A video of what to expect ...
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's First Lutheran Church to Open Sunday
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch from Mahan Indian Restaurant
Lunch from Mahan Indian Restaurant, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Foothill. Got the Tandoori Chicken for $12 and a side of nan bread for $2.50. Good. Even had some left over. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Q&A Sheet On Hiring, Choke Holds, Etc.
It says:
"Our hiring practices are incredibly stringent and in depth. As an example, applicants undergo a thorough, all-encompassing background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological screening, just to name a few. Officers go through an initial extensive training program over an 18-month period. They continue participating in regular, state, and department mandated training and qualification throughout the remainder of their career. We are always seeking ways to improve through input and analysis of community needs and best legislative practices."
The questions the sheet answers are:
- Does MPD allow officers to use chokeholds or strangleholds? [No]
- Does MPD require its officers to use de-escalation techniques? [Yes]
- Does MPD Require officers to issue a warning before shooting their firearm? [When feasible]
- Does MPD train its officers to exhaust all alternatives before shooting their firearms? [Complicated; click through]
- Does MPD have a policy requiring officers to intervene if excessive force is being used? [Yes]
- Does MPD have a ban on shooting at moving vehicles? [Mostly]
- Does MPD require the use of a force continuum or force ladder? [Force "must be reasonable and necessary"]
- Does MPD require comprehensive reporting when an officer uses force? [Yes]
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 179, 2 More Deaths
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 179 cases (up 5), 25 deaths (up 2).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged). This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
- Brad Haugaard
Schools Provide Anti-Vaping Videos On-Line
The Monrovia School District has been using part of its state Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Grant for a motivational speaker to focus on the dangers of vaping. Robert Hackenson, Jr., professional speaker and “edutainer,” has more than 10 years of experience inspiring students and professionals across the U.S. and Canada. His presentations are interactive and student-centered, incorporating magic and student volunteers to captivate audiences.
In the 2019-2020 school year, Mr. Hackenson made several presentations at our secondary schools. He was scheduled for a presentation at Canyon Oaks High School and a district-wide parent presentation when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
In his interest to continue to serve the community of Monrovia, Mr. Hackenson has created a series of videos to temporarily replace the live presentation. The videos cover such topics as the evolution of the vaping craze, the actual content of vaping products, the effects of nicotine and THC products on teenagers, and what parents can do to determine if their children are vaping.
This is a great opportunity for you to sit down with your child and watch the videos together. They will certainly spark important conversations and increase your knowledge of the vaping epidemic.
The videos will be available for viewing from June 15th to July 15th at the following site: http://DynamicInfluence.com/Monrovia The password is "Monrovia".
- Brad Haugaard
Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park Graduations - Some Surprised With Scholarships
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Canyon Oaks High School graduate (left); Mountain Park Independent School graduate (right)
More than 60 seniors from Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School were cheered on as they walked the stage to receive their diplomas during a drive-thru commencement ceremony on June 3 at Monrovia High School.
"It was an absolute honor to see our seniors' hard work pay off as they walked that stage to experience a moment that was almost taken away from them," Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. "Congratulations to our graduates. We wish them success as they move toward the next chapter in their lives."
When the ceremony began, cars lined up and graduates exited their vehicles with masks on and lined up 6 feet apart from one another. Teachers were invited on stage to share their memories of each student and ended with words of encouragement for the future.
"Our Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park graduates have demonstrated the characteristics that lead to success: persistence, creativity, and hard work. These are qualities that we hope to cultivate in all our students," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Monrovia Unified is dedicated to the achievement of every student and I am certain that our graduates will continue to be a source of pride for our community."
As they picked up their diploma and elbow-bumped their teachers, some students were also surprised as they were presented with scholarships. Before reaching the pick-up zone at the end of the graduation stage, students met with Flint Fertig, Director of Alternative Schools, who directed them to turn their tassel from right to left.
"The Class of 2020 was presented with many obstacles this school year, but not once did they let the hardships discourage them," Fertig said. "They pushed through everything and have fulfilled all of the graduation requirements to be here today. Congratulations to every single one of them."
