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Monrovia Baby Seems to be Getting Better

Increasingly it is sounding as if the Monrovia infant mauled by a Great Dane is doing better. http://goo.gl/3FzFm
 
Also, interestingly, the story is receiving very wide attention. Here is the article in the Washington Post, in the U.S. Capitol. http://goo.gl/gdxqD
 
- Brad Haugaard

Samson: Merry Christmas!


Someone has made sure that the Samson the Bear statue in Monrovia Canyon Park is in the Christmas spirit.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Runs Across Country / Baby Better / Sing Along / Carolers

~ Monrovia man completes trans-continental run. http://goo.gl/GQyY2
 
~ Monrovia infant recovering from Great Dane attack. http://goo.gl/5AdHW
 
~ Sing-along 6:30 tonight at fountain. Traditional music, hot cider and Santa. http://goo.gl/QFhHL
 
~ Picture of Monrovia carolers. http://goo.gl/2AKJh
 
- Brad Haugaard

Baby's Condition Serious / Congrats to Inventor Students

Dog Attack Update ~ Infant attacked by Great Dane in stable but guarded condition. http://goo.gl/bxE4H and http://goo.gl/scozY
 
Invention Challenge ~ Congratulations to Monrovia High students Carolina Ruiz, Corrine Marino, Michell Aranda and Evelyn Mejia for placing 7th out of 56 teams in the finals of the 2010 JPL Invention challenge. http://goo.gl/1IlZ6
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Infant Bitten


Here's a picture of the new MonroviaOpoly game, While supplies last you can get one for $25 at the Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia Community Center, Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Bookstore, and select stores.

Infant Bitten ~ Monrovia infant bitten by Great Dane. http://goo.gl/i3Dud

- Brad Haugaard

Local Train History / Robots

History ~ Before the Gold Line was the Red Line: http://sgvrememberswhen.org/

Robotics ~ Monrovia did pretty well in robotics competition: http://goo.gl/u5FlB

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Tree and Candle Safety

A few Christmas safety tips from the Monrovia Fire Department (more here: http://goo.gl/zWmeg):
 
Christmas Trees
 
U.S. fire departments annually respond to roughly 260 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. One third of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in five resulted from a heat source that's too close to the tree.
 
* If you have an artificial tree, be sure it's labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
 
* If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2" from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
 
* Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
 
* Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
 
* Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
 
* Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of LED strands to connect.
 
* Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.
 
* After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
 
* Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
 
 
Candles
 
December is the peak month for home candle fires, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day representing two of the five top days for associated fires. NFPA statistics show that more than half of all candle fires start when placing them too close to things that can burn. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles:
 
* Keep them at least 12" away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
 
* Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces.
 
* Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two of five U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep.
 
* Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Green January

The Monrovia City Council decided December 7 that January will be dedicated to reducing the City of Monrovia's carbon footprint, and the folks at City Hall would like us all to join in. Each week will feature a new theme:
 
- January 3-9 will focus on recycling: learning more about how to recycle year round, cleaning out closets and garages, and making way for new holiday gifts.
 
- January 10-16 will focus on reusing: the City is encouraging residents to host yard sales throughout the City with free yard sale permits which, for the first time, will be made available online. Those who apply will have their yard sale marketed on the City website for others to attend.
 
- January 17-23 will focus on donations, in partnership with the Salvation Army, which will offer free at-home pickups for items residents want to donate. On Saturday, January 22, the Salvation Army will host donation bins in the Monrovia Park & Ride Lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for residents to drop off items in person and receive a tax receipt. Residents can even call and receive at-home pick ups for e-waste during this week.
 
- January 24-30, will focus on reducing. Athens Services will be offering free bulky item pickups. Residents only need to call and schedule the pickup.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/zWmeg
 
- Brad Haugaard

Game Pictures / Santa / Meteors / Painter / Inventors / Sports

Game Pix ~ Championship game video footage here http://bcove.me/oj5t4wsx and here http://goo.gl/4Bksm , and some great still pictures here: http://goo.gl/oABJP
 
Santa's Coming ~ Remember, Santa will be driving through town this week, starting tonight. Here's his schedule: http://goo.gl/iW0il
 
Meteor Shower ~ We should be able to see a nice meteor shower tonight. It is the high point in the Geminid shower. Starting around 11 p.m. See article for details. http://goo.gl/uK9e4


Artist ~ Monrovia artist Richard Scully on display. http://goo.gl/kdIel


Inventors ~ Monrovia High at Inventions Challenge. http://goo.gl/jHUFg
 
Soccer and basketball ~ Umm, MHS hasn't done quite so well as at football. http://goo.gl/D673B


- Brad Haugaard

Wildcats CHAMPS! Monrovia 38, Whittier Christian 8 :-)

Monrovia has won the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship - its first football championship ever.

In Q1 Whittier held the Wildcats scoreless, but then Monrovia broke out in Q2 to lead 14-0 by the end of the half.

