Concrete K-Rail is being installed below the Bobcat burn area along Ridgeside and Oakglade. - Brad Haugaard
K-Rail Being Installed on Ridgeside and Oakglade
Concrete K-Rail is being installed below the Bobcat burn area along Ridgeside and Oakglade.
Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Gives Workers Another $2 Pay Boost Because of COVID
- Brad Haugaard
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.
For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.
- Brad Haugaard
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
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~ 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
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