Lunch at Chicken King Express

Lunch at Chicken King Express, in the shopping area at the northeast corner of Foothill and Magnolia. Got the Roasted Chicken Wrap Combo with hummus and pickles for $7.95, and a drink for $2.25. Very good!

By the way, the word “express” may suggest the food is ready right away. It’s not. I’d recommend calling in your order about 15 minutes before you want to eat. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Yet More Bears - These in the Sprinklers

TV news can't resist videos of Monrovia bears. Here's a momma bear and a couple cubs playing in the sprinkler.  At ABC7: https://is.gd/akP8Ui

 - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Graduates 367; Honors Memory of Student Kelsey Meza and Teacher Tom Reale

Valedictorian Penny Lan delivers speech during Monrovia High School’s graduation ceremony on June 5, encouraging members of the Class of 2019 to always chase their dreams and never forget where they came from.  

Administrators, teachers, and family and friends celebrated 367 Class of 2019 graduates who said goodbye to Monrovia High School during an evening commencement ceremony on June 5. This year's commencement ceremony was dedicated in memory of senior Kelsey Meza and MHS teacher Tom Reale, who passed away this school year. Amongst the sea of graduates, an empty seat was set up next to Meza's best friends, and her diploma was presented to her family.

"Look at yourselves and look around you - 12 long years of education and I am proud to be representing this Class of 2019," valedictorian Penny Lan said. "I see in front of me such a variety of talent and limitless protentional, but don't forget where we came from. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat."

The 2019 Honor Guard was made up of more than 60 Monrovia Unified teachers, coaches, and counselors who applauded and cheered. The honor guard was nominated by the Class of 2019 for the continued inspiration and support members give to students.

"When I look at this group of graduates, I see many different stories and I see leaders," Principal Kirk McGinnis said. "These young adults are poised to change the world as we know it, and they will put a mark on humanity with both flair and purpose but - more importantly - with energy, intelligence, and a sense of service to something bigger than themselves."

The night of celebration continued as Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School Principal Geoff Zamarripa delivered a keynote address, inspiring students to continue following their dreams and take risks.

The 2019 graduating class includes 160 students recognized with special honors, 91 Golden State Merit Diploma graduates, 51 students who earned the State of California Seal of Biliteracy, 59 members of the ninth graduating class of the Math and Science Academy, and 14 members of the second graduating class of the Humanities Academy.

"It is my honor to receive and accept this graduation class of Monrovia High School," Board President Ed Gililland said. "We know that you have done the hard work to acquire the knowledge and the life skills to be successful wherever your next steps take you."

Ending the night, graduates walked on stage and were congratulated by MHS administrators, the Board of Education, and Superintendent Katherine Thorossian.

"Having hope and a plan will lead you to the most unexpected and remarkable places," Thorossian said. "Enjoy the journey and continue to give your family and friends reasons to be proud, celebrate, and take pride in you. Congratulations Wildcats."

Students turned their tassels from right to left, threw their caps in the air, and hugged each other as McGinnis acknowledged them as the new graduating class of MHS.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Officer Rosendo Ramos Awarded Distinguished Service Medal

On June 13, the Monrovia Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony. Officer Rosendo Ramos III was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional work and dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and the community of Monrovia.

Serving as a police officer for just over one year, Ramos has become a highly-valued employee of the department, consistently ranking as one of the most proactive officers in the Operations Division.

In addition to his on-duty work ethic, this past year, Ramos demonstrated his commitment to service by taking immediate action during two incidents while off duty. The first incident involved a motorcyclist who went down on the 210 Freeway in heavy traffic. Witnessing the incident while on the freeway, Ramos and his father stopped to divert traffic and render aid until paramedics responded. During the second incident, Ramos observed a deputy sheriff involved in a physical altercation with a suspect. Ramos, again, immediately responded professionally to assist the deputy with detaining the individual until backup units responded.

“Officer Ramos has developed an excellent reputation among his supervisors and peers.  He maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help his fellow employees at a moment’s notice and without fail” said Alan SanVictores, Chief of Police. “His strong, unwavering work ethic has earned Officer Ramos the Monrovia Police Department Commendation Medal in the relatively short time he has been assigned to Patrol. This accomplishment is indicative of his steadfast and tenacious dedication to duty.”

Ramos has also expressed his dedication to the community through volunteerism. In November 2018, Ramos participated in the annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution, where he helped distribute food to families in need.  He also participated in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run and the Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop event, both events help to raise money for Special Olympics. 

For his professionalism, commitment to service, and dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and the community he serves, Officer Rosendo Ramos III was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and recognized as the Monrovia Police Department’s 2018 Officer of the Year.

