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Monrovia High Roasters - Jobs for Special Education Students

Monrovia High School students from the MHS Roasters program put on their aprons and stock a coffee cart at 7 a.m. to begin selling cups of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to faculty and staff as part of Monrovia High's WorkAbility and Transition Partnership program for students.

The programs open doors to job opportunities from local business partners in the community. By going into the community and working for local businesses, students in special education classes learn independence and gain experience for life-skill development.

"Monrovia High's MHS Roasters program provides students with a chance to gain critical skills in academics, social interaction, communication, financial management, and job performance," Monrovia High Transition Coordinator Kymberly Hirst said.

Local business partners include Unleashed, Foothill Unity Center, REI, Grocery Outlet, Chuck E. Cheese, Wendy's, Walgreens, and Smart and Final.

"My son is very excited to get up in the morning now, and he shows up to school always ready to start working," said Leslie Hudspeth, mother of Monrovia High student Jason Travers. "This experience is going to give him the confidence he needs to go out to the community and hold his head up high because he will have the skills he needs to do the work."

Similar coffee cart programs are finding success in schools across the states, achieving a high degree of popularity on campuses and offering beneficial work experience, Hirst said. Students work alongside adults for support as they gain the skills they will need to be employed in the community.

"At Monrovia Unified, providing our students with the opportunities and experiences they need to be successful after graduation is one of our priorities," Board of Education President Ed Gililland said. "Our dedicated teachers and counselors at Monrovia High always ensure that our students have the opportunities they need to be successful not only academically, but in their personal goals as well."

Student training started with making hot chocolate for a friend and then providing complimentary drinks for teachers who visited the cart. Students learned how to use a cash register and how to manage a line of customers. Now they crisscross campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, selling coffee to faculty and staff.

"The growth of the MHS Roasters program follows the same successful trajectory of our other unique programs," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "It begins with a great idea supported by an organization committed to creating opportunities for students. Our goal is to prepare students with the skills necessary to define their own future."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Chief Brad Dover Confirmed as Interim City Manager

At the regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Monrovia City Council confirmed Fire Chief Brad Dover as the Interim City Manager.

Brad began his career with Monrovia in 1994 as a fire cadet, and he was hired into a full-time firefighter role in 1998. Most recently, Brad was appointed the City’s Fire Chief in 2016, and since that time, he has been instrumental in advancing a variety of operational enhancements in both the Fire Department and throughout the City. Of particular note, one of the tangible results from all his efforts was the reclassification of the Monrovia Fire Department into a high class 2 rated operation by the Insurance Services Office, which ranks Monrovia Fire & Rescue in the top three percent of all fire departments across the United States.

“We are grateful that an individual of Brad’s quality and character is willing to step up and take on the additional responsibilities of serving as Monrovia’s Interim City Manager,” said Mayor Tom Adams. “The City Council has every confidence that Brad will be a terrific steward of our organization and community, and that Monrovia will have continued success during this transitional period.”

“I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to serve the City of Monrovia in this interim capacity,” said Brad. “What an honor it is to work with so many dedicated and hardworking people that are all committed to making Monrovia the best place that it can be.”

As one of the few completely full-service cities in the San Gabriel Valley, Brad will be supported in his new role by a staff of around 300 full-time employees.

Brad holds a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach. In addition, this November he will graduate as an Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy in Maryland. He has been married to his wife, Anne, for the past 21 years, and they have two 16-year old twins, Blake and Ella.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Samson the Fire Education Bear


The fire department introduced its new mascot, Samson the Fire Education Bear, to the Monrovia City Council Tuesday night. Samson will visit schools and be at fire department events, such as the pancake breakfast. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Friday Oliver Chi's Last Day; Brad Dover to be Interim City Manager; Read Across Monrovia; Get Your Home Restored; Etc.

In his latest and last report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

~  City Manager Oliver Chi's Final Update:

"This is difficult message to write, but I wanted to share with everyone that this will be my final City Manager's Update message.  This coming Friday, September 20, will be my last day working in Monrovia, and more than anything, what I feel right now is a profound sense of gratefulness.

