- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Today Magazine Online
You should have received a paper copy of the Monrovia Today magazine, but if you'd like to flip through it online, here it is: https://goo.gl/WdsFkn
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Robotics Teams Need Money - Lots! - To Get To Championship Games
The Hippie Bots
The Kings and Queens
To donate to Kings and Queens: https://goo.gl/NAzmRE
To donate to Hippie Bots: https://goo.gl/WGcQHM
Monrovia High School's "Kings And Queens" robotics team and Clifton Middle School's "Hippie Bots" are two of seven SoCal Region teams to earn spots in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship to be held in Houston April 17-20.
On Saturday March 10th two student robotics teams from Monrovia schools emerged as the victors of the SoCal Region FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Regional Robotics Championship held at Monrovia High School. The competition featured the top 48 teams from the SoCal region, which stretches from Santa Barbara to the San Diego County border. Those teams were competing for 7 coveted advancement slots to move on to the FTC World Championship to be held in Houston, TX on April 17-20. After a grueling day of competition an alliance made up of Kings and Queens, Hippie Bots, and team Brain Stormz of Camarillo overcame mechanical failures and fatigue to not only win the event, but also put up two of the top 10 match scores in the state for this season. Out of over 7,000 FTC teams around the world, only 320 qualify to compete in the World Championship, and only 148 advance from performance on the competition field.
Each FIRST Tech Challenge student team designs and builds their own robot each season from aluminum shapes, metal and plastic sheet, and customized machined metal and 3D-printed parts. Robots compete in teams of two in "alliances" against other pairs on a 12 by 12 foot field to see which alliance can complete the most game tasks in a 2-1/2 minute period. Before the start of the match the robots have to fit into an 18x18x18 cube, but can unfold and expand to any size once the match begins. This year's game "Rover Ruckus" has a space theme where robots act as though they are exploring a distant planet and navigating obstacles to gather mineral samples and claim territory by dropping a team flag in a designated spot. In matches the robots are required to detach from hanging above the field surface on a raised hook on a simulated planetary lander, identify objects on the field by color, and navigate accurately around the field to park in a simulated "crater." Then the robots collect plastic cubes and ball "minerals" from inside the crater, separate them, and deposit them into storage hoppers in the lander 30 inches off the floor. Finally the robot has to reattach to the hook on the lander and raise itself back above the surface to prepare to return to Earth. All this while coordinating with a partner robot and while sharing the field with an opposing team of robots intent on accomplishing the same tasks.
Though each FTC team designs their robots to accomplish the same objectives, the robot they design and the team's choice of name and identity are distinctly different. The Monrovia teams are no exception. The Kings and Queens are true to their name and compete resplendent in purple and black renaissance costumes with gold crowns for the boys and eyecatching purple and gold dresses and gold tiaras for the girls. Their robot, named "Sir Gawain" is striking for his regal purple and gold livery and for his elegant design. The Hippie Bots sport a red-white-and-blue tie dye look harking back to the 1960's. Their robot, named "Bot Marley," is a purposeful square design that is all business. Both robots are strong performers. This marks the fourth year that Monrovia High School's nine-year-old FTC robotics program has sent a team to the World Champions. This is the first time Clifton Middle School has advanced a team. The success of the Kings And Queens and Hippie Bots caps a strong year for the robotics programs of the Monrovia School District which fields ten FTC teams, six at Monrovia High and two each at Clifton and Santa Fe Middle Schools. Of the ten Monrovia teams, five qualified as one of the 48 teams that advanced to the Regional Championship. The Kings and Queens and the Hippie Bots are actively seeking tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the approximate $17,000 cost each of taking the teams to Houston in April. Donations may be made through their GoFundMe pages at https://www.gofundme.com/kings-and-queens-to-worlds-2019 or https://www.gofundme.com/hippiebots2019
For more information please contact Thomas Dobson, Monrovia High School Physics Teacher, MHS Robotics coordinator (FIRST Tech Challenge), tdobson@monroviaschools.net, 471-2800 Ext: 7243. Or contact Paul Flores, Clifton Middle School History Teacher, Hippie Bots Coach, pflores@monroviaschools.net, 471-2600 Ext: 4621.
- Brad Haugaard
Intro to Kindergarten Meeting Monday
There will be a meeting to introduce parents to the various kindergarten programs Monrovia Schools offers. It'll be Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m at the Monrovia Unified District Office, 325 E. Huntington Dr. https://goo.gl/q1CVNs
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Robotics Teams Advance to World Championship Competition
- Brad Haugaard
Friends of Library Book Sale This Weekend
This Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19, the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its Spring Book Sale at the Library. Hundreds of books for all ages for sale at rock-bottom prices. Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and from 4-5 p.m. for the $5-a-Bag sale. https://goo.gl/orgVCA
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Students Go Bald to Support Cancer Victims
Twelve students from Monrovia Unified elementary, middle and high schools - and nine district employees - will shave their heads at the fourth annual Old Town Monrovia FuzzFest (Friday, March 15, 5 to 9 p.m. at the Old Town Street Fest), in partnership with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Shaving shows support for children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. Fundraising teams from Mayflower Elementary, Clifton Middle School, and Monrovia High School are currently the top three fundraising teams for the event. https://goo.gl/QhYMzD
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Meeting on Four Big Projects Planned for City; Sales Tax Meeting; TWO Burgerim's; Etc.
