Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Gentle Mika is a low-key senior German Shepherd who knows a good treat

2026-10-06T12:22:08.000-07:00

Mika is a 12-year-old German Shepherd who is delightfully low-key and has an extra-special sense for a good treat! This senior girl is happiest taking a slow, sniff-filled stroll, getting brushed, or simply hanging out with her people. She’s incredibly gentle, too—taking treats carefully from your hand, walking beautifully on leash, and, according to her foster, never barking. She’s also perfectly content around other dogs and has the kind of calm, unassuming presence that makes her very easy to love.

If your idea of the perfect companion is a calm, sweet soul who’s happy to take life at an easy pace, Mika may just be your girl. Meet her today at Pasadena Humane. 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: Sgt. Richard Taylor, the Monrovia cameraman who filmed D-Day

2026-10-06T06:47:29.180-07:00

Sgt. Richard Taylor, son of Mrs. John Mills of 332 E. Palm Avenue, was an Army Signal Corps cameraman who waded ashore onto Omaha Beach on D-Day, 1944. Wounded but still filming, he shot hundreds of feet of film that became a newsreel, which Americans, including those at Monrovia's Lyric Theatre, watched a week later. 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

Street Rods Forever Car Show, Oct. 17 on Myrtle

2026-10-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

Street Rods Forever Car Show returns for its 35th year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, on Myrtle in Old Town. The free, family-friendly event - finale of the Route 66 centennial celebration - will feature up to 250 street rods, custom and muscle cars, vintage classics, trophies, vendors, and music by Jukebox Memories.

- Brad Haugaard

Make a Difference Day volunteers sought for Oct. 24

2026-10-05T09:44:03.981-07:00

The Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley is seeking volunteers for Monrovia’s Make a Difference Day Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to noon at Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave. Projects will improve homes and green spaces, beautify the city and help feed the community. Check-in is from 7 to 8 a.m.; lunch, snacks and event T-shirts will be provided. Sign up and see details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Spooktacular and Trick-or-Treat Bash, Oct. 31

2026-10-02T12:37:47.057-07:00

Old Town Monrovia and Library Park will host the Halloween Spooktacular and Trick-or-Treat Bash on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. The event is free and includes trick-or-treating in Old Town, Library activities, activity booths a photo booth, plus a costume contest in Library Park for youth, adults, groups, families and dogs. Registration opens at 3 p.m.

These streets will be closed from 1 to 7 p.m.: Myrtle from Palm to Walnut; the 100 block of West Palm; and the 100 block of West Lime. Mid-block parking lot on Lime will remain open for merchants and patrons.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Prayer Breakfast set for Nov. 20

2026-10-02T12:29:43.537-07:00

60th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast, Friday, Nov. 20, 8 to 10 a.m., Doubletree by Hilton Monrovia. The speaker is Rev. Dr. Karen Ann Tremper, professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and Portland Seminary with focus on leadership and global perspectives. Registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Painted Promises art fundraiser, Oct. 23–25

2026-10-02T12:20:29.712-07:00

Community Reimagined will present Painted Promises 2026, a three-day art fundraiser, Oct. 23–25 at 306 S. Myrtle Ave. (Southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm.) Proceeds support The Creative Compound, a free monthly gathering for local artists. Opening night is Friday, Oct. 23, for guests 21 and older. Tickets here. Each session includes food and drink. Saturday: adult classes, street art talks and open gallery hours. Sunday: youth classes and a final viewing. Original for sale.

- Brad Haugaard

Extreme Heat Warning for Monrovia, Oct. 2–8

2026-10-02T11:05:30.304-07:00

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Monrovia from Friday, Oct. 2, through Thursday, Oct. 8.

The Monrovia Community Center is open Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a cooling location. The Monrovia Public Library is open Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The Community Center has a limited number of fans available through its Fan Loan Program. To request one, call 256-8246.

The city advises residents to drink water, don’t leave children or pets in parked cars, check on vulnerable neighbors, and call 911 for signs of heat stroke. More heat safety tips are at ready.lacounty.gov/heat.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to consider state measures on housing, increasing approval threshold for local tax measures

2026-10-02T07:23:40.643-07:00

At its next meeting (agenda here) the City Council will consider...

~ Taking positions on two statewide propositions:

Staff recommends supporting Proposition 1, which would authorize $11.25 billion in bonds for affordable housing construction and preservation, veterans’ home loans, supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, and home-buyer assistance.

