Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

A Moment in Monrovia History: St. Luke's Church, 1907

2026-09-15T09:18:11.689-07:00

This 1907 image shows an earlier version of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia, now located at Foothill and California. This image was likely captured on a postcard. From the Steve Baker collection. See 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

Educators can apply for $1,000 water education grants

2026-09-14T19:35:37.804-07:00

Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is offering grants of up to $1,000 for K-12 classroom or school projects that help students understand water’s role in Southern California. Educators at licensed schools within the district’s service area may apply by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Details and application here.

- Brad Haugaard

Compost and Mulch Giveaway, Oct. 3

2026-09-14T09:48:04.361-07:00

- Brad Haugaard

City Council candidate Rojas attacks candidate Spicer's past

2026-09-12T17:18:42.336-07:00

A flyer from City Council candidate Jesus Rojas' campaign mailed to Monrovia households says incumbent Council Member "Larry Spicer has a long history of criminal charges - including violence - from the 1980s and 1990s." Rojas lists: Battery, spousal abuse, child-related assault/abuse, DUI, and forgery/credit card offense.

I asked Spicer to respond. He writes:

"This is all I have to say: Monrovia, by now many of you have seen the political hit piece circulating in the mail. It comes from someone running for City Council for the second time someone who has never been involved in our city’s work and apparently has no ideas for Monrovia’s future if he’s been digging up events from 50 years ago. If he wants to talk about real issues and real qualifications, I’m ready. My record is public, my service is consistent, and my commitment to Monrovia has never wavered. I’m in our neighborhoods every day, and anyone who wants to talk with me knows exactly where to find me, I’m all over town, and everybody knows my number."

There are three candidates for two open City Council seats. The candidates are incumbents Larry Spicer and Dr. Tamala Kelly, and challenger Jesus Rojas. The election will be held Nov. 3.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn about composting with worms, Oct. 3

2026-09-12T13:43:07.787-07:00

Learn the basics of composting with worms, 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3 at Monrovia Community Garden at Colorado and Magnolia.

- Brad Haugaard

Interview with Habitat for Humanity CEO Bryan Wong

2026-09-12T09:49:45.328-07:00

An interview with Bryan Wong, former Monrovia School Board member and currently CEO of the Monrovia-based San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Following the Eaton fire, Habitat has committed to helping build 25 new homes. How do you decide which families receive help, and what happens to qualified applicants you cannot accommodate?

We’re proud to share that San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has expanded its commitment from 25 homes to 40. Five homes have been completed; 20 are under construction, and many more are in preconstruction.

Our primary criteria are straightforward: families must be low- to moderate-income, the home must have been owner-occupied before the fire, and the family must be committed to returning to the community once it’s rebuilt.

For families who qualify but whom we can’t yet accommodate, the honest answer is funding. The need is greater than our current resources. Every dollar we raise helps us build another home, so we will continue building as resources allow. Our goal is to help as many fire-affected families return home as possible.

What has most delayed or increased the cost of rebuilding—permits, insurance, financing, labor, materials or something else—and what specific change would remove the greatest obstacle?

Rebuilding 6,000 homes in a fire-devastated area is extraordinarily dynamic, and we’ve seen challenges across the board from permitting and insurance to financing, labor and materials. We’ve worked with the County to cut permitting time by 80%, which is a significant improvement.

We’re also partnering with insurers and others to ensure required fire-hardening improvements translate into lower hazard premiums. We’re also developing two 0% loan programs: one for home reconstruction and another, with no interest or payments, to help families cover living expenses—such as rent, car payments, and existing loans—while they rebuild.

Looking ahead, I expect wage and material inflation as construction ramps up, and tariff uncertainty is a real wild card. But if I had to identify the greatest obstacle, it is making sure families have enough financing to bridge the gap between what insurance provides and what it actually costs to rebuild and live through the process.

That’s why access to flexible, affordable financing could make the greatest difference. And I will say this: government entities at every level are working harder on this than I’ve seen in a long time.

After serving on the Monrovia school board for many years, what connections do you see between housing instability and students’ enrollment, attendance or performance?

Housing instability has always concerned educators, but a disaster of this scale creates an entirely new dimension. Many of these are families who have never experienced housing instability before, and now their children are navigating new schools, new classmates and unfamiliar surroundings while their parents face enormous uncertainty about where they will ultimately live.

That instability can affect much more than where a child sleeps. It can disrupt enrollment and attendance, make it harder for students to maintain routines and relationships, and create additional stress that can affect their ability to focus and learn. Schools are absorbing that disruption too, dealing with reduced enrollment as families leave the area, on top of ongoing pressures around budgets, class size and facilities.