"Grateful that I had the chance to work for this amazing place called Monrovia during the past five years.  And grateful for your support as the team at the City worked to best serve you in our efforts to create a community that offers a premier quality of life.  Monrovia has been a central part to the story of my life, and looking back on all of it... words just fail me.  I feel such overwhelming appreciation that you allowed me the privilege of serving as your city manager, and I am so immensely proud of what we have been able to do collectively... together.

"With eternal gratitude,
Oliver Chi
(310) 663-9837
oliverchi@yahoo.com"

~ The City Council will consider naming Fire Chief Brad Dover as the city's interim city manager. Chi writes: "During the past five years, I've come to the realization that Brad is simply one of the best leaders - and best human beings - to have ever walked the planet.  And I'm so confident that Brad will do an amazing job as Monrovia's interim city manager!"

~ Volunteer to read to Monrovia students (K-5) during Read Across Monrovia on Thursday, Oct. 3.  Most visits start at 8 a.m. Fill out the form (https://is.gd/htq4Ol) and return it. For information, call Joanne Spring at 358-1952 or Diane Delmatoff at 388-4544.

~  The DIY Network TV program, "Restored," which documents the restoration of vintage homes, is looking for three Monrovia homes to be on the show. The home must be a vintage Craftsman, Victorian, Spanish Colonial Revival or similar period home and have many of its original features; likely work would include a kitchen remodel, front entry, exterior, maybe bathroom and fireplace; homeowner must contribute at least $60,000; occupants must move out during the project - typically eight weeks. If interested, contact Jeff at jeff.uncapher@essential.media.

- Brad Haugaard

Tofu - You Gotta Earn Her Love

Patience is the name of the game with Tofu, a gorgeous Tortie Point Siamese. Tofu is a discerning cat who doesn’t give her love to just anyone. So when she does love you, you’ll know it’s real! A few tips: she loves treats, and enjoys playing with toys. It may take a little time to gain her trust, but it’s worth it. Be the envy of all your friends when you become Tofu’s one and only!

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

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

Lyft Prices Going Up Because of Possible Change in State Law

The City Council will consider raising Lyft prices yet again, this time because of a potential change in California law that would make independent contractors into employees, which would affect Lyft's costs.

Assuming the council passes the measure, prices will go up effective November 1: to $1 to and from Old Town, Station Square, and hospitals within the service area; to $3 for a shared ride anywhere else in Monrovia; and to $5 for a classic ride anywhere else in Monrovia.

The staff report says Assembly Bill 5 in the California State Legislature, aims to "transform the gig economy" by reclassifying independent contractors as employees. "Among the companies that would be impacted include Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and DoorDash, along with any other industries that rely on the use of independent contractors to operate."

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider Fire Chief As Interim City Manager; Development Fee; Citizens Watchdog Committee

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/Th79t4) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~  Naming Brad Dover, Fire Chief, as Interim City Manager. Dover will get a 15% salary increase over his current base pay while he serves as Interim City Manager, but no other compensation of benefit adjustments. https://is.gd/Ph68gi

~ A Traffic Impact Fee. The idea is that new developments result in a strain on public services, so a fee on developments can be used to offset that problem. The staff report says the fee has the theoretical potential to raise more than $7 million, but, "In reality, the amount raised will be less. However, the fee has the realistic potential to provide several million dollars for traffic improvements over the next decade based on the level of development." https://is.gd/0jjNFY

~  Creating a Citizen Advisory Committee for the Measure K "Keep Monrovia Revenue
Local Sales and Use Tax" ballot measure being considered by voters at the Special Election on November 5, 2019. (If you've forgotten, this tax would max out the legal tax rate for Monrovia so when - not "if", the city believes - the county wants to raise taxes again, it won't affect Monrovia because we'd already be at the legal limit.) The committee's responsibilities will be "monitoring the progress of key priorities and the budget status, as well as working to keep the community informed about how these monies are spent." https://is.gd/NPATWk



- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Church Plans Racial Reconciliation Workshop

Monrovia's Fellowship Church (formerly Fellowship Monrovia, but now there’s a Pasadena branch) will hold a workshop on Church, Race, and Reconciliation, “designed to introduce participants to the deceptive and destructive effects of racism in our lives and in the body of Christ.” For more information go to madeforfellowship.com/reconciliation. Registration required as seating is limited.

- Brad Haugaard

St. Luke's Concert to Benefit Organ Repair

The St Luke's Episcopal Church Choir will present its seventh annual fundraiser on Saturday evening, Sept. 21, at the church, 122 S. California Avenue, at Foothill Boulevard.

Proceeds from the event will help fund long-needed repairs and improvements to the church's Bascom & Vaughan three-manual organ. The instrument features 42 ranks and a separate antiphonal division, with  pipes custom-positioned to take advantage of the sanctuary's acoustics.

Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.in Guild Hall. The show, directed by St. Luke Music Director Kent B. Jones, will follow at 6:45 p.m. in the sanctuary. An array of musical styles will be heard, performed by members of the choir and special guests. 

Tickets are $40 each with discounts for tables of eight, and may be ordered on Eventbrite at https://is.gd/fdTHYl. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $50 each.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Las Marias Mexican Restaurant


Lunch at Las Marias Mexican Restaurant in the shopping center at Foothill and Alta Vista. Got the carnitas plate for $8.49 and a soft drink for $1.92. Good and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

City Manager Oliver Chi Says Goodbye


An emotional Oliver Chi said goodbye to Monrovia at a farewell ice cream social in Library Park. Chi said serving in Monrovia has been the greatest honor of his life. Chi has accepted a job as city manager of Huntington Beach. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drunks and Drugs; Shoplifting; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 5-11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 421 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
September 5 at 6:21 a.m., an employee from a business in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle called to report a company vehicle had been taken from the property without permission. The vehicle was last seen on the property September 4 at 7:00 p.m. The vehicle taken was a white, 2006, GMC van. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 5 at 3:03 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1800 block of S. Mountain called to report one of their work trucks had been stolen and was later located in Los Angeles. The vehicle was taken several days earlier, but employees did not notice it missing. The vehicle was entered as stolen and recovered in Los Angeles.

Resisting a Peace Officer / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 11:31 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject inside Station Square Park after hours in violation of the city ordinance. The officer attempted to stop the subject, but the subject refused to comply. The subject was subsequently stopped one block away. A computer check revealed the subject had four outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
September 6 at 6:56 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business in the 1800 block of S. Mountain. An employee called police to report five of their work trucks had been burglarized and cleaning equipment was stolen. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 7:43 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington when he saw a motorist commit several traffic violations. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 9:57 p.m., security for a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report they were detaining a female subject for taking merchandise outside the store without paying for it. Officers responded and, after investigating, arrested the suspect. A computer check revealed she also had two outstanding warrants for her arrest.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 12:09 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Duarte when he saw a male subject on a bicycle commit a vehicle code violation. He stopped the bicyclist, and a computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested taken into custody.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 3:20 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a suspicious male subject carrying two backpacks. He was hiding in the shadows near a residence. The officer contacted the subject, who was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 1:25 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Royal Oaks called police to report a suspicious subject trespassing on their property. Officers arrived and located the subject standing near the front door of the residence. When officers approached, the subject threw a glass methamphetamine pipe in the planter, which was later recovered. The suspect was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 8:35 p.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Magnolia called police to report a subject causing a disturbance with family members. Officers arrived and located the subject, who was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 10:38 a.m., a caller reported two male subjects at Station Square in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle causing a disturbance. The caller said the subjects were arguing in the bathroom and it sounded as if they were about to fight. Officers arrived and detained the two subjects, who were now outside the bathroom. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 10 at 12:57 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Central and Myrtle. Two vehicles came to a stop at the light for Central and Myrtle. The light turned green and the vehicle in front moved, but then stopped. The vehicle behind rear-ended the one in front. There was very minor damage, but the driver complained of pain.

