Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Storytime for children 2-5 the Library, June 24

2026-06-20T06:37:15.099-07:00

Storytime for children ages 2-5 the Library on June 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. Program includes stories, songs, and a sensory activity or craft project. Siblings are welcome. Children must attend with an accompanying adult. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children, June 27

2026-06-20T06:35:16.933-07:00

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children at the Library, June 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. Children ages 2-11 with sensory processing challenges, autism, ADHD, and related needs can enjoy a quieter library environment with book checkout, sensory toys, exploratory play, and art activities. Registration is required, here. Children must attend with an accompanying adult.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayor joins art class to paint her dog

2026-06-19T17:21:29.401-07:00

Mayor Becky Shevlin (lower left in the photo) joined a free Paint Your Pet workshop sponsored by the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. According to MAFA representative Christine Geltz, this was Shevlin's first time painting on canvas; she painted her dog, Ted. Instructor Sally Westenbroek Weiss led the workshop. Five additional public workshops are scheduled this year. Registration information here.

Ed Cunningham, Monrovia Canyon Park Trail Boss for 28 years, dies June 11

2026-06-19T11:09:48.942-07:00

Ed Cunningham, who served as Monrovia Canyon Park's Trail Boss for 28 years, passed away on June 11. He came to Canyon Park in 1998 and helped establish and maintain the trails, designed the park's maps and outreach materials, and helped develop the interpretive tours and exhibits at the Nature Center. He also trained generations of volunteers and park staff. The trail crew community he helped build received a California Park & Recreation Society “Champion of the Community” Award of Excellence in 2021.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Dept. receives USC Arcadia Hospital award for fastest stroke response in LA County

2026-06-19T11:07:06.880-07:00

Monrovia firefighters received a special award from USC Arcadia Hospital for their response to a 76-year-old stroke patient. From firefighter arrival on scene to life-saving surgery was 90 minutes — the fastest time in LA County.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia receives $20,000 NEA Big Read grant for 2027 One City, One Story program

2026-06-19T11:02:47.447-07:00

Monrovia has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the 2027 One City, One Story community reading program.

- Brad Haugaard

World Cup Watch Party at Library Park, June 25

2026-06-19T11:01:05.606-07:00

The city is hosting a free World Cup Watch Party at Library Park on June 25 at 7 p.m. Attendees can watch Team USA vs. Turkey on a big screen. Face painting, games, and crafts will be available on site. The event is free and open to all ages. For information, contact the Community Center at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Music Fest at Library Park, June 28

2026-06-19T10:59:44.444-07:00

Creative Being, a local nonprofit, is hosting the free Monrovia Music Fest at Library Park on June 28 from noon to 7 p.m. The all-ages event features seven hours of live music spanning indie, Latin, Afrobeats, folk, funk, soul, classic rock, new wave, and ‘80s rock, along with an artisan market, food trucks, and a kids zone. A craft beer and wine garden will be available for guests 21 and older. VIP Lounge access is available for purchase. Leashed dogs are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council proclaims June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day

2026-06-19T10:55:52.374-07:00

The City Council has proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The proclamation marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

- Brad Haugaard

Pasadena Humane Offers Fourth of July Foster Sleepover for Shelter Dogs

2026-06-19T10:44:15.296-07:00

Pasadena Humane is offering a Fourth of July Foster Sleepover program, giving large shelter dogs a temporary home over the holiday weekend to ease stress from fireworks while freeing up space for the expected influx of lost pets. Pre-registration is open through June 30, or until spots are filled, and foster dogs can be picked up as early as July 2. All supplies and support are provided at no cost. To sign up, visit pasadenahumane.org/foster.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-06-19T06:11:53.223-07:00

Monrovia Library annual patron survey, May 29–June 30

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

Teen Game Hangout at the Library, June 19, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

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

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

Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Celebrates 30th Anniversary June 20

Summer Solstice Garden Party at Monrovia Community Garden, June 20

Library hosting induction cooking workshop June 20, wildfire preparedness June 22

Peace Camp at OASIS, June 22–26

Wildfire ecology and evacuation workshop, June 22

Baby Storytime at the Library on June 23

MPWR fundraiser at BJ's Restaurant in Arcadia, June 24

Community Center plans bus trip to LA County Museum of Art, June 25

Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27

Music Trivia and Karaoke at Library, June 27

Monrovia Canyon Park Family Hike and Campout, June 27-28

Arthur Blair Historic Inn Grand Opening July 4 in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard

Blaze in central Monrovia

2026-06-18T19:16:45.015-07:00

This massive fire is reportedly burning at Maple and Ivy, east of Myrtle, or Ivy and Chestnut according to one report, with Monrovia and Sierra Madre fire departments battling the blaze, which appears to be at a warehouse. Thanks to David Campbell for the photo.

