Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Superintendent Thorossian's April Update

In April, our Educational Services team rolled out our Instructional Services Newsletter, which is delivered to our families on a weekly basis. The newsletter is equipped with wonderful information and resources to help guide you through distance learning. Click HERE to view the latest newsletter.

Our administrators, teachers, and staff decided to treat our students to a surprise this month with their participation in the Cruisin’ thru Monrovia parade. Following the boundaries of our five elementary schools, our MUSD staff waved as families held posters with messages of hope while safely practicing social distancing. It was a beautiful experience and a perfect example of Monrovia Unified’s tightknit community.

Our seniors were also celebrated this month when our Monrovia Unified family came together to distribute Class of 2020 yard signs. Thank you to everyone who participated and ensured the success of the distribution.

As we move forward with distance learning, I encourage you all to continue visiting the District’s Distance Learning Platform for more information and resources. Our District’s instructional specialists are now offering parent/guardian office hours four times a week. Click HERE to fill out a submission form to attend the meetings. Should you have any questions about the distance learning process, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Though the news regarding distance learning has taken precedence this month, our schools continue to get noticed for their dedication and commitment to helping every student achieve at a high level.

Clifton Middle School was recently recognized as a 2020 School to Watch for its academic excellence and responsiveness to the needs of students. Additionally, Monrovia High School was ranked in the top 13 percent of schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for its student achievement and college and career readiness programs.

These recognitions help bring light to the wonderful students, teachers, and staff we have here at Monrovia Unified. I am proud of each and every one of them.

We will continue providing updated information on our website and social media platforms. Pre-recorded informational messages are regularly updated at (626) 471-2084.

Families are encouraged to tune in to Conversations with Ralph Walker at 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. The show airs on YouTube and features Board President Rob Hammond and Mayor Tom Adams, who share the latest local updates on COVID-19. Please submit questions to kgemtv@gmail.com or by calling (626) 357-4974.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Athens Switches to One-Stop Trash Pick Up During Pandemic

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

~ There is a great story on ABC-7 about how Monrovians on Facebook came together to help a father who was out of work by providing him with jobs. https://is.gd/4aeLCb

~ Athens Services will temporarily switch to a single pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Monday, May 4, Athens will collect everything with one or two trucks to keep trucks and drivers to a minimum and reduce exposure. Refuse will not be hand sorted, but will continue to be mechanically sorted. To the extent the machines can do it, materials will be recycled and green waste will be composted. This is temporary so continue using the appropriate bins. For questions contact Public Works at 932-5575 or Athens at (888) 336-6100.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner From Basin 141

Got dinner from Basin 141, at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Lime. I ordered the Pot Roast French Dip for $14.50 and upgraded the side to Bacon Brussel Sprouts for $4. Nice and filling. Website: https://www.basin141.com/

- Brad Haugaard

COVID Care Network Starts Today

Ulises Gutierrez, an active Monrovian who came through a battle with COVID-19 after repeatedly being in ER (See his story here: https://is.gd/ZhG7sa) is starting a COVID Care Network for local people. Hotline number: (626) 703 2398.

He writes ...

It’s Ulises - my journey in overcoming COVID (along with many other survivors) has moved me to author an initiative to support our community; to strengthen the safety net.

This Friday, May 1st, we will launch the COVID Care Network! Here is a preview of what we have been working on in an effort to serve our community with care, love, and unwavering commitment.

About the COVID Care Network:

Covid Care Network - during COVID & after COVID support services

An iNSPIRE initiative focused on supporting individuals and our community during this pandemic

Our goal is to provide the gift of presence (through advocacy and support) to individuals who may be facing health, financial, or family crisis due to the current state of our country.

Our services include the following, but not limited to:

Compassing COVID sufferers with emotional and practical support regarding testing, healthcare and recovery.
Helping people with unemployment claims and navigating Employment Development Department (EDD) online portal

Virtual programs for teens and adults (cooking classes, martial arts, books clubs, art, and other program options)
Referral services to local food banks and other social service providers
People can call our hotline, 626 703 2398, and be heard... our specialists will do an assessment to identify people’s needs and then link people to the resources they need
In some cases iNSPIRE will directly provide people with the service and or item they need

Service and program providers include but not limited to:

Social Recovery Systems

provides direct drug and alcohol abuse treatment services
provided direct services to those whose mental health issues are interfering with leading productive lives

Foothill Unity Center
The YMCA
The Bridge Student Network: serving middle and high school students
LifeKids: serving elementary school students
Hyphen: serving college students
California Youth & Government

Thank you for taking the time to read through this email - thank you for believing!

On a personal note: if I got out of that hospital bed and have overcome COVID, after being found unresponsive 3 times, then I am convinced it is to do His will: to love and care for people (ALL people).

Respectfully yours,

Ulises

City Council to Consider Business Tax and Fee Breaks

At its next virtual meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/TMvBrF) the Monrovia City Council will consider not revoking any business license for failure to pay delinquent business license taxes, business application fees or business improvement district assessments that became due after the date the local emergency was proclaimed, if the failure to pay is a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 local emergency. There are some caveats, so see the full proposal here: https://is.gd/CANM3Z

- Brad Haugaard

Tentative School Reopening Plan

While sharing an update to the roadmap to reopening the state in a phased approach, Gov. Newsom highlighted four stages:

Safety and Preparedness
Lower Risk Workplaces
Higher Risk Workplaces
End of Stay at Home Order

Under Stage 2, schools and childcare facilities would reopen and schools could begin the 2020-21 academic year in late July or August to address the learning losses that students have faced due to school dismissal. Though no definitive statement was made by Gov. Newsom, I want to affirm to you that the health and safety of our students and school community come first.

There are many unanswered questions that need to be addressed – most importantly, how will we ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. MUSD will continue to seek advice from experts and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). The District will make certain that every concern has been addressed to ensure the safety of our students and school community before we reopen.

- Brad Haugaard

More Than Half of Monrovia Coronavirus Cases at Duarte Road Care Facility

More than half the Coronavirus cases in Monrovia, and the one death, appear to be at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center, on Duarte Road. This care facility today reports 13 cases of the virus among staff and 11 cases among patients.

The LA County Department of Public Health is reporting (https://is.gd/ptHp67) 46 Coronavirus cases in Monrovia, up two from yesterday.

Also, there were 8 cases in unincorporated (i.e. - county) Monrovia, at the far south end of town. That's one more than yesterday.

The one death that has occurred in town was at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center, on Duarte Road. This care facility also today reports 13 cases of the virus among staff (there were 10 yesterday) and 11 cases among patients (there were 9 yesterday).

This appears to account for more than 50 percent of Monrovia cases.

The county health department notes that facilities' "inclusion on this list does not suggest neglect or wrongdoing on the part of the facility."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglar Steals Tools ... and Toilet; Man Hit in Head with Baseball Bat; 'He Looked at Me!'; Thief Nabs Costume Jewelry; and so Forth ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 268 service events, resulting in 45 investigations.

Vehicle Vandalism
April 23 at 3:16 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Prospect reported vandalism to her vehicle. Someone shattered one of the windows on her car. The suspect did not enter the vehicle or take anything. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
April 24 at 7:58 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Linwood called police to report that his detached garage was broken into sometime during the night. An unknown suspect cut a locking mechanism and made entry into the garage, then stole several tools and a toilet. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
April 24 at 6:12 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Colorado. The resident called police and reported that sometime between April 20 and 24, someone gained entry into the rear house, which is under construction, and took three cell phones and a laptop computer. Investigation continuing.

Lost / Stolen License Plate
April 24 at 7:44 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Royal Oaks called to report the rear license plate to his vehicle had been stolen. The license plate was entered into the law enforcement system as stolen.

Pursuit / Felony Evading – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:19 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. He attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The officer went in pursuit of the motorist. A short time later the officer cancel his pursuit because he had the necessary information to identify the driver. A follow-up investigation lead to the location of the driver at his home. The driver was arrested for the vehicle code violations and for felony evading. The vehicle was impounded per the California Vehicle Code.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 3:38 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Huntington near the 210 eastbound on-ramp. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
April 26 at 8:05 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Almond called to report that his vehicle had been stolen sometime between 7:00 p.m. on April 25 and 7:00 a.m. on April 26. The vehicle is a 1990 Honda Civic and it was taken from the street in front of his residence. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:41 p.m., a resident from the 800 block of W. Huntington called to report that her adult son had just been hit in the head by a neighbor with a baseball bat. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with a laceration and contusion to his head. The suspect responded to Monrovia Police Department to turn himself in.

Vehicle Burglary
April 27 at 5:18 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte when he was flagged down regarding a vehicle burglary that occurred at a residence in the 600 block of W. Duarte. The theft occurred sometime during the night in the carport area of the apartment complex. A backpack containing personal identification was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
April 27 at 10:41 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill called police to report a vandalism incident that just occurred. A customer who was inside the store became involved in an argument with a subject who was upset because the customer looked at him. The subject followed the customer outside the store into the parking lot. The customer was getting in his vehicle to leave, and the suspect punched the hood of the victim's vehicle, causing a dent. The suspect was detained by officers and after further investigation he was arrested for misdemeanor vandalism.

Grand Theft
April 27 at 3:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Stedman called to report that sometime during the night someone removed the catalytic converter from his vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting
April 27 at 6:49 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called police to report a theft that just occurred. A female suspect entered the store without wearing a mask. When they advised her about the mask requirement, she walked out of the store with merchandise and did not pay for it. Officers responded and searched the area, but did not locate the suspect. Investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
April 28 at 8:18 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lime called to report that someone entered her unlocked vehicle and took costume jewelry and shoes. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 28 at 10:50 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report that his work vehicle was taken sometime during the early morning hours. The vehicle was parked in front of his home. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft
April 28 at 3:41 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of Leafwood called to report someone removed her Ring doorbell camera from her front door. The suspect also tried stealing a package, but was confronted by the homeowner. The suspect fled the area. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 28 at 3:42 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Walnut. The victim reported that his tan, Nissan 720 King Cab truck was taken sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 9:47 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a suspect that concealed merchandise while inside the store and left without paying for the items. The suspect was detained by officers and arrested.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 29 at 3:28 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Encinitas called police to report a suspicious vehicle that had been parked in the area for several days. A computer check revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of West Covina. The vehicle was recovered.

Knights of Columbus Volunteer Cook Dies at 87 Years Old

Long-time Monrovian and volunteer cook at Monrovia Knights of Columbus, John Joseph Gatt, 87, has died. Gatt was born in Malta and served in the British Navy as a seaman for 16 years. Obituary here: https://is.gd/tOr2kq

- Brad Haugaard

First Coronavirus Death in Monrovia; Five More Cases in Monrovia; Seven in Unincorporated Monrovia

The LA County Department of Public Health is reporting ( https://is.gd/ptHp67) what appears to be the first Coronavirus death in Monrovia, at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center, on Duarte Road.

The number of cases in the City of Monrovia has jumped to 44, up five from yesterday.

Also, there are 7 cases in unincorporated Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Info

Snapped some random pictures of COVID messages on the front of Old Town area restaurants this morning, April 29, some of which may be a bit helpful. Click images for larger view.

It says it's open regular hours, but to-go only.

Diplomat

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Remodels

It may be a bad time for customers but it’s probably a good time for remodeling. The Monrovian restaurant appears to be getting a do-over, inside and out.

- Brad Haugaard

Coronavirus Days - A Good Time to Do Road Work

With people off the streets it’s a good time to get road work done. Repainting the turn lane at Myrtle and Foothill. (Photo by Kelly Moran.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 39

Up by one since yesterday. To 39, according to LA County Department of Public Health. https://is.gd/0E1S6i

- Brad Haugaard

Sprout Ready to Blossom at Your House

Five-year-old Sprout is truly blossoming (or sprouting, you might say) in her foster home. Although she was a little shy at the shelter, she just needed time to gain some confidence in a calm environment. Her foster human reports that Sprout now enjoys being carried around and will purr non-stop when she's in someone's arms. She'll also do slow blinks (the cat version of a hug) if you call her "baby girl." Sprout is a true sweetie who will grow into a beautiful flower in a loving home.

Currently, all adoption fees are waived, made possible by the Spence Family and Capital Group. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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 and fill out an online adoption application. Adoptions are by appointment only.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Dollmakers' Kattywompus Closing

After almost 29 years in business in Monrovia, Dollmakers' Kattywompus, on Myrtle, is going out of business, it has announced on Facebook.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 37

Up by one since yesterday. To 37. https://is.gd/lTD72i

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 36, up by 5

Monrovia now has 36 Coronavirus cases, up from 31 two days ago on April 24. https://is.gd/zRCMtD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 31

Monrovia now has 31 Coronavirus cases, up from 25 two days ago. Hopefully this is a result of more testing becoming available. https://shrtm.nu/JCZx

- Brad Haugaard

Apply to Serve on City Commissions; Sidewalk Poetry; Virtual Story and Gardening Workshops; Brush Clearance

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

~ Monrovia is accepting applications to fill positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board for terms beginning July 1. Apply before May 1 here, https://is.gd/L55Xm6, or request an application by calling Sarah Godinez at 932-5599 or emailing sgodinez@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~ The 2020 Sidewalk Poetry Contest is now open. Here's your chance to see your poem immortalized in a concrete sidewalk. Submit by May 28. Details here: https://is.gd/RJ5Be5

~ The Monrovia Public Library is partnering with the StoryCenter non-profit group to host a story gathering workshop on April 24, 1-3 p.m., that involves a writing prompt meant to evoke a personal story and create time for sharing that writing with the group. https://is.gd/quEqIg

~ Learn what veggies to plant in your spring garden in a Zoom meeting sponsored by the Monrovia Community Garden Leadership Team, May 2, 10-11:30 a.m. Plus, live Q&A with experts. Registration required. Email your name and the title of the workshop to info@monroviacommunitygarden.org

~ Due to the Coronavirus, brush clearance has been delayed a month, so annual brush inspections will begin on or after June 15. Brush clearance notification letters will be sent out on June 1; Athens bins available June 1 - July 31; Initial inspections June 15; second inspections June 30.

- Brad Haugaard