Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia, July 11

2026-07-10T11:49:22.488-07:00

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host a two-hour walking tour of downtown Monrovia on July 11 at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle. Topics include the story of the 1909 Library Park drinking fountain at Myrtle and Lime Avenues - how it was nearly destroyed and how it came to be rebuilt.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia municipal election nomination period opens July 13

2026-07-10T11:46:23.386-07:00

The nomination period for Monrovia's Nov. 3 municipal election opens July 13 and runs through Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. Offices are: Mayor (2-year term), City Council (2 seats, 4-year terms), City Treasurer (4-year term), and City Clerk (4-year term).

If an incumbent does not file by Aug. 7, the deadline for that position extends to Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. Contact the City Clerk's office at 932-5505 for information or to schedule an appointment. Election information here.

- Brad Haugaard

Council approves bear statues for city's elementary schools

2026-07-10T11:41:54.249-07:00

The Monrovia City Council has approved the Samson Goes to School Program, placing custom-designed Samson Bears at the five Monrovia elementary schools. Each bear's design will reflect its school's identity, based on concepts developed by students and staff. Local artist Traci Loving-Salazar will paint the bears.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia to acquire 8-acre property at 347 Highland Place to preserve open space

2026-07-10T11:35:55.734-07:00

The City of Monrovia has agreed to purchase the 8-acre property at 347 Highland Place for $2 million, preserving it as open space rather than allowing a proposed residential development. The restricted funds used may only be applied to open space acquisition.

As a condition of the sale, the current owners will demolish the existing single-family home and restore the site to its natural condition. The property will be added to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve.

The acquisition will go through the Development Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council in the coming weeks.

- Brad Haugaard

July is Smart Irrigation Month; city offering water conservation rebates

2026-07-10T11:34:31.798-07:00

July is Smart Irrigation Month and the city is offering residential and commercial rebates on outdoor water-saving devices, including rotating sprinkler nozzles, weather-based irrigation controllers, soil moisture meters, rain barrels, and turf replacement. Details on qualifying devices and the application process here.

- Brad Haugaard

City plans to purchase North Monrovia property and add it to Wilderness Preserve

2026-07-10T07:29:40.312-07:00

347 Highland (property with orange dot). Wilderness Preserve is green section.

The city of Monrovia is definitely considering purchasing the 7.8-acre property at 347 Highland Place in north Monrovia and adding it to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve.

According to a staff report prepared for the Planning Commission, "the City would add the property to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve (HWP) and residential development would be prohibited on the property." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-07-10T07:06:48.757-07:00

Summer Concerts in the Park, Sundays May 31–Aug. 9

SPOT teen program at Library Park, June 5–Aug. 7

Monrovia High School pool open to public June 8–July 31

Blue Breeze Band, Motown/soul music, at Library Park, Sunday, July 12

AI Awareness Workshop at Monrovia Library, July 13

Magic and Bubbles Show at the Library, July 15

Kids Craft in Canyon Park July 18

Veterans Family Feud at the Library, July 18

Families Read Together workshop at the Library, July 18

Paint, Sip, and Relax, at Chamber of Commerce, July 27

Foothill Unity Center Back-to-School event July 29

Free How to Draw Wolves workshop, July 29

Community bike ride, Aug. 1

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe Mundial

2026-07-09T18:50:02.084-07:00

Dinner at Cafe Mundial, on the east side of Myrtle, just north of Colorado. Got the Bolognese pasta (ground beef, pork, and Pappardelle noodles in a marinara sauce) for $24, and a beer for $7. Very nice.

- Brad Haugaard

Think it's hot now? Just wait!

2026-07-09T17:08:32.935-07:00

Following the current National Weather Service's Heat Advisory (with highs up to 105 degrees), which is expected to last through 10 a.m. Tuesday, comes not relief, but an Extreme Heat Watch, from Tuesday through Thursday evening. Temperatures could reach 112 degrees.

Officials warn of a high risk of heat illness, especially for young children, older adults, people without air conditioning, and those working or exercising outdoors. Stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned places when possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, never leave children or pets in vehicles, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Six catalytic converters stolen; Charging scooter sparks structure fire; Drunk driver crashes with child aboard; Stolen car found in backyard; Etc.

2026-07-09T16:35:46.668-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 1 – 8, 2026. 562 calls for service, 96 investigations, 2 mental evaluations, 6 traffic collisions, 34 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

JULY 1

Incident Report

At 1:40 a.m., a neighbor dispute was reported at an apartment complex in the 800 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. Statements by all parties involved were inconsistent. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 3:32 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of S. Mayflower called to report a catalytic converter theft in progress. Officers arrived and located the suspect vehicle who fled at a high rate of speed onto the freeway. This investigation is continuing.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 4:06 a.m., officers patrolling the 300 block of S. Myrtle saw a subject in a park after hours, in violation of a municipal code. Officers made contact with the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud

At 10:45 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of N. Alta Vista reported two separate occasions where his business account had fraudulent activity. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 11:06 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of S. Alta Vista reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / Kidnapping – Suspect Arrested

At 11:15 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a boyfriend and girlfriend were involved in a verbal altercation turned physical when the boyfriend picked up the girlfriend and dragged her into the home against her will. She sustained an abrasion. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JULY 2

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 1:27 a.m., officers patrolling a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle observed a male subject in violation of a municipal code. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Attempt Commercial Burglary

At 10:21 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported that an unknown subject attempted to burglarize his business. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 10:47 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject at a park was yelling at children in the playground. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 11:25 a.m., officers were dispatched to a shopping center in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a subject yelling at a security guard. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting

At 9:13 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. An investigation revealed a male subject entered the store, concealed merchandise and left without paying. The subject was gone prior to officers' arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 9:39 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Mayflower and Evergreen made contact with a male subject who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery

At 10:21 p.m., a battery was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington. An investigation revealed the incident involved a brother and a sister staying in a hotel. This investigation is continuing.

Threatening

At 10:37 p.m., while patrolling the 100 block of E. Lime an officer was flagged down regarding a male subject who brandished a knife and threatened him. An investigation revealed the suspect was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 1:04 p.m., an employee at a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect as he was attempting to flee. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery

At 6:26 p.m., a juvenile victim walked into the MPD lobby to report a robbery. An investigation revealed an unknown subject approached the victim, knocked him off his bicycle, stole the bicycle and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 7:28 p.m., while patrolling the area of Foothill and Garfield an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a loaded firearm. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication / Child Endangerment – Suspects Arrested

At 10:19 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Huntington. Officers arrived and discovered that one of the drivers was under the influence and had a child inside the vehicle at the time of the collision. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

JULY 4

Theft

At 8:44 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Grand reported that someone broke into his vehicle and stole property. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 8:57 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of Monrovista reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Theft

At 11:00 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Grand reported that someone stole her son's bicycle from the front porch. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 11:14 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Cypress reported the theft of the catalytic converter from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Resisting Arrest / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 7:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a stolen phone. Officers arrived and made contact with the party suspected of stealing the phone. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject refused officers' commands and attempted to flee. After a brief struggle, officers were able to arrest the subject and take him into custody. The stolen phone was recovered.

At 9:29 p.m., a disturbance was reported at a residence in the 600 block of E. Olive.

At 9:30 p.m., a structure fire was reported at a residence in the 300 block of Bella Vista.

Vehicle Burglary

At 9:42 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and discovered the victim's trailer had been burglarized and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Resisting Arrest

At 10:04 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Myrtle and Palm saw a male subject causing a disturbance. Officers made contact with the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject began to resist officers and caused several officer injuries. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fireworks

At 11:07 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of Hurtsview reported a subject set off fireworks and damaged the caller's vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Structure Fire

At 11:14 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 800 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined an electric scooter was charging and sparked a fire. Officers evacuated nearby residents. MFD responded and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

JULY 5

Fire

At 8:53 p.m., a residential fire was reported in the 600 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and discovered that a group of juveniles were setting off fireworks in the area and caused a fire in the yard of the residence. The fire was extinguished before spreading to the structure. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the involved subjects. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 9:04 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JULY 6

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 5:55 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of E. Cypress reported a suspicious vehicle outside his residence. Officers arrived and made contact with the occupants. The subjects were found to be in possession of a nitrous oxide canister in the vehicle that was cold to the touch. The driver was arrested.

Fraud

At 10:46 a.m., a victim in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower reported that a check he mailed was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

At 6:53 p.m., a domestic violence in progress was reported in the 700 block of W. Duarte. A witness reported a female subject pushed a male subject to the ground. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed that a verbal dispute became physical when the female subject threw rocks at the male causing him to fall to the ground. She was arrested and taken into custody.

JULY 7

Vehicle Burglary

At 5:11 a.m., a resident in the area of Evergreen and Magnolia reported that an unknown subject burglarized her vehicle, causing damage. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

At 10:00 a.m., a victim reported he located his prior reported stolen vehicle in the 200 block of W. Evergreen. An officer arrived and located the vehicle in a backyard and made contact with the resident. The vehicle was released to the victim. This investigation is continuing.

JULY 8

Grand Theft

At 3:13 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding the theft of a vehicle's catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing.

Resist Delay – Suspect Arrested

At 7:36 a.m., while patrolling the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain an officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, but the bicyclist refused to stop. The bicyclist was eventually apprehended and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary

At 7:37 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in a parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington where property was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 12:06 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Duarte reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Prescription drug disposal event at Temple Sheriff's Station

2026-07-09T11:11:45.020-07:00

Temple Sheriff's Station (8838 E Las Tunas Dr, Temple City) will host a Prescription Take-Back Event on Saturday, July 11, from noon to 3 p.m. The event accepts unwanted or expired prescription medications. Place medications in a bag before arriving; Ziplock bags are preferred. Do not bring needles, other sharps, over-the-counter medications, or inhalers. Medication bottles, over-the-counter medications, and aerosols should be disposed of at home.