Update: The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fire was at women’s apparel warehouse on the 100 block of East Chestnut and that fire crews had the flames out by about 8:30 p.m.

Update 2: City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the fire was at the commercial building at 144 E. Chestnut and it resulted in a total loss to the primary building, a secondary attached building received water damage, and adjacent buildings are being inspected for smoke damage. No injuries were reported and investigators are working to determine the cause.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to consider adopting $97 million budget; Ratify teacher salary deal

2026-06-18T18:57:15.346-07:00

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

~ Consider adopting a 2026-27 budget with projected revenues of about $95 million and projected expenditures of $97.3 million, so the district will have a deficit of about $2.24 million and its general fund balance (meaning the money it has remaining in the kitty) will slip from $24.53 million to $22.29 million. Details.

~ Consider approving a salary agreement with the Monrovia Teachers Association giving teachers a one-time 2% payment for 2025-26 and a 5.25% raise for 2026-27. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bears invade homes; Drunk spits and kicks cops; Ex-wife’s phone shatters his windshield; Car-to-car shooting; Girlfriend hits boyfriend, arrested; Etc.

2026-06-18T15:47:03.793-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 11 – 17, 2026. 531 calls for service, 90 investigations, 1 mental evaluations, 5 traffic collisions, 21 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

JUNE 11

Disturbing Subject – Suspect Arrested

At 12:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and located the subject who was holding an open bottle of alcohol. It was determined 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.

JUNE 12

Arson

At 7:17 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Chestnut reported that a subject started a fire. Officers arrived and made contact with a male subject with burn injuries. The subject reported that an unknown subject lit his tent on fire and he used his hands to put out the fire. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested

At 11:13 a.m., multiple callers in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a fight in progress. Officers arrived and discovered that one of the involved subjects had already left. No one was cooperative. Two subjects were found to be heavily intoxicated and in possession of open containers of alcohol. They were arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

JUNE 13

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 12:54 a.m., while patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington, an officer made contact with a pedestrian. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Bear Incident

At 12:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Norumbega regarding a bear inside the residence. The bear was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Bear Incident

At 4:55 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of N. Canyon reported a bear entered his residence through an open window, was ransacking his pantry. This was the second incident with the bear. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism

At 6:05 p.m., a victim in a parking lot in the 800 block of E. Olive reported his ex-wife threw her phone at his parked vehicle, shattering a windshield. She was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Battery

At 7:24 p.m., a battery was reported in the 1200 block of N. Canyon. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who reported a neighbor approached him, pushed him, and struck the victim’s phone. Officers made contact with the neighbor who admitted to striking the victim’s phone. This investigation is continuing.

JUNE 14

Battery

At 2:03 a.m., several callers in the 500 block of W. Foothill reported hearing screams. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed one of the individual’s daughter was battered by a female subject who had fled prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Court Order Violation

At 8:57 a.m., a victim in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported seeing her ex-boyfriend who was in violation of a court order. This investigation is continuing.

Missing / Located Person

At 9:59 a.m., an employee from a living facility in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported a resident missing. The resident was located in a nearby city.

Domestic Violence

At 4:01 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Primrose regarding a domestic violence incident. An investigation revealed the victim’s girlfriend assaulted him and fled on foot. The victim had visible injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Shooting

At 5:08 p.m., multiple witnesses in the 800 block of E. Duarte reported a car to car shooting. Officers arrived and were unable to locate any of the subjects involved. No victims were located. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Battery on Police Officer – Suspect Arrested

At 11:30 p.m., an employee from a store in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported someone inside the store causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and made contact with an intoxicated male subject who was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. While officers were attempting to place the subject in a patrol vehicle, he spit and kicked officers. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JUNE 15

Vandalism

At 8:04 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle. An investigation revealed an unknown subject threw a rock at a window, causing severe damage. This investigation is continuing.

