LEGO Free Play at the Library on June 5 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Story Room. Children ages 2-12 and their families can build and play with LEGO materials provided by the Library. No registration required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
LEGO free play at the Library on June 5
LEGO Free Play at the Library on June 5 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Story Room. Children ages 2-12 and their families can build and play with LEGO materials provided by the Library. No registration required. Details.
Create crafts inspired by video game heroes, June 8
Level Up Crafts! Minecraft program at the Library June 8 from 3 to 4 p.m. for children ages 6-11. Participants will create Minecraft-themed craft. Registration required and opens June 4 at 10 a.m. Additional themed sessions are scheduled for June 23, July 6, and July 20. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
3D Printing Workshop for tweens and teens, registration opens June 1
3D Printing Workshop for Tweens & Teens at the Library, June 13, 11 a.m. to noon. Participants in grades 5-12 will learn basic TinkerCad skills, create a 3D-printed keychain design, and learn how to submit designs for printing. Registration required; opens June 1. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Library annual patron survey, May 29–June 30
Monrovia Library's annual patron survey is available May 29-June 30. The survey takes under five minutes and is open to all community members. A prize drawing is included; the winner will be notified in July. Survey here.
- Brad Haugaard
Library Foundation receives $10,000 Tournament of Roses grant for robotics tools
The Monrovia Public Library Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from the Tournament of Roses Foundation to purchase Cubelets - hands-on robotics and coding tools for children and teens.
- Brad Haugaard
Summer Concerts in the Park, Sundays May 31–Aug. 9
Monrovia's Summer Concert Series runs each Sunday through Aug. 9, starting at 7 p.m. Concerts May 31 through June 28 are at Station Square, 1629 S. Myrtle Ave. Concerts July 12 through Aug. 9 are at Library Park.
- Station Square – 1629 S. Myrtle Avenue
- Sunday May 31 – OC Groove
- Sunday June 7 - Beach St. A GoGo
- Sunday June 14 – ACME Time Machine
- Sunday June 21 – Suave the Band
- Sunday June 28 – Cold Duck
- Library Park – 321 S. Myrtle Avenue
- Sunday July 12 – Blue Breeze Band
- Sunday July 19 – Funk Station
- Sunday July 26 – The ‘ACE” Band
- Sunday August 2 – Upstream
- Sunday August 9 – Bumptown
- Brad Haugaard
Coming Up in Monrovia
LA County Mobile Voting Center at Friday Night Street Fair, May 29
Boys and Girls Club carnival May 31
Teen activity at the Library, June 1
Monrovia Garden Club Beautiful Garden Awards, June 1
Craft Night at the Library, June 2
Family storytime at the Library, June 3
Online community meeting on Monrovia bike/pedestrian project, June 4
Free irrigation workshop at Monrovia Community Garden North, June 4
SPOT teen program at Library Park, June 5–Aug. 7
Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Library, June 6
Monrovia High School pool open to public June 8–July 31
VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13
Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20
San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Celebrates 30th Anniversary June 20
Peace Camp at OASIS, June 22–26
Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at the new Shlap Muan
Dinner at the new Shlap Muan, a Cambodian-style chicken wings restaurant in the old BurgerIM restaurant on Fifth Avenue just south of Huntington Drive. (The BurgerIM sign has not come down yet.) Got the four piece Water Buffalo wings for $6.50 (they generously gave me five pieces) and a nonalcoholic beer for $3.50. Nice and spicy.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Bicyclist packing brass knuckles; Shoplifter caught holding stolen goods; Shoplifter ran, caught steps away; Dumpster set on fire; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 21 – 27, 2026. 536 calls for service, 105 investigations, 0 mental evaluations, 5 traffic collisions, 17 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]
MAY 21
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
At 3:09 a.m., a domestic disturbance was reported in the 500 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the husband and wife were involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical when the husband pushed the wife. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
At 11:02 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of W. Colorado reported his catalytic converter stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
At 2:19 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect. An investigation revealed he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
At 9:49 p.m., while patrolling the 2000 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. The bicyclist was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 22
Arson
At 12:14 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a dumpster fire. Officers and Monrovia Fire and Rescue responded and the fire was extinguished. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 6:42 p.m., witnesses in the 100 block of W. Olive reported a male subject assaulting a female inside a vehicle. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who had visible injuries. The suspect was located later that night. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting / Resist – Suspect Arrested
At 9:08 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a subject stole merchandise and fled on foot. Officers arrived as the suspect was running out of the store. The suspect ignored officers’ commands to stop and continued to run. He was stopped a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 23
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 1:29 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of W. Lemon reported a subject sleeping in a park after hours. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 7:56 a.m., an intoxicated male subject was reported laying on the street in the area of Ivy and Palm. Officers arrived and located the male subject who was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Vehicle Burglary
At 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Alta Vista reported one of his vehicle’s windows was shattered and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
At 12:18 p.m., an employee for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported two shoplifters who fled with merchandise. An officer in the area located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect was found to still be in possession of the stolen merchandise. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
At 1:05 p.m., a resident in the area of Shamrock and Olive reported her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Brass Knuckles – Suspect Arrested
At 9:18 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and California saw a bicyclist in violation of vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. He was found to be in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Resist / Delay – Suspect Arrested
At 11:41 p.m., an officer was patrolling Recreation Park when she observed an individual inside the park after hours. The officer contacted the individual, who refused to provide his name or date of birth. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking.
