This house on North Alta Vista is ALL dressed up for Halloween. The entire house is covered by this façade.
- Brad Haugaard
Altadena Dairy began in Monrovia
A post on Facebook (which I can't find) said Alta-Dena Dairy, now one of the largest dairies in the world, was founded in Monrovia. Who knew? The Alta-Dena Dairy site agrees. It says (here) that:
"It all started in Monrovia, California by three brothers, Elmer, Edgar and Harold Stueve. With little more than 61 cows and a delivery wagon, they set out to nourish their neighbors with tasty, nutritious milk from cows soaking up the fresh, California sunshine."
The Facebook post says it was named Alta-Dena because Altadena was the first neighborhood it delivered milk to, serving more than 300 homes there.
Ah! Here's the video.
- Brad Haugaard
MAFA artist Jenny Rivera shows work at Monrovia Chamber through December
- Brad Haugaard
Monroe’s Alana Elliott named L.A. County School Counselor of the Year
Monroe Elementary counselor Alana Elliott has been named the 2026 L.A. County School Counselor of the Year, according to Monrovia Unified School District. She is also a finalist for the California Association of School Counselors’ 2027 School Counselor of the Year award.
Elliott provides individual and group counseling, classroom lessons and a student leadership program, and organizes family engagement events. The district says she was among its first elementary counselors assigned full time to a single school. She also serves as a CASC School Counselor Emerging Leader.
- Brad Haugaard
Foothill Unity Center seeks food and gift cards for holiday drive
Thanksgiving food packing at Foothill Unity Center. Photo courtesy of Foothill Unity Center.
Foothill Unity Center is seeking canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, canned vegetables, grocery gift cards worth $25 or more, and dog and cat food for its holiday food drive.
Drop off donations at 790 W. Chestnut Ave., Monrovia, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Nov. 5, 11, 12 and 13, when the center will be closed. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Four Monrovia schools named to California ERP Honor Roll
Clifton Middle School, Mayflower Elementary, Monroe Elementary and Monrovia High School have been named to the Educational Results Partnership California Honor Roll, according to Monrovia Unified School District. The district says the recognition honors strong academic performance and progress in helping students succeed.
- Brad Haugaard
Station Square south entrance ribbon cutting, Nov. 4
Monrovia will hold a ribbon cutting for a new pedestrian entrance to the Metro A Line at Station Square, 225 W. Duarte Road, on Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. The south entrance is part of the Trestle development. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia State of the City address set for Feb. 23, 2027
Monrovia's State of the City address will be held Feb. 23, 2027, with a reception at 6 p.m. and the address at 7 p.m. The city council will review the past year and plans for the year ahead. The location and additional details will be announced later. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Route 66 film now on YouTube
The History of Monrovia's Route 66, an hour-long film created by the Monrovia Historical Society and produced by KGEM, is now available on YouTube. Watch it here. Using historical photographs and motion-picture footage, the film covers the highway's arrival in 1926, the Aztec Hotel, the McDonald brothers' early food stands, and the Monrovia Flying Field. The film premiered Oct. 16 at the Monrovia Community Center.
- Brad Haugaard
Incoming police chief Sarah Covarrubias discusses policing priorities and first-year goals
Photo provided by Sarah Covarrubias.
Sarah Covarrubias takes over as Monrovia’s police chief Sunday, Nov. 1. In emailed answers to MonroviaNow’s questions, she discusses enforcement priorities, reckless riding around the Friday Night Street Fair, and her first-year goals.
1. Which problems police face are growing, which are not, and how does that shape your enforcement priorities?
Our enforcement priorities are driven by crime trends, community concerns, and data, but also by the quality of life issues residents experience every day. While some crime categories may fluctuate, issues such as traffic safety, reckless behavior in public spaces, and concerns about homelessness and behavioral health continue to require a thoughtful, coordinated response. My priority is to ensure we are proactive rather than simply reactive, focusing our resources where they will have the greatest impact. That means holding people accountable when necessary while also working with our community partners to address underlying issues and prevent problems before they escalate.
2. I know police have responded to complaints about young riders operating bicycles, e-bikes and electric motorcycles recklessly, particularly around the Friday Night Street Fair. How is the new enforcement working?
