- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia YMCA Closed Starting Today
- Brad Haugaard
Vons Looks Semi-Normal
With the exception of being cleaned out of paper towels, Vons looks pretty normal at about 4 p.m. today. I saw it when it opened at 7 a.m. and there was a crowd, Hopefully things are getting back to normal.- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Still Serving Meals
School Board member Rob Hammond reports that though Monrovia schools are closed for classes, they will still be preparing meals for students who usually get them. Available from the school closest to the student's home. Schedule:
- Brad Haugaard
- Breakfast 8-9 a.m.
- Lunch noon to 1 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
New Owners at Mooncat Restaurant
- Brad Haugaard
'Local Emergency' Proclamation; City Finances; Should City Join Housing-for-Homeless Project?
~ Consider ratifying the City Manager's proclamation of a local emergency "due to conditions of extreme peril to the health and safety of persons and property have arisen within the City as a result of the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus." https://is.gd/cRAdpn
~ Receive an "unqualified opinion on the city's financial statements" from Lance Soll & Lunghard, LLP, Certified Public Accountants. (Unqualified is good, by the way.) "This means the financial information presented in the City's accounting records and financial statements is accurately presented and free from material misstatement." https://is.gd/lPpkwD
~ Receive a mid-year budget update with proposed adjustments based on the city's current financial situation. https://is.gd/MUbT5n
~ Consider joining the San Gabriel Valley Council of Government Regional Housing Trust Joint Powers Authority, a consortium of local governments "being created to increase the availability of funding for the planning and construction of housing projects for the homeless and extremely low, very low, and low-income populations within the San Gabriel Valley. It will be able to receive public and private financing and funds and will also be able to authorize and issue bonds." https://is.gd/aP2XMB
NOTE: To participate in the meeting from home (recommended in this day of coronavirus) tune in on KGEM (Spectrum Channel 99 or Giggle Fiber
Channel 87-2), or online at www.foothillsmedia.org/monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
Evensong Canceled at St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Because of the coronavirus threat, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia has canceled its 13th Annual Women’s Evensong Invitational on Sunday afternoon, March 15.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Domenico’s
Lunch at Domenico’s, on the south side of Huntington just east of Magnolia. Got the Soup and Salad Combo off the lunch menu for $8.99, plus I upgraded the salad to an antipasto for $2.95. That and an iced tea for $2.95 Lots of meatballs in the minestrone. Very nice on a rainy day.I’ve seen the following elsewhere but this is the first time in Monrovia: “We are a proud supporter of CA Living Wage Initiative; as a result a CA mandate surcharge is added to all guest checks.” The charge was $.96.
- Brad Haugaard
School's Out in Monrovia for Next Two Weeks
Blogger Carmen Martinez has posted an image of a letter signed by School Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian, saying that "we will be dismissing students from school at the end of the day today and for the next two weeks. This dismissal will also allow our staff members to better prepare comprehensive plans for remote learning should the need arise for extended school closures."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Coronavirus: Monrovia May Extend Spring Break - Longer School Year; Large Gatherings Cancelled; No Spectators at Sports Events; Trips Postponed; Etc.
The situation regarding COVID-19 continues to be dynamic and the Monrovia Unified Board of Education will be convening in an emergency meeting today to determine the best next steps in addressing this pandemic. An update regarding any decisions made by the Board will be distributed following the meeting.
As of today, no individuals within the Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) have tested positive for COVID-19; however, there are two or more community transmission cases in Los Angeles County. Based upon recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, MUSD is now following social distancing protocols at all schools.
Following are some questions and answers that may help you as we navigate the next few days:
How will spring break be impacted by coronavirus?
MUSD is considering extending spring break in an effort to help mitigate virus spread. As a public school system, many legal, financial, employee and community implications must be considered before the District is in a position to adjust the school calendar, and you will be notified immediately about any changes that will be made. This extension may result in adding instructional days to end of the school year as required by the State of California. We are mindful that this plan may be disruptive, but the safety of students, staff, and the community is our number one priority.
What if someone at MUSD is exposed to coronavirus?
MUSD will be vigilant about investigating any reported cases. Should a confirmed case of Coronavirus exist within MUSD, we will work in consultation with Los Angeles County Public Health to take the necessary next steps. This situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
If I decide not to send my student to school or come to MUSD will absences be excused?
We understand community concern about student health and safety. Some families have asked about keeping their own child home based on the fear of contracting COVID-19 at school. However, per Education Code at this time, we are unable to mark an absence excused for this reason. Our normal protocol remains in place. Any absence due to quarantine or illness will be excused.
How is MUSD handling large gatherings at schools?
MUSD is postponing or canceling all public events that bring large groups of students, adults, and community members together. Alternate approaches to these events, which limit close contact, may include conducting assemblies via intercom announcements or conducting events online.
