Council Approves $76M Bond Financing Proceedings, Calls November Election

May 19, 2026 Monrovia City Council meeting, summarized by AI. [This is an experiment; we'll see how it goes.]

• Council authorized preliminary proceedings for possible bond financing up to $76 million for community center renovations, Recreation Park improvements, Fire Station 102 renovations, and city hall renovations. Measure K revenues would fund debt service. 

• Three resolutions adopted calling for a November  general municipal election. Seats on the ballot: Mayor (2-year term), two council members (4-year terms), city treasurer (4-year term), and city clerk (4-year term). Nomination period July 13–August 7. Pre-nomination information meeting July 2 at the Community Center Monroe Room.

• May proclaimed California Water Awareness Month and June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

• Police will enforce posted no-parking hours throughout the posted time window even after the street sweeper has passed. This change will be publicized before taking effect.

• Monrovia Days parade winners: Best Float — Wild Rose School of Creative Arts; Best Musical Entry — Center Stage Dance Academy; Best Spirit — Monrovia Elementary; Judges Award — Clifton Middle School Marching Band and Color Guard; Most Unique — No Driving Low Rider Club; Best Overall — Monrovia High School band and color guard. Next Monrovia Days: May 13–16, 2027.

• Summer concerts in the park begin Sunday, May 24, at Station Square, 7–8:30 p.m. (Stone Soul Motown). The 4th of July concert featuring OC Groove will be at Library Park, July 4, 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.

• Library Division Manager Carrie Vance presented a library strategic plan update. Over the last 5 years: circulation up 126%, program participants up 303%, outreach visits nearly tripled. A patron survey launches June 1–30. Summer reading program kickoff celebration June 6, noon–3 p.m. at Library Park; sign up in June for a free book.

• Mayor Shevlin brought up Assembly Bill 1768, which would allow LA County to put a sales tax increase up to 0.5% on the ballot. Council discussed but did not reach unanimous consensus to send a formal letter opposing; individual members may contact state Senator Sasha Perez.

• Public commenters called on the council to pursue a sanctuary city ordinance and a permanent memorial for Carlos Roberto Montoyo Valdez.

• Bear cub fundraising update: over $20,000 raised; bears showing progress and moving back toward natural behaviors.

• Congressman Cisneros presented a $1,092,000 federal check for the Encanto Water Park project.

Complete meeting video here.

- Brad Haugaard

Trip to LA County Fair planned for May 28

The Community Center is planning a trip to the L.A. County Fair on Thursday, May 28. Participants will spend the day at the fair with time for food, carnival games, and exhibits. Attractions and food are not included in the fee. Bus departs at 10:30 a.m. from the Community Center. Trip runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents. For more information, contact the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Goofy Cheeto is a pool-loving Lab mix with big silly energy

Looking for a goofy pool-loving adventure buddy? Meet Cheeto! This 1-year-old Labrador and Shar-Pei mix at Pasadena Humane is full of silly energy and loves bouncing between splashing in the kiddie pool, sniffing around for treats, carrying toys, and soaking up attention from anyone nearby. He's great on walks, loves a good foster field trip, and knows how to settle himself after playtime, happily taking breaks for pets and relaxation. Cheeto is curious, sweet, and wonderfully expressive—the kind of dog who keeps you laughing just by being himself.

From now through May 24th, adult dog adoption fees are waived during the "May I Go Home With You" adoption promo at Pasadena Humane, making adopting Cheeto easier than ever.

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 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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: Almera Romney and her Huntington School class

Almera Romney and her Huntington Elementary fifth grade class in 1946. Romney was teacher and then principal at Huntington Elementary from 1946-1963. She fought for better conditions for the segregated school and advocated for integration. Standing next to Almera with a butterfly on her dress is Mimi Luvenia Martin (Mency, 1936-2011) who would be the first African American on the Monrovia school board in 1972. From the Susie Ling 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

City Council to discuss planning for 2028 Olympics

The City Council will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. on May 21 at the Canyon Park Cabin to discuss planning for the 2028 Olympics. That, and to perform the standard evaluation (in closed session) of the performance of City Manager Dylan Feik. Source.

- Brad Haugaard

Boys & Girls Club rally honors Youth of the Year, May 31

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will honor its 2026 Youth of the Year winners and community advocates at a Rally and Family Carnival at Recreation Park on Sunday, May 31

Aidan Gee, a Monrovia High sophomore, was selected as Youth of the Year; Kristy and Todd Bowden will receive the Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award; and The Berns Team will be recognized as Corporate Partner of the Year. The public event features food trucks, inflatables, games, and a classic car show. Tickets.

- Brad Haugaard

City to consider issuing $76 million bond for renovations, consolidating elections

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Beginning proceedings to issue up to $76 million in bond financing to renovate the Community Center, Recreation Park, Fire Station 102, and City Hall. Details. 

~ Consolidate the municipal elections with the statewide general election, on Nov. 3, 2026. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

City interested in property on north edge of Monrovia

The city is apparently interested (see here) in acquiring a parcel of land at 347 Highland Place in north Monrovia (marked with orange dot). Comment: It would make a nice addition to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans meetup at Starbucks, May 26

Veterans meetup at the Starbucks at Huntington and Magnolia, May 26, 6 to 7 p.m. Veterans and military service members can receive free coffee, meet other veterans, and schedule appointments with a Veterans Service Officer or a representative from Veterans Peer Access Network. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen activity at the Library, June 1

Teen Activity Hour at the Library’s Community Room, Monday, June 1, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Teens in grades 7-12 can participate in an activity planned by the Teen Advisory Board leadership team. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days is on

Carnival today in Library Park until 10 p.m., then again tomorrow and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Harbaugh named schools' Classified Employee of the Year

Plymouth Elementary office manager Desiree Harbaugh has been named Monrovia Schools' Classified Employee of the Year for 2025-2026 after 13 years serving the school community in volunteer, PTA, library, and office roles. Harbaugh said she was "1,000% surprised to be selected." She said her favorite part of the job is greeting students and families each morning and helping create a welcoming school culture. 

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20

RSVP here. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Library book sale Saturday, May 16

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, the Friends of the Monrovia Public library will hold its Spring Book Sale, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the library.

- Brad Haugaard 

Viola's Bar & Bistro Now Hiring as Monrovia Opening Approaches

Viola's Bar & Bistro, a new French bistro café set in a restored historic property at 512 S. Ivy in Monrovia, is now hiring. The restaurant, in the residence of former City Historian Steve Baker, is expected to open soon.

- Brad Haugaard