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ A joint City Council / Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. will consider four major projects planned for Monrovia ...
~ There will be a second community meeting to discuss a possible sales tax at the Community Center on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-7 p.m. Chi writes: "We want to hear from the community to see if a local tax measure could be a viable solution for Monrovia as we search for ways to protect our local sales tax capacity from other governmental jurisdictions, including LA County."
~ Two high-end Burgerim restaurants may open in Monrovia. Chi reports that "a franchise operator recently leased the former Sprint store in Old Town located just north of Studio Movie Grill to open a Burgerim." A Burgerim is already planned for 1108 S. Fifth Ave. at the Areum Apartments. https://www.burgerim.com/
~ Monrovia Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator, Ariel Tolefree-Williams, was selected as one of Assembly District 48's 2019 Woman of the Year recipients.
~ If you don't want to use a cell phone app to get a Lyft ride, you can book a GoMonrovia Lyft ride by calling in to the dispatch center. BUT, if you do that you have to pre-register. Chi said this will cut back on underage riders and simplify billing. If you use the app, no change. Here's the registration form: https://goo.gl/PqmYnf
~ The Monrovia Public Library is celebrating Women's History Month with activities and a wall of trivia in the Youth Services Area. Also Wonder Woman display in the lobby.
~ Telecommunication veterans Steve Berkson and Roger Anderson founded the Monrovia business, Jolly Roger Telephone Company, which patches callers through to a robot that wastes their time with absurd conversation: "Did you wash my leggings?" They appeared on Shark Tank. No deal but a lot of exposure.
~ Librarian Mabel Cross and Veterans Resource Center volunteer Joe Callahan were interviewed by CBSLA and told about all the resources the center has for veterans and their families. Video here: https://goo.gl/4jmg57
~ Community Media of the Foothills has a new Executive Director, David Palomares.
~ To raise awareness of suicide prevention, Healing Connections will host "Choose 2 Live" on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Library Park. For more information call (323) 282-9892.
~ The city is accepting nominations for the 2019 Older American of the Year Award hosted by LA County Commission for Older Adults. Candidate must be a Monrovian 60 or older, working or retired, and still active in a volunteer service in Monrovia. The award is to honor and encourage older individuals to remain active in our community. Nomination form: https://goo.gl/rD7uqg
~ Mt Sierra College and the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host a free art show March 15-16. View the works of students and local artists and meet with them. March 15 from 6-9 p.m. and March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Mt Sierra Campus (800 Royal Oaks Drive, Suite 101).
~ Assemblymember Chris Holden wants to highlight a small business. If you know of one that deserves to be recognized, use this nomination form: https://goo.gl/8WxHKb. Nominations are due by Thursday, March 14.
- Brad Haugaard
~ A joint City Council / Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. will consider four major projects planned for Monrovia ...
- Trammell Crow Residential - The Alexan Specific Plan - A 436-unit project proposed to be built at 1625 S. Magnolia Ave.
- Fifield Realty Corporation - West Pomona Transit District - A 310-unit project proposed to be built at 123 W. Pomona Ave.
- MW Investment Group - Arroyo at Monrovia Station - A 284-unit proposed project to be built on the City block by South Magnolia to the west, South Primrose to the east, West Evergreen to the north, and West Pomona to the south.
- City Park-and-Ride Lot - A ~130 key Cambria hotel project located on the City's park-and-ride lot at the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue / Pomona Avenue.
~ There will be a second community meeting to discuss a possible sales tax at the Community Center on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-7 p.m. Chi writes: "We want to hear from the community to see if a local tax measure could be a viable solution for Monrovia as we search for ways to protect our local sales tax capacity from other governmental jurisdictions, including LA County."
~ Two high-end Burgerim restaurants may open in Monrovia. Chi reports that "a franchise operator recently leased the former Sprint store in Old Town located just north of Studio Movie Grill to open a Burgerim." A Burgerim is already planned for 1108 S. Fifth Ave. at the Areum Apartments. https://www.burgerim.com/
~ Monrovia Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator, Ariel Tolefree-Williams, was selected as one of Assembly District 48's 2019 Woman of the Year recipients.
~ If you don't want to use a cell phone app to get a Lyft ride, you can book a GoMonrovia Lyft ride by calling in to the dispatch center. BUT, if you do that you have to pre-register. Chi said this will cut back on underage riders and simplify billing. If you use the app, no change. Here's the registration form: https://goo.gl/PqmYnf
~ The Monrovia Public Library is celebrating Women's History Month with activities and a wall of trivia in the Youth Services Area. Also Wonder Woman display in the lobby.
~ Telecommunication veterans Steve Berkson and Roger Anderson founded the Monrovia business, Jolly Roger Telephone Company, which patches callers through to a robot that wastes their time with absurd conversation: "Did you wash my leggings?" They appeared on Shark Tank. No deal but a lot of exposure.
