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City Council to Consider Business Tax and Fee Breaks

At its next virtual meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/TMvBrF) the Monrovia City Council will consider not revoking any business license for failure to pay delinquent business license taxes, business application fees or business improvement district assessments that became due after the date the local emergency was proclaimed, if the failure to pay is a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 local emergency. There are some caveats, so see the full proposal here: https://is.gd/CANM3Z

- Brad Haugaard

Tentative School Reopening Plan

While sharing an update to the roadmap to reopening the state in a phased approach, Gov. Newsom highlighted four stages:
  1. Safety and Preparedness
  2. Lower Risk Workplaces
  3. Higher Risk Workplaces
  4. End of Stay at Home Order
Under Stage 2, schools and childcare facilities would reopen and schools could begin the 2020-21 academic year in late July or August to address the learning losses that students have faced due to school dismissal. Though no definitive statement was made by Gov. Newsom, I want to affirm to you that the health and safety of our students and school community come first.

There are many unanswered questions that need to be addressed – most importantly, how will we ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. MUSD will continue to seek advice from experts and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). The District will make certain that every concern has been addressed to ensure the safety of our students and school community before we reopen.

- Brad Haugaard

More Than Half of Monrovia Coronavirus Cases at Duarte Road Care Facility

More than half the Coronavirus cases in Monrovia, and the one death, appear to be at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center, on Duarte Road. This care facility today reports 13 cases of the virus among staff and 11 cases among patients.

The LA County Department of Public Health is reporting (https://is.gd/ptHp67) 46 Coronavirus cases in Monrovia, up two from yesterday.

Also, there were 8 cases in unincorporated (i.e. - county) Monrovia, at the far south end of town. That's one more than yesterday.

The one death that has occurred in town was at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center, on Duarte Road. This care facility also today reports 13 cases of the virus among staff (there were 10 yesterday) and 11 cases among patients (there were 9 yesterday).

This appears to account for more than 50 percent of Monrovia cases.

The county health department notes that facilities' "inclusion on this list does not suggest neglect or wrongdoing on the part of the facility."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglar Steals Tools ... and Toilet; Man Hit in Head with Baseball Bat; 'He Looked at Me!'; Thief Nabs Costume Jewelry; and so Forth ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 268 service events, resulting in 45 investigations.

Vehicle Vandalism
April 23 at 3:16 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Prospect reported vandalism to her vehicle. Someone shattered one of the windows on her car. The suspect did not enter the vehicle or take anything. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
April 24 at 7:58 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Linwood called police to report that his detached garage was broken into sometime during the night. An unknown suspect cut a locking mechanism and made entry into the garage, then stole several tools and a toilet. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
April 24 at 6:12 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Colorado. The resident called police and reported that sometime between April 20 and 24, someone gained entry into the rear house, which is under construction, and took three cell phones and a laptop computer. Investigation continuing.

Lost / Stolen License Plate
April 24 at 7:44 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Royal Oaks called to report the rear license plate to his vehicle had been stolen. The license plate was entered into the law enforcement system as stolen.

Pursuit / Felony Evading – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:19 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington when he observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. He attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The officer went in pursuit of the motorist. A short time later the officer cancel his pursuit because he had the necessary information to identify the driver. A follow-up investigation lead to the location of the driver at his home. The driver was arrested for the vehicle code violations and for felony evading. The vehicle was impounded per the California Vehicle Code.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 3:38 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Huntington near the 210 eastbound on-ramp. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
April 26 at 8:05 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Almond called to report that his vehicle had been stolen sometime between 7:00 p.m. on April 25 and 7:00 a.m. on April 26. The vehicle is a 1990 Honda Civic and it was taken from the street in front of his residence. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:41 p.m., a resident from the 800 block of W. Huntington called to report that her adult son had just been hit in the head by a neighbor with a baseball bat. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with a laceration and contusion to his head. The suspect responded to Monrovia Police Department to turn himself in.