MAY 24
Runaway Juvenile
At 1:58 p.m., an employee from a group home in the 800 block of Oceanview reported a juvenile missing. He returned several hours later. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
At 6:38 p.m., residents in the 100 block of Hidden Valley reported a vandalism in progress. As officers arrived, they witnessed three juveniles running from the area. The subjects were detained and their parents were contacted. Initially, the victim wanted prosecution, but after speaking with the parents, the victim changed his mind. A report was taken and the juveniles were released to their parents.
Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 9:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Contented Lane regarding a court order violation. Officers arrived and confirmed the male subject was in violation of the court order. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 25
Grand Theft
At 7:11 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident that occurred earlier in the day. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 8:13 p.m., a store employee in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. This investigation is continuing.
Runaway Juvenile
At 10:48 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of Ocean View reported a male juvenile had run away from a group home. Officers responded and conducted an area search but were unable to locate the juvenile. He was entered into the Missing Person System. He returned the following morning. This investigation is continuing.
MAY 26
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 9:53 a.m., an officer in the 100 block of W. Duarte saw a suspicious subject and made contact with him. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 27
Theft
At 12:31 p.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported forgetting her purse at the location. When she returned, her purse was gone. This investigation is continuing.
COMMUNITY ALERTS
Street Sweeping Parking Enforcement Update
The City is making a change to how street sweeping parking restrictions are enforced.
For years, residents have been allowed to move their vehicles back into posted “No Parking” areas once the street sweeper passed, even while the parking restriction period was still in effect. This practice created inconsistency, and the Monrovia Police Department is moving to enforce posted signage as written. Moving forward, citations will be issued for the full posted no-parking window, regardless of whether the sweeper has already come through.
No changes are being made to posted times, signs, or routes, only to how the hours are applied and signage is enforced.
San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Celebrates 30th Anniversary June 20
- Brad Haugaard
Gentle Koda is a sweet senior cattle dog who just wants a calm home and sniff breaks
Meet Pasadena Humane's gentle guy, Koda! This sweet 8-year-old cattle dog is looking for a calm home where he can settle in and enjoy the simple things in life — easy walks, soft company, and plenty of sniff breaks.
While shelter life has been a little overwhelming for him, Koda truly shines once he's outside enjoying fresh air and quiet walks. He can be sensitive to loud noises and new environments, but he leans into his people for comfort and has such a kind, gentle nature. He enjoys treats, enrichment, and being close to his people.
Koda would thrive in a home where he can relax, decompress, and get the comfort and care he deserves. If you're looking for a loyal walking buddy with a sweet side, come meet Koda and give this deserving senior his next chapter.
