Civic Leaders Join to Discuss George Floyd, Racism



Members of the Monrovia City Council, School Board members, law enforcement, and other community leaders gathered in Library Park today to talk about racism and the killing of George Floyd. 

A prayer, a hymn, comments by organizer Tyler Spicer and brief comments from officials and others. Above is School Board President Rob Hammond, who condemned the “murder” of Floyd, recalled the interview with Floyd’s brother and compared the pain to that which he experienced on the death of his own brother. 

Mayor Tom Adams said the killing in Minneapolis has hurt the Monrovia Police as a stain upon their profession and something they would not have allowed if they were in Minneapolis. 

Note: I put “murder” in quotes because I’m quoting and because officially a person is only a murderer if convicted, not because I doubt the facts. 

- Brad Haugaard

Curfew Starts Later Tonight - 9 p.m.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports:

Los Angeles County has issued the fourth night of a countywide curfew. Tonight's curfew will start later at 9 p.m. and will end tomorrow at 5 a.m. Residents are asked to stay in their home during the curfew unless traveling to and from work, experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter or seeking medical treatment.

- Brad Haugaard 

Major Monrovia Facebook Groups Display Same Image As Statement of Solidarity

Police Chief Alan Sanvictores kneeling before protesters.

Four of the main Monrovia Facebook groups - Monrovia Happenings; Monrovia, California;  Monrovia Messenger, and Everything Monrovia, together having more than 26,000 members - have switched their groups' pictures to the same image, showing Police Chief Alan Sanvictores kneeling before people protesting the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

Carmen Martinez, of Monrovia Happenings, writes:

"Today we have solidarity throughout our town.

"If you belong to several community groups you will see us changing our group picture to the same picture. We are all different and yet, we are all the same.

"Thank you, Brian Tindall, for capturing such an amazing moment, but more so for our MPD Chief Sanvictores, our entire MPD and our entire community."

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Thorossian's May Update

The 2019-20 school year is quickly drawing to a close, and I find myself shocked that we have reached the end of May already. Since the beginning of our dismissal, I have missed our students, teachers, staff, and school community, but it has been wonderful to hear about our students’ many achievements even while on distance learning.

In the beginning of May, the District and our school community celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers chose this profession because of their belief in the value of education, their love of learning, and their connection to their students. I’d like to personally thank them for their passion and dedication to their students, to Monrovia Unified, and to our community.

Monrovia Unified honored the Class of 2020 with a celebration at 8:20 p.m. May 6 at Monrovia High School. Monrovia High lit up the Stadium and the Monrovia ‘M’ on the mountain, as another way to acknowledge seniors and their achievements. This has continued to occur every Wednesday since then and will continue through our June 3 graduation. Monrovia Unified is dedicated to celebrating its Class of 2020.

On May 10, Monrovia Unified took part in Virtual Monrovia Days 2020, and shared a video montage that celebrated our scholars and athletes. The video highlighted all of the things that make our District great: our students, teachers and staff, families, and strong academic programs and enrichment opportunities.

We’ve also been busy this month preparing for the celebrations ahead, including our promotions and graduation ceremonies. I’d like to extend a thank-you to our Board of Education, Monrovia High School Principal Kirk McGinnis and administrators, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the City of Monrovia, and our entire community for advocating on behalf of our students and making sure their successes and achievements were celebrated. I look forward to our promotion and graduation ceremonies – our students deserve this.

Toward the end of the month, Monrovia High School announced Kate Tadeo as its valedictorian and Jessica Lee as salutatorian. Congratulations to both on their achievements. We wish them luck as they pursue their academic and personal goals in college.

Lastly, congratulations to you all for rising to the challenge that this dismissal presented all of us. I know I speak for everyone when I say I cannot wait until we are back in school again but, until then, please stay safe and take care of one another.

We will continue providing updated information on our website and social media platforms. Pre-recorded informational messages are regularly updated at (626) 471-2084.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian, Superintendent

- Brad Haugaard

Company With Monrovia Lab Develops Mail-In Coronavirus Test Kit

A New York company, LetsGetChecked, with a lab in Monrovia, has developed a consumer mail-in COVID-19 test kit. https://is.gd/qNVLBz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 164, Up 2 - No New Deaths

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:


Monrovia: 164 cases (up 2), 19 deaths (unchanged).


Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (unchanged).


Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).


Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged).


Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  27 cases (up 1) and 2 deaths (unchanged).


- Brad Haugaard

George Floyd Rally at Library Park

A group of about 150 plus people  gathered in Library Park today to protest the death of George Floyd.

“No justice, no peace. No racist police.”

- Brad Haugaard

Assembly Planned With City Council, Law Enforcement, at Library Park



A "peaceful assembly event where the Monrovia City Council and local law enforcement, as well as religious and community leaders will come together" is set for this Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Library Park. Call or text 703-2398 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Spot Space Station Docked with SpaceX Ship

Jane Houston of Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers reports that tonight at 10 p.m. (and for the next several nights) we can watch the International Space Station docked with SpaceX's Crew Dragon Demo pass overhead. Here's how to spot it: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/

- Brad Haugaard

Curfew Again Tonight - at 6 P.M.

Yet another countywide curfew today, from 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Monday morning. - Brad Haugaard

Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park Drive-Through Graduation

Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School will celebrate the graduating Class of 2020 today with a drive-thru commencement ceremony at Monrovia High School.

“This school year, our graduating class missed many senior opportunities but our community came together and advocated for our students to receive the graduation they deserve,” Board President Rob Hammond said. “I cannot wait to see our graduates walk across the stage and experience the moment they rightfully earned. Congratulations to all of our seniors from Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park.”

“Graduation is the culmination of a child’s education experience,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “Every degree our students earn hereafter, they will earn as adults. For this reason, high school graduations are milestones. For this reason, it is important to recognize and celebrate this achievement.”

Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School are committed to helping students succeed, whether through recovering credits to graduate on time or advancing in credits to graduate early.

As a tuition-free independent study school, Mountain Park offers flexibility in academic schedules and exposes students to career pathways, extra-curricular programs, and early college opportunities that exist at Monrovia High School.

Mountain Park School has a full curriculum that meets college admission requirements, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The school and its programs are designed to help students succeed in college, career, and beyond.

“Our graduates for the Class of 2020 have pushed themselves and worked tirelessly to achieve their academic and personal goals,” Director of Alternative Schools Flint Fertig said. “I am proud of each and every one of them, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements at commencement on June 2.”

- Brad Haugaard

Gertrude - A Happy, Loving Companion

Gertrude is a happy, curious, even-keeled, and loving companion. This eight-year-old cutie is an energetic gal who loves spending time with people, but she’s also very chill and easygoing. She's just as happy running around in the yard as she is curling up for an afternoon nap, so she’s very well-rounded. And she’s eager to please her human friends and absolutely loves treats, which means learning new things is one of her favorite pastimes! If you’ve been wanting a friend by your side, Gertrude is ready to fill that role!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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 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

Curfew Now Starts at 5 P.M.

The county just sent out a notice saying that tonight's curfew begins at 5 p.m., NOT 6 p.m., and lasts through 6 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday (June 2).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 162, No New Cases - No New Deaths

Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:


Monrovia: 162 cases (unchanged), 19 deaths (unchanged).


Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (unchanged).


Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).


Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged).


Monrovia Memorial Hospital:  26 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).


- Brad Haugaard

Two Reasons for a National Day of Mourning and Lament

Mayor Tom Adams writes:

The Monrovia City Council will be joining many other cities in declaring today, June 1, 2020 as National Day of Mourning and Lament. This was originally designed to Lament the horrific loss of life due to COVID 19. Now with the loss of George Floyd and the unrest that followed, it is fitting that the Lament be extended to include the events we now see. I am pleased with the Monrovia response of peaceful protest over the life of Mr. Floyd being taken but am also pleased that Monrovia has not experienced any of the looting and property damage. If we can keep this focus on a positive outcome, perhaps we can all make a positive difference. As I reach out to many of the Ministers in town, I find that many are praying for Monrovia and I am thankful for that.

- Brad Haugaard
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