarte, and west onto the tracks. The train did not derail and nobody was hurt on board the train. A female occupant in the vehicle suffered some injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Since the vehicle had traveled out of the intersection and onto the tracks, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department responded to handle the incident.

No-Bail Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 11:11 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of W. Duarte when he saw a subject he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed he had a no-bail parole violation warrant for his arrest. The officer detained the subject and took him into custody. During a search of the subject, documents related to possible identity theft with multiple victims were found in his possession. The investigation regarding identity theft is ongoing and charges may possibly be filed.

Outside Assist / Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 4:40 p.m., California Highway Patrol informed Monrovia Police Department that their helicopter was tracking a vehicle they were previously in pursuit of for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. They advised they did not need assistance. Shortly after that advisement, the suspect exited his vehicle and ran into a residence in Monrovia on Greystone through an open garage door. The suspect then grabbed the resident by her hair and told her to give him her car keys. The suspect then went back to his original vehicle and fled south on Norumbega. He then went west on Foothill at a high rate of speed and into Arcadia, where he rammed a vehicle stopped at a red light multiple times.

He eventually made his way to the 210 Freeway, where he exited his vehicle again and was quickly taken into custody by CHP. The case originated in Orange County as a carjacking and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to take custody of the suspect.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 7 at 6:35 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Magnolia and Montana. A vehicle struck a pedestrian as he was crossing the street. Officers arrived and the pedestrian had a complaint of pain to his chest. Paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital for further treatment. Witnesses said the pedestrian crossed the street and the vehicle struck him on the driver's side, causing the pedestrian to fall to the ground. A report was taken and the party at fault was issued a citation.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 7:43 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of W. Foothill when he observed a traffic violation by a vehicle. He stopped the vehicle and while speaking to the driver, he could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage omitting from his person. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 1:40 a.m., an officer was traveling north on Myrtle when a vehicle traveling south went into the opposing lanes and almost struck him head on. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver. The driver showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 4:08 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious person in the 100 block of W. Foothill who was possibly under the influence of drugs. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was evaluated for being under the influence, which he displayed several signs of, and he also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for being under the influence and the warrant. A search incident to arrest also revealed illegal drugs in his possession.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 5:24 p.m., officers were in the 200 block of W. Pomona on a call for service. While leaving the area, one of the officers saw a subject he recognized as a suspect from a grand theft auto case that occurred a week prior. The suspect was detained and arrested for Grand Theft Auto.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 10:15 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1400 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was completed and it was determined the driver was driving under the influence. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
March 9 at 6:52 a.m., an employee of a business in the 300 block of W. Chestnut arrived to work and discovered someone had shattered a window on the building. Officers responded and determined that no one had entered the building. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 10:56 a.m., a city of Monrovia park ranger was patrolling the Monrovia Wilderness Preserve in the 600 block of Cloverleaf when he heard noises coming from inside the Monrovia Fire House. Officers responded and found a window had been shattered on the house. A male subject was found inside the house and had entered through the broken window. He was caught in the act of stealing clothing from the Fire Department and had been drinking alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 11:51 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Cypress called to report hearing gun shots in the area. Officers arrived and located a subject in the area. A handgun was discovered next to the subject and he admitted to willfully discharging the firearm into the air because he was upset at his girlfriend. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
March 10 at 2:24 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Linwood called police to report that he saw an unknown male suspect just exit his neighbors attached garage. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving. The homeowner was contacted and only a pair of ear-buds were missing from the victim's vehicle, which was parked inside the garage.

Driving Under the Influence / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 6:56 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of E. Foothill when she saw a motorist commit a driving violation. The vehicle was stopped and a computer check revealed the driver had a DUI warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
March 10 at 1:17 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia reported a petty theft incident. The victim had left her house keys in the front door lock. She saw a female subject take the keys and run from the area. Officers responded, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
March 10 at 3:50 p.m., a customer of a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that someone took her wallet from inside her purse while she was shopping. The purse was in a shopping cart, and she believes her wallet must have been taken when her back was turned. This investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 10 at 4:27 p.m., a motorist reported he was involved in a traffic collision in the intersection of Mountain and Duarte, and the other driver fled the scene. Officers responded and found the reporting person was not injured. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 11 at 10:11 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Myrtle and Evergreen. Officers responded and found both drivers had minor injuries. Monrovia Paramedics responded, but both drivers refused to be transported to the hospital. The driver who was found to be at fault was issued a citation for unsafe turning against a red light and sign that says no turn on red.

Residential Burglary
March 11 at 1:37 p.m., the house-sitter for a home in the 300 block of N. Canyon called police to report the home had been burglarized sometime in the past 24 hours and jewelry had been taken. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Phone Scam
March 11 at 4:06 p.m., a fraudulent phone scam was reported at a residence in the 100 block of El Nido. The resident received a telephone call from someone representing themselves as customer service for a cellphone and computer provider company. The caller convinced the resident that her computer had been hacked and could only be repaired if she gave the caller money using her credit card, which the resident did. She later realized it was a scam. This investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Schools' Coronavirus Precautions - Plans for Remote Learning

Dear Monrovia Unified Parents and Community,

As you may have heard, the Pasadena Public Health Department has recommended that the Pasadena Unified School District take additional measures in response to a community member testing for COVID-19. While there is no cause for alarm in Pasadena, and while the individual is self-isolating, it is a reminder that the situation in each of our communities is fluid and that we must continue to take important precautions to ensure health and safety.

Since the first case of coronavirus in Los Angeles County, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff:
  • Consult with local, county, and state medical and education officials to monitor the latest developments and coordinate our local efforts.
  • Encourage increased handwashing to our students and staff while at school
  • Our team will continue spending additional time and increasing its frequency of disinfecting, especially in regard to high-traffic areas and touchpoints including handrails, push bars, light switches, water fountains, and computers.
  • Soap dispensers are checked at least twice daily and continuously refilled.
  • Our transportation department has increased its cleaning protocols by disinfecting buses each school day.
Our custodial and maintenance staff will also be provided with additional hygiene training with a focus on the coronavirus.

We are also reviewing and updating our response plan. Part of our plan includes the ability to continue to offer our students an education remotely in the case of school closures. A survey was distributed today to all students to determine a baseline for access.

On March 20, 2020, during our professional day of learning, we will discuss remote learning opportunities. During this process, we have also determined that our vehicle for immediate communication is not as robust as we need for emergency operations. We will be investigating the most effective and immediate platform that can be utilized to ensure seamless communication – from teachers, from schools, and from the district. As soon as plans are finalized, I will provide additional information.

The LA County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has also updated the criteria for identifying and excluding students who are ill. They are asking that school districts exclude students and staff members with a productive moist cough – and that even those without fever should stay home.

Before new students enroll in any of our schools, they are asked about travel. Any families that have recently traveled internationally must have been in the United States for 14 days and healthy before enrolling and entering our schools. These precautionary measures are in addition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel restrictions and monitoring at airports, including the Los Angeles International Airport.

Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and staff, and we take this responsibility very seriously. We also encourage you to follow us on our Facebook page and visit us on our website where we will continue to share additional coronavirus information and Monrovia Unified news.

I am hopeful that, by continuing to work together and by following the guidance provided by the experts, we can help keep our students, staff, and community healthy. Thank you for your continued support for Monrovia Unified’s students and staff.

Other reliable sources of information about novel coronavirus are listed below:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH, County)
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
Social media: @lapublichealth
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Center 24/7 Helpline (800) 854-7771
California Department of Public Health (CDPH, State)
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, National)
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.htmlSincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Monrovia School Superintendent's February Update

Dear Monrovia Unified School District community,

February's message arrives a little later than usual so we could focus our attention on the more immediate issues involving COVID-19. I am happy that the situation at Clifton Middle School has been resolved. We are not aware of any MUSD related exposure at this time, but will continue to provide regular updates as this does seem to be a fluid situation.

We started February with a celebration of our college and career readiness programs expanding at Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. On Feb. 4, our Board of Education and Santa Fe unveiled a new Paxton Patterson Lab, which offers students hands-on instruction in audio communications, computer-aided drafting and design, computer graphics and animation, flight technology, health science, robotics, sports medicine, video production, structural engineering, and more. I am excited to hear about all of the wonderful academic experiences our students will have with the addition of this lab at Santa Fe!

Our students at Santa Fe also demonstrated their proficiency with computer coding at an Epic Build Showcase held for community members.

Our Hippie Bots robotics team students from Clifton Middle School were busy finalizing their robot and traveling to Barcelona, Spain to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge Barcelona Championships. The Hippie Bots were also featured on California School News Radio, where they had the opportunity to discuss what led to their selection in this competition. We are so proud of the Hippie Bots and their accomplishments this season.

Black History Month was celebrated all February, and our students learned about the contributions from Black Americans throughout our history. Monrovia Unified hosted its annual Black History Art Festival on Feb. 20, which was an absolute success, and Wild Rose School of Creative Arts students delivered a captivating performance during their school’s showcase.

Toward the end of the month, the District held two Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) forums and a Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten (TK/K) Preview Night event. The LCAP forums were the culminating meetings which gave our community the opportunity to engage in dialogue and give input around the goals of the District, and provide feedback on how to carry the District’s mission and vision forward. Our TK/K Preview Night highlighted the District’s high-quality programs, such as coding, Spanish and Mandarin Dual-Language Immersion, music, art, and outdoor education.

I look forward to interacting with students and families at our upcoming open houses in March! Please join us as we celebrate the wonderful achievements our students have had this school year.

Read more about the great programs and events in Monrovia Unified and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian,
Superintendent

Nominate An Older Monrovian As 'Older American of the Year'

The City of Monrovia, Community Services Department, is accepting nominations for the Older American of the Year Award.  This award is presented to a Monrovian 60 years of age or older, working or retired, and still actively involved in volunteer service in Monrovia. The purpose of this award is to honor and encourage older individuals to remain active in the community.