Staff recommends taking no position on Proposition 43, which would raise the approval threshold for citizen-initiated local special taxes from a simple majority to two-thirds and prohibit local property taxes beyond those constitutionally authorized.

~ Proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Oct. 18–24 United Against Hate Week, October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Oct. 24 as Make a Difference Day.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-10-02T06:51:11.258-07:00

Hand in Paw Rescue fundraiser yard sale, Oct. 1-4

Clifton Music Boosters plans Oct. 2 blood drive

Monrovia Guild of Children’s Hospital to hold fundraiser, Oct. 3

Historic Walking Tour of old Monrovia Oct. 3

Centre Stage fundraising gala, Oct. 3

Clothing Swap at the Library, Oct. 3

Spooky TableTop Adventures at the Library, Oct. 3

Compost and Mulch Giveaway, Oct. 3

Learn about composting with worms, Oct. 3

Meet & Greet ride with Monrovia Mountain Bike Racing Team, Oct. 3

Pokémon Craft-tastic! at the Library, Oct. 3

Pasadena Humane offers free large dog adoptions through Oct. 4

Mushroom photography exhibit opens at Canyon Park, Oct. 4

Teen Activity Hour at the Library, Oct. 5

Baby Storytime at the Library, Oct. 6

Big band dance social coming to Old Town Oct. 9, 30

Old Town Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 10

Fire Prevention Week Open House, Oct. 10

City Council, school board candidate forums, Oct. 12

Pumpkin carving for veterans at Library, Oct. 13

Free movie: 'Monrovia's Route 66', at Community Center Oct. 16

Veggie gardening workshop Oct. 17 at Community Garden South

Creation Connections concert at Maryknoll, Oct. 18

Chipotle Monrovia Fundraiser to Benefit Survivor Justice Center Oct. 21

Free bulky-item drop-off Oct. 24 at Station Square

Live Oak Cemetery tour, Oct. 24

Taste of Old Town Returns Oct. 25

Jewish Book Festival: Oct. 25 through Dec. 6

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at La Adelita

2026-10-01T18:21:05.240-07:00

Dinner at La Adelita, on the south side of Colorado about a half block east of Myrtle. Got the Tostada Compuesta with carnitas (no, it’s not a salad) for $13.95 and a soda for $3.95. Very nice.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Bryan Wong selected to head board of directors for Habitat for Humanity California

2026-10-01T15:45:59.684-07:00

Monrovian Bryan Wong, who served on the Monrovia School Board and now heads the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, has been selected to serve as Chair for Habitat for Humanity California's board of directors. Wong said it is an additional - and unpaid - position. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drunk arrestee head-butts cop; Man intentionally rams car; Multiple frauds in one afternoon; Suspect had drugs and loaded gun; Etc.

2026-10-01T15:30:10.760-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 23 - 30, 2026. 529 calls for service, 87 investigations, 6 mental evaluations, 5 traffic collisions, 39 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

SEPTEMBER 23

Trespass / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 2:15 a.m., officers patrolling the 700 block of W. Chestnut saw a male subject to the rear of a closed business. Officers attempted to make contact with the subject, but he walked away. Officers were able to make contact with him a short distance away. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 7:52 a.m., while patrolling the 400 block of N. Canyon an officer was flagged down by a victim who reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

At 3:02 p.m., a caller in the area of Magnolia and Colorado reported an intentional traffic collision where a vehicle ran into another vehicle. Officers arrived and made contact with a male subject standing outside. An investigation revealed the collision was intentional and the suspect was arrested.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 6:26 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 8:29 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of Pomona reported a battery. Officers arrived and made contact with the caller. The caller became uncooperative. Officers realized that caller was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Resist / Delay – Suspect Arrested

At 10:43 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Myrtle and Andre saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist became uncooperative and provided false identification. He was arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 24

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested

At 4:05 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of S. 5th reported that the male subject who had previously been directed by officers to leave a property, had returned. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 9:18 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported a theft. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim. An investigation revealed the victim was sitting in his parked vehicle with a bag containing cash, when multiple suspects arrived, opened the victim's vehicle door, took the bag and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation

At 9:42 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Ocean View reported a court order violation. Officers arrived and made contact with the resident. An investigation revealed that a restrained party violated the court order by contacting her. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 25

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 8:07 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject outside the store. An investigation revealed he also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 8:33 p.m., officers patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill saw a group of subjects shoplifting from a store. The officers made contact with the group and an investigation revealed one of the subjects was responsible for the theft. The subject was arrested.

