Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Monrovia Still Needs to Buy Water; Tax on New Development

At its next meeting, Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. (online only) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ Buying 1,000 acre feet of water (an acre-foot is an acre covered a foot deep in water) from Azusa for $789,360. Monrovia's allotment of groundwater from the Upper San Gabriel Municipal Water District is 5,740.8 acre feet per year, but we use 1,209.2 acre feet more than that, so we're buying extra from a city that isn't using its full allotment. https://is.gd/PBk4qg

~ Imposing a special tax on the planned 436-unit Alexan Foothills Project, that will be located just west of the City's Station Square Transit Village. The tax is to cover the additional need for city services the project will generate. https://is.gd/az05PL

The Council meeting will be online. You can follow it here: www.foothillsmedia.org/monrovia

- Brad Haugaard

Fifteenth Coronavirus Case in Monrovia

Fifteen Coronavirus cases now in Monrovia. https://is.gd/vSita9

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Honor Education Professionals

Where the next School Board Meeting won't be held. It'll be online.

At its next virtual meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/LVD51B), 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, the Monrovia Board of Education, will consider ...

~ Recognizing April 20-24 as Administrative Professionals (Secretaries) Day.

~ Declaring May 4-8, as School Health Services Appreciation Week and that May 6, as "National School Nurse Day.

~ Declaring May 5, as "National Day of the Teacher," and May 4-8, as National Teacher Appreciation Week

You can watch the meeting at www.foothillsmedia.org/MUSD

- Brad Haugaard

List of Monrovia Restaurants That Would Probably Appreciate Your Patronage

Lunch From LeRoy’s

Lunch yesterday from LeRoy’s, on the north side of Huntington just west of Mayflower. Called in (357-5076) and got the Pastrami Melt with coleslaw for $8.69. Picked it up 10 minutes later. Lots of pastrami and very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

Sidewalk Creativity

Some Monrovians have been making their neighbor’s lives a bit nicer with their chalk-on-sidewalk creativity. Here’s hopscotch and frog jump, on East Graystone.

- Brad Haugaard

COVID-19 Testing Available - If Your Qualify

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the county is now offering free COVID-19 testing for those who qualify - here: https://is.gd/BrFCbl

And here's an instructional video about the testing: https://is.gd/3hDHZp

- Brad Haugaard

Deaths at Train Crossing May Have Been Murder-Suicide

The adult and child who were killed by a Metro train at the California Avenue and Duarte Road railroad crossing were a 36-year-old woman and her 15-month-old son. According to a report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the woman, who had a history of depression, may have deliberately stepped in front of the train. https://is.gd/L3cm9Z

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Steals Gas By Punching Hole in Gas Tank; Dad Threatens Son With Machete; She Calls for Help, Gets Arrested

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 9-15. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 269 service events, resulting in 41 investigations.

Battery
April 9 at 8:02 a.m., the manager of a pharmacy in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject approached him during store opening and wanted to return a cell phone he claimed was purchased at the store. The manager refused to accept the return and the subject spit on the manager, then fled the area. Officers searched for the subject, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
April 9 at 4:50 p.m., a motorist reported another driver collided into their vehicle at the intersection of Colorado and Ivy, then fled the scene of the collision. Officers responded and searched for the hit and run vehicle, but could not locate it. No injuries were reported. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 11 at 10:04 a.m., the owner of a business in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle reported his vehicle had been stolen the previous afternoon. Officers responded and entered the vehicle into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Bicycle Theft
April 11 at 1:24 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of E. Royal Oaks reported a female subject just took his silver GT bicycle that he left in front of his home and rode away, heading east on Royal Oaks. Officers searched the area, but didn’t locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Felony Vandalism
April 11 at 3:20 p.m., a caller reported her father was chasing a male subject in the 600 block of W. Huntington. She said the subject had punched a hole in the fuel tank to her dad's parked vehicle, causing it to leak its fuel into a container the suspect placed under the tank. The subject was apprehended and arrested.