~ Librarian Mabel Cross and Veterans Resource Center volunteer Joe Callahan were interviewed by CBSLA and told about all the resources the center has for veterans and their families. Video here: https://goo.gl/4jmg57
~ Community Media of the Foothills has a new Executive Director, David Palomares.
~ To raise awareness of suicide prevention, Healing Connections will host "Choose 2 Live" on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Library Park. For more information call (323) 282-9892.
~ The city is accepting nominations for the 2019 Older American of the Year Award hosted by LA County Commission for Older Adults. Candidate must be a Monrovian 60 or older, working or retired, and still active in a volunteer service in Monrovia. The award is to honor and encourage older individuals to remain active in our community. Nomination form: https://goo.gl/rD7uqg
~ Mt Sierra College and the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host a free art show March 15-16. View the works of students and local artists and meet with them. March 15 from 6-9 p.m. and March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Mt Sierra Campus (800 Royal Oaks Drive, Suite 101).
~ Assemblymember Chris Holden wants to highlight a small business. If you know of one that deserves to be recognized, use this nomination form: https://goo.gl/8WxHKb. Nominations are due by Thursday, March 14.
- Brad Haugaard
Shadow: A Very Large - and Adoptable - Lapdog
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.
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. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Gets Another Brewery
Monrovia is getting yet another brewery. Over Town Brewing at 227 W. Maple Ave. - just east of Magnolia and two blocks north of Huntington - is holding its grand opening this Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16. The brewery promises 13 beers on tap and food trucks. Over Town is open from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon-11 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. https://goo.gl/b9Jizi
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia PD to Conduct Drunk Driving and License Checks This Saturday
Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI / CDL (drunk driving and driver's license) checkpoint on Saturday night, March 16. 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 123 DUI collisions, with 32 of those collisions resulting in 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:
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.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Over the course of the past three years, there have been 123 DUI collisions, with 32 of those collisions resulting in 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.
- Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
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.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Identity of Man Arrested in Connection With Arson Fires
According to the LA Times, the person arrested in connection with recent arson fires is a 25-year-old Monrovia man named Ryan Dhalliwal. https://goo.gl/ugG8Y3
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Pharmacy Closes
Monrovia Pharmacy, just east of Magnolia on Foothill, has closed.
Janice Chen, representing the company, writes on Facebook:
"Dear Monrovians, Monrovia Pharmacy is closed as of today after 1 and 1/2 years of service. It was a pleasure to serve this town but the business isn't growing as much as I was hoping for.
"Thank you for those who come through the doors first as my customers and later became lifelong friends. We will still keep in touch even after the business is closed."
- Brad Haugaard
Janice Chen, representing the company, writes on Facebook:
"Dear Monrovians, Monrovia Pharmacy is closed as of today after 1 and 1/2 years of service. It was a pleasure to serve this town but the business isn't growing as much as I was hoping for.
"Thank you for those who come through the doors first as my customers and later became lifelong friends. We will still keep in touch even after the business is closed."
- Brad Haugaard
Price of Monrovia School Lunches May Go Up 25 Cents
At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/tKMjdW) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...
~ A twenty-five cent increase for the paid breakfast and lunch rate for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 school years.
~ Affirming - as required by law - that the Monrovia Unified School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the 2018-19 fiscal year and the subsequent two fiscal years.
~ Honoring its Employees of the Month for March, including: Markiena Madison, Teacher at Bradoaks; Jesus Jara, Campus Assistant at Bradoaks; Janette Bacus, Teacher at Clifton Middle School; and Jose Simuta, School Office Manager at Clifton.
~ Commending district employee and US Army Major, Ken Singleton, Logistics Officer, who has been called to active duty and must report to Kuwait later this month.
- Brad Haugaard
~ A twenty-five cent increase for the paid breakfast and lunch rate for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 school years.
~ Affirming - as required by law - that the Monrovia Unified School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the 2018-19 fiscal year and the subsequent two fiscal years.
~ Honoring its Employees of the Month for March, including: Markiena Madison, Teacher at Bradoaks; Jesus Jara, Campus Assistant at Bradoaks; Janette Bacus, Teacher at Clifton Middle School; and Jose Simuta, School Office Manager at Clifton.
~ Commending district employee and US Army Major, Ken Singleton, Logistics Officer, who has been called to active duty and must report to Kuwait later this month.
- Brad Haugaard
St. Luke's Presents 12th Women's Evensong Invitational
The free public performance will spotlight the women's voices of the choir along with many invited guest singers. Music will include Gabriel Fauré's Ave Verum, Denis Mason's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, and the Monrovia Preces and Responses, written for this group by Kent Bennett Jones.
The Rev. Neil Tadken, Rector, will officiate. Mezzo-soprano Trisha Rivera will be Cantor. A freewill offering will be taken. Guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception in Guild Hall following the performance.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Mooncat Ramen
Lunch at Mooncat Ranen, not to be confused with Mooncat Sushi next door. It’s a cozy little place on the south side of Lime just east of Myrtle. Got the Curry Ramen for $11 and an almond milk-tea for $4. Very nice.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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