Council Summary: $2 million purchase of Highland hillside property approved; Etc.

July 21 Monrovia City Council meeting, summarized by AI.

• Council voted 3-0 (Councilmember Kelly excused, Mayor Shevlin recused) to approve a letter of intent to purchase 7.8 acres at 347 North Highland Place for $2 million, adding it to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. The property, adjacent to the Big M, was proposed for three large homes since 2019. Funding comes from open space impact fees and the hillside acquisition fund. The property will be rezoned Hillside Wilderness Preserve, requiring a public vote to change.

• The California Highway Patrol again requested a 30-day extension on the city's records request for the investigation into the death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez. Mayor Shevlin directed staff to send letters to the governor, attorney general, assembly members, state senator, and CHP chief. A status report is expected at the September meeting.

• Multiple speakers addressed ICE-related deaths. Sherry Lochner reported 75 deaths linked to ICE actions and requested an independent investigation into the Montoya Valdez death, sanctuary city status for Monrovia, and a permanent memorial. A vigil is set for August 15 at noon at the Monrovia Home Depot.

• Pasadena Humane's Pet of the Month is Ella, a 5-year-old German Shepherd available for adoption (fee waived for adopters over 60). LAFC soccer players visit the shelter July 28 for meet-and-greets and sponsored adoptions. Free adult dog and cat adoptions run July 30 – August 9.

• City Manager Dylan Feik reported: The Request For Proposals (RFP) for the 222 East Cypress project has been released, with council review expected in September. A community development project completed plan check; its RFP is forthcoming. A 2026 bond issuance is in preparation. The city and school district are planning a joint meeting.

• The next council meeting is August 4 at 5 p.m., starting early to allow council and public to attend National Night Out at Library Park afterward.

• Chamber update: 10 new members this month. Upcoming events include a Thursday mixer at Lead the Way Fitness, Paint & Sip July 27, Lunch Mob July 29 at Milan Bar and Noodle, and a ribbon cutting July 30 at the Arthur Blair Historical Inn.

• Officer Munoz was sworn in by Chief Harvey on July 8. Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez noted the "family" atmosphere of the ceremony and the Monrovia Police Department.

• The meeting opened in honor of Elliot Emerson Leos, born June 25 to Community Services Commissioner Giangelo and Amanda Leos.

Complete meeting video here.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen activity: Creating with air-dry clay, Aug. 3

Teen Activity Hour will be held Monday, Aug. 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Teens in grades 7–12 are invited to stay after the Teen Advisory Board meeting for a social activity planned by the board - creating with air-dry clay. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Novel T's Book Club to discuss 'The Correspondent: A Novel' in August

In August, the Novel T's Book Club will discuss "The Correspondent: A Novel," by Virginia Evans. Meetings are fourth Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Social time at 6:30 p.m., with book discussion at 6:45 p.m. New participants should email jandrewsheldon@gmail.com to join the group. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Laser tag for teens at the Library, July 24

Laser tag for teens (grades 7–12) at the Library Friday, July 24, 5:30 to 7 p.m.. Registration and details, here. Participants must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver, which will be available at check-in. 

- Brad Haugaard

Pasadena Humane Hosts Free Pet Adoption Event July 27

Pasadena Humane will host "Score Your Best Buddy," a free after-hours pet adoption event on Monday, July 27, from 4–7 p.m., with all adoption fees waived thanks to sponsors LAFC and ZippyPaws. LAFC players will be on-site for meet-and-greets from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Every adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, and a microchip. Preview available pets at pasadenahumane.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Europeans impressed by America - The Monrovia edition

Perhaps you've seen the dozens of videos circulating on the Internet of Europeans and others being surprised by America. Well, Monrovia is included. This Englishman is very impressed with Old Town. (The caption, of course, is incorrect, but he says it correctly, that Monrovia is one of the oldest cities in Los Angeles County.) Click here for video.

Oops! Here's another one.

Link to video here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Station #101 wins county Stroke Response Award for 2025

USC-Arcadia Hospital’s leadership and stroke teams and Monrovia first responders.

USC Arcadia Hospital recently presented certificates of appreciation to Monrovia Fire Station #101, recognizing the first responders’ exceptional stroke symptom recognition skills and swift patient transport. The Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency also named the station the county’s top first responder for stroke treatment times in 2025. 

One example of this collaborative stroke care occurred in January 2025, when a 60-year-old patient called 911. The Monrovia Fire Station’s first responders dispatched to the patient’s home immediately recognized that the patient had experienced a large vessel occlusion, which completely blocks blood flow from a major artery to the brain and often results in disability or death when not treated quickly.

