Waffles is a quiet soul who prefers life at an easy pace

Meet Waffles, a handsome German Shepherd at Pasadena Humane whose toasty, golden-brown color truly lives up to his name! At 10 years old, this senior gentleman is looking forward to spending the rest of his days curled up on a comfy couch in a calm, cozy home.

Waffles is a quiet soul who prefers life at an easy pace. While he may take some time to warm up to new people, he walks politely on leash, knows his “sit” command, and perks up when treats are around (which he can still catch mid-air with a gentle toss!). He's not a dog who craves too much activity but would love a nice evening stroll with his humans, and a peaceful environment to call home.

Because of his history, Waffles would do best in a low-traffic home without young children or other pets. He would thrive with a patient, understanding adopter, and in return, he’ll be a steady, loyal presence.

If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a senior pup who just wants a soft place to land, Waffles is waiting to be yours! Adopt Waffles today and make his golden years truly special.

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: Bringing home Christmas presents

Bringing home Christmas presents for Jimmie Rogers, from 1903. From left: Agnes Sutton and May Baker. From the photo album of May Baker, an avid photographer who took many photos. From the Steve Baker 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

Adult game night at library Sept. 26

Game Night for adults at the Library Friday, Sept. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room, for ages 18 and up. Board games, puzzles, and Nintendo Switch games or bring your own.  Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Lotería Night at Library, Oct. 3

Free Lotería Night Friday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room, for all ages to enjoy the traditional Mexican bingo game with friends, family, and prizes. Registration is required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Fall gardening workshop set for Sept. 27

One Earth Community Garden will host a Fall Garden Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at 777 Greystone Ave. Presented in partnership with Armstrong’s Nursery, the hands-on event offers tips and inspiration for growing seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Open to all interested in fall gardening.

- Brad Haugaard

Rainwater harvesting presentation at Garden Club meeting

S

peaker Orchid Black will discuss rainwater harvesting with swales and earthworks at the Monrovia Garden Club meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 23⁠⁠​. Social time starts at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall, at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour tomorrow, Sept. 20

There will be an historic walking tour tomorrow, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m., starting at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm. Attendees will learn about the city’s early history while walking approximately six blocks. The tour lasts about two hours and costs $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

City looking for Christmas tree ornament artists

Artists can submit Christmas tree ornament designs for the 2025 Holiday Tree Ornament Contest with the theme "Monrovia Merriment." The winning design will be featured on ceramic ornaments, and the artist will receive a $500 stipend and name recognition. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Library Saturday

Live Mariachi, crafts, and cultural displays will highlight a library celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month tomorrow, Sept. 20, from noon to 2 p.m. The City Council has proclaimed September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

- Brad Haugaard

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