Big M on Mountainside, High School Field, to Be Illuminated for High School Graduation

In celebration of the Class of 2020, Monrovia High School will illuminate the stadium field and the Monrovia 'M' on the mountain every Wednesday night leading up to graduation.

The lights will be on for 20 minutes beginning at 8:20 p.m. in recognition of seniors and their accomplishments.

- Brad Haugaard

Topiary Giraffes Against Coronavirus

Reader Scott Morgan saw this topiary giraffe on the 200 block of Norumbega.

- Brad Haugaard 

MADIA Tech Launch Webinar on Supply Chain Traceability

On Monday, May 13, 7 p.m. Monrovia's MADIA Tech Launch will host an online webinar with Dr. Naresh Menon, Founder and CEO of Covisus Inc., who will discuss "Building a Business to enable total Supply Chain Traceability." Q&A at 7:45 p.m. MADIA provides educational programs in entrepreneurship, business finance and operations, and technology development and commercialization. Register:  https://is.gd/7RRT3j

- Brad Haugaard

Cinco de Mayo: Max's Mexican Cuisine Thanks Methodist Hospital for Its Medical Support

The Arteaga Family, longtime Monrovia residents and owners of Max's Mexican Cuisine in Monrovia, visited the Arcadia Methodist Hospital staff on Cinco de Mayo to honor and thank the health workers for their commitment and efforts in ensuring the community has the medical support it needs during the worldwide pandemic.

Representing the family owned and operated business were Angelica and Uriel Arteaga; both expressed their appreciation for Methodist Hospital staff and Foundation President Mike. Ulises Gutierrez, Business Consultant for Max's Mexican Cuisine, also participated in the event. Gutierrez is a COVID survivor and was treated at Methodist Hospital for 8 days.

Max's Mexican Cuisine thanks Bavarian Garage of Glendora and Lark Construction Services for their support of this event.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Creates Monrovia Restaurant App

Monrovian Rob McClinton has created a smartphone app to help Monrovians easily order from Monrovia restaurants on their cell phones.

The app tells whether the restaurant has curbside or other delivery, how to access it, address and contact info, type of food, and an opportunity mark it as a favorite. If a restaurant is missing, request for it to be added.

Rob writes that his family has "gotten into a bit of a rut with our favorites and want to spread the love to support others. I figured other folks might too. Also, I don't always find one I'm looking for on any on particular delivery app."

In case you are worried about installing software on your phone, don't be. This is basically an icon on your phone that points to a mobile-optimized web page. So the software is all online, not on your phone.

Besides, I've known Rob for years and trust him, if that counts for you.

You can get the app here, https://monrovia.belocalstrong.com/ , or you can  just focus your smartphone camera on this QR code and follow a couple of steps.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 57

The LA County Department of Public Health reports (https://is.gd/LcrzHl) Monrovia Coronavirus cases today:

Monrovia: 57 cases (up 2 from yesterday). Three deaths at last report, but county website fails when queried for deaths, so number may be higher.

Unincorporated Monrovia: 11 cases (up 2 from yesterday)

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 29, 1 death

- Brad Haugaard

Laid Back Miles - With Playful Moments

Sweet, lovable Miles is ready to be adopted! His foster family reports that he's a well-behaved sweetheart who loves belly rubs, squeaky toys, tennis balls, and car rides. He's ten years old so he's pretty laid back, but he still has plenty of playful puppy moments. If you're interested in adopting Miles, he'll fit perfectly into your life -- just clear some time in your schedule for belly rubs!

Currently, all adoption fees are waived, made possible by the Spence Family and Capital Group. All dog 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

Four-Way Stop Coming to Olive and Mayflower

Correspondent (and photographer) Kelly Moran notes this electronic notice indicating a new four-way stop sign and pedestrian crossing is coming to the corner Olive and Mayflower, by Monroe Elementary, installation starting May 11.

- Brad Haugaard

It's Teacher Appreciation Week!

Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian writes ...

Today marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers choose, and remain, in this profession because of their belief in education, their love of learning, and their connection to their students.

It is really this last element that sustains teachers during the most difficult of times. Your children are the reason teachers continue to teach. The bonds established in the classroom can last a lifetime and, right now, that connection, like our learning platform, is distant.

So, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, please take a moment to contact your child’s teacher. Indeed, if you had a teacher who had a positive impact on your life, this moment in history might be the best time to reach out and simply say, “thank you.”

Show us how you are expressing your appreciation by using #MUSDProud on social media!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 55 and 3 Deaths

The LA County Department of Public Health reports (https://is.gd/LcrzHl) Monrovia Coronavirus cases today:

Monrovia: 55 cases (up 2 from yesterday). City Council member Becky Shevlin reports there are 3 deaths, but that part of the county website is acting up and I can't confirm that.

Unincorporated Monrovia: 9 cases (no increase from yesterday)

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 30 (up 5 from yesterday), Deaths - 1

- Brad Haugaard

Special Graduation Activities Planned for Monrovia Students

Dr. Sue Kaiser, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, reports that while Monrovia Schools will not have the traditional promotion and graduation activities, principals are working with their communities to plan special promotion and graduation events for the students from each school. As these events are planned and solidified, principals will be sharing more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Park, Preserve, to Remain Closed

Canyon Park and Wilderness Preserve ...

This sign previously said that they were closed until May 15, so the closure is apparently being extended. 

COMMENT: While I agree with the Safer at Home policy, and think the city was wise to crack down at any point where there could be a problem, I do think it is time to reevaluate this.

If I recall correctly, the city opened Canyon Park and the Wilderness Area after briefly closing it because of COVID concerns, but then so many people came when they were opened that it became a problem. But I went to the park the day after the crowd, on a weekday, and it was empty, and that same day the city shut it down again.

I think that concerns about Coronavirus can be addressed without totally shutting down these areas. Here are a few ideas:

• Start by opening the areas only on weekdays, when traffic should be lighter (and was, in fact, lighter when I was there).
• Limit the number of people who can be there at one time. The rangers already limit the number of cars, so this shouldn't be a lot more work.
• Require face masks in these areas at all times.
• Require people to remain at least six feet apart.
• There are foot trails in the park, and perhaps there are a few where it would be difficult to maintain six feet of separation, so if really necessary, keep those shut, but leave the roads open.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 53

The LA County Department of Public Health reports (https://is.gd/LcrzHl) Monrovia Coronavirus cases today:

Monrovia: 53 (up 1 from yesterday)

Unincorporated Monrovia: 9 (up 1 from yesterday)

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 25, Deaths - 1

- Brad Haugaard

Vons Starbucks Sorta Opening Monday

The Starbucks in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill is reopening at 6 a.m. Monday (tomorrow), according to Kelly Moran, who took this picture. But, she adds, "you have to stand on the green lines in a line and pick up at the door. The condiment table now blocks the door."

- Brad Haugaard

Online Monrovia Church Services

This is a list of online church services today in Monrovia. There are some I could not find information about or that I just missed. If you know of others, please let me know (Include a link and times of services.)

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.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 50

The LA County Department of Public Health reports (https://is.gd/LcrzHl) Monrovia Coronavirus cases today:

Monrovia: 50

Unincorporated Monrovia: 8

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center

Staff - 13

Residents - 13

Deaths - 1

Looking at the death rate for Los Angeles County (https://is.gd/LcrzHl) it is just under 5 percent (4.85%) of those who have been diagnosed as having the Coronavirus, but for nearby Pasadena, the death rate is much higher: 12.65 percent - 411 cases, 52 deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count

The LA County Department of Public Health reports (https://is.gd/LcrzHl) Coronavirus cases:

Monrovia: 49, same as yesterday.

Unincorporated Monrovia: 8, same as yesterday.

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center

Staff - 14, up one since yesterday

Residents - 11, same as yesterday

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

Note: Finally, I don't know how there can be one more case (at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center) but the total for Monrovia remains unchanged.

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Thorossian's April Update

Dear Monrovia Unified Community,

We miss you all. It has been over a month since we began distance learning and though we have heard of its success, it does not compare to having our students at school every day.

I am thankful for your continued engagement, support, and flexibility. We have been busy recreating our educational system in the virtual world, and your patience through all of it has been appreciated.

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