City wants your thoughts on what to do with old house it bought

Give your thoughts on what the city should do with the historic old house it bought at 222 E Cypress. The City Council has reviewed three affordable housing proposals for the property, all of which retain the existing home and mature trees while adding 13–16 units and parking. Here are the proposals in brief:

Save Everything

Preserve the home, two large oak trees, a mature tree, build 13 affordable housing units (mix of 1 and 2-story units) and install 13 parking stalls.

Bungalow Court

Preserve the home, build 15 smaller shared courts surrounded by a mix of 1 and 2-story houses, and a shared community space on the ground floor of the home. Install 16 parking stalls. 

Hybrid 

Preserve the home, build 16 smaller units surrounded by a mix of 1 and 2-story houses, create a shared community space on the ground floor of the Victorian, and install 16 parking stalls. 

Check out the proposals and give your feedback here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Spooktacular 3 to 6 p.m. in Library Park, Old Town

A Halloween Spooktacular & Trick-or-Treat Bash takes place in Old Town and Library Park on Friday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. Activities include trick-or-treating in Old Town, costume contests for all ages (including dogs), Library activities, booths, and photo ops. Myrtle and surrounding streets will be closed from 1 to 7 p.m. for the event.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn about plans to close one of Monrovia's middle schools

Three more public meetings are scheduled to discuss the consolidation of one of Monrovia's middle schools. They are:

• Clifton Middle School Auditorium, Tuesday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m.
• Santa Fe CSM School Cafeteria, Tuesday, October 28 at 12:00 p.m.
• A virtual meeting Monday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact the school district office at 471-2000.

- Brad Haugaard  

Community Prayer Breakfast Nov. 21

Tickets are on sale for the 59th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast, on Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 a.m., at the Doubletree in Monrovia. Tickets (available here) are $45 per person or $400 for a table of 10. For questions contact Korrine Ramirez at KR@MonroviaCC.com or call 626-358-1159.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Sena

Had dinner at Sena, on the west side of Myrtle just south of Lime. Got the carnitas tacos for $14 and a beer for $7. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Biker found with fake badge and airsoft gun; Man arrested after starting illegal fire; DUI driver flees collision; Man knocks over refrigerator; Drunks and drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 16 – 22. - Brad Haugaard]

During this period the Police Department handled 472 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.

Municipal Code Violation / Drug Activity / Delaying an Officer – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 1:19 a.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of W. Pomona saw a female subject in a park after hours. As the officer approached her she fled on foot. She was quickly apprehended and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Outside Assist
October 16 at 1:41 a.m., while officers were in the area of Myrtle and Pomona for an unrelated incident, they heard a female subject screaming. Officers made contact with the female subject and a male subject. An investigation determined the couple were involved in a physical altercation. The incident occurred while on the freeway and CHP was notified to respond and they took over the investigation.

Mental Evaluation
October 16 at 3:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of California regarding a suspicious female subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. After speaking with her for some time, it was determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 9:58 p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 800 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and made contact with the occupant of the vehicle. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Located
October 16 at 11:08 p.m., while patrolling the 600 block of S. Shamrock an officer made contact with a juvenile who had been reported missing. The juvenile was safely reunited with his guardian.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 2:08 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Alta Vista made contact with a pedestrian. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 3:31 a.m., while patrolling the area of Shamrock and Central an officer saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
October 17 at 5:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject who kicked a door, knocked over a refrigerator, and fled. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect or vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 17 at 11:08 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of E. Foothill. Officers and paramedics responded to the scene and checked on the occupants’ welfare. One person sustained minor injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Embezzlement
October 17 at 12:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported an embezzlement incident. A customer rented equipment and failed to return it. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 10:03 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Evergreen made contact with a subject. A records check revealed the subject had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 18 at 12:38 a.m., while patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code law. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs and 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.

Public Intoxication
October 18 at 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of E. Lime regarding a subject loitering in front of a closed business. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. It was determined he was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 1:46 a.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and El Sur reported a male subject appeared intoxicated and running in the street. 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.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 18 at 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a subject loitering in front of a closed business in the 100 block of E. Lime. Officers contacted the subject, who was found to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the MPD Jail for booking.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 1:46 a.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and El Sur regarding a male running in the street and appearing intoxicated. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
October 19 at 12:54 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported her scooter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Illegal Burning
October 19 at 2:11 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Pomona reported a male subject started a fire. Officers and MFD arrived and located the fire. The subject was located later in the day and officers made contact with him. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 19 at 2:23 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Central and Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One of the parties complained of pain and received treatment.

Embezzled Vehicle
October 19 at 8:23 p.m., officers were alerted to an embezzled vehicle in the area of Mountain and Huntington. Officers arrived, located the vehicle parked. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
October 19 at 8:30 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of E. Huntington reported a female subject possibly smoking what the caller believed to be a controlled substance. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. A computer search revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense / Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 12:00 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle officers saw a subject at a park after hours. Officers made contact with the subject and discovered he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence
October 20 at 12:52 a.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 900 block of El Dorado. Officers arrived and made contact with the caller who reported his girlfriend struck him. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
October 20 at 8:13 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding a female subject wanting to harm herself. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who was determined to be a danger to herself.

