Helping for Thanksgiving | Busy Saturday | The Baptists | Fantastic Sams

~ Foothill Unity Center Thanksgiving Packing Day, LA County Arboretum; various days. For volunteer info call Raina at (626)358-3486, or email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org.

~ Nov. 17, Monrovia Library's Thanksgiving Book Feast for ages 4 years through 5th grade. Stories, songs, craft, film, snacks and more. 2 p.m. in the Libaray. Info: 256-8274

~ Nov. 17, Monrovia Library teen program, Hunger Games Challenge. 6th-12th graders only, come dressed as a tribute, join a district; test mental and physical skills in Hunger Games trivia and challenges. 7-9 p.m. Info: 256-8274

~ Nov. 17 and 18, Free electronic waste recycling at Monrovia Park N Ride (corner of S. Myrtle & W. Pomona Avenues) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more info call (909) 591-8408, visit www.attanrecyclingcorp.com , or call the Monrovia Chamber at (626)358-1159

~ First Baptist Church (223 South Encinitas) will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a re-dedication service on Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. To RSVP or for info, call 359-4533 or www.firstbaptistchurchmonrovia.com

~ Second Baptist Church (925 South Shamrock) will hold its annual Thanksgiving dinner and food drive on Nov. 20, noon to 2 p.m. Info: 358-2136

~ Fantastic Sams (barber) will be opening soon at the Pavillions shopping area. I saw the "Coming Soon" sign.

Source: Thanks to Becky Shevlin for the events.

- Brad Haugaard

Editorial Supports School Decision in Cheerleader Prank

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune agrees with the Monrovia High administration and argues that the cheerleader prank went too far. http://goo.gl/kRu0e

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bear on Hillcrest

This bear thing is beginning to lose its novelty. I took this on Hillcrest today, just east of Myrtle. Baby bear was just across the street so I assume this is mamma bear. As you can see, the parks folks try to chase her back into the hills. Sorry for the lousy quality. I could have moved closer but figured discretion was the better part of valor.

- Brad Haugaard

Freeway Closure Tonight

Full closure of the 210 eastbound starting with up to three lanes closed at 10 p.m. tonight, full closure at 11 p.m., and ending at 5 a.m. For the removal of bridge construction materials.

- Brad Haugaard

Residential Burglary

Police are searching now for a suspect on a residential burglary in north Monrovia, around Canyon and Ridgeside. Marked and unmarked cars and copter.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bear vs. Pepper Spray

Video: Bear gets a blast of pepper spray. http://goo.gl/aaCIg

- Brad Haugaard

Republican Congressional Candidate May Leave California

Republican David Miller -- who ran against winner Grace Napolitano to represent the 32nd Congressional District, which includes Monrovia south of Hillcrest/Grand/E. Greystone -- is considering leaving California. He writes in the Letters section of the Star-News that as a small businessman he is paying about 70% of his income in various taxes, which he says is too much. (Can't link to it because the letter does not appear to be on line yet.) Update - Here's the link: http://goo.gl/YoQdd

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Day at Library Park

Video of Veterans Day celebration at Library Park. http://goo.gl/tqJ48

- Brad Haugaard

Sketch of Man Sought by Monrovia Police

Sketch of man accused of luring teenage girl to car. http://goo.gl/aO3Nk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over Viewpoint :-)

Monrovia beats Viewpoint High (of Calabasas) 50-0 in first of playoff games. http://goo.gl/0zIwD

- Brad Haugaard

New Scoreboard for Monrovia High South Gym?

At its 7 p.m. Nov. 14 meeting, the Monrovia School Board will discuss getting a new scoreboard for the Monrovia High School South Gym, at a cost of $8,115.56; the use of school facilities; and other stuff. Details here: http://goo.gl/f1XeW

World Vision Help Haiti | Monrovia Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade

~ Monrovia's Christian relief agency, World Vision, has responded to Hurricane Sandy's destruction in Haiti by distributing food, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, jerry cans, blankets, baby supplies, and bedding to more than 7,000 families in the capital Port-au-Prince, the island of La Gonave, and around the southern town of Les Cayes. Details: http://goo.gl/qrv8Z

~ Christmas tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade, Dec. 6. Details: http://goo.gl/GSFdy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Girl Refuses Lure to Ride in Car

~ Man tries to lure Monrovia girl into car. http://goo.gl/jEYD8

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Loteria

Lunch at Loteria, the new name for Enrique's, at Colorado and Ivy. Got the Cocinita Pibil, which I believe is a Yucatan specialty, for $14.95 plus tax and tip for food and iced tea. Pork, plantains, black beans with marinated onions and a little salad. Really good and a generous portion. I had to take some home.

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Teacher Finalist for California Teacher of the Year

Kyle McClure, a science teacher at Monrovia's Clifton Middle School is
an LA County finalist to be California Teacher of the Year.
http://goo.gl/pVjwm

- Brad Haugaard