Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

New art to be unveiled for Artist Reception at Community Center, April 24

2026-04-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Artist Alley, in the Monrovia Community Center, will present a new set of artists beginning with a free open-to-the-public Artist Reception on April 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Free class on making art with found items, April 29

2026-04-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

There will be a free class on creating art with found and recycled materials at the Monrovia Community Center on April 29. Free but you need to register, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia is again a finalist for All-America City Award

2026-04-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Monrovia has again been named a finalist for the All-America City Award. It won the award in 2024 and reached finalist status in 2023. According to it's website, the All-America City Award "recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues." This year Monrovia's application highlights programs including the police Community Activist Policing Bureau, SGV CARE, partnership with the Community Adult School, and the city's Biking for Bucks program.

- Brad Haugaard

Two bear cubs may be returned to wild by October; contributions welcome

2026-04-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the bear cubs of the euthanized “Blondie” are in good health, are being rehabilitated and may be released back into the Angeles National Forest, perhaps as soon as October. The two cubs, 2–3 months old, are receiving intensive care at San Diego Humane Society. It costs about $400 per week to prepare the cubs for the wild. Click here if you would like to donate to cover those costs. Also, the city will soon have merchandise for sale with all proceeds going to support the two bears.

"Over the course of the next several months," Feik writes, "we want to promote this campaign to help the bear cubs, further educate our community about living with wildlife, and advocate for policy change that leads to better outcomes for both humans and wildlife."

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet Mozza is an adventurous husky who loves long walks, yard time, and a good chew

2026-04-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

Three-year-old Mozza at is a sweet, adventurous gal! This energetic pup at Pasadena Humane loves long walks and playing in the yard, but also enjoys settling down for a tasty chew. In her foster home, she gets along with another dog and has been very gentle with kids.

Mozza also loves to participate in playgroup at the shelter and is a regular at foster sleepovers and mobile events, where her fun-loving personality really shines. She is also on the lookout for a special adopter who can help manage her health, as she does experience occasional seizures.

If you’re interested in an incredible and beautiful dog with a heart of gold, come meet Mozza today!

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

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. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Filming at Monrovia Airport

2026-04-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

The 1939 Twentieth Century Fox movie, 20,000 Men a Year, was filmed at the Monrovia Airport. Here are Randolph Scott, Margaret Lindsay, and George Earnest? Here is the IMDB description of the movie. From the Gary Boen collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Kiyoshi Kuromiya Neighborhood Treasure event

2026-04-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

- Brad Haugaard

Bye Bye Birdie play at Clifton Middle School, April 9, 10, 11

2026-04-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

Tickets for sale here.

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Easter, Monrovia!

2026-04-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

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)

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Easter services here.

- Brad Haugaard

Singers invited to audition for choral group April 14, 21

2026-04-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company invites singers to audition for its 2025-2026 season. Auditions, on April 14 and 21, include vocal exercises, sight-learning, and a brief a cappella song. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, with the next concert on June 20. Membership fee $225; scholarships available. Sign up for an audition here.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn to draw manga characters at the Library, April 25

2026-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Character design workshop for anime and manga fans at the Library on Apr. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. Adults and teens 16+ will learn tips for drawing favorite characters or creating originals. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Storytime with park naturalists, April 11

2026-04-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Storytime outdoors with park naturalists at Tsuneishi Park, behind Chick-fil-A, on April 11 from 10 to 10:45 a.m., for children to age 5 and their caregivers. Stories, music, movement, and nature facts led by park naturalists and library staff. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Outline of proposed changes to city roads for bike lanes

2026-04-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here is an overview (which I should have done long ago) of the proposed changes to Monrovia's road system under the proposed bicycle safety plan. The most dramatic changes would be to add physically separated bikeways along the full length of Foothill and along Huntington, from Arcadia to Duarte, and on Myrtle from Walnut to the south city border.

The city is proposing four classes of bikeways:

Class 1 (green) - A completely physically separated path for use by bicyclists and pedestrians.
Class 2 (purple) - A painted bike lane.
Class 3 (gold) - Markings indicating cars and bikes share the same space.
Red is a Class 2/3 combination.
Class 4 (blue) - Separated bike lanes using physical barriers between cars and bikes.

Classes 1 and 4 offer the most dramatic changes, so I'm outlining them here.

Class 1
Central Avenue between Magnolia Ave and Shamrock Ave
Evergreen Ave between Magnolia Ave and Shamrock Ave
Primrose Ave between Palm Ave and Central Ave
Magnolia Ave between Central Ave and Duarte Rd
Primrose Ave between Palm Ave and Central Ave
Trail between Canyon Blvd and Lemon Ave
Valley Circle between Benrud St and California Ave

Class 4

Foothill Blvd between Fifth Ave and Mountain Ave
Huntington Dr between Fifth Ave and Mountain Ave
Peck Rd between Live Oak Ave and south city limit
Mayflower Ave between Colorado Blvd and Duarte Rd
Myrtle Ave between Walnut Ave and Central Ave
Myrtle Ave between Evergreen Ave and south city limit

See the report here for more information. For details on the proposed bike paths scroll to pages 124 and following.

- Brad Haugaard

City fundraiser for bear cubs to be announced next week

2026-04-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that next week the city will soon be announcing a fundraising campaign to support the orphaned Monrovia bear cubs during their care at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. The cubs were orphaned recently when their mother was euthanized after scratching a woman walking her dog and after the Department of Fish and Wildlife determined it was the same bear who scratched a man on his porch about a year ago.

- Brad Haugaard

Public comment period extended for city safety and bicycle plans

2026-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

The city's Draft Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and Draft Bicycle Master Plan Update are available for public review. Comments or questions may be emailed to ssousa@monroviaca.gov by April 10.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce seeks new logo design; deadline April 30

2026-04-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce thinks it's time for a new logo, so it is seeking submissions for a new design, which must include the full name "Monrovia Chamber of Commerce" and use a dark green and gold color palette. Submission deadline is April 30. To be added to the designer list, contact Korrine Ramirez at kr@monroviacc.com or 358-1159.

- Brad Haugaard

Upper Water offering free Water Smart Home Kits

2026-04-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District's Home Kit Program is available to all residents within the Upper Water service area. The free kits include faucet aerators, showerheads, and sprinkler nozzles - all installable without a contractor. Request a kit here.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Community Picnic at Library Park, April 18

2026-04-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

The annual Veterans Community Picnic will be held Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Library Park. The event is open to the public and features music, kids' crafts, family-friendly games, and free hot dogs and hamburgers. Representatives from the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Veteran Peer Access Network, and the Foothill Unity Center will be on hand.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-04-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Holy Week services in Monrovia

Lenten fish fry at Knights of Columbus, Fridays, through Apr. 3

Trivia Night at the Library April 3

Easter egg hunt set for April 4 at Recreation Park

Mammogram screening April 9 at Unity Center

Free Compost and Mulch, April 11

Monrovia Wine Walk April 11, Tickets on Sale

Volunteers needed to green Monrovia High's outdoor spaces, Apr. 13

Pollinator-friendly landscaping webinar April 16

Veterans Community Picnic: food, resources, family activities April 18.

MAP Neighborhood Conference at Second Baptist Church, Apr. 25

Neighborhood Conference: AI made simple, civic leadership, Route 66, etc., April 25

New exhibit coming on 'How Transportation Shaped Monrovia,' April 30

Classic Car Show at Recreation Park, May 3

Blood drive at Monrovia Public Library, May 5

Unity Center needs volunteers for big May 9 food drive

- Brad Haugaard

Vector Control District warns of biting black flies in foothill cities

2026-04-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is warning that biting black flies (aka "buffalo gnats") are particularly active in foothill cities now and are likely to continue so for a few weeks. The flies' bites - around the eyes and neck - are painful but do not transmit disease.

Unlike mosquitoes, which breed in still water, black flies breed in running water, so the district recommends turning off outdoor water features for 24 hours once a week to prevent black fly breeding, then turning them back on to prevent mosquito breeding. The district is monitoring the bugs and treating breeding sites with Bti as needed. Bti, it says, "is considered one of the safest insect control agents ever developed." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at new CAVA restaurant

2026-04-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Dinner at the new Mediterranean style CAVA restaurant, in the Huntington Oaks shopping center a few doors east of Chili’s. It is basically one of those build-a-bowl (or wrap) restaurants, plus several standard options. I got the standard Harissa Avocado Bowl with chicken for $17.55 and a small soda for $3.45. Nice, fresh and tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drunk woman fights bar staff, kicks cop; Nitrous oxide party in parking lot; Daughter pulls knife, father pulls machete; Etc.

2026-04-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 26 – April 1, 2026. 455 calls for service, 84 investigations, 4 mental evaluations, 5 traffic collisions, 12 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

MARCH 26

Drug Activity / Resist and Delay – Suspect Arrested

At 3:13 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Duarte observed a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was attempted, but the bicyclist refused to stop. Officers were able to convince the bicyclist to stop and the bicyclist was contacted. He was found to be in possession of controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto

At 11:48 a.m., a victim in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism

At 4:11 pm, a caller in the area of Foothill and California reported a vandalism to a utility box. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary

At 6:40 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Encino. The suspects made entry through a bathroom window and stolen property. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested

At 8:36 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male subject was concealing merchandise. Officers located the subject as he was exiting the business. An investigation revealed he was also in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Assault with Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

At 11:13 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported a fight in progress. Upon arrival, officers determined that a female subject had become intoxicated and refused to pay her tab. When staff attempted to remove her, she began yelling, struck a patron, and threw bottles at others nearby. She was taken into custody, and while being escorted to jail, she kicked an officer.

MARCH 27

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

At 1:33 p.m., a business in the 3300 block of Peck reported that it recently purchased a vehicle from a tow company. After submitting paperwork to the DMV, the vehicle returned as stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 6:37 p.m., a theft was reported in the area of Mayflower and Central. A juvenile reported leaving his electric bicycle unsecured outside a nearby business, after which a male subject took the bicycle and walked away. The victim later located the subject nearby and was able to recover the bicycle; the suspect then fled the area on foot. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism

At 7:38 p.m., a caller in the area of White Oak and Primrose reported a vandalism incident. The reporting party stated three juvenile subjects were spray painting with graffiti before fleeing on foot. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 8:05 p.m., officers responded to a bicycle theft in the 100 block of W. Foothill. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested

At 9:05 p.m., a caller in the area of Peck and Duarte reported a subject using nitrous oxide. Officers arrived, located a vehicle with multiple subjects inside and made contact. The officers determined the subjects were in possession of multiple nitrous oxide tanks and balloons. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested

At 9:14 p.m., an employee for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject was concealing merchandise. Officers arrived and located her outside the store. She was arrested and taken into custody.

MARCH 28

Vandalism

At 12:56 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1800 block of S. Shamrock saw freshly painted graffiti. This investigation is continuing.

Resisting Arrest / Child Endangerment

At 5:11 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Colorado reported that her older son slapped her young son. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. It was determined that the older son was in possession of a knife. He was becoming noncompliant and was taken to the ground without further incident. It was determined he was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

MARCH 29

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 8:16 p.m., several callers in the area of Myrtle and Lemon reported an unresponsive adult male subject on a sidewalk. Officers and MFD responded and discovered a heavily intoxicated male subject, unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mail Theft – Suspect Arrested

At 10:44 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a female subject opening packages at an apartment complex mailroom. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. She was arrested and taken into custody.

MARCH 30

Court Order Violation / Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested

At 2:50 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported three individuals in a drive-thru who were refusing to leave. Officers responded and contacted the occupants. The driver was determined to be on probation and in violation of a court order prohibiting contact with the female front passenger. The female passenger was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, and the rear passenger was found to be concealing a controlled substance. All three individuals were arrested and taken into custody.

Theft

At 1:05 p.m., a theft was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The subject was gone prior to the officers' arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

At 1:45 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of E. Olive reported a domestic violence incident. Officers arrived and made contacts with the parties involved. An investigation determined the victim's ex-boyfriend assaulted her. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism

At 4:02 p.m., a patron in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a window was broken by an unknown subject. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Fraud

At 5:53 p.m., a victim in the 1400 block of Encino reported that she received a notification on her computer prompting her to call a phone number. During the call, she was instructed to purchase gift cards; however, she became suspicious and ended the call. This investigation is ongoing.

MARCH 31

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 5:36 a.m., officers responded to the area of Mountain and Foothill regarding a male subject following a female subject in a vehicle, in violation of a restraining order. Officers arrived, located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. A records check confirmed the female was the protected party and the male was prohibited from contact. The male was also found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Sexual Battery

At 1:29 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that a male subject walked into her place of business and sexually assaulted her and a co-worker. This investigation is continuing.

Theft

At 3:59 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject concealed merchandise and left without paying. Officers arrived and made contact with him. The business refused prosecution.

Vandalism

At 4:09 p.m., a witness in the 200 block of S. Magnolia reported seeing several juvenile subjects trespass onto a property, break windows, and flee on bicycles. Officers arrived and located seven juveniles matching the description provided. They were arrested, cited, and released to their parents.

Fire

At 4:26 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of Linwood reported a gas leak. Officers and MFD responded, evacuated a nearby apartment complex and stopped the leak.

Petty Theft

At 9:36 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported her cellphone stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 10:09 p.m., a witness reported his catalytic converter stolen while parked in the 1100 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

APRIL 1

Theft

At 12:20 p.m., a loss prevention officer for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft that occurred two days prior. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

At 12:44 p.m., a female in the 200 block of W. Scenic became upset at her father and his friend. She obtained a knife and held it in a threatening manner and approached them saying she was going to cause harm to them. She put the knife down and the father allegedly grabbed a machete and pushed the daughter up against a wall and held the knife against her stomach. The father allegedly said he was going to cause harm to the daughter. They were both arrested. The father has major medical problems and he was issued an emergency citation. The daughter was booked and transported to county jail.

Theft

At 12:59 p.m., a victim in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported the theft of his phone. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

At 2:45 p.m., the caller in the 500 block of E. Olive reported the window to her vehicle was smashed and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Historic Preservation Group releases video of buildings on its next historic homes tour

2026-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group has created this preview video of the buildings that will be on its 42nd Annual Historic Homes Tour, set for Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available here.

- Brad Haugaard

Holy Week services in Monrovia

2026-04-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

If I missed any, let me know and I'll add them. - Brad Haugaard.

Calvary Chapel Monrovia (Myrtle at Cherry)
Easter Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; contemporary worship and children’s programs. Details.

Calvary Road Baptist Church (319 W Olive)
Good Friday service 7 p.m, Easter potluck following service at noon. Details.

Fellowship Monrovia (Huntington at California)
Good Friday experience 7:30 p.m.; Saturday service 5 p.m.; Easter Sunday sunrise service 6:45 a.m. plus at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Details.

Hope Unlimited Church (1900 Walker Ave.)
Good Friday service 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday multiple services at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m., plus Spanish service at 1:30 p.m. Details.

IFGF (Palm at Primrose)
Good Friday 7 p.m. service, Easter 10:30 a.m. Details.

Immaculate Conception Church (Shamrock at Royal Oaks)
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Mass. Details.

Monrovia Community Church (former First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle at Foothill)
Good Friday service at 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. with children’s message and refreshments after. Details.

Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock)
Easter 6 a.m. sunrise service, 10 a.m. morning worship. Details.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Foothill at California)
Full Holy Week schedule including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil; Easter Sunday service at 10 a.m. with brunch and egg hunt. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Unity Center needs volunteers for big May 9 food drive

2026-04-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Foothill Unity Center has volunteer shifts available May 9 for the Letter Carrier's Stamp Out Hunger food drive, the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Help needed at post offices in Monrovia and Arcadia, 2 to 4:45 p.m. and 4:15 to 7 p.m., assisting with sorting and moving donations; physical activity required. For questions email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org. Sign-up details here:

Monrovia:
2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m.-7 p.m.

Arcadia:
2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
4:15 p.m.-7 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard