- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Gives Workers Another $2 Pay Boost Because of COVID
Superintendent Katherine Thorossian to Retire At End of This School Year
The letter announcing the retirement of Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian.
Dear Monrovia Friends and Families,
It is with mixed emotions that share my decision to retire at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Eight years ago. you welcomed me into this District. and I have been grateful ever since. Between the celebrations and sorrows I take great pride in the many opportunities we created together for our students.
I have been an educator for almost four decades. In that time, regardless of position, have been blessed to be surrounded by exceptional individuals who work fiercely and creatively to make a positive difference in the lives ot the students they teach. Nowhere is this more true than in Monrovia.
Designing and developing innovative programs, sustaining and improving current initiatives, and dreaming about the possibilities require support. Support serves as the cornerstone of this community. We support one another, despite our differences, in order to provide the very best for our students.
The environment in any organization starts at the top. We are fortunate to have a supportive Board of Education, steadfast in its commitment to our students. This is as true today as it was on my flrst day of work, eight years ago. While the individuals on the dais may have changed, their purpose and passion remain constant.
The administrative team and district office staff with whom spend most of my time, inspire me daily with their dedication, innovation. and warmth. They are not afraid to swing for the fences and, as a result, we have been able to do big things.
On campuses, in and out of classrooms, is where I have found the greatest sources of joy. Whether it's watching a lesson or watching the landscape design of the head custodian come to fruition, I have been moved by your excellence. I Will miss working alongside so many ot you and wish you only the best.
And, of course, our success depends upon the support of parents who not only entrust us, but partner with us, to ensure that their children succeed both academically and personally. It is one of the many miracles in education that we witness together: watching our preschcrolers mature into insightful and responsible leaders in their own right. Indeed, as reminisce upon my experiences, my fondest moments revolve around the students who imprinted upon my heart.
The Board ot Education will shortly embark on the process of selecting a new superintendent. Until then, I look forward to continuing our essential work and ensuring a smooth transition. Thank you for eight years of happy memories and many lasting friendships. My life has been enriched by the privilege to serve as your superintendent.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Water District Gardening Webinars
Feb. 4, Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil
Feb. 18, Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil
March 4, Planter Beds: Raised and In-Ground
April 1, Weed and Pest Management
May 6, Lawn Car and Maintenance
- Brad Haugaard
Two Arrested In December Shooting Death on Duarte Road
- Brad Haugaard
Sweet, Gentle Carrot Cake Enjoys Cuddle Time During Movie Nights
Carrot Cake arrived at the shelter with eleven other cats from a hoarding case. Although Carrot Cake had a rough past, you couldn’t meet a sweeter, gentler cat! This seven-year-old guy is extremely mellow, enjoys long naps, and loves to be brushed and pet. He likes hanging out with his foster parent while they work from home, and has an adorable, tiny meow. Carrot Cake is looking for his perfect person to cuddle up next to for movie nights, bird-watching, and other relaxing activities.
The adoption fee for cats is $100. 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 and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Tropical Library Park
Library Park when it had tropical landscaping c. 1910. See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.
Attic Fire in North Monrovia
Monrovia firefighters extinguished a attic fire in the northern part of the city [on Norumbega, I heard]. “Steep terrian and limited access posed some obstacles when units arrived on scene. The fire was quickly extinguished with the aid of Arcadia fire and Pasadena fire.Source: Facebook post by Monrovia Fire Department
- Brad Haugaard
Sheriff's Department Investigating Homicide That Occurred Today in Monrovia
Update: NBC4 adds that the shooting was apparently gang-related and the victim was shot several times. https://is.gd/gRurHB
Update 2: The victim has been identified as Terry Alford, of Covina.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools: Youngest Students Back in School First; Plurality of Students Prefer On-Line; Complaints About Online Classes; Schools Rated A-
~ The district is working on a hybrid (on-line/in person) instructional program, starting at the elementary level since it appears health officials have determined that "our youngest students will be allowed to return to school first."
~ A survey of Monrovia High students found that, "When asked which form of instruction they preferred, 37% selected virtual, 28% selected in-person, 22% selected a hybrid model, and the remaining 13% were comfortable with any format."