Drug Offense / Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 11:57 p.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of W. Maple saw a suspicious vehicle and made contact with the driver. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia, controlled substance and a loaded firearm. He was arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 26

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 2:19 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of May reported several intoxicated subjects arguing. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism

At 2:19 a.m., a disturbance was reported in the 100 block of May. Officers arrived and determined a subject vandalized a neighbor's parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 8:23 p.m., a passerby in the 1000 block E. Lemon reported that a female subject appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Officers arrived and made contact with her. An investigation revealed she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 9:29 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported that a female stole merchandise and fled on foot. Officers arrived and located the female subject a short distance away. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Brush Fire

At 10:35 p.m., multiple callers in the 400 block of N. Alta Vista reported seeing a fire after hearing fireworks. Officers arrived and located a brush fire on the hillside. The officer used a fire hose to douse the flames and prevent the fire for spreading until MFD arrived and extinguished the fire. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 27

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 2:26 a.m., while patrolling the 1300 block of S. Mayflower an officer saw a subject and made contact with him. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery on a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested

At 10:21 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject drinking alcohol in front of the location. Officers arrived and made contact with the male subject. It was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and as officers were placing him in the patrol vehicle, the subject head-butted an officer. The officer sustained minor injuries.

Resisting / Delaying – Suspect Arrested

At 12:48 p.m., officers were alerted to a subject outside the MPD station causing a disturbance. Officers attempted to make contact with the subject, but the subject became argumentative and was refusing to cooperate. Officers arrested the subject.

Battery

At 1:10 p.m., a battery was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the victim was assaulted by the suspect. The suspect was determined to be experiencing mental health issues and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 3:29 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Duarte reported an intoxicated male. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who 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.

Battery / Public Intoxication / Resisting

At 7:04 p.m., a battery was reported in the 100 block of E. Colorado. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a battery had occurred and the suspect fled. Officers attempted to stop him, but he refused to stop. He was detained. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself and that he was suffering from a mental health disorder. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 9:30 p.m., a disturbance was reported in the area of Myrtle and Colorado. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

SEPTEMBER 28

Fraud

At 1:27 p.m., a victim in the 1000 block of Briarcliff reported that a check he mailed out was intercepted and fraudulently cashed. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud

At 2:30 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported receiving a call from a subject pretending to be a bank representative. She was asked to deposit money to an account, and after she did that, she realized she had been scammed. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery / Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 4:26 p.m., a loss prevention officer for a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a robbery. Officers arrived and made contact with the loss prevention officer. An investigation revealed the suspect took merchandise and when the loss prevention officer attempted to stop the suspect, the suspect pushed him. The suspect was located outside the store. He was found to be in possession of loaded handgun. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud

At 4:59 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of Heather Heights reported being scammed by an individual posing as a bank representative. The suspect contacted the victim by phone and instructed him to withdraw funds from his account. The victim then met the suspect in person and handed over the cash. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 8:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a subject making threats. 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.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 11:14 p.m., while patrolling the 300 block of W. Huntington an officer saw a subject sitting in a parked vehicle that was in violation of a vehicle code. The officer made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 29

Grand Theft

At 7:35 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Magnolia reported the catalytic converter to their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation

At 12:51 p.m., the victim in the 400 block of W. Walnut received a call from her ex-boyfriend who is currently restrained from calling her. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting

At 3:39 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft

At 8:35 p.m., a theft was reported at an auto shop in the 700 block of E. Huntington. An investigation revealed a subject fled the store with merchandise they did not pay for. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 30

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 7:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Patrician Way regarding a suspicious subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject admitted to the officers that he had a weapon on his person. He lifted his shirt, displaying a machete concealed in his waistband. He was arrested and transported to the station for booking. He was later released on a citation.

Hand in Paw Rescue fundraiser yard sale, Oct. 1-4

2026-10-01T09:38:17.159-07:00

A four-day community yard sale is scheduled for Oct. 1–4 at 225 Monroe Place in Monrovia. Today, Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 4. 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1–2. Proceeds to benefit cats and dogs through Hand in Paw Rescue.