Vehicle Burglary
April 27 at 5:18 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte when he was flagged down regarding a vehicle burglary that occurred at a residence in the 600 block of W. Duarte. The theft occurred sometime during the night in the carport area of the apartment complex. A backpack containing personal identification was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
April 27 at 10:41 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill called police to report a vandalism incident that just occurred. A customer who was inside the store became involved in an argument with a subject who was upset because the customer looked at him. The subject followed the customer outside the store into the parking lot. The customer was getting in his vehicle to leave, and the suspect punched the hood of the victim's vehicle, causing a dent. The suspect was detained by officers and after further investigation he was arrested for misdemeanor vandalism.

Grand Theft
April 27 at 3:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Stedman called to report that sometime during the night someone removed the catalytic converter from his vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting
April 27 at 6:49 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called police to report a theft that just occurred. A female suspect entered the store without wearing a mask. When they advised her about the mask requirement, she walked out of the store with merchandise and did not pay for it. Officers responded and searched the area, but did not locate the suspect. Investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
April 28 at 8:18 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lime called to report that someone entered her unlocked vehicle and took costume jewelry and shoes. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 28 at 10:50 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report that his work vehicle was taken sometime during the early morning hours. The vehicle was parked in front of his home. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft
April 28 at 3:41 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of Leafwood called to report someone removed her Ring doorbell camera from her front door. The suspect also tried stealing a package, but was confronted by the homeowner. The suspect fled the area. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 28 at 3:42 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Walnut. The victim reported that his tan, Nissan 720 King Cab truck was taken sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 9:47 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a suspect that concealed merchandise while inside the store and left without paying for the items. The suspect was detained by officers and arrested.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 29 at 3:28 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Encinitas called police to report a suspicious vehicle that had been parked in the area for several days. A computer check revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of West Covina. The vehicle was recovered.

Knights of Columbus Volunteer Cook Dies at 87 Years Old

Long-time Monrovian and volunteer cook at Monrovia Knights of Columbus, John Joseph Gatt, 87, has died. Gatt was born in Malta and served in the British Navy as a seaman for 16 years. Obituary here: https://is.gd/tOr2kq

- Brad Haugaard

First Coronavirus Death in Monrovia; Five More Cases in Monrovia; Seven in Unincorporated Monrovia

The LA County Department of Public Health is reporting ( https://is.gd/ptHp67) what appears to be the first Coronavirus death in Monrovia, at Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center, on Duarte Road.

The number of cases in the City of Monrovia has jumped to 44, up five from yesterday.

Also, there are 7 cases in unincorporated Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Info

Snapped some random pictures of COVID messages on the front of Old Town area restaurants this morning, April 29, some of which may be a bit helpful. Click images for larger view.

















It says it's open regular hours, but to-go only.







Diplomat







- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Remodels


It may be a bad time for customers but it’s probably a good time for remodeling. The Monrovian restaurant appears to be getting a do-over, inside and out. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Coronavirus Days - A Good Time to Do Road Work


With people off the streets it’s a good time to get road work done. Repainting the turn lane at Myrtle and Foothill. (Photo by Kelly Moran.)

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 39

Up by one since yesterday. To 39, according to LA County Department of Public Health. https://is.gd/0E1S6i

- Brad Haugaard

Sprout Ready to Blossom at Your House

Five-year-old Sprout is truly blossoming (or sprouting, you might say) in her foster home. Although she was a little shy at the shelter, she just needed time to gain some confidence in a calm environment. Her foster human reports that Sprout now enjoys being carried around and will purr non-stop when she's in someone's arms. She'll also do slow blinks (the cat version of a hug) if you call her "baby girl." Sprout is a true sweetie who will grow into a beautiful flower in a loving home.

