Students! Name - Or Decorate - a Tunnel Boring Machine

"The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts is inviting Los Angeles County students in grades 1 through 12 to help us name the Clearwater Project tunnel boring machine (TBM) before it starts its quiet journey to build a new tunnel that will protect our local waterways. We also need your help to decorate the TBM with your artwork. To participate in our TBM naming and art contests, please see details below. Winners will receive recognition and cool prizes." Details: https://is.gd/2BMp40

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Cars Hit Bicyclist, Pedestrian; Unknown Woman Accepts Delivery of Someone Else's MacBook; Drunk and Cussing at People; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 6-12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 380 service events, resulting in 76 investigations. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 7:44 a.m., officers were patrolling the parking lot of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when they saw a male subject sleeping in his vehicle. They approached the vehicle and saw a methamphetamine pipe on the passenger seat. When the subject was contacted, he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The subject was arrested. 

Package Theft
August 6 at 3:23 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Lime received a text notification that her UPS packages were delivered and signed for the day before. She had no knowledge of this. She contacted UPS and confirmed her Apple Mac book and Air pods were given to an unknown female suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
August 6 at 5:04 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Garfield reported a theft that occurred sometime during the day from their vehicle, which was parked in their driveway. An officer reviewed a security camera, and it appears the suspects entered the vehicle through an unlocked driver-side door. A set of keys were taken from the center console. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 7 at 10:26 a.m., a caller reported a bicyclist and a motorist had just collided into one another at the intersection of Primrose and Colorado. The bicyclist was complaining of pain to his left knee, but refused medical attention. The driver of the vehicle was found at fault and was issued a citation for the driving violation. 

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 10:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a subject at the location who was yelling obscenities and racial slurs at patrons. Officers arrived and determined the subject was intoxicated and unable to care for himself or others. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 8 at 12:34 a.m., a caller reported a possible drunk driver in the area of Colorado and Myrtle. Officers arrived in the area and located the vehicle. The officer observed the driver commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. After a DUI investigation, it was determined the driver was intoxicated. She was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. 

Trespassing Authorization
August 8 at 7:06 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Hurstview reported her neighbor had trespassed onto her gated property earlier that morning, yelling and screaming at the resident. The resident completed a no-trespass authorization against her neighbor and the neighbors were advised. 

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
August 8 at 11:16 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Norumbega reported that two days prior someone took his backpack out of his unlocked vehicle, which was parked in front of his home. His backpack contained a locked, disassembled handgun. He waited to report the crime because he thought he may have misplaced his backpack at first and had been searching for it. 

Stolen Mail Found
August 8 at 11:26 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported finding someone's mail scattered across his apartment complex parking lot. The mail belonged to an Arcadia resident, so Arcadia Police Department responded and collected it. The Arcadia resident confirmed it had been stolen. 

Missing Person Located
August 8 at 8:59 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington called to report a suspicious subject loitering in the lobby. An officer responded and spoke with the subject. The officer learned the subject was a critical missing from Alhambra. The officer bought the subject some food while they waited for Alhambra Police Department to respond. 

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
August 9 at 7:23 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Atara reported someone had entered her unlocked vehicle sometime during the night and took personal items. Another resident in the same block reported the same thing happened to two of their unlocked cars during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Bicycle Theft
August 9 at 8:56 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Genoa, adjacent to the wash, reported someone entered his backyard and took his blue bicycle. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 10 at 9:06 a.m., a pedestrian was walking in a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when she was struck by a vehicle at a speed of less than 10 miles per hour. The pedestrian was thrown a few feet and struck the ground. She suffered non-life- threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver was determined to be at fault and was issued a citation. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 4:43 p.m., a caller reported a subject in the area of Greystone and Mountain that he knew was wanted by the police. Officers located a vehicle matching the description provided to dispatch and initiated a traffic stop. When the vehicle came to a stop, the subject exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers chased the subject through several yards and streets. The subject was eventually detained and arrested. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 11 at 7:12 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Huntington and Shamrock. Officers responded and checked on the wellbeing of the occupants. Two people were transported to a local hospital for complaint of pain. Investigation continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
August 12 at 6:59 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Canyon called to report a vehicle burglary. Officers arrived and saw the driver-side window had been smashed and the vehicle had been ransacked. The owner stated nothing was taken from the vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Pro Active Tutoring's Duke Freyermuth Retiring to Texas

Here's a nice story on the retirement of Monrovia's Duke Freyermuth, who headed PAT (Pro Active Tutoring), which provides tutoring to students whose families may not be able to afford traditional tutoring. Freyermuth is moving to Texas to be closer to his grandchildren.  https://is.gd/hrxXpB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 593, Up 7 - No Deaths Since July 30

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/11/2020. Changes since 8/10/2020.

