Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

City to consider issuing $76 million bond for renovations, consolidating elections

2026-05-16T08:06:10.668-07:00

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

~ Beginning proceedings to issue up to $76 million in bond financing to renovate the Community Center, Recreation Park, Fire Station 102, and City Hall. Details.

~ Consolidate the municipal elections with the statewide general election, on Nov. 3, 2026. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

City interested in property on north edge of Monrovia

2026-05-16T06:47:48.158-07:00

The city is apparently interested (see here) in acquiring a parcel of land at 347 Highland Place in north Monrovia (marked with orange dot). Comment: It would make a nice addition to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans meetup at Starbucks, May 26

2026-05-16T06:28:04.958-07:00

Veterans meetup at the Starbucks at Huntington and Magnolia, May 26, 6 to 7 p.m. Veterans and military service members can receive free coffee, meet other veterans, and schedule appointments with a Veterans Service Officer or a representative from Veterans Peer Access Network. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen activity at the Library, June 1

2026-05-16T06:25:24.532-07:00

Teen Activity Hour at the Library’s Community Room, Monday, June 1, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Teens in grades 7-12 can participate in an activity planned by the Teen Advisory Board leadership team. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days is on

2026-05-15T17:26:19.443-07:00

Carnival today in Library Park until 10 p.m., then again tomorrow and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Harbaugh named schools' Classified Employee of the Year

2026-05-15T11:37:57.793-07:00

Plymouth Elementary office manager Desiree Harbaugh has been named Monrovia Schools' Classified Employee of the Year for 2025-2026 after 13 years serving the school community in volunteer, PTA, library, and office roles. Harbaugh said she was "1,000% surprised to be selected." She said her favorite part of the job is greeting students and families each morning and helping create a welcoming school culture.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20

2026-05-15T10:49:13.586-07:00

RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard

Library book sale Saturday, May 16

2026-05-15T07:52:50.688-07:00

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, the Friends of the Monrovia Public library will hold its Spring Book Sale, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the library.

- Brad Haugaard

Viola's Bar & Bistro Now Hiring as Monrovia Opening Approaches

2026-05-15T07:38:36.882-07:00

Viola's Bar & Bistro, a new French bistro café set in a restored historic property at 512 S. Ivy in Monrovia, is now hiring. The restaurant, in the residence of former City Historian Steve Baker, is expected to open soon.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-05-15T07:15:15.125-07:00

Monrovia Days, May 14-17

Free adult dog adoptions May 15-24

Special seat belt enforcement campaign begins May 18

Game Night for Adults at the Library, May 22

Free garden tools workshop at Monrovia Community Garden South, May 23

Watercolor workshop at the Community Center, May 27

Boys and Girls Club carnival May 31

VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13

Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to consider summer pool program for public; contraband sniffer dogs

2026-05-14T19:44:32.116-07:00

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Consider an agreement with the City of Monrovia and the Santa Anita Family YMCA for a summer pool program at Monrovia High. The 8-week program (June 8-July 31) would offer open swim, lap swim, and recreation. The city would contribute $8,000 and the YMCA would provide staffing and management. Details.

~ Consider paying $200 per visit for sniffer dogs on district campuses to detect contraband, "to include, but not be limited to, all drugs of abuse (in the broadest terms), alcoholic beverages, firearms and ammunition." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Taisho Teriyaki Grill

2026-05-14T18:26:00.386-07:00

Dinner at Taisho Teriyaki Grill, in the shopping center at the northeast corner of Huntington and Fifth. Got the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl (#5) for $11.95. It came with a drink and the bill had no space for a tip!. Tasty and filling.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Kids found in filthy car; Four catalytic converters stolen; Trash-can arsonist caught; Woman scammed by family-danger call; Etc.

