News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Care Solace - Free Help For Mental Health, Drug Treatment, Food, Housing, Etc.


The city has a new partnership with Care Solace, which provides free care coordination services for mental health, substance-use treatment, food, housing, and low-cost health/dental care. Hotline at (888) 515-7881 or website

- Brad Haugaard

Art Walk in Old Town This Saturday Evening


Evening Art Walk along Myrtle in Old Town this Saturday, July 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. Artists will be demonstrating and selling their work. Sponsored by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. More artwork is on display at Artist Alley in the Community Center during regular business hours.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Parking Now Available for Station Square Farmers Market

The Saturday Farmers Market at Station Square now has free parking. The city has leased 200 parking spaces on the second and third floors of the Metro train station parking structure. On Saturday, you can park as long as you like. The spaces are also available for other city-sponsored events. More market info here.

- Brad Haugaard

GoFundMe Account Set Up to Replace Centre Stage's Stolen Truck and Equipment

A GoFundMe account (here ) has been set up to replace Centre Stage's stolen truck, trailer, props and equipment, so the organization can continue providing youth with platform for artistic development. City Manager Dylan Feik says the Monrovia Police Department is taking the theft "personally and our detectives are on it like syrup on pancakes."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Starts Bonfire in Front of Business; Much Drinking and Drugging; Dog Removed From Hot Car; Shoplifting, and More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 18 – 24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 458 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 18 at 12:23 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Duarte regarding an alarm activation. Officers arrived and located a subject nearby. The subject was detained and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 18 at 12:40 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Lime reported someone was on their porch. Officers arrived and made contact with a male subject who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. Officers determined he was 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
July 18 at 7:13 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Palm regarding a subject loitering and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Counterfeit
July 18 at 1:03 p.m., a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject who cashed a fraudulent check. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 18 at 6:08 p.m., a victim parked in a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported his vehicle’s tailgate stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 18 at 7:15 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Linwood called to report a suspicious person loitering in the area and possibly looking into parked vehicles. An officer arrived and located the subject a short distance away. A computer check revealed he was on probation. A search of the subject revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 6:36 a.m., a caller in a business in the 1700 block of S. Myrtle reported a female who started a bonfire in front of the business and was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 9:57 a.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding a possible domestic violence incident. Officers arrived and determined the couple was involved in a verbal altercation when the male subject pushed the female subject and began to strangle her. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft / Resisting Officer / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 2:19 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject concealing merchandise. Officers arrived as the subject was walking out of the business with the stolen merchandise. Officers were able to subdue him. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
July 19 at 4:03 p.m. an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft that occurred in the morning. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 6:43 p.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of E. Lemon saw a vehicle in violation a traffic code. The officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who 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.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 8:00 p.m., callers in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a disruptive male subject in a park. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the subject. The subject was located a short time later and officers made contact with him. Officers determined he was intoxicated. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Weapons Offense
July 20 at 5:47 p.m., officers responded to the area of Duarte and California regarding a weapons offense. The victim stated he changed lanes and the suspect got upset, reached into the glove compartment and retrieved a firearm, and brandished it at the victim. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
July 20 at 9:00 p.m., an employee from a gas station in the 800 block of E. Huntington called to report a suspicious vehicle parked with two subjects inside. As the first officer arrived he saw one of the subjects walking away. Additional officers arrived and were unable to locate any of the subjects. A computer search of the vehicle revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Fresno. This investigation is continuing.

Fire Assist
July 20 at 9:30 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of N. Ivy after receiving a call from a caller who sounded to be in distress. Officers arrived and were able to locate the caller who was severely intoxicated and required assistance from the MFD.

Resisting / Delaying – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 12:39 a.m., an officer patrolling the 900 block of W. Huntington saw a suspicious female subject and attempted to make contact with her. When officers approached her she fled. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 1:06 a.m., an employee of a gas station in the 800 block of E. Huntington called to report a male subject was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who appeared to be heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
July 21 at 9:22 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of N. Mayflower reported vandalism to school property. This investigation is continuing.

Illegal Fireworks
July 21 at 2:11 p.m. a resident in the 300 block of N. Mayflower reported that a lit firework was thrown onto her property. This investigation is continuing.