~ The students also said the things that stress them out with Zoom classes are:
- 26.8% (211) = Helping out with siblings
- 24.4% (192) = Device is not reliable
- 50.8% (400) = Wifi is not reliable
- 19.9% (157) = Working to help out family
- 61.9% (487) = Distractions
- 27.3% (215) = Mental health issues
- 26.6% (209) = Feeling lonely/alone
- 44.7% (352) = Lack of social connectedness
 |
~ The school rating service, Niche.com, has given Monrovia Unified an A- rating based on topics such as academics, teachers, diversity, college prep, administration, health and safety, and more. Full report: https://is.gd/PY7XWy
- Brad Haugaard
Mud in Canyon Park
The city has released pictures of the effects of the rain in Canyon Park. 
The road through the park at the turn-off to Camp Trask.
The catch dam at the entrance to the park.
The road through the park at the turn-off to Camp Trask. The catch dam at the entrance to the park.
- Brad Haugaard
Danger for Dogs! Outdoor Dining; Parking Enforcement
Photo by Marliese Streefland, Unsplash
~ Watch out for your dog! LA County Veterinary Public Health is warning of a distemper outbreak in wildlife in Foothill communities, including next door Duarte. Distemper affects dogs and such wildlife as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes, but not humans or cats. It can be spread between infected wildlife and dogs through airborne transmission and contact with shared surfaces (e.g. waterbowls). Signs of distemper in dogs include fever, discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, lethargy, disorientation, tremors and seizures. There is no treatment for distemper, so keep your dog safe.
UPDATE: There is an inoculation for distemper, so your dog should be safe if inoculated.
~ Outdoor dining resumes this evening on Myrtle.
~ Parking enforcement will resume on Monday, February 15.
- Brad Haugaard
City Council: City Okay Financially; 5% Pay Raise for City Manager; Residential Units on Walnut; Industrial Condo
Proposed residential units on East Walnut.
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/yYSQEQ) the Monrovia City Council will ...
~ Hear a 2020-21 mid-year operating budget report, especially in light of the Covid virus. Summary: City is in okay shape. "[B]ecause of the city's foresight and ability to make quick and effective decisions, a series of cost saving measures were implemented to help offset the expected shortfall in revenue. This included savings in maintenance and operation budgets, savings in personnel budgets (e.g., keeping vacant positions frozen through the end of the fiscal year), and adjusting some transfers out to better align estimates with year-end needs. These adjustments made it possible for the General Fund to close the year with a surplus of $691,317." https://is.gd/glAjGR
~ Consider giving City Manager Dylan Feik a 5 percent salary increase. Feik's salary is subject to adjustment yearly, and the maximum increase he can get is 5 percent. https://is.gd/RWGkHI
~ Consider granting permission for Bowden Development to construct a two-story, four-unit Mediterranean-style residential development at 511-517 E. Walnut, on the north side of E. Walnut between S. California and S. Shamrock. https://is.gd/C82DFU
~ Consider approving a 10-Unit, 17,084 square-foot industrial condominium at 900 South Magnolia. https://is.gd/hk4NEC
- Brad Haugaard
No Mudflow - Yet - In North Monrovia
More rain to come, but here at the corner of Ridgeside and Oakglade at about 9 a. m Friday, there’s virtually no mud to be seen.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner from Hon Sushi
Got dinner tonight from Hon Sushi, on the north side of the Vons parking lot at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle. Got the Monrovia Roll (how could I resist) with tempura shrimp, crab meat, avocado, salmon and cucumber and stuff for $13.95. It was very tasty. - Brad Haugaard
Weekly Coronavirus Count: 120 New Cases, 3 More Deaths
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m.,
01/27/2021. Changes since
01/20/2021.
