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

'Reimagining Schools' - Superintendent Discusses Re-Opening District Schools

Thank you for your partnership during this historic time. When dealing with the unknown, my first instinct is to research to learn from history. In the last few months, I have been reading about the Spanish Flu that ravaged the world from 1918-1920. I found very little online about how education was impacted and decided to look inward.

I found a 1919 issue of The Monrovian, Monrovia High School’s yearbook. In it, I found a couple of references. “The first part of the year was broken up by the ‘flu’. In fact, ‘Pep’ had a serious attack of influenza...‘Pep’s’ lungs grew stronger...The postponement of the Cradle Roll dance because of the ‘flu’ dampened ‘Pep’s’ ardor considerably.” Assuming they are referring to the “pep squad,” this was not quite the treasure trove of information I had sought; but I will continue searching.

It is too soon to gauge the impact of the pandemic on education. However, I believe that it will be transformative - especially in bridging the gaps in technology and access to the digital world.

As we close this year, our two main areas of focus are back to school preparations and the budget.  Both of these topics include so many variables over which we have no control, that our preparations will include multiple scenarios. Leading our efforts with the reopening of our schools will be a task force comprised of key district, site, and department personnel.  Their objective is to develop a framework for opening schools based on current assumptions and conditions for the 2020-21 school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so effectively, they will need to follow the local and national guidance of experts; engage our community partners, as well as professional associations; and establish regular, two-way communication.  The surveys completed in the last week are just the first step in determining our course forward.  

The task force will approach elementary and secondary schools separately, but along parallel paths, to ensure coordination between all our schools and parity for all our students.  Deep planning will need to be done in some broad areas: 

• Health & Safety
• Instruction & Campus Life
• Social Emotional Support Systems 
• Family & Community Engagement 
• Operations & Operational Alternatives

No one small group can do this effectively in isolation.  For that reason, we will need to expand the number of individuals willing to work alongside us as we create new instructional models to educate the children of Monrovia.

That first survey did confirm some initial thoughts - no one instructional model will meet the needs of all our students or staff members.  Additionally, despite our rapid response to the dismissal of students on Friday, the 13th of March, we know that there will be learning gaps – especially in the case of our learners most in need of personal support.  While we will be providing an online summer program, and developing enrichment opportunities before school begins, this will not be enough to mitigate the “COVID-19 Slide.”   Currently, we are looking at three different instructional models:  

1. Face to Face Instruction - The teacher and the student meet physically in a set place for a set time, for either one-on-one learning or in group classroom lessons with social distancing measures in place, as well as health and safety measures.
2. Distance Learning - Distance learning occurs when the learner and instructor, or source of information, are separated by time and distance and therefore cannot meet in a traditional physical classroom setting.
3. Hybrid Model of Instruction - Hybrid learning occurs both in the classroom (or other physical space) with social distancing measures in place, as well as health and safety measures, and via distance learning.

In preparing for the opening of schools, we are purchasing personal protective equipment, additional hand washing stations, cleaning supplies, etc.  We are rearranging desks in classrooms to reduce the number of students and identifying the supplies students will need at every grade level and in every subject area to avoid sharing.

Some of these costs may be reimbursed by FEMA and one-time funding by the CARES Act.  A couple of weeks ago, the Governor’s May Revision of the Budget indicated grave cuts would be needed. At a time when we will need more resources and more people to support and supervise our students, we will be provided with far less. Since then, following the leadership of our Board of Education, we have been advocating for both additional funding and additional flexibility with our current funding sources.

Last night, the advocacy done at so many levels, seemed to steer things in a more positive direction. The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee adopted the budget plan for the 2020-21 State Budget. This version of the budget reversed some of the deep cuts the Governor had proposed. This is promising; however, this is not final, and our efforts must continue.

I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and expect we will continue to make thoughtful, student-centered decisions together for the 2020-21 school year. Reimagining schools will require the use of the same skills we try to teach our students: critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, community, and compassion, to adapt nimbly in a changing world.   I look forward to continuing our partnership as we create history.

We have three days before we close the most unusual school year of my career. Encourage your children to finish strong and stay safe. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian 

Curfew Again Tonight

Monrovia Police report that the executive curfew order issued yesterday has been extended. On again from 6 p.m. today (6/1) until 6 a.m. tomorrow (6/2).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Disgusted by Minneapolis Police Officers Actions

The Monrovia Police Department has posted this statement regarding the "horrible actions" of officers in Minneapolis:

- Brad Haugaard

Curfew 6 p.m. Tonight for Monrovia and the Rest of LA County

A curfew goes into effect at 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Monday morning for Monrovia and all LA County.

City Manager Dylan Feik writes that residents should only leave their homes for medical care or to go to an essential job.

He writes:

"Over the weekend, we have all witnessed protests taking place throughout the nation. However, as of late, the protests turned destructive. To ensure the safety of our community, the Los Angeles County has proclaimed the existence of a local emergency due to civil unrest."

and ...

"Part of the reason why this Order is being issued is because amongst the peaceful protest, there is organized looting. Although everyone has the right to peacefully gather, we have gotten to the point where lives and properties are in imminent danger."

