Lunch from Gene’s Grinders

Lunch from Gene’s Grinders, at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the Combination sandwich (ham, salami, provolone) for $8. Yum!

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Up 16 in Two Days, to 352 - 1 More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 7: Monrovia: 352 (up 16 since 8 p.m. July 5), 29 deaths (up 1); Unincorporated Monrovia: 45 (up 7).

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

Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

City Working to Expand Outdoor Seating for Restaurants

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the city "will be working to assist business owners with expanding their outdoor dining onto the sidewalk, breezeways, and parking spots, as appropriate, since the physical opportunities and limits vary at each location."

The city will also "be studying the options to designate curbside pick-up spots on each block. At this time, streets will not be closed to vehicles, however, Old Town visitors may see a reduction in parking spots where outdoor seating is being expanded.

"If you're a business that's looking to expand your outdoor dining, please contact Krystina Livraga, Code Enforcement Officer at klivraga@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5533."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 336

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 5: Monrovia: 336 (up 32 since Thursday), 28 deaths (unchanged); Unincorporated Monrovia: 38 (up 5).

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

Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Mayor Lutz to Run for Open Seat on Citrus College Board

Press release announcing the candidacy of Mary Ann Lutz for Citrus Community College Board: 

San Gabriel Valley community leader and former elected official Mary Ann Lutz announced her candidacy for District Area 5 of the Citrus Community College Board at the November 3 General Election.

“Today, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for College Board with the support of the amazing Governing Board Member Joanne Montgomery. Trustee Montgomery has provided the district with strong leadership for over twenty years. I will build on her legacy as the new Board Member insuring that the district thrives despite the challenging times in which we now live.” 

Montgomery announced her retirement after 22 years in office with an enthusiastic endorsement of Lutz. Montgomery stated that she is endorsing Lutz to ensure stability and good governance. “Mary Ann’s extensive policy experience especially with budgets and spending will help the district weather the challenging economic times ahead. She is a dedicated public servant and community leader with the knowledge to lead the district forward.” 

Lutz has been endorsed by Senator Anthony Portantino, Assembly Member Chris Holden, Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, Assembly Member Laura Friedman, Citrus College Board of Trustee Member Joanne Montgomery, Citrus College Board of Trustee Member Sue Keith, Duarte School Board President Ken Bell, Duarte School Board Member Reyna Diaz, Duarte School Board Member Cece Carroll, Duarte City Council Member John Fasana, Duarte City Council Member Margaret Finlay, Duarte City Council Member Liz Reilly, Duarte City Council Member Bryan Urias, Former Duarte Mayor Lois Gaston, Monrovia School Board Member Ed Gilliland, Monrovia School Board Member Selene Lockerbie, Monrovia City Council Member Alex Blackburn, Monrovia City Council Member Larry Spicer, Monrovia City Treasurer and Citrus Board Foundation Member Steve Baker, Monrovia Former Mayor Lara Larramendi, Pasadena City College Board of Trustee Member Sandra Chen Lau, Pasadena City College Board Trustee Member Anthony Fellow (partial list).

 
Lutz was elected Mayor of Monrovia three (2 year terms) and elected Councilmember twice (4 year terms). She has also served as President of San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, Advisory Board Member and Chair of Women Mayors for the US Conference of Mayors, and Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. She also recently served as Government Liaison/Policy Advisor to Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. Her experience working with the community includes serving as President of the Monrovia Library Foundation, Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, Past-President of the Foothill Unity Center, and District Chair for the Boys Scouts Lucky Baldwin District. She has been a member of the School Site Council for Santa Fe Middle School since 2003 and a 2010 Awardee of The Golden Apple Award for Monrovia.

Source: Lutz press release

- Brad Haugaard

Shy Ruby Wants Comfortable Home

Ruby and her SIX siblings were born under a house. The only tortie out of a litter of seven, three-month-old Ruby is also probably the most shy, but she loves being cuddled in a blanket and playing in boxes. She needs a little time to warm up to new things, but we know this cute kitten will come out of her shell and show off her tortitude once she's comfortable in her new home!

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 Mountain Lion Dies :-(

The injured mountain lion that was caught under a house in Monrovia has died. https://is.gd/b3ggk2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint Night of July 16

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI / CDL checkpoint on Thursday night, July 16, 2020.  Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped.  Drivers will then be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having a valid driver’s license. 

Over the course of the past three years, there have been 336 DUI investigations, with 32 of those resulting in collisions with injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.

In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver. 

 Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:

• Always use a designated driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive?  Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not!  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500.  This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Source: Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Thorossian's June Update

I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of summer break. As we begin the month of July, I want to express my appreciation to our students, families, and school community for their support as we navigated through the pandemic challenges this school year.