The Cats opened Q3 with a long Bueno-to-Henderson touchdown followed shortly by a field goal, bringing it to 24-0. Then they did it again - Bueno to Henderson - score 31-0.

Then, just as I'm starting to feel sorry for the Heralds, they make a touchdown - 31-8.

But that was just a bump in the road. Early in Q4 Monrovia scores again - 38-8, the final goal of the game.

Star-News coverage ( http://goo.gl/PWuP8 ) and Patch story ( http://goo.gl/ZA3tx ).

- Brad Haugaard

Football / Runner / Good Students / Soccer

Tonight's Football Game ~ Comparing Monrovia to Whittier Christian.  An "uncanny resemblance" between the teams. http://goo.gl/bmklj
 
Help Runner and Unity ~ Foothill Unity Center volunteer David Overstreet is ranked 37th among tens of thousands of runners nationwide in the New Balance Movement Challenge. First Prize is a $25,000 donation to the charity of your choice. (In this case, Unity) You can give him ten points by signing up as his fan before Dec. 31. Visit movementchallenge.com, click Sign Up As a Fan, then Search Runners. Find David, click his name, then click Cheer for This Runner. http://goo.gl/MGcbH
 
Good Students ~ These Monrovia High students were recently honored for their outstanding academic achievement: Jose B. Diaz, Talia Favela, Adam Syzmkowski, Joseph Ling, Tressa Mikel, Kia Smith, Monica Hernandez, Jordan Cox, and Veronica Rivera.  Congratulations!
http://goo.gl/qkfMD
 
Boys Soccer ~ Monrovia 0;  La Salle 2 :-( http://goo.gl/hflUY
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Monrovia Win Predicted / Santa

Need a present for a Monrovia-phile. How about MonroviaOpoly. http://goo.gl/m2uf3
 
LA Times columnist predicts Monrovia football win. http://goo.gl/ERYL2
 
Reminder: Santa will be driving around town next week. Here are the dates. http://goo.gl/WkuWa
 
- Brad Haugaard

Chang's Thai Bistro


Kang Ka Ree (yellow curry chicken)

Chang's is a good lunch spot (614 South Myrtle in Monrovia). It has lunch specials. I like the curry (above) but my wife doesn't like coconut milk so she gets beef satay with peanut sauce. Both good.

Location: http://goo.gl/BS4D8

- Brad Haugaard

Crèche at First Presbyterian Church


First Presbyterian Church gets in the Christmas spirit.

And this Sunday a sermon based on my favorite Christmas hymn: O Holy Night. Luke 2.8-12 http://goo.gl/sAcfs

- Brad Haugaard

Girls Basketball Coach / Blanco / Tour of Lights / Route 66 / Fountain / Physics / New Mexico

~ Profile of Monrovia High School girls basketball coach Eliazar Diaz Jr. http://goo.gl/ohNZW
 
~ Profile of Wildcats' running back Christian Blanco. http://goo.gl/nJIKy
 
~ Dec. 15 Light Tour of decorated homes in Monrovia, Pasadena and San Marino. The $10 per person fee includes a two-hour tour, holiday sing-a-longs, cookies, and a drive down the famous Christmas Tree Lane. The bus departs the Community Center at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, December 15. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256.8246.
 
~ A bit of history about Route 66 sites in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/tFrxh
 
~ Nice close-up picture of the fountain in Library Park. http://goo.gl/OIalZ


~ MHS Instructor Thomas Dobson is the school's FIRST Robotics team coordinator and JPL Invention Challange cooridnator. Here are some cool pictures from his class: http://goo.gl/QQ3WV


~ Thoughts on New Mexico by Monrovia columnist Sharlotte Schamadan. http://goo.gl/g9YPx
 
- Brad Haugaard

Will Fees Hurt Sports? / Gwendolyn Jones

~ Increased fees at schools may hinder Monrovia sports programs. http://goo.gl/xl7SJ
 
~ Vignette of Monrovia advocate Gwendolyn Jones. http://goo.gl/kjpUk
 
- Brad Haugaard

Police Report: Indecent Exposure, Burglaries, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 2-7. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last six day period, the Police Department handled 470 service events, resulting in 93 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

 
Vehicle Burglary
December 3 at 7:51 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of East Colorado regarding a vehicle break-in.  The victim had parked his vehicle in front of his residence in the evening and locked and set his alarm.  He left the driver side window down about two inches.  He returned to his vehicle in the morning at 7:45 a.m., and saw the driver side door open.  He checked inside and determined several CD's, approximately 10 dollars in change, and the vehicle's registration and insurance card were missing.
 

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovered     
December 3 at 9:34 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Primrose regarding a stolen vehicle.  The victim had parked and locked his vehicle on the street in the evening.  He returned to his vehicle the next morning and found it was gone.  He is in possession of the only key and no one had permission to take the vehicle.  Late in the afternoon, a teletype was received from Baldwin Park Police Department advising that the vehicle had been recovered by their agency.  An officer responded to the towing company to dust the vehicle for possible fingerprints.
 

Theft from a Vehicle
December 3 at 9:39 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Valley View regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim reported an iPod and a Blackberry phone charger were taken from her vehicle during the night.  The victim did not know if the vehicle was locked.  There were no signs of forced entry.
 

Vehicle Burglary
December 3 at 4:07 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary came into the police department lobby to make a report.  The victim parked his vehicle in the public parking lot at Myrtle and Colorado.  While he was away from the vehicle, the suspect used either a wire hanger or slim jim to unlock the left rear door.  An iPod and a personal binder were taken.
 

Vehicle Burglary
On December 4 at 9:38 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 700 block of East Huntington on the report of vehicle burglary.  The female victim parked and secured her vehicle in the parking lot and went inside at 7:00 a.m.  She returned to her vehicle a short time later and saw a window was broken out and property was taken.
 

Felony Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
On December 4 at 1:48 p.m., a caller reported her neighbors, a mother and son, were causing a disturbance.  Officers responded to the residence in the 100 block of East Cherry and contacted them.  The son had broken several windows on his mother's vehicle.  He was arrested for felony vandalism and was taken into custody.
 

Commercial Burglary
December 4 at 8:30 p.m., two male suspects walked into a business in the 500 block of Huntington, grabbed numerous items of merchandise, and ran out of the location.  The suspects were last seen running south on Mayflower from the location.  Officers responded and conducted an area search, but the suspects were not located.
 

Vehicle Burglary
December 4 at 8:23 p.m., a female victim called to report her vehicle had been broken into while she was at a business in the 700 block of East Huntington.  Unknown suspects smashed a window on her vehicle and took the victim's purse from the front seat.
 

Battery Report
December 5 at 12:17 a.m., security at a business in the 300 block of South Myrtle was removing an intoxicated subject who was refused service.  While being escorted out of the club, the subject struck one of the security officers.  The subject was restrained by employees and sustained a small laceration to the back of the head.  The subject was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injury.  The establishment did not desire prosecution.
 

Commercial Grand Theft
December 5 at 1:04 a.m., a resident from the 1400 block of California called police to report a suspicious subject inside the yard of a business in a green pickup truck.  Officers responded to the location and observed the vehicle leaving the location.  The suspect drove to a nearby alley, where he abandoned his vehicle and fled.  Containment of the area was set up, and the suspect was found hiding on top of a storage container.  Irwindale Police Department responded with a police canine unit and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.  Officers located stolen copper wire in the bed of the suspect's vehicle.  The suspect was arrested for grand theft.

 
Indecent Exposure / Mental Evaluation
December 6 at 2:15 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a male subject standing in the street with his pants down, exposing himself.  Officers arrived and located the subject.  He had no shirt on and his pants were down.  The subject was detained and placed on a 72-hour mental evaluation.
 

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
December 6 at 8:10 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of North Mayflower observed two male subjects in dark clothing, one with gloves, attempting to gain entry into a car using a coat hanger.  The resident confronted the suspects and grabbed one by the back of his sweatshirt.  The suspect pulled free and both suspects fled.  The resident called police.  Officers arrived and conducted an area search, but did not locate the suspects.  A coat hanger was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence.  Vehicles in the area were checked to find if any others had been tampered with, but none were located.

Football / History / Cookies

MHS Football ~ Profile of Monrovia football coach Ryan Maddox ( http://goo.gl/c51D6 ) and another of wheelchair-bound MHS Senior Captain Evan Sanchez ( http://goo.gl/HKFLp ).

History ~ Mr. Monroe's mansion, the Oaks. http://goo.gl/n96vi


Cookie Exchange ~ Cookie Exchange for Multiple Sclerosis will be at 2 p.m. this Saturday. http://goo.gl/GIH6W

- Brad Haugaard

State Money / Rangers Can Write Tickets / CIF Title?

Monrovia gets $995,000 from state for "multi-use open space within the planned Station Square Transit Village." http://goo.gl/y02PZ
 
Park rangers can now write tickets. http://goo.gl/PCLDI
 
Wildcats have been in 9 CIF title games, but never have been champions... yet. http://goo.gl/s9WSE
 
- Brad Haugaard

Aircraft to Norway / Soccer Loss / Literacy / Bros. Grimm / Choral

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment got a $4.9 million order from Norway for unmanned aircraft. http://goo.gl/zEH7S
 
~ The Monrovia Girl's Soccer team lost to Pasadena High. http://goo.gl/HZdvf
 
~ Welcome to the Monrovia Library's new Literacy Coordinator, Kathy Knudsen. http://goo.gl/cE3CB


~ Attend the Monrovia High drama program by attending the Fall Play: Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. This Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Event will take place in Room 210. http://goo.gl/46EPK
 
~ This Friday will be the Holiday Choral Celebration featuring the Monrovia High Camerata Singers and Alumni. It will be at First Presbyterian Church at 101 E. Foothill Blvd at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/46EPK


- Brad Haugaard