Vandalism / Trespassing
September 11 at 12:01 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Stedman Place regarding a subject who was jumping through various properties and broke a window on one of the residences. Officers located the subject on Myrtle and found he had a laceration on his back. The subject was heavily intoxicated. He was positively identified by a witness. The subject was taken to a local hospital for treatment and the investigation is continuing.

Theft
September 11 at 5:01 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim called police to report her wallet had been stolen from her purse while shopping in the store. When she went to the register to pay for her items, she realized her wallet wasn't in her purse. She checked with store employees, but nothing had been turned in to them. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 11 at 6:39 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of N. Canyon. The victim reported the vehicle was broken into sometime between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The rear passenger window was smashed and a black bag was stolen from the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
September 11 at 7:58 p.m., officers were conducting extra patrol at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain, when they were advised of a shoplifting that had just occurred. Loss Prevention pointed out the vehicle and the officers conducted a traffic stop. The stolen items were located and recovered from the vehicle. One of the suspects was also in possession of burglary tools. Both of the suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Monrovia Finalist for Business-Friendly City Award

For the third year in a row, Monrovia has been named as one of five finalists for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation's Eddy Awards, honoring business-friendly cities. Monrovia was nominated as a finalist for jurisdictions with a population of under 50,000 people, along with Duarte, La Mirada, San Gabriel and Santa Fe Springs. https://is.gd/ppswbq

- Brad Haugaard

Free Dental Care at Monrovia High

Monrovia High School will be offering free dental care for children to 18-years-old through Big Smiles Dental, "the nation’s largest mobile in-school dental program." https://is.gd/hlpiRa

- Brad Haugaard


Another Closed Meeting About New City Manager - Getting Close?

Monrovia City Council is holding another closed session, tomorrow, Friday, about a new city manager. I'm guessing it's getting very, very close. https://is.gd/FvEAcF

- Brad Haugaard

Samson to be Named Monrovia Fire Department's 'Spokesbear'

The Monrovia Fire Department will introduce Samson as its new "spokesbear" at next Tuesday's City Council meeting. Monrovia Weekly has the story: https://is.gd/76tSYd

- Brad Haugaard

Construction on Old Reservoir

Construction has begun on the old, leaky reservoir at Canyon and Ridgeside in north Monrovia. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Rotary Fundraiser to Support Local Projects


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Expects New City Manager Decision in Week or Two


In his weekly report City Manager Oliver Chi reports (herethat...


~ Monrovia expects to have a candidate to be the new city manager in the next week or two.


Chi writes that, ”In addition to a full battery of internal reviews and candidate background checks, the City Council also engaged three in-depth reviews of city manager candidates.”


~ The Monrovia Public Library Foundation Will hold its fifth annual Team Up! Dream Up! For Literacy fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Monrovia Public Library. Adult learner-turned-author, Mabel Ngo, will be signing copies of her book and all proceeds will go to the library's Literacy Services program.  Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased at monrovialibraryfoundation.org.  You can also purchase $10 Dining for Literacy raffle tickets at the Friends Book Store in the library and enter for a chance to win over $1,000 in gift cards to Monrovia eateries.  To learn more about the library’s Literacy Services, visit monrovialibrary.org or call 626-256-8273.


- Brad Haugaard 


Gracie: She's All Ears; Good at Nosework, Too

Gracie, a precious 7-year-old Bluetick Hound, has lots of things to tell you! Stories, advice, opinions...and you’ll want to listen, she’s very funny! Gracie’s a great sounding board too! Just look at those adorably long, floppy ears! She’s ALL ears! Gracie’s a smart, friendly girl and like all good hounds she’s very nosy! The key to “happily ever after” with Gracie would be, consistent companionship, nosework activities and an abundance of love.

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