Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Local nonprofit offers free swim lessons for neurodivergent kids

2026-07-18T19:20:07.027-07:00

Float Initiative, a nonprofit founded in 2022 by Arcadia High School student and varsity swim team captain, Sebastian Chen, offers free, one-on-one swim lessons for neurodivergent children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

In February 2022, Chen's neurodivergent neighbor nearly drowned. That close call changed what the pool meant to Chen, inspiring his mission to keep children safe in the water, and the creation of Float Initiative.

Drowning, he said, is the leading cause of death among U.S. children ages 1 to 4, and research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children on the autism spectrum are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers.

Chen's lessons are tailored for children with autism, ADHD or other sensory differences, and are offered year-round at sponsor pools or families’ backyard pools. Since its founding, Float Initiative has taught more than 150 children in over 400 lessons at no cost. Details: floatinitiative.org.

- Brad Haugaard

MUSD Seeks Candidates for Board of Education Trustee Areas 3 and 5

2026-07-18T16:25:54.837-07:00

The Monrovia School District is seeking candidates to run for its Board of Education, specifically for Trustee areas 3 (green) and 5 (orange). Interested residents can check their eligibility, submit a nomination form, and run. Nomination deadline is August 7, at 5 p.m.; Election Day is November 3, 2026. Better map here. County Registrar's Candidate Handbook here.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Backpack Giveaway for Monrovia elementary students Aug. 7

2026-07-17T19:09:36.240-07:00

Monrovia schools, together with Kindness is Free and the Boys and Girls Club, will hold a free backpack giveaway for elementary students on Friday, August 7, at Monroe Elementary School. MUSD students are welcome. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Movies in the Park summer series kicks off July 18 at Station Square Park

2026-07-17T12:31:45.644-07:00

Monrovia's free Movies in the Park series begins July 18 with a free screening of Disney's "Cars" at Station Square Park, 1629 S. Myrtle Ave. Here's the schedule:

July 18 – Cars, Station Square Park (1629 S. Myrtle Ave.)
July 25 – The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Julian Fisher Park (915 S. California Ave.)
Aug. 1 – Lilo & Stitch (2025), Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Ave.)
Aug. 8 – Wicked: For Good, Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Ave.)

Bring a blanket or chairs.

- Brad Haugaard

SCE attributes power outages to animals and vegetation contact with equipment

2026-07-17T12:30:21.810-07:00

SCE has attributed recent power outages in Monrovia to animals and vegetation contacting electrical equipment. SCE says it is inspecting equipment, managing vegetation near power lines, and evaluating additional measures. Residents can report trees or branches growing near power lines here and sign up for outage alerts here.

- Brad Haugaard

Centre Stage presents '13 The Musical,' July 16–19, and 'Honk! Jr.,' July 30–Aug. 1

2026-07-17T12:26:58.365-07:00

Centre Stage will present two youth musicals at IFGF Church (at Palm and Primrose) this summer.

13 The Musical runs July 16–19, with evening performances at 7 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. The show follows a New York teen who moves to a small town before his 13th birthday.

Honk! Jr. runs July 30–Aug. 1, with performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Both feature local young performers. Tickets are available online.

Tickets.

- Brad Haugaard

Back to School giveaway Aug. 8

2026-07-17T12:22:06.787-07:00

Darden Leadership and Career Academy and Simply Divine Academy will hold their sixth annual Back to School Giveaway on Aug. 8 at 301 W. Huntington Dr. in Monrovia. Registration is required. The academies are also accepting donations of backpacks and school supplies through Aug. 8. Contact Keshia Darden at 626-803-2831 or Steve Darden at 626-421-6884. Details. - Brad Haugaard

Liberty Mutual, USAA expanding homeowner coverage in California wildfire-distressed areas

2026-07-17T12:12:53.433-07:00

The California Department of Insurance has announced that Liberty Mutual, USAA, and MS Transverse Insurance Group are expanding homeowner coverage in wildfire areas. Residents in higher-risk areas may see more coverage choices in the coming months.

- Brad Haugaard

Details of city purchase of Highland Place property

2026-07-17T07:38:20.202-07:00

At its next meeting (agenda here) the City Council will consider approving the purchase of the property at 347 Highland Place to add to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Cost: $2 million.

As part of the deal, the seller will demolish the existing home on the property, foundation included, and return the land to its natural state. The city will pay the cost to remove the debris. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-07-17T07:13:44.213-07:00

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

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

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

Kids Craft in Canyon Park July 18

Veterans Family Feud at the Library, July 18

Families Read Together workshop at the Library, July 18

Veterans Family Feud, July 18 at the Library

Funk Station band - funk, soul, and R&B - at Library Park, Sunday, July 19

Whale watching trip scheduled for July 23

Music Trivia and Karaoke July 25 at Library

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

Foothill Unity Center Back-to-School event July 29

Free How to Draw Wolves workshop, July 29

Community bike ride, Aug. 1

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Aug. 1 at Santa Anita Race Track

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Elements

2026-07-16T18:50:40.220-07:00

Dinner at Elements, in the Doubletree Hotel, on the south side of Huntington Drive, just east of Fifth. It opens at 6 p.m. and is nicely air-conditioned. Got the turkey club sandwich for $16 and a beer for $7.24. Really good sandwich; generous with the turkey and avocado.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Unconscious man clutching blowtorch arrested; Paramedic bitten during medical call; Employee stabbed from behind; Five catalytic converters stolen; Etc.

2026-07-16T12:30:29.453-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 9 – 15, 2026. 535 calls for service, 102 investigations, 4 mental evaluations, 7 traffic collisions, 29 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

JULY 9

No significant incidents to report.

JULY 10

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested

At 3:43 p.m., an officer patrolling the 700 block of W. Chestnut saw a subject trespassing. Contact was made with the subject. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Battery on EMS Personnel

At 7:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of E. Olive to assist with a medical call. Officers arrived as MFD was providing medical care to a subject, when the subject became agitated, uncooperative, and bit a paramedic. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

At 9:57 p.m., an employee at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported being stabbed. Officers arrived and discovered that the victim stepped outside the business when the suspect stabbed him from behind. The suspect was located a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JULY 11

Vandalism

At 1:29 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a gas station in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested

Suspects were transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism

At 5:29 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported seeing a subject on a bicycle pass by, damage his vehicle with a knife, and rode away. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 11:46 p.m., while patrolling the area of Primrose and Huntington an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JULY 12

Resisting Arrest / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 12:33 a.m., officers patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington attempted to make contact with a bicyclist, but the bicyclist refused to stop and fled. He was apprehended a short distance away. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 8:02 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Pomona and Myrtle saw a subject on a bench, slumped over, unconscious, and holding a blow torch. The officer made contact with him. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 2:46 p.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Kidnapping

At 3:52 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of S. Shamrock reported that her boyfriend grabbed her and forced her into her vehicle. He was gone prior to officers' arrival. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 9:55 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a customer causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. 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.

JULY 13

Theft

At 11:24 a.m., a business owner in the 100 block of E. Lime reported the theft of a package that a customer claims to have never received. This investigation is continuing.

JULY 14

Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested

At 12:59 a.m., an officer patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington saw a bicyclist. This investigation is continuing.

Theft

At 11:55 a.m., a loss prevention officer at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft that happened days prior. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 11:48 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of Sierra Vista reported his catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

At 3:21 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported discovering their business was in possession of a stolen vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested

At 3:24 p.m., a caller in a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject took merchandise and left without paying. Officers arrived and located her outside the business. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 3:46 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Lime reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 6:01 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Sierra Vista reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft

At 9:04 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported his e-bike stolen. This investigation is continuing.

JULY 15

Grand Theft Auto

At 4:53 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Madeline reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 12:05 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Lemon reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 10:36 p.m., a passerby in the 400 block of S. Myrtle requested a welfare check on a subject. Officers made contact with him. 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.

Grand Theft

At 11:14 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Alta Vista reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Funk Station band - funk, soul, and R&B - at Library Park, Sunday, July 19

2026-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Funk Station band, funk, soul, and R&B music, at Library Park, Sunday, July 19, 7-8:30 p.m. Free outdoor concert. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and maybe a picnic basket, and food trucks will be available. Family-friendly event. For more information call 256-8246. Info on the band here.

- Brad Haugaard

Whale watching trip scheduled for July 23

2026-07-15T10:35:09.276-07:00

Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash

Whale Watching Cruise Thursday, July 23. Scenic cruise off Newport Beach with opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Bring a camera for ocean views; food available for purchase. Bus departs Community Center at 9 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m.$70 for residents and $80 for non-residents. Advanced registration required. Trips are for ages 18 and up. Call 256-8246 for more information. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Family Feud, July 18 at the Library

2026-07-15T10:16:13.650-07:00

Veterans Family Feud will be held Saturday, July 18, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Library Community Room. The event is open to ages 10 and older and is for families, service members, and veterans. Participants will form teams and compete in a Family Feud-style game by guessing survey answers. Registration is required here. For more information, call 256-8294.

- Brad Haugaard

Music Trivia and Karaoke July 25 at Library

2026-07-15T10:13:27.998-07:00

Amped Up: Music Trivia & Karaoke will be held Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library's Community Room. For adults and teens 16+. The event will begin with music trivia, followed by karaoke and snacks. No registration is required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Aug. 1 at Santa Anita Race Track

2026-07-15T10:04:50.943-07:00

There will be a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Aug. 1 at Santa Anita Race Track, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enter from Gate 3 on Huntington Drive.

Bring: Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid; antifreeze; paint, paint thinner, turpentine; cleaners with acid or lye; pesticides or herbicides; household batteries or car batteries; pool chemicals; CRTs, TVs, electronics; mercury thermometers or thermostats; fluorescent light bulbs; used needles or sharps (in a sharps container or a sturdy box labeled "Sharps"); unwanted or expired prescriptions; propane tanks under 5 gallons.

Don't bring: Explosives; ammunition; radioactive materials; trash; tires; business waste; stoves, refrigerators, etc.; controlled substances; biohazardous waste (blood, urine, etc.).

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Goofy, photogenic Rex is a blanket-toting pit bull with a lot of love to give

2026-07-14T09:31:38.688-07:00

Looking for a best friend who's equal parts goofy and handsome? Meet Rex, a 1½-year-old red-brown Pit Bull Terrier at Pasadena Humane with a lot of love to give! He loves to play gently with his toys, but his favorite thing in the world is his beloved blanket, which he proudly carries around, keeps nearby, and loves to share with whoever is nearest to him.

When he's comfortable, Rex is happiest when he's leaning into you for pets, then settling down with a toy or chew for a cozy nap. And when the camera comes out, he's a natural model — it's almost impossible to take a bad picture of this extremely photogenic pup! Rex is the perfect mix of playful, affectionate, and irresistibly charming. If that sounds like the dog for you, come meet Rex today.

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: The Woman's Club House on Myrtle & Palm

2026-07-14T06:49:21.530-07:00

This 1930 postcard shows the Woman's Club House, which once stood on the northeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues, where the Bank of America is now. The back of the card carries a handwritten note to Hazel Bird about seeing the homes of Hollywood stars, postmarked 1930. From the Kim Anderson 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

Upper San Gabriel Water District hosting Smart Irrigation Month Landscape Contest

2026-07-13T16:58:53.528-07:00

Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water) is holding a Smart Irrigation Month Home Landscape Contest, open to Monrovia residents. Submit photos of your water-smart yard by July 24, for a chance to win a flow monitor device, irrigation controller, or $50 Home Depot gift card. Enter here.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Adoption Day for small animals at Pasadena Humane

2026-07-13T10:16:32.527-07:00

Pasadena Humane will hold a Free Adoption Day on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption fees will be waived for all available dogs, cats, and small animals. Adopted pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated as appropriate. Pets can be viewed at pasadenahumane.org. (This kitty is named Zeppelin.)

- Brad Haugaard

Philz Coffee to open a shop in Huntington Oaks shopping center

2026-07-13T10:00:59.985-07:00

Rendering of proposed Philz sign.

A Philz Coffee shop will be opening in the Huntington Oaks shopping center, on the west side, at the site of the now-closed Loose Teas shop. Details. The city's Development Review Committee will consider the company's sign design at its next meeting, agenda here.

- Brad Haugaard

More poetry 'Footnotes' for city sidwalks

2026-07-13T09:27:42.475-07:00

The Art in Public Places Committee will consider (agenda here) confirming five poems to be stamped into newly poured concrete throughout the city. Here are the proposed "Footnotes."

Don’t Tweet About It, BE About It
I left the town to chase my dreams, but things weren’t always as they seemed.
I learned, and grew, and saw what’s true.
Our city’s greatness starts with YOU.

Deer Graze by Trees, Neighbors Wave Hello
Deer graze by trees,
Bears wander through quiet streets –
Neighbors wave hello.

A Town Where Every Heart Feels Near
Craftsman porches warmly glow,
Victorian gables proudly show,
Main Street hums with timeless cheer
A town where every heart feels near.

Mother Road
Monrovia thrives along the Mother Road,
Where history and new adventures unfold.
Since Route 66 first crossed this valley floor,
Our premier city keeps an open door
Where every journey invites us to discover more.

Foothill Legacy
Under San Gabriel mountains we rest,
LA’s fourth-oldest city, truly blessed.
Where bears and bobcats share the shade,
Here in Monrovia, memories are made.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia, July 11

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

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

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia municipal election nomination period opens July 13

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

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

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

- Brad Haugaard