2026-05-14T15:35:22.672-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 7 – 13, 2026. 538 calls for service, 112 investigations, 1 mental evaluations, 7 traffic collisions, 11 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

MAY 7

Vehicle Burglary

At 9:21 a.m., a victim in the 1100 block of S. Magnolia reported that his vehicle was burglarized. An investigation revealed one of his windows was shattered and the vehicle was ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Located

At 1:56 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Foothill and Canyon saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the occupants were contacted. A computer search revealed the passenger was reported missing in West Covina. The passenger was removed from the missing person system.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 2:12 p.m., a caller in the area of Mountain and Valley View reported a suspicious vehicle. Officers arrived and contacted the driver. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

At 2:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that they were notified that a vehicle which they purchased from a tow yard had been reported stolen. An officer recovered the vehicle and had it stored. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 4:48 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the suspect. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Counterfeiting

At 8:44 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject made a purchase with counterfeit money. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 11:22 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington 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 drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

MAY 8

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 12:10 a.m., while patrolling near a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a subject in the park, after hours. The officer made contact with the subject. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 2:19 a.m., an officer patrolling near a park in the 600 block of S. Shamrock saw a subject in a park after hours and made contact with him. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 8:04 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject who appeared to be smoking narcotics. Officers arrived, located the subject and made contact with him. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance and had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence

At 8:33 a.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that her boyfriend had pushed her the day prior. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud

At 1:44 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Ivy reported that a check she wrote and dropped off at a post office was altered and fraudulently cashed. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested

At 3:41 p.m., an employee at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Two female subjects entered the store, concealed merchandise, and exited without paying. Officers responded, located and detained both subjects, and they were positively identified by the reporting party. Both were placed under arrest for grand theft and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for booking.

Theft

At 4:16 p.m., a caller reported her phone was stolen while she was shopping at Kohl's, 504 W Huntington Dr. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

At 4:29 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported a burglary that occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on May 7. Surveillance footage showed the suspect locating a spare key, using it to gain entry, and stealing approximately $400 from an unsecured safe inside the business. This investigation is continuing.

Battery

At 7:39 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle involving multiple juveniles fighting. Officers learned two juvenile females battered another juvenile female before fleeing the area. The victim sustained minor injuries. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism

At 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism in the area of Fifth and Huntington after a witness heard multiple subjects spray painting beneath a bridge. Officers located fresh purple and blue graffiti on a wall under the bridge reading "EDB" and "41:10." The suspects had fled prior to officers' arrival and were not located. Public Works was notified for removal. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 10:39 p.m., an officer conducted a bicycle stop in the area of Shamrock and Evergreen for a vehicle code violation. During the investigation, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and transported to jail for booking.

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested

At 11:54 p.m., an officer contacted two subjects in the 100 block of W. Duarte during a pedestrian stop. During the investigation, one subject was found to have an outstanding warrant, while the other was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested and transported to jail for booking.

MAY 9

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 12:41 a.m., an officer contacted a subject inside a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle after posted hours. During the investigation, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and transported to jail for booking.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 2:09 a.m., an officer contacted a subject in the area of Huntington and Highway Esplanade. The subject was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested and transported to jail for booking.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 7:54 p.m., an officer on patrol contacted a subject in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. During the investigation, the subject was found to have an outstanding warrant and displayed objective signs of intoxication to the point he was unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested on the warrant and for public intoxication, and transported to jail for booking.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 8:03 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a subject in the area of Olive and Magnolia who appeared intoxicated and stopped to check on his welfare. During the contact, the subject displayed objective signs of intoxication and was determined to be unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and transported to jail for booking.

Grand Theft

At 8:35 p.m., officers responded to a theft report at a department store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported her wallet was taken from her purse while shopping. The wallet contained identification cards, a debit card, and approximately $2,600 in cash. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 10:02 p.m., an officer contacted a subject in the area of Fifth and Huntington during a pedestrian stop. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 10:02 p.m., an officer contacted a subject in a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle after hours. During the contact, the subject attempted to conceal drug paraphernalia from the officer. Further investigation revealed the subject was also in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and transported to jail for booking.