Open Container / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 7:42 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington saw a bicyclist riding with an open container in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. She was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 7:44 p.m., a caller in the area of Longden and Myrtle reported a driver driving unsafely. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the vehicle. Another caller soon thereafter reported the same vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers located the vehicle and made contact with the driver who appeared to be intoxicated. A DUI investigation determined 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 – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 9:54 p.m., a disturbing subject bothering customers were reported in the 800 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the male who was very intoxicated. Officers determined he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 12:08 a.m., several callers in the 100 block of McKinley reported a motorist just collided into a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and located the driver who was heavily intoxicated with three passengers in the vehicle. One of the passengers suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. A DUI investigation determined they were intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 1:35 a.m., a caller reported a motorist had just collided into her illegally parked car in the 700 block of S. California then fled. She had her hazard lights on but was blocking the lane of travel. The victim got into her parked car and chased after the suspect. Officers located both parties in the 400 block of Heliotope. The suspect was heavily intoxicated and after field sobriety tests were conducted, she was arrested for DUI and Hit and Run.

Fight in Progress
July 22 at 2:21 a.m., an employee at a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported two male adult subjects fighting in the parking lot. When officers arrived one of the subjects had fled the location. The subject who was located was treated by MFD for his injuries. The subject did not desire prosecution for battery.

Grand Theft / Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 3:24 a.m., an alarm company for a business in the 1400 block of California reported a theft in progress. Officers arrived and located a female driver sitting in the suspect vehicle. She immediately fled and took the officers on a short pursuit. She was apprehended and was found to be in possession of stolen copper. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 6:05 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Greystone reported a male subject was pushing a stroller and seemed agitated. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A search revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Vandalism
July 22 at 8:07 a.m., officers patrolling the 400 block of E. Duarte noticed graffiti on the side of a building. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 22 at 8:51 a.m., a customer from a hotel in the 100 block of W. Huntington reported the tires and rims to one side of her vehicle were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 7:05 a.m., officers patrolling the area of Huntington and the 210 freeway and saw a vehicle that appeared to be involved in a separate incident. Officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had a no bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
July 23 at 7:34 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Wildrose called to report his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrest
July 23 at 8:48 a.m., a male subject came into the MPD lobby regarding an incident. A computer search revealed he had two warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplift / Warrant Arrest – Suspects Arrested
July 23 at 9:35 a.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male and female subject left the business with merchandise they did not pay for. Officers arrived, located three subjects and made contact with them. The stolen property was recovered and returned. All three subjects had warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Animal Problem
July 23 at 10:48 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Monterey Court reported a dog left inside a vehicle on a hot day, with the windows slightly open. The officer arrived and located the vehicle. Attempts were made to locate the driver but could not locate anyone. The vehicle door was open and the dog was removed. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 23 at 5:14 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Foothill and Canyon regarding a traffic collision. Both drivers were contacted, one party complained of pain, but refused medical attention.

Battery
July 23 at 6:08 p.m., a victim in a restaurant in the 900 block of E. Huntington reported he and another customer began a conversation and when they disagreed on a topic, the customer pushed the victim and threw a water bottle at the victim. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
July 24 at 12:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a male subject who entered the store, grabbed merchandise and fled without paying. The subject was gone prior to officer’s arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
July 24 at 2:37 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista reported an unknown subject stole gardening equipment from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
July 24 at 3:47 pm, a resident in the 400 block of Hurstview called to report a female subject was inside a residence throwing items out. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. Officers determined she was in need of a mental evaluation. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Trespass – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 4:25 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported that a female subject who was trespassing. Officers arrived and made contact with her. She refused to leave. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
July 24 at 6:15 p.m., an employee from a beauty supply store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male and female adults were filling bags with merchandise. Officers arrived and located both suspects outside the store with the merchandise. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
July 24 at 7:12 p.m., several callers reported a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway in the area of Shamrock at Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver who appeared to be heavily intoxicated with her child in the backseat. A DUI investigation determined she was intoxicated. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. The child was released to family.

Support Monrovia Musical Arts

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Kiku Sushi

Dinner at Kiku Sushi, at the west end of the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Got the Kiku Combination with spicy chicken and spicy tuna roll for $17.99, and a beer for $6.75. It came with a salad and miso soup, which are not shown, because I ate them. Very nice and filling.

- Brad Haugaard 

Centre Stage Truck, Props Stolen

A trailer and a truck full of Centre Stage’s props was stolen Tuesday. The nonprofit group had just finished a production of Legally, Blonde, and is preparing for a new production, Annie Jr. Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

2,700 More Images Added to Monrovia Historical Society Online Digital Archive

William Monroe (on train) working on Alaska railroad.

More than 2,700 historic images were added this June to Monrovia's Legacy Project, the Monrovia Historical Society's online digital record of photographs and papers from the city's early years.

The new items have been grouped in a dozen collections listed under "What's New?" on the Welcome page, (cityofmonrovia.pastperfectonline.com/). Click on each title for a short description, suggested searches and special treasures.

With City Historian Steve Baker’s passing in 2022, dozens more boxes worth of historical materials were discovered in his homes. Everything from maps and ledgers to scrapbooks and rare photos. With support from the city, “Monrovia Legacy Project 2.0” began last summer, led again by Sandy Burud of the Monrovia Historical Society with help from volunteers. The first year of that effort to organize, identify, scan, archive and add them to the online collection is now complete.

Among new items are images of the Monroe Cottage that William and Mary Jane Monroe built before their palatial home, The Oaks, photos of William in Alaska — where he built a railroad after founding Monrovia, Wildcats newsletters from the 1930s, bios of early families, Steve Baker’s speeches and writings, insurance maps with building details in 1888, more Monrovia Days parades, E.B. Gray photographs of the San Gabriel canyons, Julius Parker’s scrapbook from WWII, the story behind the Sanatorium Wars in the 1920s, and many others.

The work is far from complete. When finished, the archive should have more than 7,000 images. Year Two is now underway, with more treasures to be documented. If you’d like to help or if you have historic photos or papers to add, please email the Monrovia Historical Society at monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com or text/call 675.8323.

- Brad Haugaard

Presentation On Types of Garbage at Library August 15


Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) will hold an open-to-the-community meeting at the Library, Thursday, August 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free dinner until it runs out. Presentation of waste types and organics, Q&A session, networking with community members and city staff. Register here. For questions, email MAP@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Denim and Diamonds Fundraiser for Children's Hospital of LA September 14

Tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

Costello Ready For a Patient Adopter ... Who's Bringing Snacks


Costello is a handsome four-year-old tuxedo cat seeking an experienced cat person to give him a wonderful home! 

Costello’s love language may not be touch (he’s not a snuggler at this time), but it’s definitely food! From squeezy treats to crunchies to wet food, this cat is a fan of it all. His preferred style of interaction involves playtime and tasty treats. He’s also a great listener, so if you’re looking for someone to talk to, Costello could be your guy.

Costello would be a wonderful companion for a patient adopter who can go at his pace and give him time to come out of his shell. He’s ready to build a special bond with you over time... you bring the snacks!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30, and can be scheduled online. 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: Mills Hotel - First Commercial Building in Monrovia

Built by John C. Anderson, this was the first commercial building in Monrovia, serving visitors who came to Monrovia to consider locating here. It was located at 510-512 Myrtle, shown in the 1888 tax rolls as owned by Presley Baker, who would have bought it from someone else. On the left is the addition to the original Hotel building. It was later managed by C.C. Hotchkiss, uncle of Myron Hotchkiss, later City Historian. The Hotel (also called the Mills Hotel, Wisteria Hotel) was the site of the election to incorporate the City of Monrovia in 1886. Little Homer Hull was killed by a flying hitching post caused when a horse was frightened and bolted; he was taken into the Hotel and died from his injuries. 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

Morning for Neurodivergent Children, July 27


Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children on Saturday, July 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Library's Youth Services Area. For children ages 2-15 with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, or ADHD. Features less stimulating environment, book check-outs, sensory toys, and art supplies. Registration suggested. Limited attendance. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at Library July 25


Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Library on Thursday, July 25. Dropoff from 12 to 5 p.m. Children can bring a stuffed animal or toy for a night of fun activities. Toys participate in play, crafts, storytime, snacks, and Olympics. Pick-up time on Saturday, July 27, at noon includes a movie featuring the toys, snacks, and crafts. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Soccer Star Helps Win National Championship

Amara Mercado, a top player for Monrovia High School's girls soccer team, played this summer for the 17-years-old-and-younger girls (U17) Legends Football Club of the Elite Clubs National League team, based in Eastvale, California. The team won the national championship, and didn't just squeak by their opponents, but outscored them 12-1 over three games. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Youth Baseball League Ranks High - 9th Out of 68 at Cooperstown


Monrovia Youth Baseball League congratulated at July 16 Council Meeting for outstanding season performance. The league placed ninth out of 68 teams at Cooperstown. League anticipates future successful seasons. Visit league website for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Museum Now Open Thursdays and Sundays


The Monrovia Historical Museum at Recreation Park (742 E. Lemon Avenue) is now open Thursdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Exhibits showcase local culture and history since 1886. Free admission.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Begin Recognizing Monrovia Babies

The City Council will begin recognizing new Monrovia babies at its regular meetings. Contact City Clerk's Office at 932-5599 or cityclerk@monroviaca.gov. Provide baby's full name, birth date, parents' names, address, and phone number. Special memento mailed to families.

- Brad Haugaard

Cooling Center Open for Weekend at Community Center

Hot? Monrovia's Cooling Center opens at Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.) tomorrow, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. All ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by guardians. 

- Brad Haugaard