- Brad Haugaard
Carotid Hold Illegal in Monrovia; Street Fair, Street Sweeping, Parking Enforcement to Resume
~ The carotid control hold [which has been protested following the death of George Floyd] has not been used in Monrovia "for approximately 15 years," although police have been required to be trained on it. However, "As of Sunday afternoon, Chief Sanvictores has suspended the policy. The carotid control hold is no longer in use by the Monrovia Police Department." Governor Newsom has also ordered an end of training for the hold.
~ The weekly Street Fair has been tentatively set to reopen on Friday, July 3. "At least initially it will look a bit different to practice social distancing."
~ The city will resume parking enforcement on Monday, June 15.
~ Street sweeping will return to a weekly schedule on Monday, June 15.
~ Monrovia's Roncelli Plastics has manufactured sneeze guards for public counters in city buildings. "We'll begin placing these guards in the coming days in anticipation of reopening public facilities." COVID rules will apply.
- Brad Haugaard
About 13% of Reported Monrovia Coronavirus Cases Result in Death
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 174 cases (up 1), 23 deaths (up 1).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
So, of the reported cases of COVID-19 (realizing that there are undoubtedly cases that are not reported) the death rate for Monrovia is more than 13 percent.
- Brad Haugaard
Mental Health Service Available to School District Families
Care Solace is an online resource with a live, multilingual Care Concierge meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services. Care Solace's web-based system works alongside our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) as a tool for school staff and families to connect with community-based mental healthcare resources and providers.
The proprietary care navigation system taps into a vast database of mental healthcare resources to find carefully vetted local and online therapists and programs in minutes.
School district staff and families may access Care Solace services in two ways:
1. Call (888) 515-0595 or email weserve@caresolace.org to speak with someone from the Care Concierge team.
• Representatives are standing by to take your call, email or video chat 24/7
2. Visit your district’s link at Caresolace.com/musdparents
• Answer ten simple questions on their confidential platform and get matched with local and online providers in minutes.
• Care Solace takes into account all types of private insurance including Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare and those that have no insurance. The provider will also be specific to age, gender, zip code and any special requests.
• If you’d like assistance finding a provider and/or booking an appointment, the Care Concierge can make the phone calls on your behalf, help you navigate who accepts your insurance, and any other special requests, saving you precious time in your busy schedules.
Care Solace is available for use by district students and families at no cost. All information shared with Care Solace or entered on their website is completely confidential and securely stored. They do not share specific user information to any third parties or even the district itself.
Please note, this service is an optional free resource available to families in our district. If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, please give them a call at (888) 515-0595.
Click HERE for a list of Frequently Asked Questions to reference.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian, Superintendent
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 173, Up 1; 22 Deaths, Up 1
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 173 cases (up 1), 22 deaths (up 1).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
Pickles is a Chatty Catty - Likes to Explore, Too
The adoption fee for cats is $90. 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 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
Monrovia Post Office Changes Access Hours for PO Boxes
Reader Scott Morgan reports that a notice in the Monrovia Post Office says that "due to circumstances beyond our control" hours for access to the Post Office Box Lobby have been changed to:
Monday-Saturday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: closed
However, window service hours remain the same:
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
- Brad Haugaardd
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 172, Up 3
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 172 cases (up 3), 21 deaths (unchanged).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
Windy Tonight - Be Careful On the Freeway!
freeways. https://is.gd/YiKVF2
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 169, 1 New Death
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 169 cases (down 1 - apparently 1 died), 21 deaths (up 1).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74, 16 deaths. This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
School Board to Denounce Racism, Violence; Adopt 'Fantasy' Budget; Accept Contract for Internet Filtering
~ Adopting a resolution "denouncing racism and discriminatory acts in America and affirm[ing] MUSD's commitment to tolerance, understanding, and diversity in schools." The resolution would voice "its opposition to all forms of racism, discriminatory actions, and the incitement of violence." https://is.gd/eHky2t
~ Adopting its 2020-21 budget (https://is.gd/r3OfEy), which Board President Rob Hammond called a "fantasy budget" in this interview: https://is.gd/ajtqlv
~ Accepting a three-year contract for Internet content filtering from Linewize for $40,184. https://is.gd/dJOwUO
- Brad Haugaard
New Lyft COVID Rules Coming Up; Report Bulky Trash Maybe Win $50; Underpass Painting
~ In the coming weeks, every Lyft rider and driver will have to certify in the app that they will wear a face covering throughout the ride, are COVID-19 symptom-free and will follow CDC and local guidelines related to COVID-19.
~ If you report bulky items, such as furniture, boxes, or other items in the right of way (not on private property) you can be be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card to a Monrovia business, and Athens will pick up the bulky item within about 48 hours. To report, call Public Works at 932-5575; or email bulkyitem@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Raffle winners will be notified after each Thursday drawing by Public Works staff.
~ The schedule for washing and repainting freeway underpasses:
Mountain - done
Week of June 8 - Shamrock
Week of June 15 - California
Week of June 22- Myrtle
Week of June 29 - Magnolia
Week of July 6 - Mayflower
Week of July 13 - Monterey
Week of July 20 - Huntington
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 170, Up 4
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 170 cases (up 4), 20 deaths (unchanged).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 22 cases (up 1).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged). This facility has disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Graduation - Vastly Different But Still a Happy Time
More than 300 Monrovia High School seniors exited their vehicles, walked the green and white decorated stage, received their diplomas, and turned their tassels during the school’s drive-thru commencement ceremony at Monrovia High School on June 3.
“I’m incredibly proud of our extraordinary graduates, who finally got their moment of celebration after losing so many aspects of their senior year to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. “I know they will go on to contribute to our society in wonderful, meaningful ways, drawing on the lessons learned over their years at Monrovia Unified.”
The graduation ceremony almost didn’t happen, after Los Angeles County education leaders nixed drive-thru events. But advocacy by Hammond and the rest of the Board of Education, Monrovia High School Principal Kirk McGinnis, and the Monrovia community, convinced the county to reverse its ruling, opening the opportunity to celebrate safely – not just for Monrovia but for districts across the region.
The very first graduate of the day was Vivian Fisher, who received an honorary diploma as she was unable to receive her diploma from the class of 1938. Fisher, 99, longtime Monrovia resident and former Monrovia Unified School District employee, was escorted on stage by her great great nephew and Monrovia High Class of 2020 graduate, Elijah Vance.
Afterward, students lined up 6 feet apart and walked the stage as their names were announced through the speakers. Families drove next to the stage, taking photos and cheering for their graduate before making their way to a pick-up zone.
“Graduation ceremonies symbolize the culmination of educational pursuits as a child and the commencement of life as an adult. They are a celebration of achievement. This year, we also celebrate our graduates for their perseverance through these challenging times,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “They are the bright spot in a time of crisis.”
Though the graduation ceremony was vastly different than years past, valedictorian Kate Tadeo and salutatorian Jessica Lee were still given the opportunity to address their fellow graduates through a video message.
“I ask you, Monrovia Class of 2020, to not look at this experience as something of sadness, but as an opportunity to fight for those who don’t get to walk across their stage because of gun violence, who do not get to watch their virtual graduation from their Apple MacBooks, and for those who are unable to lead their lives without fear of being persecuted for their beliefs and identity,” Tadeo said. “We have to be better. Fight for better. Be the generation of change as I know we can be.”
Lee, who shared advice and words of wisdom she learned from her brother, emphasized the importance of setting goals and practicing compassion.
“Always remember to practice gratitude, because not every day is guaranteed. Although I am proud of the achievements I have accomplished, looking back, I regret not spending more time with people,” Lee said. “In a time like this, more than ever, I’ve realized how easy it is to forget the privilege of being around friends and family.”
Despite the hardships to get to graduation, Monrovia High School, Monrovia Unified Board of Education, and the community of Monrovia collaborated to create a memorable day full of smiles, cheers, and applause.
“Graduates, you have proven that your commitment to graduate was made with a conviction to finish strong. I challenge you to set a new vision for success,” McGinnis said. “I trust that you will take the skills, lessons, and qualities you learned here at Monrovia High School and apply them to each step in your life. Monrovia High is truly the home of scholars and champions and is a better place because of your contributions over the past four years. Congratulations.”
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Has Best Anti-COVID Measures Among Grocery Stores
- Brad Haugaard
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