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: A.E. Cronenwett's Orange Ranch
A.E. Cronenwett's Orange Ranch around 1896. A photo looking north from White Oak (now Foothill) shows palm and orange trees about five or six years old. An 1897 Monrovia Messenger article said Cronenwett bought 20 acres on the western edge of town about five years earlier and planted orange groves, including Valencias. He later worked in the East as a traveling agent for Phillips’ California excursions and planned to return to Monrovia as his permanent home. 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
Monrovia ranked 10th locally on replacing vehicles with Zero Emission Vehicles
The Pasadena Area chapter of the League of Women Voters Natural Resources Committee has issued a report on 13 local cities efforts to replace municipal vehicle fleets with hybrid and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Monrovia ranked tenth on its list for the percentage of its vehicles that are ZEV or hybrid. Cities were ranked based on fleet data and compliance with California’s Advanced Clean Fleet mandate, which requires new municipal vehicle purchases to be zero-emission by 2027. The survey reviewed total fleets, hybrid and zero-emission vehicles.
- Brad Haugaard
Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Library, June 6
Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Library, Saturday, June 6, noon to 3 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, lawn games, video games, inflatables, a bubble dance party, and a giant maze. Open to all ages. Accessibility accommodations available with 72 hours notice. Event may be photographed. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Family storytime at the Library, June 3
Storytime at the Library, Wednesday, June 3, 10 to 11 a.m. Stories, songs, sensory activities, and crafts for children ages 2-5. Siblings welcome. Program focuses on language, social, cognitive, and motor skill development through storytelling, music, props, and crafts. Children must attend with an adult; drop-offs not permitted. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Craft Night at the Library, June 2
Summer Adult Craft Night at the Library, Tuesday, June 2, 6 to 7 p.m. Adults will decorate rocks using dot painting during the monthly arts and crafts program in the Story Room. Registration required . Program for ages 18 and older. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Flags for Memorial Day on display at Library Park
Memorial Day is Monday and Library Park is ready - all decked out with flags.
- Brad Haugaard
Summer Concerts begin this Sunday, May 24
This Sunday, May 24, kicks off the Summer Concert Series, which runs through August 9. Stone Soul (Motown) opens at Station Square Park at 7 p.m. During the summer, everything from funk and Latin to reggae, rock, and Old School, with six performances at Station Square Park and then starting July 12, five more at Rotary Club Bandshell at Library Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Full information here.
- Brad Haugaard
Viola's Bar & Bistro plans to open at historic Monrovia property
Viola's Bar & Bistro is preparing to open at 512 S. Ivy Ave., at the restored historic property that belonged to former City Historian Steve Baker. The restaurant will offer a French bistro café experience and is currently hiring managers, chefs, cooks, hosts, servers, baristas, bartenders, and porters. Resumes to dine@violasmonrovia.com.
- Brad Haugaard
SPOT teen program at Library Park, June 5–Aug. 7
The city's SPOT teen program will run Friday nights at Library Park from June 5 to Aug. 7, 5 to 9:30 p.m., for students in grades 6-12. Activities include arts and crafts, competitions, music, food, and a teen-only lounge. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Street sweeping parking restrictions will be more strictly enforced
The cops are going to start giving tickets to cars that are parked illegally on street sweeping days, even if the cars are only parked there after the street sweeper has gone by. So if it says, "No Parking 10 a.m.–noon" that means no parking from 10 a.m. to noon, regardless of whether the sweeper has already passed. This week the cops will just post flyers on windows.
- Brad Haugaard
LA County raises small business property tax filing threshold to $10,000, effective July 1
Small businesses in LA County will no longer be required to file or pay property taxes on lower-valued equipment, furniture, and fixtures worth less than $10,000, effective July 1. Contact the LA County Assessor's Office, here, for more information.