We take these concerns seriously because the safety of our residents, visitors, and young people is paramount. We have increased our attention to reckless riding and unsafe behavior, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, including the Friday Night Street Fair. Our approach combines education and outreach with enforcement when violations occur. We want young riders and their parents to understand the rules and the very real risks associated with unsafe riding. At the same time, we will hold individuals accountable when their behavior puts others at risk. We will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts and adjust our approach based on community feedback and observed results.
3. What are your goals for your first year as chief?
My first year will be focused on three priorities: strengthening our department from within, building trust and engagement with our community, and ensuring we are delivering effective, accountable, and forward-thinking public safety services.
Internally, I want to foster a culture of communication, collaboration, professional development, and employee wellness so our personnel have the support and resources they need to succeed. Externally, I want to strengthen relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners, ensuring we listen to concerns and remain accessible and responsive. Finally, I want to continue modernizing our approach to policing through data-driven strategies, innovation, and accountability.
Ultimately, success to me means a department that is well-supported and prepared for the future, a community that feels safe and heard, and a continued commitment to the partnerships that make Monrovia such a special place to live, work, and visit.
- Brad Haugaard
Calvary Chapel Harvest event Oct. 31 moves inside due to possible rain
Update: This event has moved inside.
Calvary Chapel Monrovia, at the corner of Myrtle and Cherry, will hold its family-friendly Harvest event, an alternative to Halloween, on Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., with trunk-or-treating, carnival games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, a dunk tank and food. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Grow Monrovia plants more than 60 trees along East Foothill
- Brad Haugaard
Coming Up in Monrovia
Jewish Book Festival: Oct. 25 through Dec. 6
Dog adoptions just $31 at Pasadena Humane this Halloween, Oct. 29–31
Big band dance social coming to Old Town Oct. 30
Kids Empire Monrovia spooky party, Oct. 30
Mobile Vote Center at Street Fair on Oct. 30
Calvary Chapel Harvest event set for Oct. 31
Halloween Spooktacular and Trick-or-Treat Bash, Oct. 31
Barks and books at the Library, Nov. 3
November Adult Craft at the Library, Nov. 3
Storytime at the Library, Nov. 4
Free fire-resilient gardening workshops, Nov. 5
Free fall and winter planting workshop, Nov. 7
Black alumni association scholarship gala, Nov. 14
For the Love of Paper Fest brings stationery vendors to Monrovia, Nov. 14
Games Month celebration at the Library, Nov. 14
Library storytime with park naturalists at Tsuneishi Park, Nov. 14
Native plant sale and 200-tree giveaway, Nov. 14
Innovation Lab at the Library, Nov. 18
Community Prayer Breakfast set for Nov. 20
- Brad Haugaard
Community Center Move Scheduled for December
The Community Center is scheduled to move to temporary quarters at 324 S. Myrtle Ave. on Dec. 5-6 while the current building is being renovated, according to City Manager Dylan Feik’s Oct. 20 City Council update. Groundbreaking for the renovation is expected in early 2027.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Tacos Ensenada
Dinner at Tacos Ensenada, on the north side of Huntington just a bit east of Monterey. Got the Caldo de Pescado (fish soup) for $14.99 and a soda for $2.49. Good and filling. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Runner damages driver's door; Decoy meeting with minor leads to arrest; Missing man found in park; Victim struck with own vehicle; and more...
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 22 - 28, 2026. 476 calls for service, 85 investigations, 1 mental evaluation, 5 traffic collisions, 33 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]
OCTOBER 22
Shoplifting / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
At 7:18 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the suspect a short distance away, when officers attempted to make contact with him, he fled. He was located, arrested and taken into custody.
Arranging to Meet with a Minor – Suspect Arrested
At 9:59 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of W. Olive regarding a male subject who had arranged to meet a person he believed was a juvenile female for sexual purposes. A group of individuals had posed as the juvenile during online communications and notified police when the subject arrived at the agreed location. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.
OCTOBER 23
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 3:03 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 700 block of S. Shamrock regarding an intoxicated male subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Resisting Arrest / Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 8:22 p.m., officers were conducting an investigation in the 100 block of W. Foothill, when a juvenile subject attempted to intervene. He was asked to step away, however, he refused to comply. He was arrested and found to be in possession of a switchblade. He was arrested and taken into custody. He was later released to the custody of a parent.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 10:54 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of E. Lime reported a disturbing subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody.