Currently, all adoption fees are waived, made possible by the Spence Family and Capital Group. 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

Dollmakers' Kattywompus Closing

After almost 29 years in business in Monrovia,  Dollmakers' Kattywompus, on Myrtle, is going out of business, it has announced on Facebook.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 37

Up by one since yesterday. To 37. https://is.gd/lTD72i

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 36, up by 5

Monrovia now has 36 Coronavirus cases, up from 31 two days ago on April 24.  https://is.gd/zRCMtD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 31

Monrovia now has 31 Coronavirus cases, up from 25 two days ago. Hopefully this is a result of more testing becoming available. https://shrtm.nu/JCZx

- Brad Haugaard 

Apply to Serve on City Commissions; Sidewalk Poetry; Virtual Story and Gardening Workshops; Brush Clearance

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

~ Monrovia is accepting applications to fill positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board for terms beginning July 1. Apply before May 1 here, https://is.gd/L55Xm6, or request an application by calling Sarah Godinez at 932-5599 or emailing sgodinez@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~  The 2020 Sidewalk Poetry Contest is now open. Here's your chance to see your poem immortalized in a concrete sidewalk.  Submit by May 28. Details here: https://is.gd/RJ5Be5

~ The Monrovia Public Library is partnering with the StoryCenter non-profit group to host a story gathering workshop on April 24, 1-3 p.m., that involves a writing prompt meant to evoke a personal story and create time for sharing that writing with the group. https://is.gd/quEqIg

~ Learn what veggies to plant in your spring garden in a Zoom meeting sponsored by the Monrovia Community Garden Leadership Team, May 2, 10-11:30 a.m. Plus, live Q&A with experts. Registration required. Email your name and the title of the workshop to info@monroviacommunitygarden.org

~ Due to the Coronavirus, brush clearance has been delayed a month, so annual brush inspections will begin on or after June 15. Brush clearance notification letters will be sent out on June 1; Athens bins available June 1 - July 31; Initial inspections June 15; second inspections June 30.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch From Something Healthy


Lunch from Something Healthy, on the east side of Shamrock just north of Huntington. Got the Southwest Salad with a banana on the side for $9.25. Very nice. Here's a link.

- Brad Haugaard 

How Monrovia Schools Will Grade Students Attending Virtual Classes

Since students were dismissed in March, Monrovia School District has been figuring out how to assign grades in the new virtual environment.

Here are the guidelines it has come up with together with the Monrovia Teachers Association:

Elementary Grading Practices
Grades are to be assigned and feedback given for work completed. Since elementary report cards are standards-based, as teachers develop and teach standards-based lessons, feedback is to be given and data collected on gains made toward standards mastery. As work is assessed and feedback given, a student may improve his/her grade.

For the final report cards, grades TK-3 will be provided specific comments that communicate the success on the standards learned. For grades 4 and 5, teachers will give comments and assign standards-based scores on the most essential standard areas. Where applicable, teachers may use the comment “standard not taught or assessed.”

Secondary Grading Practices
Students will be assigned work aligned to the state standards during this quarter, focusing on projects and work that can be completed online. As work is assessed and feedback given, a student may improve his/her grade for a final semester grade.

  • Third quarter grades should be used as a baseline. No student’s final grade will be lower than the grade assigned at the third quarter. This is an opportunity for our students to improve.
  • The assigned and graded work from March 17 to June 3 will be used to maintain and improve the student’s status from the third quarter. 
  • Students may opt for a credit/no credit grading option until May 15. After that date, a student may submit an appeal letter to the instructor, who will submit the letter with his/her recommendation to the school principal.


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Three Domestic Violence Incidents; Shopper Arrested for Spitting; Mountainbiker Steals Roll of Aluminum; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 286 service events, resulting in 27 investigations.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 16 at 6:26 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 1100 block of E. Lemon. Officers responded to the residence and spoke with the subjects involved. A husband and wife were involved in an argument that escalated into a physical altercation. The female subject had marks and bruises on her face. The husband was found to be the aggressor and was arrested for domestic violence.

Grand Theft Auto
April 17 at 11:48 a.m., the owner of a travel trailer reported he had just discovered it had been stolen from its storage location in the 1900 block of Walker. The trailer was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
April 17 at 11:59 a.m., a hit and run collision was reported in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle. The victim parked her vehicle on the street and a motorist drove by and sideswiped her car, then fled the scene. Officers responded and searched the area for the suspect vehicle, but could not locate it. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
April 17 at 2:04 p.m., security at a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain confronted a customer outside the store who they believed had stolen merchandise. It turned out the subject had not taken any merchandise, but she was offended by the security officer and she spit on him. He desired prosecution and placed her under private persons arrest for battery. The subject arrested and issued a citation.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 17 at 8:45 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Peck and Live Oak when he observed a motorist make a wide right turn from Camino Real onto Myrtle. The turn was so wide that the vehicle ended up in the opposing left hand turn lane. He continued on Myrtle in the number one lane at approximately 50 miles per hour. The subject was unable to maintain a direct path of travel and repeatedly swerved into the center median. A traffic stop was initiated and a DUI investigation was conducted. It was determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested for DUI.

Burglary
April 18 at 5:47 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called police to report a burglary. An adult female came onto his property and stole two bicycles and a telescope from his secured porch. He chased the female and was able to recover the two bicycles. The suspect left behind a bag containing bolt cutters. The suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 19 at 3:11 p.m., a female subject asked if officers could check on the safety of her children, who were at their father's home in the 800 block of W. Colorado. After questioning her more, it was discovered the father of her children had battered her a few days prior, leaving visible injuries. An investigation was conducted and the suspect was located and arrested for domestic violence.

Vandalism
April 20 at 10:28 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Fifth called police to report a vandalism incident. An officer responded and contacted the resident. An unknown suspect smashed the window on the victim’s vehicle, but nothing was taken from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
April 21 at 10:45 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. An employee of a business reported that someone wrote graffiti in permanent marker on the back of his business vehicle, causing damage. Investigation continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
April 21 at 10:59 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a hit and run traffic collision. His vehicle had been parked at the location for several days. When he returned to his vehicle, he found collision damage. Surveillance footage revealed it happened on Sunday at approximately 7:30 p.m. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 21 at 4:57 p.m., a caller reported a family disturbance in the 300 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and spoke with the residents. The investigation revealed there was an argument between a boyfriend and girlfriend that escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in visible injuries to the boyfriend. The female subject was arrested for domestic violence.

Petty Theft
April 21 at 10:54 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Fifth called police to report someone entered his unlocked vehicle and took his cell phone and a black backpack containing work tools. The vehicle was parked on the street. Investigation continuing.

Attempt Petty Theft
April 22 at 2:28 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Poppy called police to report an attempted theft. A male subject wearing all black and riding a mountain bike with oversized tires attempted to take a roll of sheet aluminum from the bed of his truck. The suspect was last seen riding north on Poppy. Officers arrived and conducted a search for the suspect, but he was not located. The investigation is continuing.

From Cool to Hot

Heat advisory from National Weather Service for San Gabriel Valley from 11 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures up to 93 degrees are expected Friday and Saturday.  https://is.gd/yx7pvK

- Brad Haugaard

Coronavirus Count: 26

The county reports that the number of Monrovia Coronavirus cases has jumped to 26, from 20 two days ago. https://is.gd/FVFMUp

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Donates Respirator Masks to Local Hospitals

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, recently donated more than 600 N95 respirator masks to area hospitals.

Yesterday, April 21, college personnel delivered masks to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora, San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona and City of Hope in Duarte. The masks, which were part of the college's emergency supplies inventory, were donated in response to the critical shortage of personal protective equipment affecting those on the front line of this global pandemic.

- Brad Haugaard

You Can Contribute Video to This Year's Online Monrovia Days Celebration

Monrovia Days, like so many things this year, will be virtual, an online video made up of clips shot by members of the community.

The compilation will be aired at special Facebook Watch Party on May 16.

To participate, send in a short video with Happy Birthday Monrovia wishes from you and your family. Maybe video of your own parade in your backyard or living room or how your family does a pie eating contest – however you celebrate.

Submission details here:  https://is.gd/71AlfN

- Brad Haugaard