Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Grow Monrovia petitioning for city to hire arborist and expand protections for trees

2026-06-06T14:03:44.337-07:00

The organization, Grow Monrovia, is collecting signatures for two petitions, one to hire a city arborist/urban forester, and one to strengthen tree protection standards. Following are summaries provided by the organization.

First petition

Create the position of a city arborist/urban forester
Improve long-term tree planning
Review development impacts to trees
Help enforce tree protections
Improve accountability for city tree management

Second petition

Expand protections for significant trees
Improve replacement requirements
Require better planning around mature trees
Help preserve long-term canopy coverage

- Brad Haugaard

Some Monrovia Frontier Communications customers have been without service for a month

2026-06-06T10:14:33.198-07:00

The Pasadena Star-News is reporting that some Monrovia residents using Frontier Communications for their land line connections have been without service for a month and without information from Frontier. The city has also been unable to get in touch with the company. The outage was apparently caused by the theft of some of the company's copper wiring. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Stories from Latin America at the Library, June 13

2026-06-06T06:39:35.301-07:00

Families Read Together: Stories from Latin America, will be held at the Library on Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The event features an English-Spanish bilingual performance by Olga Loya, presented by The Music Center of LA County, with stories, folktales, and legends from East Los Angeles and Latin America. Registration required for children ages 0-5 and closes June 13 at 11 a.m. Free books available while supplies last. Details and registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Reptiles and Friends, at the Library, June 11

2026-06-06T06:37:42.138-07:00

Reptiles and Friends, presented by the Wildlife Learning Center, will be held June 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Library Park Fountain Area. Children to age 11 can see animals such as a tortoise, walking stick, and Madagascar hissing cockroach while learning about reptiles and other wildlife. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Wildfire ecology and evacuation workshop, June 22

2026-06-06T06:35:31.698-07:00

Wildfire ecology and evacuation readiness workshop at the Library, June 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. The family-friendly program will cover wildfire ecology, evacuation planning, community preparedness, and interactive activities focused on wildfire readiness. Registration is encouraged, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Commemoration ceremony for Santa Fe school June 9

2026-06-05T17:14:53.190-07:00

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Garden Club 2026 Garden Award winners

2026-06-05T12:00:38.493-07:00

Here are the winners on fhe Monrovia Garden Club's annual Garden Awards:

Laura Lopez and Bob Shonborn, 339 Stedman Place
Debra and Christopher Mathers, 264 N. Primrose Avenue
The Feik Family
Stewart and Patricia Roy, 608 W. Hillcrest Blvd.
David and Kimberly Van Horsen, 620 Bradbury Road
Eddie Rogers and Carey McIntosh, 737 E. Lime Avenue
Jennifer MacDonald, 324 W. Lime Avenue
Thomas-Patel Family, 1922 Graydon Avenue
DeAnn Petteruto, 1035 E. Huntington Drive
Norm Haley, Harding Court, 401 E. Foothill Blvd.

- Brad Haugaard

Photography exhibit 'Birds of Monrovia Canyon Park' opens June 7

2026-06-05T11:53:40.481-07:00

A photography exhibit, "The Birds of Monrovia Canyon Park" by Karen Suarez, opens at the Canyon Park Nature Center on June 7 at 10 a.m. The exhibit showcases bird species in the park and will remain on display through September. For information, call 256-8282.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Solstice Garden Party at Monrovia Community Garden, June 20

2026-06-05T11:52:16.323-07:00

The Monrovia Community Garden will host a Summer Solstice Garden Party on June 20 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Colorado and Magnolia. The free, all-ages event includes garden crafts, activities, and live bug viewing. Registration is appreciated. Details and registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Reading Program kickoff at Library Park, June 6

2026-06-05T11:50:08.974-07:00

The Monrovia Public Library's Summer Reading Program kickoff takes place at Library Park on June 6 from noon to 3 p.m. Activities include inflatables, a bubble dance party, crafts, and lawn games. Sign up at the Library for a free prize book. The program runs through July 31 and is free and open to all ages. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

MAP Block Party at Julian Fisher Park, June 13

2026-06-05T11:48:10.276-07:00

The Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Block Party will be held at Julian Fisher Park on June 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. The free event includes food, refreshments, music, and family activities for all ages.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

2026-06-05T06:26:55.011-07:00

Monrovia Library annual patron survey, May 29–June 30

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

LEGO free play at the Library on June 5

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

Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Library, June 6

Create crafts inspired by video game heroes, June 8

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

VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13

Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Celebrates 30th Anniversary June 20

Peace Camp at OASIS, June 22–26

Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27

- Brad Haugaard

Schools make progress in several areas, need improvement in others; Smaller budget anticipated; AP Chinese class being considered; Etc.

2026-06-04T20:24:07.426-07:00

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

~ Receive a report and hold a public hearing on the Local Control Accountability Plan and the proposed 2026-27 adopted budget.

The LCAP report shows improvement in English language arts, science achievement, English learner progress, and reduced chronic absenteeism. However, it also says math, college-preparation indicators, and facility conditions need improvement.

For 2026-27 the financial side of the report estimates that the district's income will slip from $96.89 million to $95.06 million, with expenditures of $97.3 million, meaning the district will need to dip into its savings for $2.24 million. Also, it notes that enrollment is declining, with 4,564 average daily attendance projected, down from 4,624. Further, it warns that large state budget deficits are expected in the next 2-3 years. Details. More budget detail here, and more detail on LCAP here.

~ Consider approving a new AP Chinese Language and Culture course for grades 11–12 at Monrovia High. The full-year, college-level AP course is modeled after a UC-approved program at Arcadia High School. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Café Mundial

2026-06-04T18:58:14.099-07:00

Dinner at Café Mundial on the east side of Myrtle a half block north of Colorado.. Got the Seared Ahi for $26 and a beer for $7. Very nice!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police tips: Safeguard your car's catalytic converter

2026-06-04T15:33:09.917-07:00

The latest police report indicates that six catalytic converters were stolen during one day, plus two more the next day. These are some tips to make your car safer.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Six catalytic converters stolen in one day; Drunk man directs traffic; Nine side mirrors stolen citywide; Etc.

2026-06-04T15:18:06.299-07:00

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 28 – June 3, 2026. 598 calls for service, 123 investigations, 2 mental evaluations, 9 traffic collisions, 22 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

MAY 28

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrest

At 2:34 p.m., a caller in an apartment complex in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a male subject checking vehicle door handles. Officers arrived and located the subject. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Petty Theft

At 3:59 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called to report the theft of his garden hose. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud

At 7:18 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Walnut reported an unauthorized withdrawal of money from her bank account. This investigation is continuing.

Theft

At 4:48 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject concealed merchandise and was walking out of the business. Officers arrived and located the subject as he was exiting the business. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrest

At 7:15 p.m., a caller in a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a subject smoking a controlled substance in front of a store. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject admitted to being in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

MAY 29

Resist / Delay – Suspect Arrest

At 12:33 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Brisbane saw a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the motorist was contacted. The motorist refused to roll down his window and provide the officer with his driver license. He was removed from his vehicle and arrested.

Grand Theft

At 3:46 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Encinitas reported hearing the theft of a catalytic converter. Officers arrived and confirmed a neighbors' vehicle catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrest

At 8:39 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of W. Lemon reported his vehicle catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrest

At 9:50 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Lime reported his vehicle's catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 11:56 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Shamrock reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 2:50 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of Violet reported their catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 4:51 p.m., a caller in the 500 block of Diamond reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

MAY 30

Pursuit – Suspect Arrest

At 2:17 a.m., while patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted, the driver failed to stop and a short pursuit ensued and collided with a tree. The driver displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 11:09 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of E. Lemon reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 11:33 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 1:04 p.m., an electric bicycle was reported stolen in the 100 block of N. Sunset. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrest

At 8:51 p.m., a caller in the 1100 block of E. Huntington reported a male subject standing in the middle of the roadway attempting to direct traffic. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody.

MAY 31

Grand Theft Auto

At 1:11 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Duarte reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Petty Theft – Suspect Arrest

At 9:07 p.m., a theft was reported in a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

JUNE 1

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrest

At 4:01 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington 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 drug paraphernalia. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Person

At 6:59 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Colorado reported a family member missing. The family member was entered into the system as missing. This investigation is continuing.

Runaway Juvenile

At 8:19 p.m., an employee from a facility in the area of Palm and Myrtle reported a female juvenile as a runaway. The juvenile was entered as a missing person in the system. This investigation is continuing.

JUNE 2

Theft

Nine separate victims reported their side view mirrors stolen from their vehicles throughout the city. This investigation continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrest

At 12:49 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject walking around yelling at people and challenging them to a fight. 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.

Fraud

At 4:03 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest was made aware that his identity was being used by an unknown subject. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrest

At 6:00 p.m., several callers in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported a highly intoxicated male subject was entering businesses. Officers located 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.

Runaway Juvenile

At 8:48 p.m., a mother in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported her juvenile daughter as a runaway. The juvenile was subsequently entered into the Missing Persons System. This investigation is continuing.

JUNE 3

False Tabs – Suspect Arrest

At 2:47 a.m., an officer patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. An investigation revealed the driver took registration tabs from an unknown vehicle and placed them on his license plate. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Alcohol Offense – Suspect Arrest

At 8:48 a.m., while patrolling the 300 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a subject in a park drinking alcohol. The officer made contact with the subject. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrest

At 12:13 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of the 210 freeway and Magnolia saw a subject hunched over and standing still. The officer made contact with the subject and 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.

Missing Located

At 1:05 p.m., while patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver had been reported missing. She was removed from the missing person system.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrest

At 2:05 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a concealed dagger. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Brush Fire

At 2:19 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of Fig reported hearing explosions and then seeing smoke. Officers and MFD responded and saw a bushes and a fence on fire. The fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

At 4:00 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a theft. This investigation is continuing.

COMMUNITY ALERTS

Street Sweeping Parking Enforcement Update

The City is making a change to how street sweeping parking restrictions are enforced.

For years, residents have been allowed to move their vehicles back into posted "No Parking" areas once the street sweeper passed, even while the parking restriction period was still in effect. This practice created inconsistency, and the Monrovia Police Department is moving to enforce posted signage as written. Moving forward, citations will be issued for the full posted no-parking window, regardless of whether the sweeper has already come through.

No changes are being made to posted times, signs, or routes, only to how the hours are applied and signage is enforced.

Restaurant reviewer Peter Dills praises Le Roy's restaurant

2026-06-02T13:19:19.583-07:00

Restaurant reviewer Peter Dills just gave Monrovia's Le Roy's restaurant a glowing review. "The dining room isn’t trying to transport you to Manhattan, Napa Valley, or a Paris sidewalk café. It’s trying to be a neighborhood restaurant. Mission accomplished." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Pet photo contest open for Pasadena Humane 2027 calendar

2026-06-02T11:01:16.329-07:00

Pet owners can now submit photos of their pets for a chance to appear in Pasadena Humane’s 2027 “Next Top Model” pet calendar.

Pets can compete in three categories: dogs, cats, and other pets. Winners are chosen through public voting.

Prizes include a full-month calendar feature, a custom pet portrait, pet-themed Pasadena Humane merchandise, and additional awards.

The two pets receiving the most votes overall will appear on the front and back covers of the 2027 calendar and any pet photo receiving five or more votes is guaranteed a spot somewhere in the calendar.

The contest runs June 1–30, with voting closing June 30 at 11 p.m. Entries, voting, and calendar pre-orders are available through Pasadena Humane. Details and voting here.

- Brad Haugaard

Parade-famous Bowie is a silly, sweet husky who's ready for a home - and he's free!

2026-06-02T10:44:02.165-07:00

Three-year-old Bowie is a parade superstar! At the La Cañada Memorial Day Parade he walked next to adoptable dog Jordan and stole the show. As he passed by, people in the crowd shouted, "Is the husky available for adoption?!" Yes, he is!

With all his fame, you may be surprised to know Bowie is super down-to-earth. He's silly and expressive, loves going on hikes, enjoys a belly rub or two, and has gotten along great with other dogs he's met so far. He likes lots of different treats and can even entertain himself with a tennis ball. Bowie might be the coolest yet nicest celeb you'll meet in the LA area!

This Saturday, June 6, adopt Bowie for free at Pasadena Humane's Free Adoption Day, taking place at the Pasadena shelter from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Our second railway depot

2026-06-02T07:03:44.773-07:00

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot, the second railroad depot built in Monrovia. The first was very rudimentary. 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

Current Local Job Opportunities - June

2026-06-01T06:44:49.287-07:00

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District

City of Monrovia

Private

Also, drop by America's Job Center of California at the Monrovia Community Adult School at 920 S. Mountain Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday or Wednesday, or from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

And some more links for nearby:

USC Arcadia Hospital

Citrus College

CalState LA

LA County

And even more general:

Indeed

LinkedIn Jobs

CalJOBS (state employment)

- Brad Haugaard

LEGO free play at the Library on June 5

2026-05-30T08:01:43.493-07:00

LEGO Free Play at the Library on June 5 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Story Room. Children ages 2-12 and their families can build and play with LEGO materials provided by the Library. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Create crafts inspired by video game heroes, June 8

2026-05-30T08:00:28.018-07:00

Level Up Crafts! Minecraft program at the Library June 8 from 3 to 4 p.m. for children ages 6-11. Participants will create Minecraft-themed craft. Registration required and opens June 4 at 10 a.m. Additional themed sessions are scheduled for June 23, July 6, and July 20. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

3D Printing Workshop for tweens and teens, registration opens June 1

2026-05-30T07:58:24.826-07:00

3D Printing Workshop for Tweens & Teens at the Library, June 13, 11 a.m. to noon. Participants in grades 5-12 will learn basic TinkerCad skills, create a 3D-printed keychain design, and learn how to submit designs for printing. Registration required; opens June 1. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library annual patron survey, May 29–June 30

2026-05-29T13:00:49.419-07:00

Monrovia Library's annual patron survey is available May 29-June 30. The survey takes under five minutes and is open to all community members. A prize drawing is included; the winner will be notified in July. Survey here.

- Brad Haugaard