Source: Monrovia City press release

- Brad Haugaard

LA Japanese Newspaper Reports on Monrovia Neighborhood Treasure Dedication

Rafu Shimpo, the Japanese daily newspaper for the Los Angeles area, carried a report on the dedication of Monrovia's latest Neighborhood Treasure, honoring early Japanese settlers in the city. https://is.gd/Ibs5R1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Celebrate Mountain Park and Canyon Oaks High School Graduates

A graduate from Mountain Park School receives her diploma and is congratulated by the school’s administrators during the commencement ceremony for Mountain Park and Canyon Oaks High School on June 4.

Monrovia Unified celebrated 270 students who graduated from the District’s Adult School, Canyon Oaks High School, and Mountain Park School during ceremonies that celebrated the achievements and successes of each student.

On May 30, Monrovia Community Adult School held its commencement ceremony for graduates who had completed the graduation requirements for the schools’ programs. Students graduated with certificates in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs such as medicine, computers, and construction. They were also recognized for completing the requirements to receive their high school diplomas.

“There is no shortcut or easy way at our Adult School or Alternative Schools,” Director of Alternative Schools Flint Fertig said. “These graduates did everything that was necessary and fulfilled all of the graduation requirements necessary to be here today. Congratulations to all of them for pushing through hardships and obstacles and achieving their goals.”

On June 4, family and friends, teachers, and administrators filled the auditorium at Clifton Middle School, cheering as 47 graduates from Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School made their way to the stage during the commencement ceremony.

Three graduates – Benjamin Cortez, Katherine Onofre, and Brandon Trujillo – graduated with California State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish – the first ever in the history of the District’s continuation high school. Additionally, Ariana Brooks, Grace Golden, and Rebecca Lauver graduated with Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas – also a first for the continuation school.

“It is my privilege to congratulate this group of graduates for their accomplishments,” Board President Ed Gililland said. “We know that each student has done the work necessary to be where they are today. We honor and wish them all continued success.”

During the ceremonies, scholarships were distributed to students by community groups such as Monrovia Rotary Club, Monrovia Kiwanis Club, Monrovia Latino Heritage Society, and Citrus College Bright Future. The scholarships totaled more than $15,000, a jump from the $8,000 distributed last year.

“Congratulations to all of our Adult School and Alternative Schools graduates,” Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. “Every single one of them is focused on the future and the promises it holds. They’ve shown that they have the will and will determine the way to achieve their goals following graduation.”

Source: Monrovia School District press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fat Nude Guy; Police Double as Firefighters; Sneeze Makes Driver Hit Tree; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 6 – June 12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 398 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.

Indecent Exposure
June 6 at 8:37 a.m., a motorist traveling in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported seeing a male subject completely naked standing next to a red Toyota 4-door SUV. She described the male as white, in his 30's, 5’8”, heavy-set with blonde hair and a hat. Officers responded but were unable to locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 9:13 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of S. Myrtle when he saw three male subjects he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was stopped and taken into custody.

Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order - Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 7:47 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Lime called the police to report that her son was in her backyard even though she had an active domestic violence restraining order against him. Officers responded and located the male subject and after confirming the order was valid took him into custody.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 7 at 3:56 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle just collided with hers at the intersection of Ivy and Palm. Officers responded and after conducting an investigation, issued a citation to the party found to be at fault.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 7 at 4:23 p.m., a caller reported two motorists just collided into one another in the 300 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and contacted both parties, they were not injured and did not desire a report. The parties exchanged personal information.

Fire Assist
June 8 at 1:06 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Lemon called to report a fire in a backyard behind a garage. Officers located the fire and used the garden hose to extinguish the fire. The Fire Department arrived shortly after. It is unknown what caused the fire. The items burning were some old chairs, a table, two televisions, and some yard waste (trimmings).

Battery / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
June 8 at 2:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report two subjects fighting at the location. When officers arrived the subjects were no longer involved in a physical altercation, just verbal. The involved parties had conflicting stories, further investigation revealed which person was the aggressor. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. Another female with the suspect had an outstanding warrant, she was arrested and taken into custody as well.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 8 at 3:23 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Duarte called to report a motorist collided into a tree in the area. An officer arrived and saw the vehicle had struck a tree on the north side of the street and it was partially blocking the roadway. The officer contacted the driver, he said that while he was driving he sneezed and "jerked" the wheel to the right causing him to collide with the tree. The driver's side airbag deployed and he had a complaint of pain to his chest but refused medical attention. Public works was notified to clear the tree out of roadway.

Attempt Commercial Burglary
June 9 at 9:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington on the report of an attempt burglary. An employee arrived to work and noticed the glass to the drive-thru window had been shattered. There were pry marks along one of the rear doors but there was no entry to the business and nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Theft (Follow-up) – Suspect Identified
June 10 at 11:00 a.m., an officer was conducting a follow-up investigation in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft that occurred earlier this month. As a result of the investigation, the officer was able to identify the suspect. A misdemeanor filing will be sought.