Theft – Suspects Arrested

At 12:37 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident in progress. Officers arrived and located the suspect vehicle driving away with four occupants inside the vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and the occupants were contacted. All four occupants were arrested and taken into custody after an investigation was conducted.

Missing Person

At 4:51 p.m., a mother walked into the MPD lobby to report her adult son missing. He was entered into the missing person system. This investigation is continuing.

JUNE 16

Grand Theft

At 4:58 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lemon reported theft of his vehicle’s catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing.

JUNE 17

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

At 1:36 a.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Royal Oaks regarding a domestic violence incident. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a boyfriend and girlfriend had been out drinking, and when they got home, they got into a verbal argument which turned physical when she started hitting him. The boyfriend had visible marks. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft

At 6:21 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive reported that a package was stolen from her front porch. This investigation is continuing.

Lunch at Le Roy's

2026-06-18T13:41:21.351-07:00

Lunch at Le Roy's, on the north side of Huntington just west of Mayflower. Got the dieter's Cold Plate (I'm trying to lose a pound) for $16.75 and an iced tea for $4.25. The turkey was real sliced turkey, not cold cuts. The ham had a nice smoky flavor. And lots. I couldn't finish it all and had to take some home. Not sure I will lose any weight after all this, but very good!

- Brad Haugaard

Community Center plans bus trip to LA County Museum of Art, June 25

2026-06-17T13:01:28.098-07:00

The Monrovia Community Center is planning a bus trip to the LA County Museum of Art, The Grove, and Original Farmers Market on June 25. Participants will visit LACMA, including Urban Lights and the David Geffen Galleries, followed by time for shopping and dining at The Grove and Original Farmers Market. Bus departs at 10 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. Cost is $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Call the Community Center at 256-8246 for details, reservations. (Photo by Matt Hintsa.)

- Brad Haugaard

4th of July celebration at Library Park - concert at 7:30, fireworks at 9 p.m.

2026-06-17T12:44:20.322-07:00

Celebrate our nation's 250th birthday at Library Park. Concert by OC Groove, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. You might want to bring a chair. Myrtle from about the Vons shopping center down to Lemon will be closed to cars, as will Lemon and Lime, which will be closed from Primrose to a bit east of Myrtle. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Unified's Dr. Greg Gero Named South Whittier Superintendent

2026-06-17T11:01:37.407-07:00

Monrovia Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Greg Gero, Ph.D., has been named Superintendent of the South Whittier School District, according to Superintendent Paula Hart Rodas,. Dr. Gero will conclude his service with Monrovia Unified on June 30 and assume his new role on July 1. He joined the district in 2017 and has served as Plymouth Elementary principal, Director of Elementary Educational Services, and Executive Director of Educational Services. The district will begin recruiting for an interim leader and a permanent successor.

- Brad Haugaard

Council Adopts Budget with $2.4 Million Deficit, Approves Two New Fire Engines; Fire Dept. Wins Stroke Response Award

2026-06-17T06:38:59.632-07:00

June 16 Monrovia City Council meeting, summarized by AI.

• Council adopted the FY 2026-27 general fund budget: $62.8 million in revenues, $65.2 million in expenditures — a projected $2.4 million deficit. Citywide revenues total ~$213 million; expenditures ~$153 million. Capital improvement program: $18.5 million. Personnel costs represent about 65% of general fund spending.

• Approved purchase of two Pierce Enforcer fire engines from South Coast Fire Equipment for up to $2.93 million (plus a $293,000 contingency). Delivery expected in FY 2029-30; payment due at delivery. Fire engines replace a 2002 and a 2008 unit.

• Two Craftsman homes designated as local historic landmarks with Mills Act preservation tax contracts: 115 May Ave (1912, built by the Tipple brothers) and 225 Highland Place (1909, attributed to architect Arthur Roland Kelly, who worked with the renowned firm Green & Green).

• Approved a tentative tract map for a 14-unit condominium project at 1232 S. Mayflower Ave., with a minor exception for common recreation space. Mayor Shevlin recused herself due to a conflict of interest.

• June 19 proclaimed Juneteenth National Freedom Day. Councilmember Kelly noted her children brought the observance to Monrovia, leading the council to formally adopt it in 2020. June 20-26 proclaimed National Mosquito Control Awareness Week.

• Annual assessment levies confirmed for FY 2026-27: Citywide lighting and landscaping at $56.23 per unit (unchanged); park maintenance at $16.22 per unit (up $0.48, a 3% CPI adjustment).

• Monrovia Fire Department received the Golden Brain Award from USC Arcadia Hospital for a rapid stroke response: a 76-year-old woman was taken from scene to surgery in 91 minutes; she fully recovered. One of only two LA County agencies to receive the award.

• City Manager reported unplanned power outages in parts of northwest and central Monrovia; Edison working to restore service by 11 p.m.

• City Manager updated council that the California Highway Patrol granted itself a second 30-day extension on the city's records request related to the death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez. No information has been provided.

• Monrovia's All-America City finalist delegation will present in Denver, June 25-29. Ten cities will be named All-America Cities on Sunday, June 29.

• City Manager clarified that the Monrovia Pride Book Festival (Saturday, 12-6 p.m., Library Park) is a private nonprofit event. The city reviews rental applications for procedural compliance only and does not filter content.

• Resident Sam Carmichael reported ongoing trespassing onto private residential rooftops at Colorado Commons via the adjacent city-owned parking structure. He asked the city to work with the HOA on anti-climb barriers and cameras to prevent injury before an accident occurs.

• A World Cup watch party is being planned at Library Park for June 26 (Thursday, 7 p.m.) to coincide with the U.S. soccer team's final group stage match.

• Mayor Shevlin authorized a support letter for AB762 (Irwin/Wilson), which would ban disposable vapes due to lithium battery hazards in the waste stream.

Complete meeting video here.

- Brad Haugaard

Lovable Regan is a wiggly, smiling pit bull who may also be a World Cup fan

2026-06-16T11:04:34.309-07:00

Regan is a lovable 4-year-old pit bull with an incredible personality and a big, wiggly smile. She's an affectionate, people-friendly girl who happily accepts pets, takes treats gently, and already knowns how to "sit" and "lie down". Regan enjoys getting out and exploring the world, spending plenty of time sniffing along her walks, and enjoying some time couch-side watching the World Cup.

While she can be enthusiastic on leash, Regan has shown she can walk calmly, handle new situations well, and has quickly become a staff and volunteer favorite. With her sweet nature, happy energy, and loving heart, Regan is ready to find a family of her own. Come meet Regan and see why she's impossible not to love!

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: Asa Casner's butcher shop around 1910

2026-06-16T07:04:50.565-07:00

Asa Casner's Butcher Shop at 619 S. Myrtle Ave. around 1910. This is where Neighborhood Pawn is today. The use of a refrigerated display case was a novelty. (I like the ceiling fan, and I think the floor could use a little mopping.) 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 elementary schools may each get a 'Samson' bear sculpture

2026-06-15T09:59:51.873-07:00

Bear designed for Mayflower School.

Monrovia's Art in Public Places Committee (agenda) will consider expanding the Samson bear sculpture program to the school district's five elementary schools. The “Samson Goes to School” program will feature five bears, each designed by its school. The program will cost $20,500. See all the bears here.

- Brad Haugaard

Missing person - Reginald Provost

2026-06-14T12:54:19.483-07:00

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 3-Year-Old Named First-Ever 'Gerber Get’ems' Winner

2026-06-13T19:17:28.694-07:00

Joey Rider, a 3-year-old from Monrovia, has been named the first-ever Gerber Get’ems winner in the 2026 Gerber Photo Search. Get’ems is a new category recognizing children ages 3 to 5 and is named for the company's line of healthy snacks designed for children three and older.

On social media, Gerber posted:

"Joey’s photo captures what makes her so special: a smile that shines bright and a spirit that makes friends everywhere she goes, brings people together, and makes sure no one is ever left out.

"From coloring side by side with her family to dreaming up new creations, she leads with imagination and creativity, filling every moment with joy and connection. In so many ways, Joey is coloring her world and the world around her in the most vibrant way."

Joey and her family will receive a $10,000 prize, plus a wardrobe valued at $500 from Gerber Childrenswear."

- Brad Haugaard

Music Trivia and Karaoke at Library, June 27

2026-06-13T08:06:40.059-07:00

Music trivia and karaoke at the Library on Saturday, June 27, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for adults. Music trivia, followed by karaoke, and snacks. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard