Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

A Moment in Monrovia History: Businessmen orange pickers in 1943

2026-03-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Monrovia's merchants and professionals came to the aid of local orange growers during a harvesting manpower shortage in 1943, at the height of World War II. Top, on ladders, Everett J. Simonds, YMCA secretary, left, and Charles S. Dandridge, banker. Middle row, from left, Pro Elliott, grove owner; Jack Zelkowitz, shoe store owner; Alexander. R. Currie, retired produce executive; Stanley C. McClintic, Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte (MAD) High vice principal; O. B. Hart, retired gold dredger; and the Rev. Haven Davis, minister. Bottom row, from left, Charles A. Wiley, cleaner; Ted McBratney, Old Town merchant; and Ed Hart, exchange manager. From the Dick Singer 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

Ridiculously good-looking Zoolander is also regal and affectionate

2026-03-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Meet Zoolander, a 5-year-old Doberman at Pasadena Humane with striking good looks and a personality to match. With his sleek build and regal presence, he definitely knows how to work his angles — you might even say he’s mastered “Blue Steel.” Some have even claimed he’s “really, really, really ridiculously good-looking.”

Zoolander is a friendly guy who enjoys spending time with his people. He’s easy to leash, knows how to sit for treats, and after taking a few minutes to explore and sniff his surroundings, he’s happy to come over for affection. He’s especially sweet in those quiet moments, like when he rests his head on your lap or leans in close for attention.

Like any good model, Zoolander likes to check out the scene first before settling in. Once he’s comfortable, his affectionate side shines through. He is an active guy who will benefit from a confident handler and continued guidance on leash.

If you’re looking for a handsome companion with heart, come meet Zoolander!

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

Monrovia firm secures county’s first permit for 3D-printed concrete home in Eaton fire zone

2026-03-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Monrovia's PCI Builders has received LA County’s first permit for a 3D concrete printed home in the Eaton fire zone. The company says its proprietary system prints walls in hours, improves energy efficiency, and lowers costs. Walls can be hand-finished for a traditional architectural look, while engineered corners achieve near 90-degree angles, avoiding the rounded profiles common in other printed systems. PCI founder and CEO Allison Allain said that, "The day after the fires, I began researching construction technologies that could help ensure this never happens again to my clients." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Farewell storytime honors longtime children’s librarian, March 24

2026-03-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Farewell to children's librarian, Ms. Annette. March 24, 6 to 7 p.m., in the Library Community Room. “Happily Ever After Storytime with Ms. Annette” marks 32 years of stories, songs, and crafts for local families. Children and parents invited to celebrate and say goodbye as she begins a new chapter. All ages welcome. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Solar-themed storytime and activities at the Library, March 21

2026-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Solar Party takes place Saturday, March 21, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Library Park Fountain Area. Storytime, crafts, and hands-on STEAM activities focused on the sun. Free book while supplies last. For all ages. Registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monroe School counselor wins national honor

2026-03-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

Monroe School counselor, Ms. Elliott, has received a national "Recognized ASCA Model Program designation" for her school counseling program, reflecting her commitment to students’ academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. The award recognizes programs that meet rigorous American School Counselor Association standards.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia named 'Tree City' by Arbor Day Foundation

2026-03-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

Monrovia has again been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 2025. The city currently maintains 8,390 trees and is planting 200 more between Huntington and Foothill. Residents in that area who want a city tree planted in the public right-of-way may contact Brittany Jasso at bjasso@monroviaca.gov or 932-5562.

- Brad Haugaard

Compostapalooza at Community Garden, Mar. 7

2026-03-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Monrovia Community Garden (at Magnolia and Colorado) will host a free Compostapalooza tomorrow, Mar. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Event includes free bulk compost donated by Athens Services, worm compost bin workshops (while supplies last), composting demonstrations, and garden-themed arts and crafts. Registered attendees are eligible for raffles and giveaways. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Applications open for city boards and commissions through May 1

2026-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Monrovia is accepting applications for its Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board through May 1. An informational meeting will be held at 6 p.m. April 9 at City Hall. Terms begin July 1. For questions call Deputy City Clerk Sarah Godinez at 932-5599. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Free spring veggie workshop at Community Garden South, Mar. 21

2026-03-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Monrovia Community Garden South, next to Station Square Park, will host a free spring vegetable workshop on Mar. 21, 9-11 a.m. Free veggie starts available while supplies last. Parking at the free Park & Ride lot at 168 W. Pomona Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia, Mar. 7