OCTOBER 24
Grand Theft Auto
At 10:56 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported receiving fraudulent payment for property he sold to a subject. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
At 11:05 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported having a suspected shoplifter detained. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was arrested, cited and released at the scene.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 8:13 p.m., several callers in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported an intoxicated male subject yelling at pedestrians. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself.
Drug Arrest / Missing Located – Suspect Arrested
At 11:08 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle, officers saw a subject in a park after hours and made contact with him. A computer search revealed he had been reported missing. He was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody, removed from the missing person system and a family member was contacted to arrange pickup.
OCTOBER 25
Missing Person
At 1:02 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Lime reported his brother missing. The subject was entered into the missing person system. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 5:53 p.m., a disturbance between two male subjects was reported in the 300 block of W. Huntington. An investigation revealed several domestic violence incidents occurred between the subjects as they traveled to Monrovia and while in Monrovia. One of the subjects fled the vehicle, but was located by officers. He was arrested.
Vandalism
At 7:32 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of E. Walnut reported her parked vehicle was vandalized. This investigation is continuing.
OCTOBER 26
Vandalism
At 6:32 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Duarte reported the driver side window of her parked vehicle was shattered overnight. This investigation is continuing.
Battery on a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
At 3:08 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported an unconscious male subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. When officers attempted to detain the subject, he became combative, physically resisted, and spat on officers. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
At 11:08 p.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of S. Myrtle saw a male subject checking door handles on closed businesses. The officer made contact with the subject and found the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
OCTOBER 27
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
At 12:48 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Live Oak an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver had a warrant for their arrest. The driver was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
At 1:59 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Evergreen and Magnolia saw a male subject loitering in a vacant residence and made contact with him. The subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
At 9:27 a.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Court Order Violation
At 4:58 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of Los Angeles reported a subject who is restrained from contacting her was sending her threatening text messages. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
At 5:16 p.m., an altercation between two subjects was reported in the 200 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the subjects. An investigation revealed a driver stopped abruptly to avoid hitting a runner, an argument ensued and the runner hit the driver door causing damage. The runner was arrested, cited and released at the scene.
Battery on Peace Officer / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 10:40 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. Both parties were uncooperative. One of the subjects became belligerent and it was determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and taken into custody. Upon arriving at the jail, she kicked an officer.
OCTOBER 28
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
At 12:20 a.m., an officer patrolling the 600 block of S. Myrtle saw a male subject using a controlled substance. The officer made contact with the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
At 4:40 p.m., a disturbance was reported at a business in the 400 block of E. Duarte. Officers arrived and located three subjects too intoxication to care for themselves. They were arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Domestic Violence
At 5:01 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks requested medical assistance. Officers arrived and determined the incident involved domestic violence. Witnesses reported the victim was struck by the suspect using the victim’s vehicle. The victim sustained multiple injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 8:39 p.m., a theft was reported in the 400 block of E. Duarte. An investigation revealed the victim’s parked vehicle was broken into and tools were taken. This investigation is continuing.
- Brad Haugaard
Trunk or Treat at Live Oak Memorial Park, Oct. 29
A Trunk or Treat event will be held today, Oct. 29, at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 E. Duarte Rd., from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event offers candy for children in costume, and all are welcome.
- Brad Haugaard
Will he get a ticket?
As I sat slurping an iced Rosemary Matcha at the Dulce Cielo coffee shop in the Aztec Hotel today, a full grown man drove up on this tricycle, parked here and walked away. The owner of the coffee shop suggested that it is because of the high price of gasoline. Hmm, maybe. It’s only 30 minutes parking in the Green zone; I wonder if he’ll get a ticket.
- Brad Haugaard
Kids Empire Monrovia spooky party, Oct. 30
Kids Empire Monrovia (shopping center at Huntington and Shamrock) will host a spooky party from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Staff will dress as Mickey and friends, and children are welcome to come in costume. The event will include free ice cream and lollipops and a dance party with Huggy the dragon.
- Brad Haugaard
Games Month celebration at the Library, Nov. 14
Celebrate International Games Month at the Library on Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 3 p.m., with gaming-themed crafts, Nintendo Switch free play, Super Smash and a Mario Kart tournament. All ages are welcome; no registration is required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
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