What is going on with sporting events?
MUSD is following social distancing measures for all public events. We will neither be participating in nor hosting any tournaments. Athletic events will be played, but no spectators – adults or students - will be allowed at the events. This includes outdoor events. The Rio Hondo League schools have agreed that all athletic events will be closed to spectators, but this directive may change at any moment.
Are all school trips canceled?
MUSD is postponing or canceling all District-sponsored, out-of-state travel scheduled through the last day of school, June 3, 2020. All field trips will be postponed through the April 6, 2020 and reassessed on a month to month basis.
Are outside groups still allowed to use MUSD facilities?
MUSD will work with community organizations that use our facilities after hours to determine if these events will proceed.
Will the Village Extended Day Program be canceled?
The Village Extended Day Program is a division of MUSD and will follow the recommendations made by administration and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
What happens if schools close?
MUSD is working to develop a reinforcement of learning plan for all grade levels. More information will be provided if faced with school closure.
How should I talk to children about coronavirus?
Keeping calm and reducing fear is essential when talking with children about Coronavirus. Useful tips may be found in the following article: http://bit.ly/2Iun5aS
Where should I check for information about coronavirus?
Please use only official government agency outlets to obtain information, for example:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Los Angeles County Office of Education
California Department of Public Health
California Department of Education
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Coronavirus Forces Rescheduling of Concert
A press release says the opera company "will be in contact with those who have purchased tickets online to arrange for a refund or future concert ticket credit."
- Brad Haugaard
School Board Emergency Closed Meeting Regarding 'Threat to Public Services or Facilities'
[Though not announced, a good guess is that this relates to the coronavirus threat.]
- Brad Haugaard
Coronavirus: Citrus College Switching to Online-Only Classes
- Brad Haugaard
Coronavirus: Monrovia Closes Community Center, Library, Non-Essential City Facilities
Beginning Friday, March 13, the City of Monrovia will temporarily close certain public facilities to reduce the risk and potential exposure to COVID-19, or the coronavirus disease, under guidance received by local, state and federal officials. The certain public facilities will be closed until Tuesday, March 31, which may extend further if deemed necessary.City facilities which will be temporarily closed include:
- Monrovia Community Center
- Monrovia Public Library
- Monrovia Canyon Park
- Hillside Wilderness Preserve
As a result of these temporary closures, the following programs and services will be suspended:
- All recreation programs including classes, activities and youth sports
- All senior programs and social club meetings
- All programs and events at the Monrovia Public Library
- Private facility rentals
- Passport services
- Monrovia Street Fair and Market
Please note that those who have paid for classes, programs and/or facility rentals will be fully refunded.
The City will also postpone Board and Commission meetings until at least March 31. The City Council will meet at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 17, and staff is currently researching practices for providing open and transparent public meetings utilizing technologies for teleconferencing.
Monrovia Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will also be closed to the public beginning Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 31. All other parks in Monrovia will remain open for public use; however, the City highly discourages any large gatherings such as birthday parties and sports practices. Restrooms at the parks will remain open and will continue to be cleaned and sanitized daily.
Monrovia City Hall, Police, Fire, and the Public Works Yard will continue to operate in a “business as usual” context although we have made small enhancements/changes to some of our operations to address COVID-19. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to assess advisories from our local, state and federal officials to determine if any further closures are needed.
Source: https://is.gd/nY9Zor
- Brad Haugaard
Coronavirus Threat Prompts Large Monrovia Church - and Others - to Switch Services to Online
In an email to the congregation, the church adds that it "will be cancelling all in-person mid-week gatherings, events, and programming at all of our locations until further notice," though church offices and the counseling department will remain open.
The weekend services will be online Saturday at 5 p.m. or on Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. on madeforfellowship.com, Facebook, the Fellowship App, or through the church's Apple TV and Roku apps.
The church also asked for prayer for those who have lost loved ones, for the recovery of those infected, that enough test kits will be available, and for wisdom for those working to find a vaccine and for those entrusted with decision-making authority.
Fellowship Church is one of several large Los Angeles-area churches to cancel in-person services. Others include Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, Christian Assembly, La Cañada Presbyterian, and Reality LA.
UPDATE: Monrovia's Hope Unlimited Church has also decided to switch to all-online services "for at least the next 3 Sundays."
UPDATE 2: Calvary Chapel Monrovia reports that it plans "to act prayerfully and appropriately as we monitor local, state, and federal governments and health agencies." It says it is stepping up cleaning and sanitizing and "if a confirmed infection were to occur in our immediate area, we are prepared to implement additional measures."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Consider Possible Event Cancellations
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.
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
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.
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
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
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:
- Brad Haugaard
- 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
- Brad Haugaard
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