Robbery
April 11 at 8:37 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a robbery. The suspect had the clerk open the liquor cabinet and he selected liquor, which he took and fled the store without paying for the merchandise. The employee followed the suspect, and once outside, she asked for the items back. The suspect pushed her with his shoulder and fled the scene. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence / Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Vehicle)
April 11 at 8:44 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Hurstview called police to report a domestic violence incident. She reported her husband had punched her during an argument. Their youngest son called a relative to inform him what happened. The argument continued, and the husband grabbed a machete from inside his vehicle and started walking towards their son, challenging him to do something. The son walked a few houses down and the husband got into his truck, accelerated and attempted to strike his son with his truck. He attempted to do this a few times. The son was not harmed. The husband left the scene prior to the police department being notified. The husband was not located. A wanted persons entry was made into the law enforcement wanted persons system for the husband.

Grand Theft Auto
April 12 at 11:02 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Palm called to report his vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. Just after the report was taken, the El Monte Police Department advised they had located the vehicle, which was found unoccupied. Investigation continuing.

Wanted Persons – Suspect Arrested
April 13 at 1:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Grand called to report a subject trespassing on his property. Officers responded, contacted the subject and learned he was wanted for burglary by Monrovia detectives on an unrelated case. The victim of the trespass did not desire prosecution, but the suspect was arrested for the burglary.

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovered / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
April 13 at 4:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a woman was in the store who had committed thefts in the past. Officers responded and located the vehicle she arrived in with a male subject in the driver's seat. A computer check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was stolen. The male subject was arrested for grand theft auto and warrants. The female was contacted, but she did not commit a crime, so she was released at the scene.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 13 at 4:17 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision in the 200 block of N. Myrtle. A vehicle pulled out of a driveway from an apartment complex and collided with a vehicle traveling south on Myrtle. Both drivers involved complained of pain, but neither wanted to be transported to the hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Theft From a Vehicle
April 14 at 7:25 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Sunset called to report that his golf clubs were taken from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. Investigation continuing.

Metro Line Train / Pedestrian Collision
April 15 at 8:45 a.m., a collision occurred involving the Metro L Line train and two pedestrians, an adult and a child. The train was traveling east and the pedestrians were struck on the tracks at the intersection of California. Both of the pedestrians died on scene. The investigation is being handled by the Monrovia Police Department’s Detective Bureau in conjunction with the Arcadia Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team and the Los Angeles Metro Rail.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 15 at 7:27 p.m., a neighbor called to report that a female subject was on the balcony of her apartment yelling for help. Officers arrived and figured out which apartment it was. Once they had spoken to the two occupants, they determined the female that was yelling for help had battered her husband. The female was arrested and taken into custody.

Adult and Child Killed by Train in Monrovia

An adult and child were hit and killed by a Metro train at the California Avenue and Duarte Road railroad crossing in Monrovia early today: https://is.gd/sbFrV5

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Middle School Recognized as a 2020 'School to Watch'

Clifton Middle School has been recognized as a 2020 School to Watch for its academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of students, and commitment to helping every student achieve at a high level.

The honor, conferred by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform network, is Clifton's second designation as a School to Watch. Clifton was previously recognized in 2017, the same year it was named a California Gold Ribbon School.

"Clifton Middle School exemplifies Monrovia's commitment to inspire and challenge our students to become lifelong learners and realize their dreams," Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. "We are thrilled to see the hard work and dedication of Clifton educators recognized again. They truly deserve it."

Clifton maintains a focus on providing a safe and nurturing environment, encouraging students to share their voices, and contribute to the decision-making process. Teachers collaborate and share data while placing an emphasis on high expectations to maximize student potential.

Socio-emotional learning is embedded into lessons, aligning with Clifton's Courteous, Polite, and Respectful campaign. Required and elective classes provide a rigorous path to high school that also caters to student interests.

"Clifton does such a great job of preparing its students, which is a testament to the exceptional preparation and collaboration between administrators, faculty, and staff," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Clifton students are friendly, passionate, and on their way to becoming future leaders."

Clifton provides Honors classes in all core subjects, including an accelerated track that enables eighth-grade students to take a high school level course, Integrated Math I. Students can transition to Honors and AP classes at Monrovia High, including its Math and Science Academy (MASA).

Clifton's Spanish dual immersion program, launched in 2017, matriculated its first cohort in 2019. The program's popularity has resulted in one new elective class, Spanish II, and an increase in Spanish language books in the Clifton library.

Clifton's science and technology lab is a hub of technological activity, with students building and coding personal websites, robots and video games, eventually graduating to more advanced concepts like Javascript and 3D games. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support provide positive reinforcement, with students receiving Cub Cash for performing acts of kindness during the school day.

Students with special needs are placed in co-collaborative classes with both general and special education teachers, allowing them the opportunity to study with grade-level peers. Students at risk of falling behind are identified before the school year and participate in Jump Start conferences throughout the year to monitor their progress.

Clifton student leaders work to connect every student to the school community through the Renaissance Leadership program. Through a partnership with the Pasadena Humane Society and the SPCA, therapy dogs and their handlers regularly visit classrooms to provide students with a sense of calm.

"We like to think of Clifton as one big family, with everybody working together to achieve the goal of equity in education," Clifton Principal Jennifer Jackson said. "Being recognized as a School to Watch only motivates us to work even harder to provide the Monrovia community with the support and resources they need to ensure their children receive the high quality education they deserve."

Source: Monrovia School District press release

- Brad Haugaard

Coronavirus Cases Now at 14 in Monrovia

14 Coronavirus cases in Monrovia now, according to the County (https://is.gd/YY8wsb). Comment: It's advancing very slowly. Despite glitches, it seems social distancing is working well.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Students May Get Financial and Tech Help From Citrus College Foundation Program

Citrus College students negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may be able to receive assistance with the help of a new initiative introduced at a recent meeting of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.

Providing Assistance for Student Success (PASS) is designed to help Citrus College students who are unable to continue their education as a result of the public health crisis currently impacting the nation. Supported by an initial $100,000 grant from the Citrus College Foundation, this initiative will provide resources and support that will enable struggling students to reach their educational goals.

The debut of the Citrus College PASS initiative comes on the heels of a March 26 announcement that the physical closure of the college campus, which began March 18, was being extended through June 12, 2020. As a result, students will receive remote instruction and student support services for the duration of the spring 2020 semester.

"We understand that this sudden transition to a remote learning environment has created unexpected challenges for some students. For this reason, the college is eager to announce the launch of Citrus College PASS," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "The goal of this initiative is to remove obstacles or barriers that may prevent students from completing their education. This collaborative effort is made possible by partners, supporters and friends of the Citrus College Foundation."

The Citrus College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources to further the Citrus Community College District's mission of advancing student success, is actively soliciting donors to help provide financial support for Citrus College PASS. In fact, the Foundation's board of directors meet regularly to organize and plan how to best address the needs of the college during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Foundation's initial response was to begin providing technology support to those students who rely heavily on the college's computer resources. However, we quickly realized that a lack of technology is only one challenge students are facing as a result of COVID-19," said Christina M. Garcia, director of the Citrus College Foundation. "Therefore, in partnership with the college's academic affairs and student services divisions, we have established Citrus College PASS as a means of financially supporting student success efforts during these difficult times."

One way in which Citrus College PASS will immediately help students is by enabling the Foundation to distribute COVID-19 Technology Support Grants. These one-time funds are intended to help students make technology purchases that will allow them to continue their coursework remotely.

"I am very proud of the patience and resilience demonstrated by the students, faculty and staff of Citrus College during these unprecedented times. I am also incredibly grateful to the Citrus College Foundation and its supporters for diligently working to find solutions to the very real problems our students are facing," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Although the days and months ahead are uncertain, I know that Citrus College and its students will successfully navigate these challenges, and that the lessons learned will pave the way for a brighter future."

For more information and to contribute to the Citrus College PASS initiative, contact the Citrus College Foundation at foundation@citruscollege.edu.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

It's 'Terrifying' - Monrovian Ulises Gutierrez Recovering from COVID-19

Ulises Gutierrez, a prominent Monrovian, reports on Facebook that he is recovering from COVID-19 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. He writes:

I’m beating COVID-19

Today I have decided that I am a victor and not a victim!