- Brad Haugaard
Online community meeting on Monrovia bike/pedestrian project, June 4
There will be an online community meeting on the Active Community Travel Vinculum (ACTV) Phase 1 project on June 4 at 6 p.m. The project will create new walking and biking connections under the 210 freeway at Magnolia Avenue, and along Central and Evergreen. Register here to attend.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Public Library presents 2026 Strategic Plan update
The Monrovia Public Library's Strategic Plan says that since 2021, library circulation has grown 126%, outreach visits are up 176%, and program attendance has risen more than 300%. The draft plan focuses on technology and AI literacy, community connection, support for seniors and vulnerable populations, collections and programming, Library of Things expansion, and facility needs. A community survey is planned for June and the Library Board will review the plan that month, and updated goals will be incorporated in July. The draft plan is here.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High School pool open to public June 8–July 31
The Monrovia High pool will be open to the public June 8 through July 31, through a partnership between the city, the school district, and the Santa Anita Family YMCA. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Recreation and lap swim are free. Swim lessons are available through the YMCA for a fee, with sessions once or twice a week.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Days parade and pie-eating contest winners
In the Monrovia Days parade, Best Musical Entry went to Centre Stage Dance Academy, the Judge's Award to Clifton Middle School Marching Band & Color Guard, and Best Overall Entry to MHS Band & Color Guard. Monroe Elementary won the Spirit Award, the Low Riders Club earned Most Unique Entry, and Wild Rose Elementary claimed Best Float.
In the Pie Eating Contest, the All American City Finalists took first place, the Smarty Maxxers finished second, and We The People third.
- Brad Haugaard
Peace Camp at OASIS, June 22–26
Peace Camp will be held at the OASIS (429 E. Wildrose Ave.) June 22–26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. The program includes games, art, music, and nature activities, with a focus on leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution. $300 for the week. Middle schoolers (6th–8th grade) may attend as leaders-in-training, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. High school students can volunteer for experience that counts toward college applications. Contact 482-2508 or peacecamprocks@gmail.com.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Garden Club Beautiful Garden Awards, June 1
The Monrovia Garden Club will present its annual Beautiful Garden Awards on June 1 at Monrovia Community Church (at Foothill and Myrtle), in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs). Social time begins at 6 p.m., with the program at 6:30 p.m. The 2026 winners are Laura Lopez and Bob Shonborn, Debra Mathers and Christopher Mathers, the Feik Family, Stewart and Patricia Roy, David and Kimberly Van Horsen, Eddie Rogers and Carey McIntosh, Jennifer MacDonald, the Thomas-Patel Family, DeAnn Petteruto, and Norm Haley. Winner addresses will be shared at the meeting.
- Brad Haugaard
Free irrigation workshop at Monrovia Community Garden North, June 4
The Monrovia Community Garden is hosting a free irrigation workshop on June 4, 7 to 8 p.m., at Monrovia Community Garden North (at Colorado and Magnolia). The session covers efficient watering practices for home gardens.
- Brad Haugaard
LA County Mobile Voting Center at Friday Night Street Fair, May 29
The LA County Mobile Voting Center will be at the Friday Night Street Fair & Market on May 29, starting at 5 p.m. Register to vote, cast your ballot, or pick up election information. The Mobile Voting Center will be on Myrtle Avenue between Olive and Chestnut.
- Brad Haugaard
Memorial Day closures and service changes
City Hall, Public Works, Library, and Police and Fire Administration offices will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day, including the e-waste recycling drop-off site at the Public Works Yard. Operations resume Tuesday, May 26. Residential street sweeping and parking enforcement are suspended May 25–29. Trash collection shifts one day for the week — if your regular pickup is Monday, it occurs Tuesday, and so on.
- Brad Haugaard
Coming Up in Monrovia
Free adult dog adoptions May 15-24
Game Night for Adults at the Library, May 22
Free garden tools workshop at Monrovia Community Garden South, May 23
Veterans meetup at Starbucks, May 26
Watercolor workshop at the Community Center, May 27
Trip to LA County Fair planned for May 28
Boys and Girls Club carnival May 31
Boys & Girls Club rally honors Youth of the Year, May 31
Teen activity at the Library, June 1
VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13
Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20
Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Noodle St.
Dinner at Noodle St., in the Vons shopping center at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle. Got the chicken noodle soup for $14.80 and an iced tea for $4.80. Nice noodles.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Four catalytic converters stolen; Door-rattling trespasser finally arrested; Counterfeit buyer caught with controlled substance; Stolen vehicle driver had warrant; Etc.
MAY 14
Fire
At 3:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Norumbega regarding a structure fire. Officers evacuated neighboring residences. MFD responded and the cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were sustained.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 8:21 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Cypress 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 bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 15
Grand Theft Auto
At 3:41 p.m., a victim in a parking structure in the 800 block of S. Myrtle reported his motorcycle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 7:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to a pharmacy in the 900 block of W. Foothill regarding a theft. This investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
At 7:55 p.m., a battery was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a juvenile male subject pushed an adult male. The juvenile was arrested.