City of Monrovia: 2,795 cases (up 120), 53 deaths up 3
Unincorporated Monrovia: 328 cases (up 19), 1 deaths (unchanged)
- Brad Haugaard
City of Monrovia: 2,795 cases (up 120), 53 deaths up 3
Unincorporated Monrovia: 328 cases (up 19), 1 deaths (unchanged)
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Preps for Possible Mudflow on Ridgeside and Oakglade
In expectation of heavy rain - up to two inches - and the possibility of "moderate to heavy flooding and mud or sediment deposition on Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive" because of the Bobcat Fire, here's how Monrovia is preparing:
- Monrovia Fire & Rescue has prepared an extra engine company to be on-call tonight, in coordination with an additional engine from Arcadia Fire Department.
- Monrovia Police Department will provide extra patrols throughout the evening to monitor the hillside areas.
- Public Works has prepared for tractors and dump trucks to respond as needed.
- LA County Flood Control and Public Works has pre-deployed heavy equipment.
- Gravel/sand and sandbags are available for residents at Recreation Park (620 S Shamrock) in the parking lot off of East Olive Avenue, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field. Residents must provide their own shovels, gloves and eye protection. Take only what you need.
- Brad Haugaard
72-Year-Old Monrovian Veronica Kirton Earns Degree from Citrus College
Monrovian Veronica Kirton
When Ronnese Glover completed her bachelor's degree a few years ago, her mother, Veronica Kirton, told her that she shouldn't stop there.
Ms. Kirton urged her daughter to get her master's degree. So, a deal was struck: if Ms. Glover started a master's degree program, Ms. Kirton would start at Citrus College.
A Monrovia resident, Ms. Kirton's lifelong dream was to go to college. In spring 2018, she embarked on her degree pursuit - at the age of 70.
Over the course of two years Ms. Kirton fulfilled her dream and graduated from Citrus College in June 2020. At the age of 72, she earned an Associate of Arts for Transfer in Sociology.
"I found out that I could do more than I thought I could do," she said.
Ms. Kirton had always wanted to finish college. She started in the 1960s, but, when she began working, she wasn't able to go back and finish.
After the deal she made with her daughter, who received her master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles, in spring 2020, Ms. Kirton continued chipping away at her goal.
Ms. Kirton chose to study sociology since she is interested in learning about people and has a passion for children and elderly. At Citrus College, she said she found a great deal of encouragement and support, especially from her instructors, who she said always answered her questions and emails.
"Ms. Kirton's story of completing college later in life proves that it's never too late for someone to accomplish their goals," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "While Citrus College serves thousands of traditional‐age students, this should serve as a reminder that students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to pursue their academic dreams." Attending college later in life is not uncommon at Citrus College. Nearly 500 students over the age of 50 - or roughly 2% of the student body - attended Citrus College during the 2019-2020 academic year.
The dream for Ms. Kirton and Ms. Glover was to have a joint graduation party and attend each other's commencement ceremonies. Unfortunately, due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, they couldn't take part in a traditional celebration this year.
Nevertheless, Ms. Glover said she and her mother celebrated by shopping for diploma frames together and placing Class of 2020 graduation signs into Ms. Kirton's front yard.
"On behalf of the board, I commend Ms. Kirton for her accomplishment," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "With hard work, determination and a vision, anything is possible. I hope others are inspired by her story to follow through on their dreams." Reflecting on her experience at Citrus College, Ms. Kirton said she hopes her story will serve as encouragement for people mulling college later in life. She said it's important to get out of the "I can't do it" mindset.
Not surprisingly, Ms. Kirton's inspirational daughter is continuing beyond her own graduation - she has started applying to Ph.D. programs.
Source: Citrus College press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: 300 Dresses Stolen; Girlfriend Bites; Tool Thief Flees in BMW; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 287 service events, resulting in 44 investigations.
Assault
January 21 at 2:40 a.m., an assault incident was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Hotel security responded to a room on a noise complaint and found two male subjects involved in an argument. One of the subjects asked the other to leave. The security guard escorted the subject outside, where they became involved in a physical fight. Officers responded, but the suspect had already fled the area. This investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
January 21 at 11:47 a.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police to report someone had broken into the business through a skylight sometime overnight. Officers arrived, and the investigation revealed that approximately 300 custom made dresses had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
January 21 at 4:36 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that his work vehicle had just been stolen. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.
