Citrus College Students May Get Financial and Tech Help From Citrus College Foundation Program

Citrus College students negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may be able to receive assistance with the help of a new initiative introduced at a recent meeting of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.

Providing Assistance for Student Success (PASS) is designed to help Citrus College students who are unable to continue their education as a result of the public health crisis currently impacting the nation. Supported by an initial $100,000 grant from the Citrus College Foundation, this initiative will provide resources and support that will enable struggling students to reach their educational goals.

The debut of the Citrus College PASS initiative comes on the heels of a March 26 announcement that the physical closure of the college campus, which began March 18, was being extended through June 12, 2020. As a result, students will receive remote instruction and student support services for the duration of the spring 2020 semester.

"We understand that this sudden transition to a remote learning environment has created unexpected challenges for some students. For this reason, the college is eager to announce the launch of Citrus College PASS," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "The goal of this initiative is to remove obstacles or barriers that may prevent students from completing their education. This collaborative effort is made possible by partners, supporters and friends of the Citrus College Foundation."

The Citrus College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources to further the Citrus Community College District's mission of advancing student success, is actively soliciting donors to help provide financial support for Citrus College PASS. In fact, the Foundation's board of directors meet regularly to organize and plan how to best address the needs of the college during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Foundation's initial response was to begin providing technology support to those students who rely heavily on the college's computer resources. However, we quickly realized that a lack of technology is only one challenge students are facing as a result of COVID-19," said Christina M. Garcia, director of the Citrus College Foundation. "Therefore, in partnership with the college's academic affairs and student services divisions, we have established Citrus College PASS as a means of financially supporting student success efforts during these difficult times."

One way in which Citrus College PASS will immediately help students is by enabling the Foundation to distribute COVID-19 Technology Support Grants. These one-time funds are intended to help students make technology purchases that will allow them to continue their coursework remotely.

"I am very proud of the patience and resilience demonstrated by the students, faculty and staff of Citrus College during these unprecedented times. I am also incredibly grateful to the Citrus College Foundation and its supporters for diligently working to find solutions to the very real problems our students are facing," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Although the days and months ahead are uncertain, I know that Citrus College and its students will successfully navigate these challenges, and that the lessons learned will pave the way for a brighter future."

For more information and to contribute to the Citrus College PASS initiative, contact the Citrus College Foundation at foundation@citruscollege.edu.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

It's 'Terrifying' - Monrovian Ulises Gutierrez Recovering from COVID-19

Ulises Gutierrez, a prominent Monrovian, reports on Facebook that he is recovering from COVID-19 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. He writes:

I’m beating COVID-19

Today I have decided that I am a victor and not a victim!

I’m on day 22 in fighting COVID-19. It has not been easy; actually quite terrifying. 2 visits to the ER and 8 days of being hospitalized - I was successfully discharged 3 days ago. Major weight loss, fatigue, my body has been dragged by the virus... but I’m on the mend; lungs have cleared the virus!

There is no exaggeration to what this virus has the potential to do: rip your health apart, impact your family/home, put your career/work at risk... and depression; this can be very depressing.

But I am grateful for a faithful God! In these 22 days I have seen His power at work in my life... especially when I have been alone and have had to face the most life threatening circumstances; yes, life threatening.

I thank God on this 22nd day for His faithfulness and I am trusting him to rebuild my life. He is a healer - my healer; your healer!

Truly grateful to the amazing medical team at Methodist Hospital of Southern California! My home church, LifeChurch UPC, rocks and I am so appreciative of my friends at Mountainside Communion! Thank you to my dear friends for the calls, prayers... groceries - - I have been strengthen by your love and FAITH!

(That yellow tent @ hospital is where it all starts - you step into the unknown)

The fight continues!

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Easter, Monrovia

Happy Easter, Monrovia!

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen. - Luke 24: 5-6


Here is a list of online church services today in Monrovia.

Calvary Chapel Monrovia, or on Facebook  (1307 S Myrtle) -  10 a.m.

Calvary Road Baptist Church (319 West Olive Ave) 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.

Fellowship Monrovia (Monrovia High) - 9 and 11 a.m.