MAY 10

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested

At 1:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of an occupied suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers contacted the male occupant inside the running vehicle and conducted an investigation. During the contact, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to jail for booking.

Vandalism

At 10:22 a.m., a victim in the area of Myrtle and Los Angeles reported that a male subject struck his vehicle with a cane multiple times, shattering the driver window. This investigation is continuing.

Child Abuse – Suspect Arrested

At 2:07 p.m., a caller in a parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported several children alone inside a vehicle for an extended period of time. Officers arrived and located the children in a severely unkempt vehicle. The mother was arrested when she returned to the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

MAY 11

Theft from Vehicle

At 8:29 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Spanner reported a theft from her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 10:14 a.m., copper cable was reported stolen from under the roadway in the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud by False Pretense

At 12:56 p.m., a victim reported a phone scam at the MPD lobby, stating an unknown subject claimed her family was in danger and coerced her into wiring money. The victim confirmed her family was safe after completing the transfer and realized the call was fraudulent. This investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 1:18 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Shamrock and Central 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 a loaded firearm. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud by False Pretense

At 2:17 p.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Walnut received a call from whom she believed to be a phone service representative. She was asked to pay for a service and after paying she realized it was a scam.

Grand Theft

At 2:25 p.m., the theft of copper cable was reported in the area of Shamrock and Royal Oaks. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested

At 8:22 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft in progress. Officers arrived and located the suspects outside the store. They were arrested and taken into custody.

MAY 12

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 12:36 a.m., an officer patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle saw a subject in the park after hours and made contact with her. An investigation revealed she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested

At 2:02 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Violet regarding a female checking door handles. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. An investigation revealed she was in possession of credit cards that did not belong to her. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 4:38 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Palm regarding subjects on a resident's driveway. Officers arrived and determined the resident's catalytic converter had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Tampering

At 4:45 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Violet reported several packages belonging to residents had been ripped open. This investigation is continuing.

Arson – Suspect Arrested

At 7:36 a.m., a caller in the area of Colorado and Myrtle reported seeing a subject lighting trash cans on fire. Officers arrived and located the subject who admitted to lighting the trash cans on fire. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 8:17 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of W. Hillcrest reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 3:36 p.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report the catalytic converter to his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

At 5:30 p.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill reported that a subject was attempting to purchase merchandise with fake money. While the subject was attempting to pay, another subject stole merchandise from the back of the business. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 6:07 p.m., a caller at a business in the 800 block of W. Huntington reported a disturbing subject yelling at customers. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and he was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

MAY 13

Grand Theft

At 12:54 p.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Hillcrest reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Trespass – Suspects Arrested

At 3:03 p.m., a caller in the area of Magnolia and Evergreen reported a subject trespassing in a vacant residence. Officers arrived and located a female subject inside a vacant residence. While officers were detaining the female subject, a male subject was approaching the vacant residence. He was found to have warrants for his arrest. She was arrested, cited and released at the scene. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Free adult dog adoptions May 15-24

2026-05-13T11:57:43.907-07:00

Pasadena Humane will waive adoption fees for dogs 6 months and older during its “May I Go Home With You?” promotion, May 15-24. More than 40 adult dogs are available. Adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and a microchip. Standard procedures and possible licensing fees still apply. Adoptions available daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. View pets here.

Monrovia Days starts tomorrow, Thursday, with Monrovia Days Parade

2026-05-13T06:47:40.202-07:00

This year Monrovia Days - May 14-17 - celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday and the Route 66 centennial, with a Western theme. Live music, beer garden, carnival food, games, and rides.

Thursday, May 14

Monrovia Days Parade The parade begins at 7 p.m. on Myrtle Avenue at Olive Avenue, proceeding north to Library Park.