Monrovia Unified is dedicated to the success of each student and our teams of educators worked tirelessly to ensure all our students and families were equipped with the tools necessary to finish the school year strongly. During that process, you showed us patience and collaborated with teachers and administrators to make for a smooth transition to distance learning.

 

It was a bittersweet feeling ending the school year on June 3 without the opportunity to come together as a staff or to wish our signing off with a final “KIT” in student yearbooks.

 

I am especially thankful to the school teams for making those drive-through graduations so celebratory and personal.  Monrovia High School, Canyon Oaks, Mountain Park, and Monrovia Adult School each hosted a final farewell that recognized student achievement and highlighted the “commencement” of future opportunities beyond the protective walls of our community. Our sincerest congratulations to the Class of 2020. We wish you nothing but success as you move on to college, career, and beyond!

 

Though we are currently on summer break, I want to remind our families that our Food Summer Program  is running until Aug. 18. Families can pick up meals from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday at the school nearest you.

 

During these summer months, I also encourage students and families to take part in summer learning activities through Wide Open School, which is offering a free virtual summer camp with online and in-person activities for students and families.

 

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering spaces at 50 parks for children six years and up. The summer camp program offers support for families that are slowly integrating back into the workforce and need a safe and affordable program for their children. 

 

Camp begins Monday, July 6 and you can register online. For more information on the safety guidelines of the program, visit the department’s website. All camps are adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines that include physical distancing, cleaning, and the inclusion of personal protective equipment required for both staff and participants.

 

Lastly, this month the District shared with you the news about our reopening plan for the 2020-21 school year. In the coming month, our task forces at the elementary and secondary levels will explore multiple instructional models ranging from continued distance learning to in-person instruction – commensurate with the state’s four stage roadmap to reopen California.

Monrovia Unified is committed to ensuring the safety of our students. As we prepare for our reopening we must address some key issues significant to the reopening – health and safety practices, state funding cuts, instructional models, and district services.

Monrovia Unified will host three webinars discussing the reopening process at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m, on Thursday, July 9. Please register for the webinar ahead of time. The webinar will provide an overview of the process used to gather information, investigate several instructional schedules, and identify those that seem to best serve the needs of our students.
We will continue providing updated information on our website, ParentSquare, and social media platforms.

Families are encouraged to tune in to Conversations with Ralph Walker, which will resume at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 10. 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

Citrus College Board Member Joanne Montgomery Will Not Seek Re-Election - Endorses Former Mayor Mary Ann Lutz

After proudly serving the Citrus Community College District for 22 years, Governing Board Member Joanne Montgomery announced her retirement today.  "This is a bittersweet moment for me.  I have been honored and privileged to serve the district for over two decades, but now is the time for me to move onto a new chapter in my life.  I would like to thank the students, faculty, staff, and constituents of the District for allowing me the opportunity to serve."

As a former elementary school teacher and educator, Montgomery has received countless awards and honors over her many years of service.  "I love teaching, being an educator, and the college district.  The only thing that brings me more joy is my family and I'm looking forward to spending more time with my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren," added Montgomery.

"Moving forward, I want to make sure I am leaving the district with stability and good governance, so I am endorsing former Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz to replace me.  Mary Ann's extensive policy experience especially with budgets and spending will help the district weather the challenging economic times ahead.  She is a dedicated public servant and community leader with the knowledge to lead the district forward."

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Girl Troop Being Formed

Monrovia Girl Troop 66G, associated withe the Boy Scouts of America, is being formed and is looking for girls who have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old.

The troop, which is partnering with American Legion Post 44, will give girls the opportunity to learn leadership, participate in community service, local government, parades, working with our local veterans and the Knights of Columbus. Some of their adventures will include whitewater rafting, long term camp, rock climbing, shooting, archery, swimming and life saving skills such as first aid, water survival training, land navigation, wilderness survival and merit badges to introduce them to life careers.

For questions please contact Organizational Representative Mark Peters by calling or texting  626-485-1032, emailing monroviatroop66g@gmail.com, or messaging on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girltroop66/

- Brad Haugaard

4th of July Decorating Contest Winners

The 2020 4th of July Home Decorating Contest and Old Town Monrovia Window Decorating Contest.

Home Contest Winners

• Best Patriotic Display - 515 W. Colorado
• Salute to Our Military Display - 751 E. Foothill Blvd.
• Small Town USA Display - 126 Melrose Ave.
• Most Spectacular - 380 Norumbega Dr. 
• Judges Award - 210 Oaks Ave.