Students, parents and educators are remarkably resilient, but stability matters. The sooner we can help families rebuild their homes and reestablish a permanent place in the community, the sooner we can give children the consistency and sense of belonging they need to thrive.

- Brad Haugaard

National Preparedness Month focuses on living with wildlife

2026-09-11T11:03:36.353-07:00

Monrovia's foothill neighborhoods share space with bears and coyotes, and the city says: Secure trash cans, pick up fallen fruit daily, and keep pet food indoors. If you spot a bear or coyote, stay calm, don't run, keep your distance, and make loud noises. Related: Pasadena Humane is offering a free workshop on animal-proofing your property. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Garden Club meets Sep. 28; native plants program

2026-09-11T10:55:44.883-07:00

The Monrovia Garden Club will meet Monday, Sep. 28, with social time at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. at Monrovia Community Church's Fellowship Hall, at Foothill and Myrtle. Presenter Orchid Black will discuss native plants that support pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

- Brad Haugaard

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

2026-09-11T10:53:25.206-07:00

Monrovia students in grades 6-12 are invited to a Meet & Greet Ride with the Monrovia Mountain Bike Racing Team on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 8:30 a.m. The ride starts near 530 Cloverleaf Drive and includes a short ride. Riders should bring their own bike; all skill levels are welcome. Parents and students are both asked to attend. Email mhsmtbteam@gmail.com for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Frontier customers affected by copper theft outages can request billing credit

2026-09-11T10:50:07.903-07:00

Frontier, now part of Verizon, says about 250 Monrovia customers have been without phone and internet service since May 8 because of copper theft. Repairs are being completed in phases through October.

Customers who have not received a bill can call Frontier customer support at 800-921-8101 with account number, billing address, and dates of the outage. If verified, customers will have a prorated credit on their next bill. Also, Frontier is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the thefts.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Ashley Sanchez nearing NWSL scoring record

2026-09-11T10:47:06.604-07:00

Former Monrovia High School standout Ashley Sanchez was named National Women's Soccer League Player of the Week and August Player of the Month. Playing for the North Carolina Courage, Sanchez scored three goals against the Chicago Stars, bringing her season total to 18 goals — the most ever by an American player in a single NWSL season. She is two goals from the all-time NWSL single-season record of 20, with seven games remaining. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-09-11T06:36:13.369-07:00

Pasadena Humane Offers $25 Dog Adoptions Sept. 10-13

9/11 community remembrance at Fire Station 101, Sep. 11

Food ED Green Care Day, Sep. 12

Dungeons & Dragons 101 at the Library, Sep. 12

Teen Powerpoint Party at the Library, Sep. 12

Earthquake preparedness workshop at Monrovia Library, Sep. 12

Free community bike ride to evaluate city's bicycle plan, Sep. 12

Innovation Lab for STEAM activities at the Library, Sep. 16

Free wildfire insurance webinar, Sep. 17

Blood drive at Library, Sep. 17 - Hello Kitty items for donors while supplies last

Free Upper Water District landscaping workshop, Sep. 17

Rotary Casino Night and Speakeasy, Sept. 19

Fountain to the Falls 10K Run/Walk, Sep. 19

Magic the Gathering 101 at the Library, Sep. 19

Rotary Club Casino Night and Speakeasy at Community Center, Sep. 19

Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library, Sep. 19

4th Annual Happy Health Day Set for Sept. 20 at Monrovia YMCA

Paint and Sip For Kids at the Library, Sep. 21

Trip to Medieval Times planned for Sept. 24

Toddler and Preschool STEAM Activities at the Library, Sep. 25

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

Historic Walking Tour of old Monrovia Oct. 3

Monrovia Guild Hosts Autumn Tea Fundraiser for Children's Hospital, Oct. 3

Centre Stage fundraising gala, Oct. 3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Guild Hosts Autumn Tea Fundraiser for Children's Hospital, Oct. 3

2026-09-10T20:35:23.269-07:00

The Monrovia Guild is hosting an Autumn Tea on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jordan Hall, Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Guest speaker is Jenny Barker, known as "The Flower Doctor." Tickets are $50 per person, with all proceeds benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Purchase tickets at monroviaguild4chla.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Casa Jimenez

2026-09-10T18:24:43.558-07:00

Dinner at Casa Jimenez, on the Mountain side of the Home Depot complex. Got the Caldo Pescado (fish soup) for $17.95 and an iced tea for $3.95. Very good.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bear steals whipped cream; Juvenile robbed at knifepoint; Driver had nitrous oxide, warrants; Missing OC woman found; Etc.

2026-09-10T16:49:46.051-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 3 - 9, 2026. 460 calls for service, 71 investigations, 2 mental evaluations, 1 traffic collision, 27 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

SEPTEMBER 3

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 9:44 a.m., employees from a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested

At 2:16 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Duarte reported a male subject broke a statue in the cemetery and walked away. Officers arrived and located the subject in the location. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 6:58 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and discovered that a male and female subject stole merchandise the day prior. This investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery

At 8:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. Walnut regarding a suspicious subject in a vehicle. The subject was gone prior to officers' arrival, however, the vehicle was located. The vehicle was found with a damaged ignition, smashed window, and obscured vehicle identification number. A computer search revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Pasadena. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 4

Drug Offense / False Information – Suspects Arrested

At 2:04 a.m., while patrolling the area of Magnolia and Foothill an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the occupants of the vehicle were contacted. The driver was found to be in possession of a nitrous oxide tank with the intent to inhale it, he was refusing to positively identify himself and a computer search revealed he had two warrants for his arrest. The passenger was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 3:17 p.m., a passerby in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious male subject in a vehicle behind a business. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was found with an empty bottle of alcohol. It was 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.

Robbery

At 3:57 p.m., a juvenile victim walking in the area of Colorado and Primrose reported walking home from school when juvenile suspects approached him, produced a knife and stole his backpack. An investigation revealed the victim was pushed to the ground and he sustained injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 8:16 p.m., officers responded to a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. The stolen merchandise was recovered. The subject was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Evading / Pursuit

At 10:35 p.m., while patrolling the area of Canyon and Huntington an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code before the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver was refusing to stop. A short pursuit ensued, but was discontinued in the interest of public safety. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 5

Vandalism

At 8:58 a.m., an employee from a property management company for a residential complex in the 100 block of W. Olive reported that a resident damaged landscaping. Officers arrived and made contact with the resident. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting

At 7:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. An investigation revealed a male subject concealed merchandise and left without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation

At 9:06 p.m., a victim in the 1400 block of Encino reported her ex-boyfriend attempted to open a window to her home and threatened to assault her. A computer search revealed he was in violation of a court order. He was gone prior to officers' arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person Located

At 9:22 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of N. Mountain regarding a female subject refusing to leave the property. Officers arrived and made contact with her. A computer search revealed she had been reported missing out of Orange County. She was removed from the missing persons system.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 8:41 p.m., officers patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington made contact with a male subject who displayed signs of intoxication. Officers 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.

SEPTEMBER 6

Resisting / Delaying – Suspect Arrested

At 1:21 a.m., a family dispute with several intoxicated subjects was reported in the 400 block of Monrovista. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. As officers were investigating the disturbance, a subject abruptly stood, clenched his fists and quickly advanced toward an officer. The subject was restrained. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 3:15 p.m., an employee of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Evading

At 10:35 p.m., officers in the area of Canyon and Huntington conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation, but the driver refused to stop. A short pursuit was initiated and terminated quickly. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 7

Attempt Grand Theft Auto / Grand Theft

At 7:48 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported her parked vehicle had a punched ignition. Officers arrived and the investigation revealed unknown subjects attempted to steal the vehicle, stole the catalytic converter and the stereo.

Grand Theft

At 1:21 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report his e-bike was stolen from the 600 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting

At 2:00 p.m., a loss prevention officer for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft that had occurred the day prior. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 9:20 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Shrode saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 10:41 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a male subject in a park after hours. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 8

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 2:07 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle saw a subject who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. He contacted the subject and an investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance.

Drug Activity / Urinating in Public – Suspect Arrested

At 3:06 a.m., while patrolling the 100 block of W. Maple an officer saw a subject urinating in public. The officer made contact with the subject and discovered the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 1:09 p.m., a disturbance was reported at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and recognized the subject causing the disturbance from previous contacts. Officers arrived, 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.

SEPTEMBER 9

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 1:41 a.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Ivy the officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and rider was contacted. An investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

At 9:04 a.m., an employee at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck noticed a vehicle that was in a parking lot for a few days. A computer search revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Theft

At 9:39 a.m., a landscaper working in the 800 block of Valley View reported equipment was stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Theft

At 3:59 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Poppy reported a bear in his garage rummaging through his refrigerator. The bear left with whipped cream.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 10:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a male subject sleeping in the park. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Pasadena Humane Offers $25 Dog Adoptions Sept. 10-13

2026-09-10T11:09:34.010-07:00

Pasadena Humane is offering a dog adoption special September 10–13, reducing fees to $25 for all dogs 6 months and older. The shelter currently cares for more than 450 animals, including more than 150 dogs, and is urging the community to adopt - especially larger dogs - to create space for incoming animals. Adoption hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and available animals can be viewed at pasadenahumane.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library, Sep. 19

2026-09-09T06:18:53.546-07:00

Hispanic Heritage Month will include a performance by Grupo Folklorico Legado De Mi Tierra, cultural crafts, and a free book for little ones while supplies last, Saturday, Sep. 19, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Library. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Paint and Sip For Kids at the Library, Sep. 21

2026-09-09T06:17:19.745-07:00

Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy snacks and paint from themed samples or create their own canvas art on Monday, Sep. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Library. Register.

- Brad Haugaard

Toddler and Preschool STEAM Activities at the Library, Sep. 25

2026-09-09T06:16:19.446-07:00

Young science enthusiasts ages 2-5 can explore hands-on biology, physics, engineering, chemistry, and more on Friday, Sep. 25, 11-11:45 a.m. at the Library. Register.

- Brad Haugaard

4th Annual Happy Health Day Set for Sept. 20 at Monrovia YMCA

2026-09-08T18:29:01.971-07:00

The 4th Annual Happy Health Day will be held Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Santa Anita Family YMCA, 501 S. Mountain Avenue, Monrovia. The free health fair offers consultations and education from Chinese and Western medicine practitioners, with a focus on older adults and healthy aging.

- Brad Haugaard

Trip to Medieval Times planned for Sept. 24

2026-09-08T14:23:32.622-07:00

Monrovia Community Center is sponsoring a trip to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Includes jousting, sword fights, horses, a falcon demonstration and four-course meal, with time to explore the castle and gift shop. Bus departs by 5 p.m. Cost: $80 for residents, $90 for non-residents. Call the Community Center at (626) 256-8246 for more information, or to register.

- Brad Haugaard

Curious Mystic is a bright-eyed Belgian Malinois who's mastered the art of the adorable head tilt

2026-09-08T13:16:22.601-07:00

Mystic is a bright-eyed 9-month-old Belgian Malinois with a curious mind and an extra-sweet side. She loves exploring her surroundings, sniffing out treats, and putting her brain to work with games and puzzles while she's at Pasadena Humane. Although she's still young and learning, she's eager to engage and enjoys figuring things out along the way.

And then there are those ears! Pair them with her signature head tilt, and Mystic has perfected the art of looking absolutely adorable. When she's ready for a quieter moment, this curious girl is happy to lean in for some gentle neck scratches and affection. Sweet, smart, and undeniably cute, Mystic is ready to charm her way into a home of her own!

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: A Tally Ho Party at Baxter's Livery Stable, c. 1903

2026-09-08T07:49:13.203-07:00

This c. 1903 photo shows a Tally Ho party outside John A. Baxter's Fashion Stables on East Lemon Avenue, a livery, feed, and sale business run by proprietor John Baxter. Tally Ho outings were group rides in a large horse-drawn coach, often to picnics, races, resorts, or country inns. They were fashionable social outings in the late-19th-century. 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

Monrovia High student designs device to help disabled kitten

2026-09-06T15:36:01.432-07:00

William, a Monrovia High student, has designed a mobility device for Hazel, a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia, which affects her balance and coordination. Click here to see the video. (Hand in Paw rescue, here.)

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to receive report on tight budget; consider giving money to employees who opt out of health benefits

2026-09-04T18:06:26.397-07:00

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board of Education (agenda) will ...

~ Receive an un-audited financial report saying district spending exceeded revenue by $9.3 million in 2025-26, reducing the general fund balance from $30.7 million to $21.3 million. The report says another $2.2 million deficit is projected for 2026-27. Also, average daily attendance (which the state uses to determine how much money districts get) is expected to decline by about 114 students, or 2.6 percent. The district plans to cut overall general fund spending by 6 percent, including reductions of 4.1 percent in certificated (teachers, administrators, other professionals) salaries, 25.8 percent in books and supplies, 14 percent in services and 70 percent in capital spending. [AI used to analyze this report]. Details.

~ Consider approving an amendment to the Monrovia Teachers Association memo of understanding giving teachers who opt out of district health coverage (maybe they are covered by their spouses' insurance) $2,000 cash instead. Details. And non-teachers could get the same kind of deal, here.

~ Consider recognizing Sept. 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Details.

- Brad Haugaard