City of Monrovia: 593 cases (up 7), 34 deaths (unchanged since July 30)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 66 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Heat Blast As High as 106 Degrees - Friday to Monday

The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for the San Gabriel Valley from 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Monday. "Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures between 102 and 106 expected." https://is.gd/6zpdia

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Up 6, to 586

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/10/2020. Changes since 8/08/2020.

City of Monrovia: 586 cases (up 6), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 66 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Sushi Nakata Review

Restaurant reviewer Merrill Schindler has a very positive review of the tiny Sushi Nakata restaurant, on the south side of Lime just east of Myrtle. Here: https://shrtm.nu/YPR7

- Brad Haugaard 

Help a Monrovia Scout Help Those Who 'Need a Little Bit of Help'

"My name is Nathan Schwandt and I am working on my Eagle Scout project. I am serving the Foothills Kitchen here in Monrovia, which helps the homeless population. I am holding a donation drive for blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and brand new socks.

"The blankets and sleeping bags can be used, but they must be washed before brought to our collection day. We are going to hold the collection day outside of the Methodist Church At 140 E. Palm Ave., Monrovia CA 91016. We will be out there on August 22 from 10 AM to 2 PM. We will also be collecting monetary donations if you don’t have blankets to give but you want to help. The money will be used to purchase new items that are still needed after the collection day.

"I just graduated from Monrovia High School as part of the Math and Science Academy. I am going to be attending Pasadena City College in the fall. I really like the idea of this project, because it helped so many people who are overlooked in our society. Sometimes people just need a little bit of help, and I am happy to offer that help for them."

If you would like to donate prior to the collection day, please contact Nathan at 253-0185 to arrange a drop-off time. You can also donate to: gofundme – Nathan Schwandt’s Eagle Scout Project

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Member Ed Gililland Won't Run Again - Endorses Jennifer Anderson

School board member Ed Gililland has announced that he will not run again for school board. He writes:

Hello Monrovians!  Contrary to earlier posts I made, I have decided not to run for another term on the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education.  After 15 years on the Board, making that decision was not easy. MUSD is special, and we have created a District that is recognized for excellence in LA County and also by several nationwide organizations and even internationally. I have felt privileged and proud to be a part of the leadership of this great organization. I will miss that, but have realized that over the next two years I have several personal issues that will require much of my time and will not allow me to give our schools the attention they need and deserve. We have a great Board and am happy that two of our more experienced members are running to stay on the Board. 

I am also happy to put my support firmly behind an outstanding candidate that has given more to MUSD over the last 10+ years than any other volunteer I have ever known. She is smart, dedicated , and a very proud parent of MUSD students. Jennifer Anderson has been a wonderful leader for our PTAs, High ...

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 580 Cases - Up 15 In 2 Days - No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/08/2020. Changes since 8/06/2020.

City of Monrovia: 580 cases (up 15), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 66 cases (up -1), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Barney - It's Time to Settle Down

 

Nine-year-old Barney probably spent his entire life up until now on the streets, and now he's ready to live that cozy indoor life. Even though Barney isn't used to being around humans, he'll still meow and approach people briefly. We can't say for sure whether he'll ever be a lap cat, but with patience and love, Barney still has so much potential to be a wonderful pet. His fur may be a bit ragged, but his eyes are as bright as his future!

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

Citrus College Wins Top Credit Rating

The credit rating of the Citrus Community College District, which serves Monrovia, was upgraded to the second highest level, Aa1, this July by Moody's Investors Service. Also, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed the district's AA rating.

Moody's said the district has demonstrated continued growth in its tax base, has a proactive management team, and a conservative approach to budgeting.  Standard & Poor's

- Brad Haugaard

Announcement of School Board Candidacy of Traci Gholar

Following is an announcement by Traci Gholar of her candidacy for the Monrovia Board of Education. Other candidates are welcome to submit announcements. - Brad Haugaard

As a long time Monrovia resident, I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Monrovia Unified School District Governing Board. I have lived in Monrovia for thirty-four years and I have been an educator for thirty-three years.