First Lutheran (1227 S Magnolia) 9 a.m.

First Presbyterian (Foothill and Myrtle) - 10 a.m.

Hope Unlimited Church (1900 Walker Ave) - 10 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m.

IFGF (Palm and Primrose) 10:30 a.m.

Mountainside Communion Church (Colorado and Magnolia) 10 a.m.

Second Baptist Church, or on Facebook (925 S Shamrock) - 10:45 a.m.

Vineyard (223 S Encinitas Ave) - 10 a.m.

Lives again our glorious King

Where, O death is now thy sting?

Once He died, our souls to save

Where thy victory, O grave?

Soar we now where Christ has led

Following our exalted Head

Made like Him, like Him we rise

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Cafe X2O

Dinner from Cafe X2O. Ordered through Doordash, so it cost a bit more. Got the Chicken Shawarma plate for $14 (plus $7.23 to substitute spinach for rice, and for grilled veggies). It looks like it's less if you pick it up in person ($12 for the Schawarma, $4 for the spinach, and $2 for the veggies). X2O is on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Food was delicious!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools to Use New Software to Communicate With Parents

Dear Monrovia Unified Community,

The need for constant communication with our students, families, teachers, staff, and community is more vital now than ever. The District has adopted ParentSquare, a new form of communication that we are actively preparing to launch. Stay tuned for an introductory email from ParentSquare.

ParentSquare allows us to use a single platform for all of our communication from the District, schools, classrooms, and school activity groups. The partnership will strengthen dialogue between school and home and empower everyone within the school community to stay connected and informed.

ParentSquare is designed to facilitate participation across our school communities. It provides principals, teachers, staff, and parents the opportunity to send and receive school and class information, share pictures and files, see calendar items, and sign up to volunteer.

ParentSquare features important communication tools:

• Urgent alerts with two-way communication
• Attendance notifications
• Teacher and classroom communication
• Direct messaging
• Parent-teacher conference sign-ups

All school, grade level, and classroom information will be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. You can also download the free ParentSquare App right onto your phone for easier access. The app also allows you to specify how and when you receive notifications.

The use of this new tool will allow us to engage every parent and ensure the opportunity to actively participate in your child’s education.

For more information on ParentSquare, visit www.parentsquare.com.

We look forward to connecting with you all and opening the door to more access between our District and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

New Facebook Groups Provide Monrovians with Financial, Employment, Small Business Help

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that there are three new Facebook Groups to provide Monrovians with financial, employment and small business help.

Monrovia Financials & Retirement Accounts - Administered by Ilsi Castillo, provides guidance through financial challenges.

Monrovia Small Business - Administered by Sari Canales, provides guidance to and available resources to business owners.

Monrovia Works - Administered by Elizabeth Noguera, provides guidance on navigating unemployment and/or state disability.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teachers Will be 'Cruisin' Thru Monrovia', Greeting Students

Dear Monrovia Unified Community,

We are aware of the impact this extended dismissal has had on our entire community. Our students, especially, were required to change their routines in a way that can be hard to understand.

We can’t wait until we are allowed to return to school and are able to reunite with our students and colleagues. Because of this, we are excited to share that we will be celebrating our scholars with a parade at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10.

Cruisin’ thru Monrovia was planned in partnership with the City of Monrovia to ensure the safety of everyone. The routes have been determined along the lines of the five elementary school boundaries. We will not be able to travel down every street.

For your safety, please follow these instructions:

• Do not leave your property. Simply come to doors, porches, windows, front lawns, etc. when you hear the horns to wave to your school.
• If you encounter other people outside, practice social distancing and remain 6 feet away from one another.
• Wear a mask while you are outdoors.

Feel free to make signs to show your support and use #CruisinThruMonrovia on social media to share your experience.

We look forward to celebrating our scholars and families as we come together as a community during this time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Details on Street Racing Accident; Thefts; Fraud; But No Home Burglaries ...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 2-8. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 252 service events, resulting in 38 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
April 2 at 12:14 p.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision that just occurred at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Monrovia Paramedics and Officers responded and arrived on scene. The occupants of both vehicles were treated for minor injuries. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Medical Assist
April 2 at 8:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of California regarding a medical assist. When officers arrived on scene, they located an unresponsive and unconscious female on the ground. They were informed by her boyfriend that she had overdosed on Fentanyl. The officers positioned her flat on the ground and administered Narcan and the subject became responsive. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Fraud
April 3 at 12:22 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of S. Fifth called to report a fraud incident. A female subject rented two rooms using someone else's identification and debit cards. When the debit card got declined, the employee went to assist her and noticed that the person checking in did not match the physical appearance on the identification card. The suspect fled the scene. Investigation continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
April 4 at 12:46 a.m., an officer was traveling south on Myrtle, passing Maple, when he saw an unoccupied vehicle parked along the west curb with four flat tires and what appeared to be fresh traffic collision damage. The vehicle returned registered out of Baldwin Park. Baldwin Park Police spoke with the registered owner, who advised that his tires went flat and he was going to pick up the vehicle tomorrow. The officer checked the area and located traffic collision damage to the center median at Myrtle and Chestnut. The vehicle was towed. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Fraud
April 4 at 3:32 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report that sometime during the night someone smashed the rear window of his vehicle and stole his backpack, wallet and laptop from inside. The suspect used the victim's debit card at a Circle K and a 76 Gas Station in El Monte. Investigation continuing.

Street Racing / Injury Traffic Collision
April 4 at 1:08 p.m., an injury traffic collision involving street racing was reported in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle. Two motorists were seen racing one another at a high rate of speed, heading south on Myrtle. Both vehicles were estimated to be traveling well in excess of the posted 40 miles per hour speed limit. As the two motorists were racing, one of them swerved into the opposing lane of traffic and collided into a motorist traveling north. The racing vehicle split in half, leaving the front half in the roadway. The rear half struck an Edison pole, catching the vehicle and the wooden pole on fire. Electrical wires from the pole broke off and were hanging. The driver of the vehicle involved in the race was ejected and found in the street with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle had major, but non-life-threatening injuries. Officers arrived on scene and provided first aid care to both injured drivers until Monrovia Fire Department Paramedics arrived. The Monrovia Fire Department provided first aid to the injured drivers and extinguished the fire. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The Arcadia Police Department responded to assist, utilizing their Major Accident Investigation Team. The other vehicle involved in the racing incident did not stop and could not be located. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
April 5 at 8:36 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a female and two male subjects had just taken a package of cigarettes. Officers responded and searched for the subjects, but were unable to locate them. The store advised they would file the report online. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft
April 6 at 7:06 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Foothill called to report that sometime over the past two days all of his tires and rims were removed from this vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 11:39 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Lotone Street called police to report that her mother and her mother's live-in boyfriend were involved in a physical altercation. The caller also reported that the suspect is on probation and has a felony warrant. Officers responded to the location and contacted the victim. The suspect was in the house and initially did not respond to commands to exit the home. He was ultimately detained and arrested without incident.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 8:48 p.m., a caller reported a solo traffic collision in the 400 block of W. Foothill. An officer arrived and saw a vehicle had struck a light pole. The driver did not have any injuries. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined he was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 8 at 2:23 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3000 block of S. Peck called to report a vehicle his company purchased turned out to be a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered. Investigation continuing.

Calling All Poets - Time for Sidewalk Poetry Contest

All poets, now's your chance to enter Monrovia's 2020 Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry Contest, according to the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.

To learn more about the contest and view the 2018 and 2019 winners, you can visit the City's Sidewalk Poetry web page here: https://is.gd/5eoXEX

For more information about entering the competition and to submit your entry, contact Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.gov or 932-5564.

- Brad Haugaard

Non-Eviction Ordinance Extended to Commercial Properties

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that last night (Tuesday, April 7), the City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance to prohibit commercial evictions for non-payment of rent and “no-fault” evictions during the time of the Coronavirus emergency.