Vandalism
June 11 at 11:22 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Mayflower regarding a vandalism. The resident’s car was vandalized sometime during the night. The driver’s side window was shattered but nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 11:46 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of S. Myrtle when he noticed a vehicle make a vehicle code violation. He conducted a traffic stop and contacted the occupants. A computer check on a passenger in the vehicle revealed an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 5:39 p.m., a caller reported that a male and female where arguing in front of a business in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects. Further investigation revealed the two subjects were in a dating relationship and the female scratched and bit the male causing visible injuries. The female was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 9: 36 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Olive called to report two subjects sleeping in the park after closing hours. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects, both known to be drug offenders. The officers discovered that one of the subjects were in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

City May Assess a Traffic Impact Fee on New Development; Police Chaplain Retires; Filming 'Winslow' on Myrtle; Etc.

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

~ The city is planning to assess a Traffic Impact Fee on all new development. The fee would pay for traffic / intersection improvements. A traffic study indicates that by 2040, development will add 2,048 morning peak hour trips, and 3,457 afternoon peak hour trips.

~  Police Chaplain Jerry Johnson, who has served on the Police Department team for seven years, is retiring. A celebration will take place on June 27 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Police Department's Community Policing Room, at 140 E. Lime.

~  The playgrounds at Station Square and Julian Fisher Park will be closed during the week of June 24 for a deep cleaning and pressure washing and the application of a sealant coat to protect playground surfaces.

~  Tomorrow, Thursday, June 13, ABC Signature Studios will be filming a project called "Winslow" in Old Town, on both sides of Myrtle  between Lemon and Lime. Other filming locations are 411 S. Myrtle (at the L&D Appliances store), and at 245 West Foothill. Filming should last one day and will bring into town about 132 people.

~  On Thursday, June 6, Monrovia Police participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California. The Southern California Special Olympics torch is carried through every city in LA County to kick off the Summer Games.  The Monrovia Team picked up the torch from El Monte Police and handed it off to Arcadia Police.

- Brad Haugaard

Success of Wild Rose as School of Creative Arts

Wild Rose School of Creative Arts students perform a number from “Lion King Kids” at the Ahmanson Theater on April 29. The performance celebrated what students had learned during their 17 weeks of training with theater professionals.

Monrovia families are buzzing about expansions in instructional options at Wild Rose School, including this year’s successful restructuring as a School of Creative Arts and the 2019-20 addition of dual language immersion in Spanish.

Spaces in the Spanish language program are already limited and the school is celebrating a partnership with Disney Musicals in Schools that helped bring students to the big stage at Monrovia High School’s Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center.

“We are overjoyed and impressed by the successes at Wild Rose this school year,” Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. “Monrovia Unified is committed to the arts and we know our students gain valuable experiences, knowledge and skills to continue to pursue their passion in the arts. We look forward to another successful and exciting school year.”

Under the leadership of Principal Leslie Rapkine-Miller, Wild Rose celebrated the school’s renaming on Sept. 7 during an event marked by student performances. The shift integrated visual and performing arts across all core curricula to enhance student learning and achievement. Students worked year-long, exploring their interests in vocal music, show choir, dance, ceramics, theater, and band.

In fact, these programs are providing a win-win for the school. Previous years had seen a decline in enrollment throughout the San Gabriel Valley. However, in addition to providing greater depth of program for the students, the arts emphasis and dual language program have also transformed the school, breathing new life into its student population.

“It’s this sort of creativity, which feeds our students while also managing our population, that highlights the successes we’re seeing by the leadership at Wild Rose,” Thorossian said.

In December 2018, Wild Rose was awarded the Disney Musicals in Schools grant, which provided students with 17 weeks of training with theater professionals in preparation for their Disney “Lion King Kids” Spring 2019 production. Wild Rose was one of five Los Angeles County schools chosen for the honor.

“Monrovia Unified moved to rename Wild Rose as a way for our students to pursue their interests in a more in-depth, focused way,” Board President Ed Gililland said. “At Wild Rose School of Creative Arts, our students are exposed to high-quality arts programs that will help them gain confidence as they move on to middle school, high school, and beyond.”

On Jan. 18, Wild Rose students took to the stage to perform their rendition of “Aladdin” at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center. The show proved to be a hit throughout the community, and Rapkine-Miller negotiated for the school’s “Lion King Kids” production to be a community show, as well.

On April 19, Monrovia’s community enjoyed lively performances of fan-favorites such as “Circle of Life” and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” as 50 student actors impressed the audience with their final production of the year.