Prior to being recruited to serve as principal at Samuel Gompers Middle School, I served for twenty years in Monrovia Unified School District. Initially, I was a classroom teacher at Clifton Middle School and then I transferred to Monrovia High School in 1992. While working at Monrovia High, I transitioned from the classroom to administration, first as Activities Director and then, eventually, I became an Assistant Principal. In 2008, I was appointed Principal of Clifton Middle School where I served for three years. My passion in education has been fueled by the moral imperative to cultivate a public school system that functions with collaboration, positive restorative practices, and collective action.

I am looking forward to continuing my service as an educator by seeking a seat on the MUSD Governing Board. Being a member of the School Board will provide me an opportunity to expand my sphere of service from one school site to an entire school system and to help to create positive change for the entirety of Monrovia’s youth.

Now is the time to elect a Monrovia educator. Now is the time for a voice who represents the diversity of our community. Now is the time to bring experience, integrity, and inclusivity to the challenging work of reimaging the Monrovia schools so that they are equipped to meet the needs of our current and future realities. Now is the time to cast your vote for someone who will passionately fight for the education of all Monrovia students.

Please take the time to visit my website at tracigholarmusd.com to learn more about my core values and how you can support my candidacy. I hope to earn your vote on November 3rd.

Monrovia 2120

I'd love to hear Monrovians respond to this question:

What would you like Monrovia to look like in 100 years?

I'm asking you to look beyond the Coronavirus and the November elections and imagine what you would like Monrovia to look like not in your lifetime, or probably even your children's lifetimes, but perhaps in your grandchildren's lifetimes.

Respond in the Comments section below, or on Facebook, here.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Revised High School Music Courses, Garden Programs, Revised Budget

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/7h0AF8) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ A revised high school stringed instruments course (https://is.gd/pjZ6Gc) and a revised Marching Band course (https://is.gd/4csgAw).

~ A contract with Food ED for an Elementary Garden and Food Education program for Bradoaks and Plymouth elementary schools. $6,000. https://is.gd/pRAZgB

~ Another contract with Food ED, this one to rehab garden areas at Santa Fe Middle School for $7,565, plus annual maintenance of $2,500. https://is.gd/0UDgm5

~ Approving a revised budget for the 2020-21 school year. Income $51.3 million; Expenditures $45.46 million. https://is.gd/rGuiES

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: Up 10 to 565. No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/06/2020. Changes since 8/05/2020.

City of Monrovia: 565 cases (up 10), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 67 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Water Meets 'All Water Quality Standards'; Two-Truck Trash Pick-Up; Water Conservation Campaign

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

~ "We are happy to report that, again, for 2019, the City of Monrovia has met all water quality standards." Here's the report: https://is.gd/YdcAAe

~ Because of the plague Athens was picking up trash and recyclables in a single truck, only sorting recyclables mechanically. But, as of August 1, it has returned to the separate collection of trash and recyclables.

~ Monrovia is again participating in the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. To support the city visit www.mywaterpledge.com and commit to conserving water. The challenge will recognize and award cities with the highest level of pledges.

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Church Reports More Than $3 Million Income for First Six Months of 2020

Monrovia's Fellowship Church has released a financial report of its general fund for the first six months of 2020 which shows income of more than $3 million. (The 2019 numbers do not include $545,000 in special gifts to purchase the church's Huntington Drive building.)

The church reports that because of the pandemic, giving is down 4%, but that it was able to reduce its spending by 15%. 

Also, it reports that it has moved its "accountability to the hands of a nationally recognized non-profit CPA firm called CapinCrouse. CapinCrouse performed reviews for 2018 and 2019, and is scheduled to perform a full audit for 2020. They present their findings to the Fellowship Board on an annual basis."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 555, up 9

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/05/2020 . Changes since 8/04/2020 .

City of Monrovia: 555 cases (up 9), 34 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 67 cases (up 1), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from 38 Degrees

Got dinner from 38 Degrees, on the south side of Colorado a bit east of Myrtle. Got the brisket plate for $16. Very good and enough for two meals. 

- Brad Haugaard