Due to the severity of the stroke, the first responders knew the patient needed transport to the closest Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), USC-Arcadia Hospital.

The response team alerted the hospital that the patient was en route, giving the clinical team time to prepare. The hospital stroke team performed a CT scan to confirm a large-vessel blockage, prepared for a clot removal procedure and started the surgery, all within 91 minutes. An approximate 90-minute window from the identification of a stroke to surgical intervention is considered ideal to prevent brain cell loss.

Due to the quick action of the Monrovia Fire Station first responders and the stroke team, the patient had successful surgery and went home without any neurological damage for a full recovery.

Photo courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC.

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet Rita is a low-key 7-year-old pittie who's all about you

Some dogs are all about adventure. Rita is all about you!

This 7-year-old pittie doesn't need much to have the perfect day—a slow stroll, a comfy spot to flop down, and someone willing to keep the pets coming. She has a wonderfully mellow way about her and seems to believe that if she's close enough to lean on you, life is pretty great. Sweet, easygoing, and full of quiet affection, Rita is the kind of dog who turns an ordinary afternoon into quality time.

If Rita sounds like the perfect companion for you, meet her today at Pasadena Humane!

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: Just before WWII, draft call at the Red Car Depot

On November 7, 1941, ten Monrovia draftees — Carl Huber, Raymond Baes, Lawrence Mishima, Johnny Grippi, Jules Woehler, Clarence Nestell, Earl Morrow, Albert Walker, Max Bradbury and Robert Lieben — lined up for a newspaper photo in front of the Red Car depot at Myrtle and Olive Avenues, with draft board secretary James W. Hudson at the far right. The call-up came exactly one month before the attack on Pearl Harbor pulled the United States into World War II. From the Dick Singer 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

Monrovia Vons to Hold Grand Re-Opening July 24

Vons at 130 W. Foothill Blvd. in Monrovia is holding a Grand Re-Opening on Friday, July 24, with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. The first 100 customers in line after the ribbon cutting will receive a game card for a chance to win groceries for a year.

- Brad Haugaard

Local nonprofit offers free swim lessons for neurodivergent kids

Float Initiative, a nonprofit founded in 2022 by Arcadia High School student and varsity swim team captain, Sebastian Chen, offers free, one-on-one swim lessons for neurodivergent children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

In February 2022, Chen's neurodivergent neighbor nearly drowned. That close call changed what the pool meant to Chen, inspiring his mission to keep children safe in the water, and the creation of Float Initiative.

Drowning, he said, is the leading cause of death among U.S. children ages 1 to 4, and research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children on the autism spectrum are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers.

Chen's lessons are tailored for children with autism, ADHD or other sensory differences, and are offered year-round at sponsor pools or families’ backyard pools. Since its founding, Float Initiative has taught more than 150 children in over 400 lessons at no cost. Details: floatinitiative.org.

- Brad Haugaard

MUSD Seeks Candidates for Board of Education Trustee Areas 3 and 5

The Monrovia School District is seeking candidates to run for its Board of Education, specifically for Trustee areas 3 (green) and 5 (orange). Interested residents can check their eligibility, submit a nomination form, and run. Nomination deadline is August 7, at 5 p.m.; Election Day is November 3, 2026. Better map here. County Registrar's Candidate Handbook here.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Backpack Giveaway for Monrovia elementary students Aug. 7

Monrovia schools, together with Kindness is Free and the Boys and Girls Club, will hold a free backpack giveaway for elementary students on Friday, August 7, at Monroe Elementary School. MUSD students are welcome. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Movies in the Park summer series kicks off July 18 at Station Square Park

Monrovia's free Movies in the Park series begins July 18 with a free screening of Disney's "Cars" at Station Square Park, 1629 S. Myrtle Ave. Here's the schedule:

July 18 – Cars, Station Square Park (1629 S. Myrtle Ave.)
July 25 – The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Julian Fisher Park (915 S. California Ave.)
Aug. 1 – Lilo & Stitch (2025), Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Ave.)
Aug. 8 – Wicked: For Good, Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Ave.)

 Bring a blanket or chairs.

- Brad Haugaard

SCE attributes power outages to animals and vegetation contact with equipment

SCE has attributed recent power outages in Monrovia to animals and vegetation contacting electrical equipment. SCE says it is inspecting equipment, managing vegetation near power lines, and evaluating additional measures. Residents can report trees or branches growing near power lines here and sign up for outage alerts here.

- Brad Haugaard