- Brad Haugaard

Pasadena Humane offers free large dog adoptions through Oct. 4

2026-10-01T09:32:37.265-07:00

Pasadena Humane is partnering with Hill's Pet Nutrition for the "Home Sweet Homecoming" adoption campaign, waiving adoption fees for all large dogs weighing 40 pounds or more from September 30 through October 4. Adopters will also receive a Hill's New Pet Parent Kit including food, coupons, and post-adoption tips. Adoptions are available during shelter hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or view available dogs at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.

- Brad Haugaard

Film about Route 66 in Monrovia to Premiere Oct. 16

2026-10-01T09:22:27.814-07:00

The History of Monrovia’s Route 66, a 50-minute film by the Monrovia Historical Society and produced by KGEM, premieres Friday, Oct. 16, in the Community Center’s Kay Dalton Room, 119 W. Palm Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m.; screening at 5:30 p.m. Free admission; no reservations required. Popcorn and refreshments provided.

Historical photographs and film footage document the highway’s arrival in 1926, changes to its route, and businesses serving motorists. Featured sites include the Aztec Hotel, the McDonald brothers’ first food stands and the Monrovia Flying Field.

Route 66 experts will answer questions. Displays include a mock-up of McDonald’s Giant Orange and a 1926 Ford truck that has traveled the entire route.

- Brad Haugaard

Free movie: 'Monrovia's Route 66', at Community Center Oct. 16

2026-10-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

The free premier of an hour-long movie about Route 66 in Monrovia will take place on Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center's Kay Dalton Room (119 W. Palm). No RSVP; just show up. (The poster says 50 minutes but it's actually a bit longer.)

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Activity Hour at the Library, Oct. 5

2026-09-30T06:31:49.951-07:00

Teens in grades 7-12 can make Shrinky Dinks and hang out at the Library on Monday, Oct. 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Pokémon Craft-tastic! at the Library, Oct. 3

2026-09-30T06:31:12.343-07:00

Kids can create Pokémon crafts, enjoy coloring pages and complete a scavenger hunt at the Library on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Baby Storytime at the Library, Oct. 6

2026-09-30T06:27:27.488-07:00

Babies can build early literacy skills through songs, games, motion and books at Baby Storytime in the Story Room on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Taste of Old Town Returns Oct. 25

2026-09-30T06:21:24.342-07:00

The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia’s 11th annual Taste of Old Town will bring food and drinks from more than 50 vendors to Myrtle Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. The 21-and-older event benefits local youth programs and is expected to sell out. Details and tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaNow additions: Community guide, job links, transportation

2026-09-29T13:32:14.919-07:00

I've created three new mostly-static pages on MonroviaNow:

Community Guide - Links to information about Monrovia.
Jobs - Links to local - and sort-of local - job information.
Getting around - Transportation information: GoMonrovia, trains, bus lines.

There are links to these pages at the top of desktop version of MonroviaNow.

Hope this is helpful.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: The official Monrovia Days Song from 1950

2026-09-29T06:41:44.943-07:00

This is the official Monrovia Days Song from 1950, performed in the video above by Centre Stage singers. Words and music by Elizabeth Graeme and published by the Monrovia Lions Club. From the Steve Baker collection. If you'd like to sing along, click 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

Snuggly Rosie is a sweet couch companion who also loves a good walk

2026-09-28T14:05:50.000-07:00

Meet Rosie, a sweet 4-year-old girl who's happiest when she's close to her favorite people. At about 45 pounds, she's the perfect size for snuggling up on the couch—and cuddling with her foster mom is one of her very favorite activities.

When she's not snoozing on the couch or relaxing in her dog bed, Rosie loves playing with rope toys and heading out for enthusiastic walks. She's got a wonderful mix of playful energy and cozy couch-potato charm.

Rosie is ready to trade her foster home for a couch—and family—of her very own. Come meet this affectionate girl and see if she's the one you've been waiting for!

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

Big band dance social coming to Old Town Oct. 9, 30

2026-09-28T09:54:41.526-07:00

Dance Around The Clock Monrovia will host an evening of ballroom, Latin and swing dancing with the 23-piece Gem City Jazz Cats Oct. 9 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is $25 at the door; no reservation is needed. Details are here.

- Brad Haugaard