2026-03-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a two-hour walking tour of downtown Monrovia tomorrow, March 7, starting at 10 a.m. at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues. Cost is $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

AI for Small Business seminar planned for Mar. 9

2026-03-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

AI for Small Business seminar will be held Mar. 9, 8:30-10 a.m. sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce ($20 members, $25 non-members). Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Huntington Drive work continues around Shamrock, California, and Primrose

2026-03-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Huntington Drive Improvement Project continues the week of Mar. 9-13, with work at the intersections of Huntington Drive at Shamrock, California, and Primrose. Expect single-lane traffic, multi-day closures, and turn restrictions. Avoid Huntington and Shamrock if possible. Work is expected to last through April.

- Brad Haugaard

City considers $76 million bond for Community Center, Recreation Park, City Hall, Fire Station 102

2026-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the city is considering four capital improvement projects totaling roughly $76 million: a $32 million Community Center renovation, a $20 million Recreation Park upgrade, a $20 million City Hall renovation, and a $4 million Fire Station 102 renovation. The city would issue bonds that would be repaid using existing Measure K sales tax revenue, with no new taxes or fees for residents.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-03-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

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

Trivia Night at the Library, March 6

The Drowsy Chaperone, March 6, 7

Living with Wildlife Presentation, Saturday, March 7

Children's arts and crafts at Library, March 7

Monrovia High to screen math documentary, March 10

Hang out with your yarn or fabric project, March 10

Choral Company to present A Night on Broadway, March 14

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

3rd Annual House Party at the Park Set for Mar. 15 in Library Park

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

Produce in the Park food sharing, March 7 at Mountainside Communion Church

Easter Bunny photos at Library Park on March 21

Monrovia Wine Walk April 11, Tickets on Sale

- Brad Haugaard

Assistant Monrovia High principal to move to Clifton to support middle schools consolidation

2026-03-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

Monrovia High Assistant Principal Kristal LeRoy-Pomerville will move to Clifton Middle School to support its consolidation with Santa Fe Middle School. She will join Principal Ashley Leone to help lead planning, culture-building, and student integration. Dr. Cara Reyes will serve as interim assistant principal at MHS for the remainder of the school year.

- Brad Haugaard

Coffee and tea cafe may replace Walgreens at Mountain and Huntington

2026-03-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

A 7Leaves Cafe - a coffee and tea restaurant chain - may be replacing the old Walgreen's Pharmacy at the northeast corner of Mountain and Huntington. Details. The Monrovia Planning Commission will consider the restaurant's application at its next meeting (agenda here). According to the company's website, the chain has 45 locations, the closest in El Monte and Covina.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe X2O

2026-03-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

Dinner at Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill, just east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Shawerma Wrap with baba ghanouj (smoky eggplant sauce) for $15 and a beer for $7. Tasty!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Officer doused with coffee; Woman tracks and batters man; Busted for inhaling nitrous oxide; text message bank scam; Etc.

2026-03-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 26 – March 4. 474 calls for service, 76 investigations, 5 mental evaluations, 5 traffic collisions, 14 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

FEBRUARY 26

Shoplifting
At 3:33 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
At 11:36 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Highland and Court saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

FEBRUARY 27

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 12:32 a.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a suspicious person. 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.

Shoplifting
At 4:26 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifter. The employee confronted the suspect in the parking lot and managed to recover the stolen property. The suspect fled on foot and was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 9:58 p.m., officers patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

FEBRUARY 28

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 12:03 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Colorado reported a male and female subject involved in a physical altercation. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the female subject tracked the male subject to the location, she confronted him, and battered him. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested
At 11:24 a.m., a witness in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported two subject doing drugs. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed they were in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
At 2:32 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported fraudulent activity on his bank account. An investigation revealed he lost his credit card at a store the day prior. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
At 6:59 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

MARCH 1

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 12:06 a.m., officers patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill saw a male subject passed out in front of a business. The officers made contact with the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 1:05 p.m., a witness in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported a male and female fighting in a parking lot. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. The female subject had visible injuries. An investigation revealed that a verbal argument turned physical. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
At 4:00 p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in a parking lot in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and made contact with the occupant. A computer search revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen early that day. The occupant was arrested and taken into custody.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
At 7:49 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of Royal Oaks reported that an adult female entered her property despite previously being advised not to trespass. Officers arrived and located the female subject a short distance away. She was arrested and cited.

MARCH 2

Grand Theft
At 9:16 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported his bicycle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
At 10:47 a.m., a witness in the 600 block of Parker reported a suspicious vehicle. An investigation revealed that a passenger in the suspicious vehicle gained access to a parked vehicle, removed property, and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 9:22 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. Officers arrived and located the suspects a short distance away. The victim did not desire prosecution. The subjects were also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 11:39 p.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Duarte officers saw a vehicle in violation of a traffic code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An officer observed a NOS tank in the back seat. The driver admitted to just purchasing the tank and inhaling some NOS. She was arrested and taken into custody.

MARCH 3

Fraud by False Pretenses
At 8:43 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of W. Scenic received a text on March 2, from who she believed to be a bank representative. She was convinced to transfer money to the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Burglary
At 10:00 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Olive reported a door knob and lock box were missing from a rear door. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
At 10:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of El Sur reported that an unknown subject opened credit cards under her two children’s names. This investigation is continuing.

Battery on Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
At 12:19 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject refusing to leave. An officer arrived and made contact with her and asked her to leave. As she began to walk out she threw a coffee at the officer. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
At 12:47 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Maple reported that checks were fraudulently cashed out. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
At 1:47 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported that an unknown subject fraudulently used a credit card that she had not received yet. This investigation is continuing.

MARCH 4

Grand Theft Auto
At 2:03 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported her vehicle stolen. The vehicle was located unoccupied in Los Angeles. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
At 9:26 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Oakdale reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Theft from Vehicle
At 12:18 p.m., a caller in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported seeing a subject remove a tool from his vehicle and flee. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 1:33 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Encinitas reported a male subject appeared intoxicated. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Theft from Vehicle
At 1:44 p.m., a victim in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower reported property was stolen from his vehicle while he was sitting in it. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 5:34 pm, a court order violation was reported in the 100 block of E. Central. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the caller’s sister was in violation of a court order and refusing to leave. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
March 4, at 6:21 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Heliotrope reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
At 11:13 p.m., a domestic violence was reported in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed that a domestic violence incident had not occurred, but it was discovered that the male subject was restricted from being near the female subject, in violation of a court order. As officers attempted to arrest the subject, he tensed up and attempted to pull away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Gold Line Monrovia opening is 10 years old today

2026-03-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

On March 5, 2016, ten years ago today, Metro opened the Foothill Gold Line Pasadena-to-Azusa extension after more than five years of design and construction. Thousands turned out to celebrate and ride the line.

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Bunny photos at Library Park on March 21

2026-03-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Easter Bunny photos at Library Park on March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Library Park. Families receive one professional print and digital 4x6 photo with spring backdrop and bunny. Arts and crafts, lawn games, and Library Storytimes included. Free event. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Hitch is a quirky and good-natured boy who likes exploring

2026-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hitch is a two-year-old gray pittie at Pasadena Humane with a charming, truly one-of-a-kind personality. He particularly enjoys heading out to explore, taking his time to sniff and investigate everything along the way. He already knows cues like “sit” and “down,” and he enjoys enrichment activities that keep his mind busy. While he’s not overly focused on toys, he finds plenty of joy in the little things, like the satisfying crunch of a leaf on a stroll!

Hitch is a thoughtful, quirky companion who marches to the beat of his own drum. He settles nicely after outings and has shown himself to be an easygoing, good-natured boy. He’s currently available for a 10-day adoption trial, giving potential adopters the chance to see just how special life with Hitch can be.

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: When banks published road maps

2026-03-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

A 1930 road map published by Security-First National Bank showing two of the bank's branch offices, at Myrtle and Lime and Myrtle and Orange (now Colorado). If you click through, it also shows a street map, motor routes and street index for Monrovia and Arcadia, and a motor route map of the state of California. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

'Counted Out' math film open to entire community, Monrovia High March 10

2026-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

Free screening of the math film, "Counted Out" on March 10 at Monrovia High. Food trucks (no, not free) and games at 5 p.m.; film at 6 p.m. Open to the entire community. RSVP here. The event is designed to focus on how the district is strengthening math instruction from elementary through high school. Here are videos about the district's commitment to math at elementary, middle school, and high school levels.

- Brad Haugaard

Calvary Chapel Monrovia switches from three to two services

2026-03-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

Though Calvary Chapel Monrovia (at Myrtle and Cherry) is growing, today it switched from three Sunday services to two, at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The reason is that it has opened an overflow room which allows it to accommodate more people for each service.

- Brad Haugaard