Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park Graduations - Some Surprised With Scholarships

Canyon Oaks High School graduate (left); Mountain Park Independent School graduate (right)

More than 60 seniors from Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School were cheered on as they walked the stage to receive their diplomas during a drive-thru commencement ceremony on June 3 at Monrovia High School.

"It was an absolute honor to see our seniors' hard work pay off as they walked that stage to experience a moment that was almost taken away from them," Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. "Congratulations to our graduates. We wish them success as they move toward the next chapter in their lives."

When the ceremony began, cars lined up and graduates exited their vehicles with masks on and lined up 6 feet apart from one another. Teachers were invited on stage to share their memories of each student and ended with words of encouragement for the future.

"Our Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park graduates have demonstrated the characteristics that lead to success: persistence, creativity, and hard work.  These are qualities that we hope to cultivate in all our students," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Monrovia Unified is dedicated to the achievement of every student and I am certain that our graduates will continue to be a source of pride for our community."

As they picked up their diploma and elbow-bumped their teachers, some students were also surprised as they were presented with scholarships. Before reaching the pick-up zone at the end of the graduation stage, students met with Flint Fertig, Director of Alternative Schools, who directed them to turn their tassel from right to left.

"The Class of 2020 was presented with many obstacles this school year, but not once did they let the hardships discourage them," Fertig said. "They pushed through everything and have fulfilled all of the graduation requirements to be here today. Congratulations to every single one of them."

- Brad Haugaard

Carotid Hold Illegal in Monrovia; Street Fair, Street Sweeping, Parking Enforcement to Resume

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

~ The carotid control hold [which has been protested following the death of George Floyd] has not been used in Monrovia "for approximately 15 years," although police have been required to be trained on it. However, "As of Sunday afternoon, Chief Sanvictores has suspended the policy. The carotid control hold is no longer in use by the Monrovia Police Department." Governor Newsom has also ordered an end of training for the hold.

~ The weekly Street Fair has been tentatively set to reopen on Friday, July 3. "At least initially it will look a bit different to practice social distancing."

~ The city will resume parking enforcement on Monday, June 15.

~ Street sweeping will return to a weekly  schedule on Monday, June 15.

~ Monrovia's Roncelli Plastics has manufactured sneeze guards for public counters in city buildings. "We'll begin placing these guards in the coming days in anticipation of reopening public facilities." COVID rules will apply.

- Brad Haugaard

About 13% of Reported Monrovia Coronavirus Cases Result in Death

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:

Monrovia: 174 cases (up 1), 23 deaths (up 1).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).

Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has  disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.

Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).

So, of the reported cases of COVID-19 (realizing that there are undoubtedly cases that are not reported) the death rate for Monrovia is more than 13 percent.

- Brad Haugaard

Mental Health Service Available to School District Families

Monrovia Unified School District fosters a culture that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and parents. In an effort to continuously support this commitment while school is not in session over the summer, the district wants to remind families of the 24/7 mental health service available to you through our partner Care Solace.

Care Solace is an online resource with a live, multilingual Care Concierge meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services. Care Solace's web-based system works alongside our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) as a tool for school staff and families to connect with community-based mental healthcare resources and providers.

The proprietary care navigation system taps into a vast database of mental healthcare resources to find carefully vetted local and online therapists and programs in minutes.

School district staff and families may access Care Solace services in two ways:

1. Call (888) 515-0595 or email weserve@caresolace.org to speak with someone from the Care Concierge team.

• Representatives are standing by to take your call, email or video chat 24/7

2. Visit your district’s link at Caresolace.com/musdparents

• Answer ten simple questions on their confidential platform and get matched with local and online providers in minutes.

• Care Solace takes into account all types of private insurance including Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare and those that have no insurance. The provider will also be specific to age, gender, zip code and any special requests.

• If you’d like assistance finding a provider and/or booking an appointment, the Care Concierge can make the phone calls on your behalf, help you navigate who accepts your insurance, and any other special requests, saving you precious time in your busy schedules.

Care Solace is available for use by district students and families at no cost. All information shared with Care Solace or entered on their website is completely confidential and securely stored. They do not share specific user information to any third parties or even the district itself.

Please note, this service is an optional free resource available to families in our district. If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, please give them a call at (888) 515-0595.

Click HERE for a list of Frequently Asked Questions to reference.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian, Superintendent

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 173, Up 1; 22 Deaths, Up 1

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:

Monrovia: 173 cases (up 1), 22 deaths (up 1).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).

Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has  disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.

Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).

- Brad Haugaard

Pickles is a Chatty Catty - Likes to Explore, Too

How handsome is Pickles? This three-year-old kitty is a curious and adventurous young man who loves to explore. He’s very chatty and would be a wonderful conversation buddy, even if you don’t yet speak cat. Pickles is very intelligent and has a big personality, and he’ll be such a fun guy to have around your house. Plus, did you notice how sleek and gorgeous he is?

The adoption fee for cats is $90. 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

Monrovia Post Office Changes Access Hours for PO Boxes

Reader Scott Morgan reports that a notice in the Monrovia Post Office says that "due to circumstances beyond our control" hours for access to the Post Office Box Lobby have been changed to:

Monday-Saturday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: closed

However, window service hours remain the same:

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

- Brad Haugaardd

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 172, Up 3

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:

Monrovia: 172 cases (up 3), 21 deaths (unchanged).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).

Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has  disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.

Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).

- Brad Haugaard

Windy Tonight - Be Careful On the Freeway!

Wind advisory in effect from 6 p.m. today to 3 a.m. tomorrow, Monday. In the San Gabriel Valley north winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph across the wind prone foothills. Gusty winds will make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. This includes the 57 and 210
freeways. https://is.gd/YiKVF2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 169, 1 New Death

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:

Monrovia: 169 cases (down 1 - apparently 1 died), 21 deaths (up 1).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).

Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has  disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.

Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Denounce Racism, Violence; Adopt 'Fantasy' Budget; Accept Contract for Internet Filtering

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/vz56lF) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Adopting a resolution "denouncing racism and discriminatory acts in America and affirm[ing] MUSD's commitment to tolerance, understanding, and diversity in schools." The resolution would voice "its opposition to all forms of racism, discriminatory actions, and the incitement of violence." https://is.gd/eHky2t

~ Adopting its 2020-21 budget (https://is.gd/r3OfEy), which Board President Rob Hammond called a "fantasy budget" in this interview: https://is.gd/ajtqlv

~ Accepting a three-year contract for Internet content filtering from Linewize for $40,184. https://is.gd/dJOwUO


- Brad Haugaard

New Lyft COVID Rules Coming Up; Report Bulky Trash Maybe Win $50; Underpass Painting

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

~  In the coming weeks, every Lyft rider and driver will have to certify in the app that they will wear a face covering throughout the ride, are COVID-19 symptom-free and will follow CDC and local guidelines related to COVID-19.


~ If you report bulky items, such as furniture, boxes, or other items in the right of way (not on private property) you can be be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card to a Monrovia business, and Athens will pick up the bulky item within about 48 hours. To report, call Public Works at 932-5575; or email bulkyitem@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Raffle winners will be notified after each Thursday drawing by Public Works staff.

~ The schedule for washing and repainting freeway underpasses:
Mountain - done
Week of June 8 - Shamrock
Week of June 15 - California
Week of June 22- Myrtle
Week of June 29 - Magnolia
Week of July 6 - Mayflower
Week of July 13 - Monterey
Week of July 20 - Huntington

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 170, Up 4

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:

Monrovia: 170 cases (up 4), 20 deaths (unchanged).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (up 1).

Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged). This facility has  disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.

Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Graduation - Vastly Different But Still a Happy Time

More than 300 Monrovia High School seniors exited their vehicles, walked the green and white decorated stage, received their diplomas, and turned their tassels during the school’s drive-thru commencement ceremony at Monrovia High School on June 3.

“I’m incredibly proud of our extraordinary graduates, who finally got their moment of celebration after losing so many aspects of their senior year to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. “I know they will go on to contribute to our society in wonderful, meaningful ways, drawing on the lessons learned over their years at Monrovia Unified.”

The graduation ceremony almost didn’t happen, after Los Angeles County education leaders nixed drive-thru events. But advocacy by Hammond and the rest of the Board of Education, Monrovia High School Principal Kirk McGinnis, and the Monrovia community, convinced the county to reverse its ruling, opening the opportunity to celebrate safely – not just for Monrovia but for districts across the region.

The very first graduate of the day was Vivian Fisher, who received an honorary diploma as she was unable to receive her diploma from the class of 1938. Fisher, 99, longtime Monrovia resident and former Monrovia Unified School District employee, was escorted on stage by her great great nephew and Monrovia High Class of 2020 graduate, Elijah Vance.

Afterward, students lined up 6 feet apart and walked the stage as their names were announced through the speakers. Families drove next to the stage, taking photos and cheering for their graduate before making their way to a pick-up zone.

“Graduation ceremonies symbolize the culmination of educational pursuits as a child and the commencement of life as an adult. They are a celebration of achievement. This year, we also celebrate our graduates for their perseverance through these challenging times,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “They are the bright spot in a time of crisis.”

Though the graduation ceremony was vastly different than years past, valedictorian Kate Tadeo and salutatorian Jessica Lee were still given the opportunity to address their fellow graduates through a video message.

“I ask you, Monrovia Class of 2020, to not look at this experience as something of sadness, but as an opportunity to fight for those who don’t get to walk across their stage because of gun violence, who do not get to watch their virtual graduation from their Apple MacBooks, and for those who are unable to lead their lives without fear of being persecuted for their beliefs and identity,” Tadeo said. “We have to be better. Fight for better. Be the generation of change as I know we can be.”

Lee, who shared advice and words of wisdom she learned from her brother, emphasized the importance of setting goals and practicing compassion.

“Always remember to practice gratitude, because not every day is guaranteed. Although I am proud of the achievements I have accomplished, looking back, I regret not spending more time with people,” Lee said. “In a time like this, more than ever, I’ve realized how easy it is to forget the privilege of being around friends and family.”

Despite the hardships to get to graduation, Monrovia High School, Monrovia Unified Board of Education, and the community of Monrovia collaborated to create a memorable day full of smiles, cheers, and applause.

“Graduates, you have proven that your commitment to graduate was made with a conviction to finish strong. I challenge you to set a new vision for success,” McGinnis said. “I trust that you will take the skills, lessons, and qualities you learned here at Monrovia High School and apply them to each step in your life. Monrovia High is truly the home of scholars and champions and is a better place because of your contributions over the past four years. Congratulations.”

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Has Best Anti-COVID Measures Among Grocery Stores

A report from Fox Business says that Monrovia-based Trader Joe’s, along with Costco and Whole Foods, have best coronavirus safety measures among grocery stores. https://is.gd/CiWIVV

- Brad Haugaard

Vivian Fisher, 98, Graduated from Monrovia High School Today

98-year-old Vivian Fisher received her diploma from Monrovia High School today. She should have got it in 1938 but things happen, life interfered. Story on ABC7: https://is.gd/IeZp1Z