Business Contest Winners

• Best Patriotic Display -Dream Decor, 505 S. Myrtle Ave.
• Salute to Our Military Display - The Attic Events & Home Treasures, 312 S. Myrtle Ave.
• Small Town USA Display - Neighborhood Pawn, 619 S. Myrtle Ave.
• Most Spectacular - Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 517 S. Myrtle Ave.
• Judges Award - Puff Monkey, 427 S. Myrtle Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Juneteenth as Holiday, Committee to Study Any Structural Inequity in City Government

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/JdWSlV) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Declaring June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Monrovia. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. https://is.gd/YyUnW6

~ Establishing an ad hoc committee to review city policies, procedures and practices for possible structural inequity and to recommend solutions to remove barriers to equity in city government. https://is.gd/e87aNw

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Anita Family YMCA Delays Opening Until July 13

The Santa Anita Family YMCA was planning to reopen  on Monday, July 6. Not going to happen. The new date for reopening is Monday, July 13.

Y Executive Director Eric Boyd writes:

"I sincerely apologize for this disappointing news, but I hope you'll understand our rationale."

"We feel very good about the safety precautions and protocols on which we've trained our staff in preparation for re-opening. But our facility, quite frankly, still needs a few improvements before we feel that you, our Y family, can safely enjoy the full benefits of the healthy lifestyle activities we aim to offer. Our previous communications were sincere; just a little ambitious.

"That said, we will continue making the final necessary improvements to our facility (i.e. re-spacing equipment, power-washing select surfaces, etc.) in the coming days, and I look to our July 13th re-opening with great confidence.  Thank you for your continued patience and understanding."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 304, Up 3

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health: Monrovia: 304 (up 3), 28 deaths (unchanged); Unincorporated Monrovia: 38 (up 1).

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

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Gym Helps 91-Year-Old Regain His Health

Monrovia's Foothill Gym helped a 91-year-old whose health was declining because the gym - his second home - was closed due to COVID. How did it help? Well, it kinda sorta cheated and let him in early, before it officially reopened. https://is.gd/ZdWQuP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Rescued Kitty (Big); Indecent Exposure; Suspect Takes Nothing But Leaves BB Gun; Passengers Steal Ride Share Driver's Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 25 – July 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 399 service events, resulting in 75 investigations. 

Mountain Lion
June 25 at 4:59 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Colorado called police to report a large mountain lion under her house. Officers responded along with the State Fish and Wildlife Warden and a biologist. At approximately 8:00 a.m., detectives sent a robot under the house, which allowed the warden to tranquilize the lion and safely bring it out from under the house. It was found to have a neck injury caused by another large animal and was transported to a state veterinary hospital for care. 

Indecent Exposure
June 25 at 8:55 a.m., a female subject was driving in the 900 block of W. Huntington when she saw a male subject exposing himself in an area between a hotel and a restaurant. She notified the hotel and called the police, then left the area. Officers arrived and located the male subject. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
June 25 at 11:09 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona walked outside to his vehicle and discovered someone had stolen tools from his locked van. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The investigation is continuing. 

Theft – Suspect Arrested
June 25 at 11:49 a.m., an employee of a store in the 900 block of E. Huntington called police to report a theft of merchandise. Officers responded and located the suspect, who would not identify himself. He was arrested and taken into custody. He was positively identified after being fingerprinted. 

Theft
June 25 at 2:45 p.m., a theft of a purse was reported at a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A female subject was sitting in her vehicle in the parking lot, when a male suspect opened her unlocked passenger door and took her purse, which was on the passenger seat. The suspect fled the area with the purse. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
June 26 at 6:22 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Lemon walked outside his home and discovered someone had shattered one of the windows on his work van sometime during the night. Officers arrived and determined the suspect had not gained entry into the vehicle and nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
June 26 at 11:37 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Hillcrest discovered someone had taken his wallet from his vehicle sometime overnight. Officers arrived and determined the vehicle was left unlocked. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
June 26 at 8:13 p.m., an unknown subject spray painted graffiti on the south side of a business in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
June 26 at 11:46 p.m., an unknown subject spray painted graffiti on various sections of Station Square Park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. This investigation is continuing. 

Mail Theft
June 27 at 7:25 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Norumbega walked outside her home and found mail scattered on the street. She picked it up and saw it belonged to Monrovia residents living on Monroe Place. Officers responded, collected the mail, and returned it to its owners. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Tampering
June 27 at 9:39 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Olive walked outside to his parked vehicle, which had been left unlocked, and discovered someone had gained entry and ransacked the interior. The suspect had left a BB gun in the vehicle, but nothing was taken. Officers responded and collected the BB gun as evidence. This investigation is continuing. 

Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
June 27 at 12:17 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Olive called police to report his brother was at the location in violation of a restraining order which requires him to stay away from the resident and the home. Officers arrived and found the subject on the front porch of the home and he was refusing to leave. He was arrested for violation of the restraining order. 

Theft From a Vehicle
June 27 at 12:40 p.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of S. Myrtle walked outside to his parked vehicle and discovered someone had gained entry and took his laptop, wallet and other items. Officers responded and searched the area, locating all of the property nearby, except the wallet. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
June 27 at 2:51 p.m., a caller reported seeing fresh graffiti on an electrical box at the corner of Myrtle and Duarte, next to the railroad tracks. Athens graffiti removal was called to remove the graffiti. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 27 at 4:08 p.m., an employee of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington called police to report unusual activity in one of their rooms. Multiple people were seen entering and leaving the room over a period of two days. Officers responded and contacted the renter of the room. An investigation found he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Mail Theft / Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
June 28 at 1:30 a.m., an officer was conducting a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 600 block of Norumbega for unsafe backing. As the officer spoke to the two occupants of the vehicle, he noticed a significant amount of mail inside the car. Neither of the occupants lived in the area. Further investigation revealed the occupants were in possession of stolen mail. The female driver also had multiple warrants for her arrest and the male passenger was in possession of a controlled substance, as well as drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody. The victims of the stolen mail were contacted and had their mail returned. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 28 at 7:53 a.m., a resident was jogging in the 100 block of S. California when they saw a male subject passed out in the driver's seat of a parked car. The jogger believed the subject needed medical help and called police. Officers and paramedics responded. Officers found the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Investigation revealed the subject had recently used a controlled substance, but was not in need of any medical attention. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
June 28 at 3:31 p.m., a female subject at the corner of Magnolia and Huntington called police to report her boyfriend hit her with a belt and she was in a lot of pain. Officers and paramedics responded. When they arrived, the suspect had fled the area. The victim was in a lot of pain and was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. The suspect turned himself in at the police station and was arrested and taken into custody. When he was arrested, he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and a drug pipe. 

Grand Theft Auto
June 29 at 8:09 a.m., a ride share driver picked up a male and female customer in Pasadena. They requested to go to a Monrovia business in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Once at the business, they requested to go to another location. The driver parked and went inside the business to use the restroom. He left the keys inside with the vehicle running. When he exited the store, he saw the two subjects driving away in his vehicle. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
June 29 at 12:45 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Violet regarding a traffic collision. The driver was attempting to back out and accelerated into a building. She complained of pain and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. No other vehicles were involved. 

Fraud
June 29 at 7:15 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Walnut received a call from a male suspect who told her that her computer had been hacked. The suspect told her in order to fix her computer, she would need to purchase three $500 Target gift cards and call him with the numbers on the back. The victim did what the suspect asked and gave him the gift card information. After she gave the card numbers to the suspect over the phone, she reported it to Chase Bank and was advised it was a common scam. This investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 29 at 11:34 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle had been in an accident in the 100 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and saw a vehicle had struck a tree at the location. They contacted the driver and could smell the odor of alcohol. The driver had slurred speech and blood shot watery eyes. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol. He was held for a sobering period. 

Theft
June 30 at 10:12 a.m., a theft was reported in the 200 block of E. Foothill. The victim parked his car and when he returned to it the next morning, he discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
June 30 at 2:08 p.m., a theft was reported in the 300 block of W. Lime. Upon returning to his vehicle in the morning, the victim discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen off his vehicle. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
June 30 at 10:17 p.m., a resident called to report a female subject was breaking plants and door hangings on her front porch in the 300 block of Genoa. The female left the location and kicked vehicles on the way down the street. Officers responded and checked the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate her. This investigation is continuing. 

Medical Assist
July 1 at 1:15 a.m., a caller reported a male subject not breathing in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded to the location and found a subject who had overdosed on drugs. The subject was unresponsive, but had a faint pulse. The subject was given Narcan, which helped him breathe better. Paramedics arrived after the Narcan was given and the subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Lunch from JB Burgers

Lunch from JB Burgers, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the Pastrami Sandwich for $6.75. Yummy! Liked it a lot.

- Brad Haugaard 

5 Trader Joe's Employees Positive for Coronavirus

Five Monrovia Trader Joe's employees have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to San Gabriel Valley Tribune: https://is.gd/oVUTg6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 301, Up 7

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

Monrovia: 301 (up 7), 28 deaths (unchanged); Unincorporated Monrovia: 37 (up 1).

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

- Brad Haugaard