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.
~ 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:
 |
- Brad Haugaard
The road through the park at the turn-off to Camp Trask. 
~ 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
~ 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
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
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
"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
At thirteen years old, Tyga is a senior dog, but he’s as cute as any puppy! Tyga is house-trained, and good with people and kids. He’s calm, enjoys affection, likes playing with a ball, and walks well on a leash. He knows his “sit” command on cue, and even though they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, Tyga knows that snacks are a great motivator for him. Sure, puppies are cute, but this happy guy has an inner puppy he can’t wait to show you!
The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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 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
Monrovia Steam Bakery on E Colorado and Central Boarding House c. 1901. See full details
here. From the Rehrman family collection.
Espresso Mi Cultura, a gourmet espresso bar/coffeehouse and specialty bookstore at 415 S. Myrtle, founded by Josefina Aguilar, has announced that it is closing permanently as of Jan. 31. In a Facebook post: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the permanent closure of Espresso Mi Cultura. Thank you all for your support and wish you all the best! Stop by Saturday or Sunday to say goodbye!"
- Brad Haugaard