Nomination application must be returned by Friday, March 20, 2020 to the Community Services Department, 119 West Palm Avenue, Monrovia, CA  91016 – Attention: Tiffany Peterson. A committee will review the applications and select the award recipient by Wednesday, April 1, 2020.  Individuals submitting nominations will need to provide their name, address and phone number so staff may contact them if further information is necessary.

The City of Monrovia will recognize the Older American Award recipient at the following events:

Senior Recognition Luncheon
Date:                    Thursday, April 23, 2020
Time:                    11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location:              Monrovia Community Center, 119 West Palm Ave.

The 55th  Annual Older Americans Recognition Day Awards Program
Date:                    Thursday, May 21, 2020
Time:                    11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location:              The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Music Center Grand Hall, 135 North Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

For additional information, please feel free to contact me at (626) 256-8233 or via e-mail at tpeterson@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Tips for Businesses

The city has coronavirus tips for businesses:
  • Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
  • Emphasize respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
  • Perform routine environmental cleaning
  • Designate a time to meet with your staff to educate them on COVID-19 and what they may need to do to prepare
  • Use verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs
  • Don't share utensils, cups or linens
  • Stay six feet from others at public events
https://is.gd/rS4xJ6

- Brad Haugaard

Wine Walk; Youth Employment; Honoring Dr. Norma Sublett

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

~  The 4th Annual Old Town Monrovia Wine Walk will take place April 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. It is designed to support Old Town businesses. Explore Old Town businesses, sample wines and enjoy music. Spend $100 in Old Town in one shopping/dining experience and receive two pre-sale tickets for $35 each, a savings of $10. (Receipts must be presented when purchasing tickets from the Community Center, 3 Beauty Bar, Charlie's House, PrimeLending, Sauté, or Sunday's Old Town Bistro to receive discount.)

~ The city will offer its nine-week Youth Employment Services Internship again this summer. City staff from various departments, and staff of local businesses, will mentor the interns, giving them an inside look at the daily operations of local government and businesses. They will attend weekly professional development workshops and training on the topics of strengthening résumé, financial literacy and much more. The program is open to all high school students in Monrovia. At the end of the program, interns will develop a summer project to improve one area of the operation to which they are assigned. Contact the city for more information.


~ Monrovia ChangeMakers will honor former MUSD Educator and Principal, Dr. Norma Sublett, at its All-Member meeting on March 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at Mountainside Communion Church, at Colorado and Magnolia. If interested RSVP by March 15 to rdidio@charter.net.

- Brad Haugaard

Latest Monrovia Today Is Out

Here's the online version of the latest Monrovia Today magazine (https://is.gd/uDq4al). The paper version should be arriving in your mailbox shortly.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Launches Coronavirus Web Page

Monrovia now has its own Coronavirus web page. Topics:

  • Prevention
  • How We're Responding
  • Resources
  • Frequeently Asked Questions

https://is.gd/dJH5pZ

- Brad Haugaard

Stella - A Bed Dog, Hope You Don't Mind Sharing

Three-year-old Stella can't wait to find her person and bond with them for life. She may not be that dog who's chatting up strangers at a party, but she'd love movie night at home with her one and only. Getting invited into Stella's inner circle is an honor, and once you're there, she'll shower you with affection. Oh, and she's also quite the bed hog, so hopefully you don't mind sharing. When she gives you that sweet Stella look, you'll be willing to sleep on the couch for her (don't worry though, she'll leave you a sliver of space on the bed for cuddling).

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

Women's Evensong at St. Luke's

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia will present its 13th  Annual Women's Evensong Invitational on Sunday, March 15, at 4 p.m. at the church, 122  S. California Ave. at Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia.

The free performance will spotlight the women's voices of the choir along with invited guest singers. St. Luke's Music Director Kent Bennett Jones will lead the ensemble.

An offering will be taken. Guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception in Guild Hall following the performance.

- Brad Haugaard

Car Chase Involves Home Invasion in Monrovia

A car chase from Riverside - that involved a home-invasion and assault in Monrovia - ended Saturday with a man being arrested on the 210 Freeway. https://is.gd/O2hTk4

- Brad Haugaard

TV Program to Feature Murder of Monrovia Mother and Daughter, Kelsey and Cecilia Meza

The TV program, In Pursuit, will feature the murder of Monrovians Kelsey and Cecilia Meza in the episode airing March 11 at 10 p.m. Details: https://is.gd/HGRqEY (Thanks to Carmen Martinez)

- Brad Haugaard

Shorter Hours at Movie Studio Grill

A notice posted at Movie Studio Grill says that due to “a lack of film content from the studios,” on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday the theater doors will open at 2 p.m. and the first showing will be at 3 p.m. New hours begin March 26. Thanks to Kelly Moran. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Free MAP Conference April 4

The Annual Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Neighborhood Conference, Saturday, April 4, is a free, all-day event that is open to everyone: Free workshops, lunch, information fair, and health screenings. Lots more detail here: https://is.gd/H7s7yi

- Brad Haugaard

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