Poppy mural at Recreation Park has been renovated

The newly renovated poppy mural at Recreation Park, created by local artist Donna Hargett, spans 133 feet and features vivid California poppies, pollinators, and inspirational phrases. Located just north of the tennis courts, the project was funded by the city’s Art in Public Places program.

- Brad Haugaard

City wants voters to approve replacement assessment district with higher fees to keep up with increased costs

Monrovia is proposing an increased assessment fee on properties citywide. If approved, the proposal - which will be voted on by residents - will replace the old Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District and the Park Maintenance District into a single new Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance District. The new district would provide funding for streetlights, traffic signals, street trees, landscaping, and park facilities. To see what you would owe, click on your property on the map here. 

The city reports that the reason for the change is that the old districts are outdated and revenue is not keeping up with costs for electricity, maintenance, and staffing. Assessment increases would be phased in over five years beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, starting at 50 percent of the needed rate, with the City covering the shortfall until Fiscal Year 2030-31.

Ballot packets with parcel-specific information, fact sheets, and ballots will be mailed by Sept. 26, and must be returned by Nov. 18. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 at City Hall, with ballot tabulation on Nov. 19 and 20. If approved, the new district will be formed and assessments levied beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27; if not, the existing districts will remain in place.

Comment: I find it a bit odd that the public hearing is scheduled just a day before ballot counting takes place. I'll see if I can get further information on this.

I asked City Manager Dylan Feik the point of the hearing and he said:

The final public hearing is a formality. We’ve had at least 4 previous meetings where public comment was allowed. 

It’s just one more….final…5th or 6th time…last chance.

- Brad Haugaard

Bradoaks Elementary teacher to be honored today as LA County Teacher of the Year

Dr. Heather Povinelli, a second-grade teacher at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, has been named Teacher of the Year by both the Monrovia School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education and will be honored today during the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Banquet at the Universal City Hilton.

Povinelli has served in the district for 25 years, teaching kindergarten through second grade and serving as an interventionist, helping students who are struggling academically or behaviorally. Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas praised her research-driven approach and adaptability, citing her quick response after a classroom fire last year forced her class to relocate midyear.

Bradoaks Principal Calvin McKendrick called Povinelli "a once-in-a-generation educator" who not only teaches content but builds character.

Update: Dr. Povinelli was one of 16 honorees, selected from 70 district-level Teachers of the Year across 65 L.A. County school districts. Each honoree received a $1,000 award from California Credit Union. The selection process included essays, lesson plans, and interviews by former state honorees. Five California Teachers of the Year will be announced in October, and one will advance to the 2026 national competition.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Pedestrian injured in collision; Catalytic converter stolen; Front door glass shattered; Ex-husband reported missing; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 11 – 17. - Brad Haugaard]

During this period the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.  

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 10:24 a.m., a caller in the area of Lemon and Ranchito reported a subject loitering in the area. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 11 at 2:56 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Primrose and Walnut. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One of the parties involved complained of pain. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 11 at 3:04 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported a traffic collision between a vehicle and a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver. The driver complained of pain. 

Shoplifting
September 11 at 6:22 p.m., a loss prevention officer for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject stole merchandise and fled. Officers arrived and located the stolen merchandise, but the subject was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
September 11 at 6:54 p.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista reported the theft of his vehicle’s catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
September 11 at 7:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Ridgeside regarding a traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 8:10 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported a suspicious male subject looking into vehicles. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 10:38 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers made contact with the subject who was causing the disturbance. 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. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 2:00 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Oaks reported her ex-boyfriend was outside her home. Officers responded and saw the suspect driving away. A traffic stop was conducted for a vehicle code violation and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation confirmed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Embezzlement
September 12 at 3:57 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported the embezzlement of two rented items. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
September 12 at 7:14 p.m., a male subject in the area of Colorado and California reported that he wanted to harm himself. Officers arrived and located him. It was determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for mental health evaluation. 

Mental Evaluation
September 12 at 8:17 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a female subject who wanted to harm herself. Officers arrived, made contact with her and determined she was a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 12:44 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle officers saw a subject in a park after hours. Officers contacted the subject and an investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 7:23 p.m., a court order violation was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. A computer search confirmed the court order. The individual in violation was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 10:59 p.m., while patrolling the area of Duarte and Shamrock the officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Vandalism
September 15 at 2:58 a.m., officers were alerted to a burglary alarm at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and found the front door glass shattered. This investigation is continuing. 

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 9:46 a.m., a wanted person from a domestic violence incident walked into the MPD lobby. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Commercial Burglary
September 15 at 11:42 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Property was reported missing. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
September 15 at 2:14 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported a commercial burglary. Property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
September 15 at 6:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to a retail store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 2:17 a.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte. 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. 

Missing Person
September 16 at 8:58 a.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report her ex- husband missing. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
September 16 at 9:27 a.m., a caller reported she was rear ended in the 400 block of E. Greystone. No injuries were reported. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 2:06 p.m., a disturbance was reported in a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who displayed symptoms of intoxication. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for sobering period. 

Brunch at Madre’s Brunch

Had brunch at the new Madre’s Brunch, on the south side of Lemon, a half block east of Myrtle. Got the Salmon Toast with avocado for $17.50 and a mineral water for $5. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard

Taste of Old Town Oct. 26

- Brad Haugaard

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company to hold auditions for 2025–26 season

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will hold auditions for its 2025-26 season on Sept. 23 and Oct. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, at the corner of Foothill and California in Monrovia. Auditions last 10 minutes and include vocal exercises, sight singing, and a short prepared song. More information here.

- Brad Haugaard

Edie loves squeaky toys and hanging out with her humans

Meet Edie. a 4-year-old black and tan German Shepherd at Pasadena Humane with the sweetest heart. She’s well-mannered, potty trained, and even knows a few tricks! Her favorite things include squeaky toys, belly rubs, and plenty of attention from her people.

This smart, strong girl loves exploring the yard, chasing lizards and squirrels, and showing off her speed when she plays. She’s also learning leash manners, enjoys lots of car rides, and settles nicely into a crate while in a home setting. She is gentle, calm, and is happiest when hanging out with her humans.

If you’re looking for a sweet, playful, and affectionate companion who’s ready to join you on life’s adventures, Edie could be the perfect match for you. Come meet her and see why she’s so easy to fall in love with!

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 10:00 – 5:00. 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: Young ladies in canyon

Young ladies in canyon around 1906. Gladys Burr seated in fancy hat. From the Burr family 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

Boys & Girls Club raising money to buy two buses

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills has launched a “Fund the Bus” campaign to replace its broken 20-year-old bus. The club hopes to raise $100,000 to purchase two 24-passenger buses. Give here.

- Brad Haugaard

Rotary Club to host Casino Night fundraiser on Sept. 20

Rotary Club will host a Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Community Center. The event features a "Rock and Roll Will Never Die" theme, live music by The Doo Drops, casino games, auction, food, and open bar. Tickets are $75 in advance or $85 at the door, available on the club’s website, here. 

City to begin charging for credit card payments

The city will soon begin charging a processing fee for those who pay their city bills by credit card. The fee reflects processing costs previously absorbed by the city and will take effect in the coming weeks. To avoid the fee you can still pay by cash or check.

- Brad Haugaard

Parking fees at Canyon Park resume Sept. 15

Monrovia Canyon Park will reinstate vehicle parking fees starting Sept. 15; $5 on weekdays, $6 on weekends and holidays, and $30 for buses. Annual passes will be available for $65, or $45 for disabled, and may be purchased at the park or the Community Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Cat Food Shortage at Foothill Unity Center

- Brad Haugaard 

Halloween Live Oak cemetery tour returns Oct. 25, 26

The Halloween tour of Live Oak Cemetery is returning. Jim Wigton will carry on Steve Baker’s tradition of storytelling among the graves at Live Oak. Tales of notable burials, local history, and just enough spookiness to set the mood.

• Dates: Sat., Oct. 25 & Sun., Oct. 26
• Time: 3:30–5 p.m.
• Tickets: $25 (proceeds benefit the Historical Society)
• Limit: 25 per tour
• Sales start: Sept. 15 at the Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave., or call 256-8246.
• No online sales.

- Brad Haugaard