Here's the order: https://is.gd/oaHJ8D

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 162, Up 5, No New Deaths

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

Monrovia: 162 cases (up 5), 19 deaths (unchanged).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (up 1).

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

Route 66 Videos And Monrovia

The Women of the Mother Road, a project compiling information about the people involved along Route 66 during its early days, has two videos about Monrovia.

The first features Councilmember Larry Spicer sharing his family’s story of moving from the South to Monrovia and then traveling back to see family in the days when the legacy of segregation still made travel uncomfortable and dangerous for African Americans. 

... And, Keiko Sakatani shares her family's story from the days when her grandmother arrived in 1918 as a picture bride from Japan to the family’s odyssey during WWII when they were forced to leave their strawberry farm and were sent to an internment camp. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 157, Up 3 - No New Deaths

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

Monrovia: 157 cases (up 3), 19 deaths (unchanged).

Unincorporated Monrovia: 20 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

New Tomato-Growing Contest Starts Sunday

A new organization in town called Grow Monrovia is sponsoring a tomato-growing contest as its first  community event to encourage residents to grow their own food, according to Michele Brooke, posting on the Nextdoor social media system.

The contest starts May 31 (this Sunday). You can pick up an heirloom tomato seedling, a growing guide, and information on the average weight for the tomato variety you receive, from 8-10 a.m. at 731 Valley View, in Monrovia, while supplies last. (Coronavirus rules apply.)

Adults and children may participate. There is a limit of two seedlings per household, and you must be present to receive a seedling, donated by the Huntington Library.

On July 12 Grow Monrovia will pick five winners, based on the weight (relative to the average weight of the variety received).

The five winners will get a garden kit with five easy-to-grow, long-lasting, and productive vegetables and an easy-to-follow growing guide.

- Brad Haugaard

Restaurants, Barbershops Can Open - And Aztec Hotel, Too

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

~ Restaurants may now open for in-person dining. Barbershops and hair salons may also open. Of course, all the Coronavirus rules apply.

~  Monrovia's Aztec Hotel plans to reopen as a hotel in the next several months. The Planning Commission approved the opening plan at its May 27 meeting. The Aztec, which is designated a National Historic Landmark and a Monrovia Local Historic Landmark, has not operated since approximately 2011. 

~  This coming week the freeway underpass at Mountain Avenue will be pressure washed and then get fresh coat of paint.

~ No need to wait for another e-waste event, the Public Works Yard (600 S. Mountain Avenue) has a place to discard the stuff. For questions call the Public Works Department at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Salutes Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian Kate Tadeo will attend Columbia University to study neuroscience and behavior. Salutatorian Jessica Lee will attend UC Berkeley to study environmental engineering.

For their strong academic achievement, perseverance, and dedication to pursuing their goals, Monrovia High School seniors Kate Tadeo and Jessica Lee have been named the Class of 2020’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

“It is with great pleasure that we celebrate Monrovia’s top scholars, who have displayed the hard work, dedication, and wisdom we admire in our student and academic leaders,” Monrovia Board President Rob Hammond said. “Kate and Jessica are wonderful people with great hearts and bright futures.”

Tadeo earned a 4.74 GPA and will attend Columbia University to study neuroscience and behavior, with plans to become an anesthesiologist. Tadeo has been designated a John W. Kluge Scholar through the Columbia Undergraduate Scholar Program.

Tadeo completed 15 Advanced Placement (AP) classes, as well as several courses at Citrus College as part of Monrovia’s dual-enrollment Early College Program. Tadeo is a graduate of Monrovia’s Math and Science Academy (MASA) and a member of the National Honors Society and California Scholarship Federation (CSF).

“It feels very good to have all of the hard work pay off,” Tadeo said. “There were so many nights, especially in my junior year, when I stayed up all night long studying for my AP classes. But I am so happy to be going to Columbia. I’m ready for my next step.”

Tadeo’s best memories of school include four years on the cross-country team, which helped her to relax, and serving as vice president of Monrovia’s Interact Club, where she performed community service in partnership with Rotary International, including the annual “Santa Clothes” event for Foothill Unity Center K-8 students.

“Every December, we would take them on $250 shopping sprees at Kohl’s,” Tadeo said. “We would go into the store with the kids and help them pick out clothes. It was a chance for them to choose their wardrobe with someone closer to their age. They were so happy. It was adorable.” 

“Kate and Jessica represent the best of Monrovia Unified: academic excellence, school spirit, community activism, and integrity. As is often the case with our students,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “I am inspired by their enthusiasm and optimism.”

Lee earned a 4.56 GPA, has completed 13 AP and six Honors classes and will attend UC Berkeley to study environmental engineering. Lee is a MASA graduate, is a member of the Mandarin Honors Society and CSF and served as captain of the Monrovia girls varsity tennis team.

“My love for the environment actually comes from cars. When I discovered Tesla electric cars, I became interested in technology and developing products that are environmentally friendly and benefit humanity.” Lee said. “I even brainstormed and developed self-watering pots, of which I made over 300, to donate to my local nursing homes. This way the community could enjoy nature indoors with ease. I’d love to become an entrepreneur one day.”

Lee is part of a Toastmasters Gavel Public Speaking Club, which hosts youth workshops that help elementary school students with public speaking, offering tips on eye contact and body language. The group, which consists of high school student leaders across Southern California, has raised money for the United Way HomeWalk, a 5k to end homelessness in Los Angeles, and has an annual holiday tradition of singing carols and performing skits at area nursing homes.

“Senior year has been my favorite year. It’s been very relaxing,” Lee said. “I’ve really enjoyed being with my friends and not worrying about college submissions. There were many new places in Monrovia that we would go to. That’s my favorite memory of school.”

Tadeo and Lee are continuing family traditions. Tadeo’s brother, Kemyl, and Lee’s brother, Kevin were Monrovia High valedictorians.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Kate and Jessica since they arrived at Monrovia High and am so proud of them for all of the work they have accomplished here,” Principal Kirk McGinnis said. “It has been a struggle for our seniors this year, but Kate and Jessica have come through it all as true leaders, with confidence and compassion. Congratulations to the Monrovia High Class of 2020.”

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Uncrowded Canyon Park

Lower lot (top), upper lot (bottom)

Here are the two main parking lots at Canyon Park today (Friday) at about 11:15 a.m. Not crowded at all but I’m not sure if that’s because of the restrictions, the cloudy weather, or it just being a work day. It never has been crowded on weekdays. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Fellowship Church Will Stay Online for Now, But It's Still Growing

Monrovia's large Fellowship Church, which met at Monrovia High prior to the virus infestation, will continue to meet exclusively online for now "for the continued health and safety of our cities, communities, and church family."

A letter from the church adds that...

"In our eight years as a church we have never counseled more people, cared for more needs, engaged more people during services, or received more LifeGroup sign ups than we have in the last three months.

"Because of our growth, beginning June 13 and 14 we will be adding two weekly services to our lineup. For our early birds and those on the East Coast, we’re adding a 7 a.m. PST service on Sunday mornings, as well as another evening option on Sundays at 5 p.m. PST."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Principal Outlines Drive-Through Graduation Process

The driving path for Monrovia High's drive-through graduation ceremony.

Monrovia High Principal Kirk McGinnis outlines in this letter the rules high school graduates and their families will need to follow for the drive-through ceremony:

First: Each graduate needs to sign up for your time slot by going to the sign up genius link: Graduation Call Time Sign up. This allows you to select a time that works for your family. There are 10 call times in 30 minute intervals. You will be able to show up at any time within that 30 minute window. We will have you check in as you arrive. The first call time begins at 2:30 (but the first graduate will be walking across the stage at 3:00). Once you select your call time, I would write that time and group number down somewhere special!

Second: The following items are all connected to the safety of everyone involved: students, families, and staff. In reading the direction from LA County regarding the safety guidelines, and considering the space we have in the interior of our campus, we need to absolutely adhere to the following:

• One family sized car per graduate. (No motorhomes, limousines, etc). The car cannot be a convertible or a golf cart. This would also prohibit any one from riding in the back of a pick up.
• If members in the car will be rolling down any windows, all members inside the vehicle need to be wearing a face covering.
• Family members, guests, visitors (not in the vehicle) will not be allowed to enter the facility. They will need to watch the ceremony on the live streamed link (coming soon).
• Only the graduate will be allowed to exit the vehicle at the designated time, and after walking across the stage and receiving their diploma will need to enter the same vehicle at the designated loading area. MHS Staff will be on site to direct you to these areas.
• Please no honking of your car horns, or use of air horns during the ceremony as we will be recording the event live and no one wants their child's time of celebration to be overshadowed.
• Your attention to these guidelines is essential and should you not comply, we will need to cancel our event. NO ONE wants that to happen.

Third: Each graduate will receive a complimentary face mask. It is white with our school logo and "Class of 2020" on one side in green. It is pretty cool. We will give you your face mask on Thursday 5/28 at Senior Check out. A separate Senior Check Out email will be coming shortly.

Here is a map that will help show you where the graduation processional car parade will take place. You will notice that the entrance is the staff parking lot on Madison and you will exit onto Colorado Blvd. Graduation Map

There will be more details coming. The first thing we need is for you to sign up for your time slot!

Thank you all,
Mr. McGinnis

City to Prefer Native Trees for Parks, City-Owned Areas

Native trees like these will be preferred in city plantings.

At its next meeting the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Adding more native trees to the types of trees the city plants in parks and public places (It has more than 8,000), and making the natives the preferred choice. See list above. Also some trees will be removed from the approved list: Evergreen Pear, Holly Oak and American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar). https://is.gd/76qOkp

~ A housekeeping measure to issue dog licenses on a rolling basis rather than annually. So, for example, Oct. 10, 2020 to Oct. 10, 2021 rather than Oct. 10, or Feb. 14, or July 7 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020.  https://is.gd/KBJH5V

- Brad Haugaard