Vandalism
October 20 at 11:51 a.m., a caller in the 1800 block of California reported graffiti. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
October 20 at 3:55 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported her phone was stolen from a restroom. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 20 at 4:09 p.m., a traffic collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle was reported in the area of Colorado and Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. The pedestrian complained of pain and she sought treatment herself. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 20 at 4:16 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of E. Greystone walked into the MPD lobby to report the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Property for Destruction
October 20 at 10:49 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Duarte saw a bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the road and a traffic stop was conducted. The bicyclist was contacted and found to be in possession of a fake police badge and an airsoft gun. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
October 21 at 2:32 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 21, at 2:42 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report a hit and run traffic collision. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 3:19 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Duarte and Myrtle stopped saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 5:57 p.m., a caller in the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista reported a suspicious subject on private property. Officers arrived and made contact with her. A computer search revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 10:22 p.m., an officer patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject in violation of a municipal code. The officer made contact with the subject. He was found to be in possession of an open alcohol container and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity / Fraud
October 21 at 10:32 p.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Central an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver and passenger were contacted. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a controlled substance and the passenger was in possession of mail belonging to someone else. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 1:57 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Live Oak saw a vehicle make an unsafe movement. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest– Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 8:08 a.m., while patrolling the area of Mountain and Lemon an officer saw a subject commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed she had a suspended license and a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 8:51 a.m., a victim in the area of 10th and Duarte reported a traffic collision where the other driver fled prior to officer’s arriving. Officers were able to locate the vehicle a short distance away. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting
October 22 at 6:04 p.m., an employee from a store in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a theft. Officers arrived and determined a male subject entered the store and fled with merchandise he did not pay for. He was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
October 22 at 6:37 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Colorado reported a theft. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
October 22 at 6:56 p.m., a loss prevention officer from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a theft. Officers arrived and discovered a subject entered the store, concealed merchandise and fled without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 23 at 11:38 p.m., a caller in the area of Primrose and Foothill reported a male subject laying on the ground and screaming. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed 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.

Driving Under the Influence
October 23 at 12:47 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Montana saw a subject driving unsafe. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation determined he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence
October 23 at 2:31 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of E. Central regarding a welfare check. Officers arrived and determined the victim was struck in the face. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Free seminar on senior financial abuse Nov. 10

Foothill Credit Union and the Monrovia Police Department will present "Keeping Our Seniors Safe: A Conversation on Financial Abuse" on Monday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Community Center. The event aims to help seniors and caregivers recognize scams, hear real cases, and learn how to prevent and report financial exploitation. RSVP here.

- Brad Haugaard

Adopt a dog for $31, Oct. 24-31

Pasadena Humane is offering $31 dog adoptions October 24–31 as part of its Halloween “Trick or Treat” promotion, sponsored by Lyn Spector. Adopters also receive prize wheel spins for extras like training discounts and merchandise. Adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. Non-adopters can donate treats and supplies from the Howl-O-Ween Wishlist here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia churches plan Halloween alternatives

Several Monrovia churches are planning Halloween alternative events for those who don't get into ghosts and goblins. If I missed any, let me know.

Oct. 30 - Fellowship Church, at the corner of Huntington and California, will hold Harvest Night, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Trunk or treat plus "food, games and activities." Details. 

 Oct. 31 - Calvary Chapel Monrovia, at the corner of Myrtle and Cherry, will hold its Harvest event starting at 6 p.m., featuring trunk-or-treat. carnival games, petting zoo, puppet show, food, photo booth, dunk tank, scavenger hunt, and face painting. Details.

Oct. 31 - Calvary Road Baptist Church, at 319 E Olive, will hold its alternative to Halloween from 7-8:30 p.m. with "games, treats, and faith-filled fun." Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Senior dog Sunday still hoping for a quiet home for her golden years

Sunday didn’t find her new family on Free Adoption Day, but she’s still holding out hope!

This gentle 12-year-old brindle pittie has been through more than most - she came to Pasadena Humane in January for emergency boarding after the Eaton Fire displaced her family. When it became clear they couldn’t take her back, they made the heartbreaking decision to surrender her, hoping she could find a second chance at happiness.

Sunday’s been living in a loving foster home ever since, bringing joy to a community that knows loss and resilience. Calm, cuddly, and full of love, Sunday made tons of new friends this past weekend, rocking her best flower collar and showing off her world-class snuggling skills.

She’s a sweet senior lady who deserves a soft place to land, a quiet home, and someone to love her through her golden years. If you’re looking for a best friend every day of the week - Sunday’s your girl.

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.

- Brad Haugaard

School district asks for parents' help in providing mental health services

Monrovia School District is asking for parents' help to maintain the free mental health services the district offers students. If parents complete a CYBHI (Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative) authorization form, the district can seek reimbursement through students' health plans - without affecting coverage, costing money, or compromising privacy. For questions call 471‑2042. The form is here. Completing the form will not affect a child’s insurance coverage. There are no costs, bills, co-pays, or deductibles. All information is secure and services will continue regardless of consent.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia's second place winner in the Rose Parade

Monrovia's float in the 1915 Tournament of Roses Parade. It won second prize. From the photo album of avid photographer May Baker. 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

Spooky Gardening workshop. Thursday, Oct. 23

Free Spooky Gardening workshop, Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. at Monrovia Community Garden, Colorado and Magnolia. Explore garden bugs, decomposition, and the science behind compost tea (witches’ brew).

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to discuss goals, evaluate city manager

The City Council is going to discuss its goals and evaluate (in closed session) City Manager Dylan Feik's performance. This will be on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. in the Elan Conference Room at the Doubletree (924 W. Huntington) if you want to attend. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans invited to participate in Christmas parade

- Brad Haugaard