As the conclusion to the Disney Musicals in Schools grant, Wild Rose students performed a number from “Lion King Kids” at the Ahmanson Theater on April 29 and were later joined by the four other grant winners for a final number.

Building on the momentum stimulated by the arts program, Monrovia Unified expanded its highly popular Spanish dual-language program to Wild Rose.

“Our teachers and students received invaluable support and professional development in theater arts,” Rapkine-Miller said. “The training elevated our theater program and excited our students and teachers for what’s to come at Wild Rose School of Creative Arts.”

Classes, which will begin in August for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, are already nearing capacity. Wild Rose is now the second elementary school in the District to offer the program.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Momma Cat Wants Me Time With You

This Mom needs a break! Of course, ALL moms do but this sweet girl really deserves one soon. This kitty is a year old and ready to hand in her “Mama” cat name tag. As a mother of three, she’s proud her kittens are all grown up and is ready for some “me time.” She’s excited to soon be footloose and fancy free, combating empty toilet paper rolls, playing hide and pounce in grocery bags and stealthily assailing treacherous shoelaces! Mom is ready and waiting for a new family, fun adventures and a second chance at kittenhood.

 

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 

 

Lailah Spicer - Daughter of Mayor Pro Tem - Graduates With Honors

Lailah Spicer, the daughter of Monrovia Mayor Pro-Tem, Larry Spicer, graduated this year with honors. https://is.gd/AJIalg

- Brad Haugaard

Three Summer Art Walks Scheduled

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is sponsoring three Summer Art Walks in Old Town Monrovia, from 7-10 p.m. on June 29, July 27, and August 24. Art, music, and friends.

- Brad Haugaard

Plaque Installed Honoring Early Japanese Residents of Monrovia

Monrovia unveiled its latest Neighborhood Treasure today at the corner of Magnolia and Cypress (a block south of Huntington). The plaque honors early Japanese Monrovians and features a strawberry (to remember the strawberry fields for which many Japanese in Monrovia were known), two servicemen (to honor Japanese who served in the U.S. military during World War Two, and a streetcar, to remember the early Red Car line that came to Monrovia.

The plaque is not actually the final bronze plaque - there was a delay in casting it - but is a plywood replica to stand in until the final plaque is completed.

Beneath the round emblem is a plaque stating:

Asian Pacific American pioneers in California often get overlooked. The early 49ers, the railroad workers, the farmworkers, and even the laundry workers built much of this Golden State. In Monrovia, Japanese Americans such as the Uyeda, Tsuneishi, Asano and Kuromiya families came to build farms, grocery stores, fruit stands and gardening businesses. Yutaro Uyeda, Monrovia's Strawberry King, first arrived in Monrovia on the Red Car. He employed many of his Mexican American neighbors. Satoru Tsuneishi attended Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School and wrote beautiful haikus (a traditional form of Japanese poetry). Takumi "Tom" and Sakae "Mary" Asano ran a grocery store on Myrtle Avenue and were active in civic affairs. The Japanese Americans had community gatherings, and built a Gakuen school on Mayflower for their Nisei children (children born in the United States whose parents were immigrants from Japan). Regardless of their numerous contributions to local businesses and agriculture, none of these families were allowed to live north of Walnut Avenue.

In 1942, United States Executive Order 9066 authorized the internment of persons of Japanese ancestry, including American citizens. Some neighbors and friends in Monrovia hated to see this unjust evacuation. Many of the Japanese Americans from Monrovia were sent to Heart Mountain Concentration Camp in Wyoming. From Heart Mountain. the Tsuneishi family sent four sons into World War II combat and two daughters as civilian translators. Yosh Kuromiya of Monrovia chose to be a conscientious draft resister. After World War II, other Japanese American families also came to make Monrovia their home. They continued the stories of hard work, growing families, and forging a better community for all.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High's Front Lawn May Become Even Greener

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/LvXZS5) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider applying for a Green Infrastructure Program grant, authorized by Proposition 68, to make the Monrovia High School front lawn "green."

If you thought the front lawn was already pretty green, I don't think you're on the right page. I don't think it's talking about the color, but rather projects that:

• Reduce greenhouse gasses.
• Improve the "sustainability and function" of hardscapes and landscapes.
• Decrease air and water pollution.
• Reduce use of natural resources and energy.
• Increase the reliability of water supplies, and
• "Increase adaptability to climate change."

The minimum award is $50,000, and if the district doesn't get the grant, the cost to restore the lawn will be approximately $27,000.

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Mimi’s

Breakfast at Mimi’s, corner of Huntington and Mayflower. Got the bacon avocado omelet with tomato instead of potatoes for $12.29 and a coffee for $3.49. Nice omlet!

- Brad Haugaard