Here is a summary of the ordinance:

• During the existence of the local emergency, no commercial property owner or agent shall take any action, or threaten, to evict a tenant in either of the following situations -
  • Nonpayment of rent, late fees, or other fees or charges, if the landlord knows that the tenant is unable to pay the same due to financial impacts related to COVID-19
  • No-fault eviction unless immediately necessary for the health and safety of tenants, neighbors or the landlord, other than based on illness of the tenant or any other occupant of the tenant or any other occupant
• Tenant must notify the landlord
  • Tenant must give notice of inability to pay rent within 7 days after the date rent is due.
  • Tenant must notify landlord in writing that tenant has incurred financial impacts as defined by the ordinance
  • Within 30 days after the date rent is due, tenant must provide written documentation to landlord to support the tenant’s inability to pay all or part of the rent due.
  • Also, it is important that tenant has applied for applicable state and federal aid programs and must supply to the landlord.
• For purposes of this ordinance, “financial impacts” means –
  • Loss of the tenant’s monthly business income due to business closure
  • Loss of compensable business, sales, or fees
  • Extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses
• A financial impact is “related to COVID-19” if resulted from any of the following–
  • A key employee or manager of the tenant’s diagnosis with COVID-19 or that person’s need to care for a household or immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Loss of business, fees or business income resulting from the Safer at Home Order, a business closure, or other economic impacts of COVID-19
  • Compliance with a recommendation or order from the County Health Officer to close the business, stay at home, isolate, self-quarantine, or avoid congregating with others during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
  • Extraordinary out-of-pocket expenses related to diagnosis and testing for treatment of COVID-19
  • The business owner, manager or key employees’ need to provide additional child care costs arising from school closures related to COVID-19
• During the period of local emergency, all tenants shall pay timely that portion of the rent the tenant is able to pay.
  • Nothing in this ordinance relieves tenants of any liability for unpaid rent which landlords may seek after expiration of the local emergency.
  • Tenants must pay all rent that is due within 6 months following the termination of this local emergency. All tenants are encouraged to work hand-in-hand with landlords.
• Finally, this ordinance prevents the enforcement of non-payment eviction notices, no-fault eviction notices, and unlawful detainer actions based on such notices and may be used as defense to any such action by a landlord in violation of this ordinance.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Planning Department Adapts to the Age of Coronavirus

You're in the construction industry. It’s Monday morning, you spent months of preparation and countless hours having development plans drawn up and printed. You are finally ready to submit them for the cIty’s review.

But city hall is closed.

No fear. The Planning Department has come up with instructions on how to submit plans electronically, or by postal mail. Here's how: https://is.gd/zBdYJ6

- Brad Haugaard

Company Will Manufacture Ventilator Systems in Monrovia

Brea, Calif.-based Mullen Technologies is using the Monrovia high-voltage battery R&D center to manufacture its Mullen 8 ventilator system in response to the shortage of equipment faced by hospitals around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mullen 8 system is designed as a low-cost, compact, emergency-use ventilator that can be mass-produced from readily available parts to distribute to hospitals, field hospitals and military combat support hospitals.

Mullen Technologies’ portable device is designed with a low-draw, high-torque drive motor for adjusting between six and 12 respirations per minute, along with a battery system designed for dozens of hours on a single charge with the ability to be plugged into a traditional power source. Its primary function is for emergencies when larger devices are unavailable.

Chairman & CEO David Michery said in a news release that the company dedicated 40,000 square feet of its facility for production and expects to begin at a rate of 5,000 to 10,000 units per week with delivery by the end of May. He expects the price to be no more than $3,000 per unit.

“These units can be the difference between life and death for thousands of people that require immediate respiratory assistance at hospitals that are unable to meet critical patient demand,” Michery said. “We are moving incredibly fast on this initiative and have a strong team working around the clock, targeting the end of April 2020 to have the first full set of production units ready by. We’ve also been able to leverage our advanced engineering team in Europe and the U.S. to finalize the design and testing and expect to begin manufacturing in record time.”

Source: Mullen Technologies press release

- Brad Haugaard

Two More Monrovians Infected - Now 13

The number of Monrovians officially listed by the County as infected by Coronavirus is up two, to 13. This is a rate of 32.03 per 100,000 population, a bit higher than our neighbors, Arcadia (29.83), El Monte (19.34) and Bradbury (zero). No data for Duarte or Sierra Madre. https://is.gd/zJ0Km9

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent's Report on Monrovia Schools in Challenging Times

Dear Monrovia Unified Community,

I want to thank you all for your continued support as we work through these challenging times. I’m continually impressed with the strength of our school community, which has come together to support each other – showing what it means to be a part of the Monrovia Unified family.

The success of our students remains our priority, which is why our educators have been hard at work innovating and reinventing their lessons to better suit the online environment.

In March, in addition to a variety of videos our teachers have created, printed instructional packets were distributed for remote learning and online platforms were created to guide our families through the distance learning process.

Through our Distance Learning Platform, students and parents receive access to resources such as a sample daily schedule to stay on task, tips on how to create a productive learning space, and guides to using programs for online learning.

Monrovia Unified is made up of dedicated and passionate individuals who care about our students, families, and community, and even during these challenging times, continue to ensure they receive the tools they need to succeed.

Our Food Services Department has been busy since we announced the March 16 dismissal, preparing and distributing meals to the children of our community. Monrovia Unified has served more than 26,000 meals to students thanks to the dedication of our heroic staff.

Lastly, I want to celebrate our scholars. They have all experienced a drastic change in their routine and are isolated from their peers and school community. However, I continue to hear about their continued success even while participating in at-home learning.

Please continue practicing social distancing, stay at home as much as possible, and keep up with healthy habits. We are all in this together and it takes all of us to ensure we stay healthy.

We will continue providing updated information on our website and social media platforms. Pre-recorded informational messages are regularly updated at (626) 471-2084. Additionally, KGEM-TV is hosting a series, “Conversations with Ralph Walker,” joined by Board President Rob Hammond and Mayor Tom Adams, who share the most up-to-date information regarding our District and City.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Monrovia Company Fighting Virus By Donating Sneeze Guards

A Monrovia company is manufacturing sneeze guards and has been donating them to local businesses. Here's a video report: https://is.gd/pXYcDe

And here's a web site describing the project: https://www.covid19guard.org/

If you'd like to contribute, the project could use: 3/4" plywood, 1/8" Acrylic/ Lexan or any other clear substrate, industrial velcro, and money.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Infections: 11

Now 11.  https://shrtm.nu/gQpl

- Brad Haugaard 

Online Monrovia Church Services Today

This is a partial list of online church services today in Monrovia. There are some I could not find information about or that I just missed. If you know of others, please let me know (Include a link and times of services.)

Calvary Chapel Monrovia, or on Facebook  (1307 S Myrtle) -  10 a.m.

Calvary Road Baptist Church (319 West Olive Ave) 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.

Fellowship Monrovia (Monrovia High) - 9 and 11 a.m.

First Lutheran (1227 S Magnolia) 9 a.m.

First Presbyterian (Foothill and Myrtle) - 10 a.m.

Hope Unlimited Church (1900 Walker Ave) - 10 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m.

IFGF (Palm and Primrose) 10:30 a.m.

Mountainside Communion Church (Colorado and Magnolia) 10 a.m.

Second Baptist Church, or on Facebook (925 S Shamrock) - 10:45 a.m.

Vineyard (223 S Encinitas Ave) - 10 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Virus Count Rises to Nine

County reports nine cases in Monrovia now. https://is.gd/86RQ9f

- Brad Haugaard

Crash Following Apparent Race Between Mustang and Camaro - Two Drivers Hospitalized

RMG News (sorry, no link), is reporting two people taken to the hospital early Saturday afternoon after what bystanders said appeared to be a race between a Mustang and Camaro in the 1900 block of South Myrtle. The news service reports the Mustang ran into a pickup and the Mustang's driver was flung about 100 feet. Both the driver of the Mustang and the driver of the pickup were taken to the hospital. The Camaro drove off.
Update: Report from KTLA: https://is.gd/GhSv1S

- Brad Haugaard

One More Monrovia Coronavirus Case - Total 8

The county reports eight confirmed coronavirus cases in Monrovia, up one from April 1. https://is.gd/8yDNcF

Comment: That's not good but I'm pretty impressed at the very low growth rate of the virus in Monrovia. Keep up the good work, folks!

- Brad Haugaard