I’m on day 22 in fighting COVID-19. It has not been easy; actually quite terrifying. 2 visits to the ER and 8 days of being hospitalized - I was successfully discharged 3 days ago. Major weight loss, fatigue, my body has been dragged by the virus... but I’m on the mend; lungs have cleared the virus!

There is no exaggeration to what this virus has the potential to do: rip your health apart, impact your family/home, put your career/work at risk... and depression; this can be very depressing.

But I am grateful for a faithful God! In these 22 days I have seen His power at work in my life... especially when I have been alone and have had to face the most life threatening circumstances; yes, life threatening.

I thank God on this 22nd day for His faithfulness and I am trusting him to rebuild my life. He is a healer - my healer; your healer!

Truly grateful to the amazing medical team at Methodist Hospital of Southern California! My home church, LifeChurch UPC, rocks and I am so appreciative of my friends at Mountainside Communion! Thank you to my dear friends for the calls, prayers... groceries - - I have been strengthen by your love and FAITH!

(That yellow tent @ hospital is where it all starts - you step into the unknown)

The fight continues!

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Easter, Monrovia

Happy Easter, Monrovia!

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen. - Luke 24: 5-6

Here is a list of online church services today in Monrovia.

Calvary Chapel Monrovia, or on Facebook (1307 S Myrtle) - 10 a.m.

Calvary Road Baptist Church (319 West Olive Ave) 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.

Fellowship Monrovia (Monrovia High) - 9 and 11 a.m.

First Lutheran (1227 S Magnolia) 9 a.m.

First Presbyterian (Foothill and Myrtle) - 10 a.m.

Hope Unlimited Church (1900 Walker Ave) - 10 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m.

IFGF (Palm and Primrose) 10:30 a.m.

Mountainside Communion Church (Colorado and Magnolia) 10 a.m.

Second Baptist Church, or on Facebook (925 S Shamrock) - 10:45 a.m.

Vineyard (223 S Encinitas Ave) - 10 a.m.

Lives again our glorious King

Where, O death is now thy sting?

Once He died, our souls to save

Where thy victory, O grave?

Soar we now where Christ has led

Following our exalted Head

Made like Him, like Him we rise

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Cafe X2O

Dinner from Cafe X2O. Ordered through Doordash, so it cost a bit more. Got the Chicken Shawarma plate for $14 (plus $7.23 to substitute spinach for rice, and for grilled veggies). It looks like it's less if you pick it up in person ($12 for the Schawarma, $4 for the spinach, and $2 for the veggies). X2O is on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Food was delicious!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools to Use New Software to Communicate With Parents

ParentSquare allows us to use a single platform for all of our communication from the District, schools, classrooms, and school activity groups. The partnership will strengthen dialogue between school and home and empower everyone within the school community to stay connected and informed.

ParentSquare is designed to facilitate participation across our school communities. It provides principals, teachers, staff, and parents the opportunity to send and receive school and class information, share pictures and files, see calendar items, and sign up to volunteer.

ParentSquare features important communication tools:

Urgent alerts with two-way communication
Attendance notifications
Teacher and classroom communication
Direct messaging
Parent-teacher conference sign-ups

All school, grade level, and classroom information will be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. You can also download the free ParentSquare App right onto your phone for easier access. The app also allows you to specify how and when you receive notifications.

The use of this new tool will allow us to engage every parent and ensure the opportunity to actively participate in your child’s education.

For more information on ParentSquare, visit www.parentsquare.com.

We look forward to connecting with you all and opening the door to more access between our District and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

New Facebook Groups Provide Monrovians with Financial, Employment, Small Business Help

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that there are three new Facebook Groups to provide Monrovians with financial, employment and small business help.

Monrovia Financials & Retirement Accounts - Administered by Ilsi Castillo, provides guidance through financial challenges.

Monrovia Small Business - Administered by Sari Canales, provides guidance to and available resources to business owners.

Monrovia Works - Administered by Elizabeth Noguera, provides guidance on navigating unemployment and/or state disability.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teachers Will be 'Cruisin' Thru Monrovia', Greeting Students

For your safety, please follow these instructions:

Do not leave your property. Simply come to doors, porches, windows, front lawns, etc. when you hear the horns to wave to your school.
If you encounter other people outside, practice social distancing and remain 6 feet away from one another.
Wear a mask while you are outdoors.

Feel free to make signs to show your support and use #CruisinThruMonrovia on social media to share your experience.

We look forward to celebrating our scholars and families as we come together as a community during this time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Details on Street Racing Accident; Thefts; Fraud; But No Home Burglaries ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 2-8. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 252 service events, resulting in 38 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 2 at 12:14 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision that just occurred at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Monrovia Paramedics and Officers responded and arrived on scene. The occupants of both vehicles were treated for minor injuries. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Medical Assist
April 2 at 8:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of California regarding a medical assist. When officers arrived on scene, they located an unresponsive and unconscious female on the ground. They were informed by her boyfriend that she had overdosed on Fentanyl. The officers positioned her flat on the ground and administered Narcan and the subject became responsive. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Fraud
April 3 at 12:22 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report a fraud incident. A female subject rented two rooms using someone else's identification and debit cards. When the debit card got declined, the employee went to assist her and noticed that the person checking in did not match the physical appearance on the identification card. The suspect fled the scene. Investigation continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
April 4 at 12:46 a.m., an officer was traveling south on Myrtle, passing Maple, when he saw an unoccupied vehicle parked along the west curb with four flat tires and what appeared to be fresh traffic collision damage. The vehicle returned registered out of Baldwin Park. Baldwin Park Police spoke with the registered owner, who advised that his tires went flat and he was going to pick up the vehicle tomorrow. The officer checked the area and located traffic collision damage to the center median at Myrtle and Chestnut. The vehicle was towed. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Fraud
April 4 at 3:32 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report that sometime during the night someone smashed the rear window of his vehicle and stole his backpack, wallet and laptop from inside. The suspect used the victim's debit card at a Circle K and a 76 Gas Station in El Monte. Investigation continuing.

Street Racing / Injury Traffic Collision
April 4 at 1:08 p.m., an injury traffic collision involving street racing was reported in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle. Two motorists were seen racing one another at a high rate of speed, heading south on Myrtle. Both vehicles were estimated to be traveling well in excess of the posted 40 miles per hour speed limit. As the two motorists were racing, one of them swerved into the opposing lane of traffic and collided into a motorist traveling north. The racing vehicle split in half, leaving the front half in the roadway. The rear half struck an Edison pole, catching the vehicle and the wooden pole on fire. Electrical wires from the pole broke off and were hanging. The driver of the vehicle involved in the race was ejected and found in the street with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle had major, but non-life-threatening injuries. Officers arrived on scene and provided first aid care to both injured drivers until Monrovia Fire Department Paramedics arrived. The Monrovia Fire Department provided first aid to the injured drivers and extinguished the fire. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The Arcadia Police Department responded to assist, utilizing their Major Accident Investigation Team. The other vehicle involved in the racing incident did not stop and could not be located. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
April 5 at 8:36 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a female and two male subjects had just taken a package of cigarettes. Officers responded and searched for the subjects, but were unable to locate them. The store advised they would file the report online. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft
April 6 at 7:06 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Foothill called to report that sometime over the past two days all of his tires and rims were removed from this vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 11:39 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Lotone Street called police to report that her mother and her mother's live-in boyfriend were involved in a physical altercation. The caller also reported that the suspect is on probation and has a felony warrant. Officers responded to the location and contacted the victim. The suspect was in the house and initially did not respond to commands to exit the home. He was ultimately detained and arrested without incident.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 8:48 p.m., a caller reported a solo traffic collision in the 400 block of W. Foothill. An officer arrived and saw a vehicle had struck a light pole. The driver did not have any injuries. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined he was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 8 at 2:23 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3000 block of S. Peck called to report a vehicle his company purchased turned out to be a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered. Investigation continuing.