Friday, May 15

5 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Carnival rides, food and games
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. - Youth Performances
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. - Live Entertainment, Stone Soul - Motown Band

Saturday and Sunday

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Friends of the Library Book Sale
Noon - 10 p.m. - Carnival rides, food and games
Noon - 4 p.m. - Youth Entertainment
Noon - 5 p.m. Yesteryear Exhibit in the Multi-Purpose Room
4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Parade Awards Ceremony (on Saturday)
5 pm - 5:30 p.m. - Merengue Bakery Pie Eating Contest (on Saturday)
7 pm – 10 p.m. - Live Entertainment, Blue Breeze Band - Funk & Soul Band

- Brad Haugaard

Goofy, adventurous Daymond is a pit bull who lives life at full throttle

2026-05-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Daymond loves to live life at full speed — whether he's enjoying playtime in the Training Yard at Pasadena Humane, sniffing every corner of Old Town, or making friends over pup cups. This 1-year-old pit bull terrier is a volunteer and foster favorite thanks to his goofy personality, affectionate nature, and adventurous spirit.

He loves walks, toys, treats, and being around people. And when the excitement of the day has passed, he's happy to settle in nearby for pets and cuddles. Daymond is also potty trained, great on walks, and very food-motivated, making him the perfect companion for a similarly energetic adopter.

Daymond is available for adoption today! From May 15–24, all adult dogs can be adopted for free during the "May I Go Home With You?" adoption promotion 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: Where the McDonalds got their start

2026-05-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Airdrome (top right corner of photo) at 742 E Huntington Drive was one of two original orange juice stands owned by Richard McDonald and his brother Maurice. It and the Giant Orange (a second stand at 721 E Huntington) were at the Monrovia Flying Field, which was roughly across the street from the current Aldi shopping center. Both were the first McDonald's! 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

Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27

2026-05-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Upper Water district is sponsoring a Fire Resilient Gardening workshop at its headquarters June 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Upper Water and the UC Master Gardeners will present strategies for plant selection, garden design, and maintenance to help reduce wildfire risk around homes. Headquarters is at 248 E. Foothill Blvd., first level. Registration required here. Questions: Katherine@usgvmwd.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Mothers' Day to a Monrovia mom from USS Nimitz

2026-05-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

A Monrovia Navy crew member aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, AO3 Puente, recorded this video for her mom for Mother's Day. (AO3 stands for Aviation Ordnanceman Petty Officer 3rd Class, an enlisted rank of E-4).

“Hi, my name is AO3 Puente. I’m from Monrovia, California, on the USS Nimitz and on Mother’s Day, I want to recognize my mom, Evelyn Busiere. She’s my heart and soul, and I just want to tell her, love you, Mom.”

- Brad Haugaard

Special seat belt enforcement campaign begins May 18

2026-05-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Monrovia Police will conduct extra patrols through May 31 as part of the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign, looking for drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts or children not properly secured in car or booster seats.

- Brad Haugaard

Boys and Girls Club carnival May 31

2026-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Family carnival and Youth of the Year rally at Recreation Park May 31, noon to 4 p.m. Inflatables, games, food trucks, car show, and open house. Open to the public. $20 wristband for activities; $25 at the door. Adults must pre-register and sign waivers. Cashless event. Sponsorships and congratulatory messages available. Tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

Baby Storytime at the Library, May 12

2026-05-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Baby Storytime at the Library, Tuesday, May 12, 10 to 10:30 a.m. For children to age five. Books, songs, games, and motion activities to help develop pre-literacy skills. Children must attend with an adult. For information call the Library at 256-8274. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Game Night for Adults at the Library, May 22

2026-05-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Game Night for Adults at the Library, May 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults 18 and older can play board games, puzzles, and Nintendo Switch games, or bring games to share. In the Library Lobby. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast tomorrow, May 9

2026-05-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

- Brad Haugaard

Art Night Tonight at Grey & Cash

2026-05-08T11:51:00.001-07:00

The Monrovia Fine Arts Association is hosting Art Night this evening at Grey & Cash in Old Town, from 6 to 9 p.m. Artists interested in displaying their work at a future event can find more information at monroviafinearts.org.

- Brad Haugaard