MAY 16
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 2:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a subject camping after hours. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject, who refused homeless outreach services. The subject was arrested.
Theft
At 6:22 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Royal Oaks reported the license plate to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 11:57 a.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of E. Foothill reported numerous vehicles had their catalytic converters stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 11:29 p.m., a theft was reported at a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. An investigation revealed he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 17
Trespass – Suspect Arrested
At 12:29 a.m., a trespassing violation was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and discovered that a male subject was walking around the hotel checking doors after being advised to not return. Officers located the subject later in the day. He was arrested.
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 1:13 a.m., officers responded to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a transient in the park after hours. Officers contacted the subject on the property after the park had closed, he refused homeless outreach services. The subject was arrested for violating the posted park hours.
Runaway Juvenile
At 10:04 p.m., a mother in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported her juvenile daughter as a runaway. She was entered into the Missing Persons System.
MAY 18
Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 12:50 a.m., a battery was reported in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who had visible injuries. The suspect was located nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Missing Located
At 9:52 a.m., a missing juvenile reported missing from the 800 block of W. Duarte returned. She was removed from the Missing Person System.
Theft
At 12:12 p.m., a caller in the 1100 block of E. Huntington reported his rear window was shattered and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Missing Person
At 5:31 p.m., a caller reported her friend left for work at 4:30 a.m. and never arrived. He works in Van Nuys. Officers checked other possible locations and he was not there. He was entered as a missing person. This investigation is continuing.
Counterfeit – Suspect Arrested
At 8:58 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a subject in the store known to use counterfeit money for payment, was attempting to make a purchase. Officers arrived and located the subject outside, attempting to drive away. A traffic stop was conducted and he was contacted. He was found to be in possession of counterfeit money, drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 19
Grand Theft
At 3:26 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Lime reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 11:48 a.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of W. Lime was flagged down by a male subject who reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 12:30 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of Parker reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 4:04 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Shamrock and Colorado saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. He was found to have two warrants for his arrest and in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary
At 4:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cypress reported the front gate lock to the property was cut and four light poles had lights removed. This investigation is continuing.
MAY 20
Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
At 5:41 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Foothill and Fifth were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. Officers located the vehicle parked. Two subjects were seen entering the stolen vehicle and driving away. A traffic stop was conducted and the subjects were contacted. The driver was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
School district appoints four administrators; looking for two more
Director of Human Resources: Woody Koch-Wain
Woody Koch-Wain most recently served as an Associate Attorney with Musick Peeler and Garrett LLC, representing public and private clients in employment matters. Earlier, he directed Transportation Services at LAUSD, overseeing operations and 1,300 staff members, and also served in human resources leadership roles.
Administrator on Special Assignment: Michele Costarella
Michele Costarella's job will be to strengthen district systems, support principals, oversee program quality, and coordinate intervention and attendance recovery efforts at elementary schools.
Alternative Schools Principal at Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School: Calvin McKendrick
Calvin McKendrick has served the district in multiple roles, most recently at Bradoaks. He will now lead Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School. McKendrick has experience in alternative education in both Monrovia and Claremont Unified, he will replace Fil Lujan, who is retiring.
Elementary Principal at Mayflower Elementary: Caitlin MacDonald
Caitlin MacDonald has been As Interim Principal this past year, emphasizing social-emotional support and collaboration with district leadership.
The district is still looking for a principal for Bradoaks and an assistant principal for Monrovia High.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia police tips on bicycle safety
Tips:
- Go slow at intersections.
- Check for bicyclists before turning or opening doors.
- Give riders space, change lanes when possible.
- Avoid distracted or impaired driving.
And if I may also add a few for cyclists:
- Traffic rules apply to you as well.
- Wear bright clothing.
- Consider using a flashing taillight and a headlight when it's gloomy or dark.
- When it's safe to do so, move to the side to let cars go by - annoying car drivers is not smart.
- Brad Haugaard
Wildcat Boosters gets $20,000 from Tournament of Roses Foundation
- Brad Haugaard
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
- 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
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
- Brad Haugaard
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