- Brad Haugaard

Free How to Draw Wolves workshop, July 29

2026-07-09T08:07:38.819-07:00

Free How to Draw Wolves workshop July 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave. Instructor Eric Watkins will teach drawing animals in motion, with instruction for beginners, intermediate, and experienced artists. All materials are provided. Registration required, here. Watkins is a longtime artist, graphic designer, and MAFA board member whose work has appeared in local galleries, restaurants, and public art projects.

- Brad Haugaard

Video of Blondie's cubs getting prepared to be returned to the wild

2026-07-09T07:46:03.671-07:00

Here's a video of Blondie's cubs, now about six months old, who are on the path to getting back to the wild. Blondie, the mother bear, was euthanized by the Department of Fish and Wildlife after two incidents in which it clawed people. See video here.

- Brad Haugaard

Blue Breeze Band, Motown/soul music, at Library Park, Sunday, July 12

2026-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Blue Breeze Band, Motown/soul music, at Library Park, Sunday, July 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Free outdoor concert. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and maybe a picnic basket. Food trucks will be available. Family-friendly event. For more information call 256-8246. Info on the band here.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Family Feud at the Library, July 18

2026-07-08T09:44:04.718-07:00

Veterans Family Feud. Saturday, July 18, 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Open to veterans, service members, families, and the public ages 10 and older. Play the Family Feud game individually or with friends and family. Registration required, here. For more information call the Library at 256-8294.

- Brad Haugaard

Families Read Together workshop at the Library, July 18

2026-07-08T09:42:24.128-07:00

Families Read Together workshop, Saturday, July 18, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. For parents, caregivers, and young children to ages 5; open to everyone. Expert-led session with Foothill Family on early childhood developmental milestones and family support resources. Participants may receive a free children's book while supplies last. Registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Magic and Bubbles Show at the Library, July 15

2026-07-08T09:32:32.009-07:00

Magic and Bubbles Show with Brian Hoffman. Wednesday, July 15, 4 to 5 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Interactive performance combining magic tricks and bubble artistry. Open to everyone, with a focus on children to age 11. No reservations required. Early arrival encouraged. Children must attend with an adult. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Paint, Sip, and Relax, at Chamber of Commerce, July 27

2026-07-07T12:09:13.655-07:00

- Brad Haugaard

Energetic Taffy is a toy-loving Akita mix who's ready for adventure

2026-07-07T09:49:03.554-07:00

Meet Taffy, a fun-loving Akita mix who's ready to bring adventure, laughter, and lots of playtime to her new family! At almost 3 years old, this cutie at Pasadena Humane is full of youthful energy and loves nothing more than her toys. Whether she's tossing them around, proudly carrying them, or entertaining herself, she's happiest with a toy by her side. She's also making great progress learning to settle down after playtime.

Taffy would thrive with an active family that enjoys walks, hikes, and adventures and is excited to continue her training as she grows. Her adoption includes Pasadena Humane's Pawsitive Start program, which provides free training to help you build a strong bond and set both of you up for success. With consistency, plenty of toys, and an active home, Taffy is sure to become a wonderful lifelong companion!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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

Home built for Monrovia founder sells for $2.55 million

2026-07-07T09:40:07.139-07:00

Archive photo

The Oaks, the large house built in 1884-1885 for Monrovia founder William Newton Monroe, was recently sold for $2,548,000, well above its asking price of $2,199,950. The house is at 250 N. Primrose Avenue, at Monroe Place, was designed by architect Solon Haas, and originally faced south toward what is now Foothill Boulevard on a lot of more than 200 acres. History here. The home was sold by the real estate firm, KWPasadena.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: William Monroe's Home in faraway Nome, Alaska

2026-07-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

This photo captures William Monroe's home in Nome, Alaska, featuring a phonograph and a fancy stove - furnishings that would later appear in the home of his daughter Mabelle Monroe Dyer and her husband Bruce Dyer. Monroe helped build a railway in Alaska. From the Monrovia Historical Museum 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

Happy 250th birthday, America!

2026-07-04T21:05:22.055-07:00

Happy 250th birthday, America! Monrovia is celebrating with fireworks in Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Preview of Blair Inn and Viola’s Bar and Bistro

2026-07-04T20:44:41.594-07:00

A bedroom at the inn.

Dining area for Viola’s Bar and Bistro.

An opening celebration for the Arthur Blair Historic Inn, newly renovated from the two homes owned by former City Historian Steve Baker on the east side of Ivy just south of Lemon, plus a new building constructed in the old style, was held July 4 evening. The inn is decorated and furnished in an historic fashion, but with modern amenities, such as a small swimming pool in the backyard. Incorporated into the project is the small Viola’s Bar and Bistro.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia didn't win All-America City award - But was a finalist

2026-07-03T12:38:28.147-07:00

Monrovia didn't win the 2026 All-America City competition in Denver, but City Manager Dylan Feik said the city is proud that Monrovia was selected as a finalist for the third time in four years. The Monrovia delegation highlighted the city's community partnerships, including Biking for Bucks, the SGV Care Team, and the Community Adult School, as key strengths.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia’s 2025 drinking water quality report now available

2026-07-03T12:29:14.744-07:00

Monrovia’s 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is now available here. The city met all state and federal drinking water standards in 2025. For questions call Public Works at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard