Santa Fe Students Study Brain and Lung Specimens

Sixth-grade students from Monrovia Unified's Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School learned about brain and lung specimens on April 23 during a crash course with Sonia Maljian, director of laboratory services at Methodist Hospital.

Students also learned about other organs such as the heart and liver and closely observed samples that were brought into the classroom.

"We are lucky to have had the chance to host Sonia Maljian at Santa Fe," teacher Yvonne Koskela said. "Our students were able to observe the specimens closely and ask questions about the specimens to a real scientist in our community."

In addition to observing the specimens, students were introduced to the harm that occurs in the body when abusing alcohol and tobacco. Maljian encouraged students to stay away from putting harmful and dangerous products into their bodies, further explaining that smoking tobacco can cause air sacs in the lungs to become rigid and stop functioning.

"A big thank-you to Sonia Maljian, who shared with our students the many opportunities available when pursuing science as a career," Principal Geoff Zamarripa said. "Our Cougar Scholars fully immersed themselves into the lesson, and we will continue to encourage our students to pursue their dreams and figure out how they can become the next generation of scientists in our community."

Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Mayflower Students Take Top Prize in Math Bee

After six rounds, the Mayflower Elementary Mariners were awarded the first-place trophy during Monrovia Unified’s Next Generation Math Bee on April 18.

Using white boards and calculators, 30 elementary school students from Monrovia Unified School District competed in the District's second annual Next Generation Math Bee on April 18, with the Mayflower Elementary Mariners taking the top prize.

Working in teams of six, students employed collaboration, critical thinking, and language skills to solve math-related word problems. In a series of six rounds, teams were allowed six minutes to read, discuss, and answer each question by showing their work and explaining their thinking process in full sentences.

"The Next Generation Math Bee is an opportunity for our students to showcase their math skills and expand on their passion for mathematics," Board President Ed Gililland said. "Monrovia Unified is proud to provide students with a challenging academic environment that promotes student success."

Students were given access to materials such as white boards, pencils, highlighters, and calculators to help solve math problems. Clifton Middle School teachers Marilyn Smith and Hiroshi Suzuki were judges for the event and carefully read through each answer to determine the winner.

"Monrovia Unified's Next Generation Math Bee is an event that aims to nurture mathematical skills in our students," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "Congratulations to all of our competitors who showed excitement and good sportsmanship throughout the entire competition, and thank you to everyone who came together to make this event possible for our students."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Find Cache of Chemicals Used in Making Drugs

On April 23, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Monrovia Police Department officers were called to a residence in the 200 block of N. Myrtle Avenue. Los Angeles County Fire Department Hazmat and Monrovia Fire Department personnel were at the location about a large quantity of chemicals being stored there. Personnel on scene determined that some of the chemicals were precursors for manufacturing controlled substances.

The Monrovia Police Department requested assistance from a regional task force specializing in narcotic enforcement. A search warrant was obtained by investigators and one adult male was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance.

At the time of this press release, the investigation is still ongoing and there is a presence at the scene of law enforcement and hazmat personnel. There are no evacuation orders and there is no present danger to the community.

This crime is being actively investigated, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monrovia Police Department Detective Division at 256-8041.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Reads Van Hit; Council to Study Sales Tax; More GoMonrovia Price Hikes? Ditch Your Drugs; Etc.

Monrovia Reads van hit by dump truck.

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

~  The city council will hold a study session  about a possible city sales tax. Also, city staff is developing a spending plan for the new funds, if the sales tax measure is successful. (This measure would max out the allowable sales tax for Monrovia, so if (ork "when," the city says) the county passes another tax it would have no affect on Monrovia since the city would already be paying the max.)

~ The Monrovia Reads van was severely clonked by a dump truck and is out of service indefinitely. The truck backed into it in the Monrovia Public Works Yard. The City will provide a loner bus for the library team to use it can find a replacement.

~  The city is sending a letter to Old Town business owners reminding them that they need special approval for outdoor displays, signs (including window signs), banners, or dining; and for construction.

~  Monrovia Transit will be testing smaller, more efficient vehicles during the next 30 days to see if they're a good fit. They'll be equipped with a wheel chair ramp and space for two standard seats.

~ The GoMonrovia transit program is so popular that it is still running a deficit. So... there may be more price increases - of $1-2 for both shared and regular rides. Rides to and from Old Town and the Gold Line Station would remain at $.50, but rides to elsewhere in the service area could go up to $2 or $3 for shared rides, and no-extra-stops rides could rise to $4.50 or $5.50.

~  Bring your unwanted prescription drugs to the Monrovia Community Center on April 27, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. It's free and anonymous; no questions asked. Don't flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash - both of these approaches pose safety and health hazards.

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's 37th Historic Homes Tour will be held on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Docents will lead tour goers through six homes, all built before the end of 1887, sharing anecdotes and historical facts.
Tickets here: https://is.gd/HvZkLQ

- Brad Haugaard

Arbor Day in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard

Rain + Higher Temperatures > Mosquitoes > Diseases

It is Mosquito Awareness Week (https://is.gd/o7Uk8D), and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is warning that record rainfall coupled with higher temperatures has set the stage for mosquitoes, particularly those that cause West Nile virus, but also the aggressive, day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, which can spread Zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya. Details: https://is.gd/Hn4h3S

- Brad Haugaard

Capone- He’s Cuddly, Despite the Name

If you’re looking for a cuddly, snuggly real-life teddy bear, look no further! Capone (A467105) loves people! He was taken to the social yard recently so that staff and volunteers could get some video footage of him, and he had a blast! He hopped around from person to person, and the camera, asking for pets. He also doesn’t mind one-on-one time with a human friend, especially when they have yummy dog treats. He just enjoys a ton of head and neck scratches and full-body pets. Capone is looking to be your right-hand dog; he loves to go hiking, go for car ride adventures, and do anything that you do! Visit Capone at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.

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

Monrovia Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

- Brad Haugaard

Calvary Chapel Monrovia Church in the Park

Calvary Chapel Monrovia had its Easter celebration today in front of the library. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Happy Easter, Monrovia!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Matthew 28:5-6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Publishes Windows Antivirus Tutorial

The Monrovia library has published a quick video tutorial on how to use Windows 10 Defender to find and remove viruses from your computer without having to purchase an antivirus program.

- Brad Haugaard

Where Crimes Happen in Monrovia

I took a look at the Monrovia Police crime reports for the past year to see where crimes - all crimes - occur in the city. Well, it's mostly where you'd guess. In shopping areas. Remember, this includes everything from vehicle burglaries to shoplifting to robbery. I mean, you kinda expect that shoplifting would take place where there are shops. So basically along Huntington Drive, and to a lesser degree, other shopping areas in town.

But here's one interesting tidbit. Vehicle burglaries. The heaviest concentration by far is on Huntington roughly from Huntington Oaks shopping center to the 900 block, which is just on the west side of the freeway. So if you go shopping there (or anywhere else, for that matter) for heaven's sake don't leave valuables visible in the car. And don't leave your car unlocked. Yes, people actually do that.

Burglaries	Location
3	600 block of W. Huntington
5	700 block of W. Huntington
7	800 block of W. Huntington
3	900 block of W. Huntington

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Declare Special Days, Weeks and Month

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board (https://is.gd/rT78d2) of Education will consider naming ...

~ May 6-10, as National Teacher Appreciation Week.

~ May 7, as the Day of the Teacher.

~ May 19-25, as Classified School Employee Week.

~ April 22-26, as Administrative Professionals Week.

~ April 24, as Administrative Professionals Day.

~ May 6-10, as School Health Services Appreciation Week.

~ May 8 as National School Nurse Day.

~ May 2019 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

And, it will consider a resolution, In Remembrance of those Lost to Genocide and Man's Inhumanity to Man, recalling the Armenian Genocide.

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Peach Cafe

Breakfast at Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado just west of Ivy. Got the 2+2 and a cup of coffee, $9 for both. Good. And bacon really excellent. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday

- Brad Haugaard