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Lyft Driver Punched for Not Loading Luggage; Man Robbed of Cell Phone at Knife Point; Motorist Brandishes Firearm at Protesters; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 28 – June 3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 394 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Battery
May 28 at 1:29 p.m., a customer of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a battery incident. While he was shopping, a male subject inside the store punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. After being hit, the victim saw the subject run out of the store. He did not know why the suspect hit him. Officers responded and searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The victim did not require paramedics. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
May 28 at 6:13 p.m., a Lyft driver called police to report a battery incident. He was picking up a subject at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth. The subject became upset when the driver would not load his luggage in the trunk. The driver told the subject he needed to do that himself. The subject then punched the driver in the face and ran into the hotel. Investigation continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
May 28 at 8:30 p.m., a motorist was stopped at a red light at Myrtle and Olive. The motorist attempted to make a right turn onto eastbound Olive and sideswiped another motorist. One of the motorists fled the scene without providing the necessary documentation. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 28 at 10:10 p.m., a traffic collision occurred in the 700 block of W. Duarte. A motorist was exiting a driveway in the 700 block of W. Duarte and there was an illegally parked vehicle blocking her view. When the motorist exited the driveway, she collided into another vehicle who was traveling west on Duarte. Both motorists complained of pain to their chest, due to the airbags deploying. Monrovia Paramedics arrived and treated the motorists. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft
May 29 at 1:38 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report two male subjects stole power tools and fled the location heading south on Mountain in a black BMW with no license plates. Investigation continuing.

Theft
May 29 at 3:22 p.m., a resident from the 700 block of S. Ivy called police to report his landscaping equipment was stolen from the bed of his truck. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
May 30 at 9:43 a.m., a business owner in the 200 block of W. Maple arrived at work and discovered his company vehicle had been stolen sometime during the night. Officers responded and searched the area for the vehicle, but could not locate it. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing.

Family Disturbance
May 30 at 11:27 a.m., a caller reported hearing a male and female subject yelling at one another inside an apartment in the 500 block of E. Olive. Officers responded and located the two subjects still yelling at one another. After determining no crime had occurred, officers kept the peace and provided counseling.

Battery
May 30 at 12:12 p.m., callers reported a fight in progress in the north alley of the 300 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and found two female subjects had battered one another. Officers kept the peace, then issued citations for battery, as both wanted the other arrested.

Family Disturbance
May 30 at 2:45 p.m., a caller reported hearing a family yelling at one another for over an hour at their house in the 200 block of N. Grand. Officers responded and located the family. It was determined no crime had occurred and the officers kept the peace.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 10:24 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Duarte called police to report an adult male subject took merchandise without paying for it. Officers located the subject, who admitted to stealing the merchandise. The subject was arrested for shoplifting.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 11:50 p.m., a caller in the 500 block of E. Olive reported that her boyfriend threw a lotion bottle at her and it struck her in the face, causing redness to her face. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The male subject was subsequently arrested for domestic violence. He was also found to be on probation for a prior domestic violence incident.

Robbery
June 3 at 4:30 p.m., a male subject was sitting at a table at Station Square Park using his cell phone when he was approached by two Hispanic subjects, a male and female. The female subject brandished a knife and asked him what he was doing. The male subject then punched him in the face and took his cell phone out of his hands. The two subjects walked towards the train platform. The police were notified and the victim was taken to a local hospital for his injuries. The suspects were not located. The investigation is continuing.

Weapons Violation – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 5:26 p.m., Demonstrators were peacefully protesting in the 300 block of S. Myrtle when a motorist initiated a confrontation with the demonstrators. The motorist brandished a firearm and then sped away, heading north on Myrtle. Officers quickly responded and detained the motorist in the area. An investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Monrovia Church to Offer Drive-Through Communion

Monrovia's Fellowship Church will hold its first ever drive-through communion service on Sunday, June 14 from 3-5 p.m. in the Monrovia High School parking lot. Staff will "distribute the elements of communion and pray a blessing over you from the safety of your vehicle."

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch from Cafe X2O

Lunch from Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Kebab ($14) and substituted the rice with spinach for about $4 (wasn’t broken out so not sure). Very good. I enjoyed it all. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 166, 2 More, 1 More Death

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:

Monrovia: 166 cases (up 2), 20 deaths (up 1).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (unchanged).

Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).

Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged). This facility has suddenly disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.

Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).

- Brad Haugaard