Trespassing / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 8:42 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Elfwood regarding a male subject seen in a resident’s backyard. When the resident yelled at the subject, he fled in a vehicle. Officers located the vehicle in the 800 block of Norumbega and conducted a traffic stop. The male driver told officers he had done work on the property 8 months prior and he was looking to get more work. The resident advised the officers that he did know the subject and there was no reason for him to have been at the residence. He authorized a No Trespass Form. The subject was also found to be in possession of various drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.
Fraud / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 9:13 p.m., officers were extra patrolling the 200 block of E. Pomona and saw a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. A traffic stop was conducted, and the investigation revealed the female driver was in possession of burglary tools and fraudulent documents. The driver was arrested.
Outside Assist / California Highway Patrol Pursuit – Suspects Arrested
January 22 at 3:04 a.m., California Highway Patrol notified Monrovia Police Department that they were in a pursuit on Foothill and Myrtle, traveling eastbound. Officers assisted CHP with a traffic stop related to the pursuit at the intersection of Mountain and Central. Both suspects were arrested by CHP.
Driving Under the Influence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 2:07 p.m., a caller reported a motorist stopped in the roadway at the intersection of California and Cypress. The driver was slumped over the steering wheel. Officers and paramedics responded. The driver was found to be under the influence of narcotics and was arrested for DUI. During a search of the vehicle, a large quantity of a controlled substance was found.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 8:30 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported his girlfriend bit him during an argument. She also broke a bottle and cut her hand in the process. Officers arrived, and after an investigation, arrested the suspect for domestic violence. Paramedics arrived and bandaged her injuries before she was taken into custody.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 24 at 1:44 p.m., two motorists collided in the 700 block of E. Huntington and one of the drivers appeared injured. Officers arrived along with paramedics. The injured driver was provided with first aid and his injuries were not life-threatening. He was transported to a nearby hospital. The driver at fault was issued a citation.
Battery
January 24 at 3:07 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista called police to report her neighbor had just battered her husband outside their home during an argument. Officers responded and found the husband desired to place his neighbor under citizen’s arrest. Officers conducted an investigation and the case was forwarded to the District Attorney for filing consideration.
Resist and Delay – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw a bicyclist commit several vehicle code violations. He stopped the bicyclist, but after a brief interaction, the bicyclist ran west on Huntington. The officer gave chase and was able to detain the subject without further incident. The subject was in possession of possible fraudulent documents. The suspect was arrested.
Attempt Burglary
January 25 at 11:12 p.m., a business owner in the 1100 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male subject trying to get in the backdoor. He was kicking and pulling on the door, trying to force it open. When he was unable to get it open, he left the area. Officer arrived and searched the area, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Theft
January 26 at 12:20 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Stedman called police to report seeing someone by her neighbor’s vehicle. The caller believed the subject might be stealing the catalytic converter from the vehicle. Officers arrived, but the suspect had fled the location. They found the catalytic converter had been stolen. No suspects were located in the area. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 6:15 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at the intersection of Fifth and Foothill. The front passenger window was smashed, and the suspect took a Trader Joe's bag containing a computer and two work cell phones. The victim said the suspect was a male subject wearing a dark hoodie, and he fled in a black, two-door Ford Mustang. A short time later, officers located the involved Ford Mustang and recovered the stolen items. The Ford Mustang was unoccupied and was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle. The registered owner was contacted and this investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
January 26 at 7:36 p.m., a male subject was seen by loss prevention officers at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain stealing tools. He fled the location in a black BMW with Carmax paper plates. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 8:57 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Duarte. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of the location on Wednesday, January 20. When he returned to pick up his vehicle it was not there. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 5:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject that exited the store without paying for merchandise. The suspect entered a vehicle and attempted to leave the area. Officers located the vehicle upon arrival and detained the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Monrovia Police Department is Retiring Its 357-CELL Phone Number
"After 30 years of dedicated service we are at once happy and sad to announce the retirement of our Cell Watch program this February... for the two of you out there who still call (626) 357-CELL for police services please change it to 626-256-8000 or dial 911 in an emergency."
- Brad Haugaard
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