City in negotiations regarding north Monrovia hillside properties

Click to enlarge map.

Monrovia is in negotiations with property owners regarding two adjacent and undeveloped hillside properties (outlined in yellow on the map) in north Monrovia just south of the Monrovia Wilderness Preserve and off of Highland Place. Opinion: Together, the properties would make a nice extension to the Wilderness Preserve, but the matter is in negotiations and therefore not public, and the city has not indicated why it is interested in the properties. Details (sort of).

- Brad Haugaard

Council to consider repealing Japanese incarceration resolutions; solar panels on reservoir; reimbursing preservation group

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

~ Repealing two old City Council resolutions from the World War II era that supported incarcerating Japanese Americans during the war. Details

~  Having solar panels added to the roof of the reservoir on Mountain Avenue. The array would be owned by JNG Power, which would build and maintain the system, and would sell electricity to the city for 15 percent less than Southern California Edison charges, saving the city about $32,000 per year. Details

~ Reimbursing the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group $20,000 for its work in having Old Town be considered for the National Register of Historic Places. Getting on the register encourages the preservation and restoration of historic properties but places no restrictions on what a private owner may do with their property, up to and including demolition, unless the property is part of a project that receives Federal assistance. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Craft a stuffed bear, for adults, at the library, Jan. 6


Craft a hand-sewn stuffed bear at the Library on Jan. 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. Finished bear approximately 5 inches. For adults 18 and older. Registration required here.

- Brad Haugaard

Street and sidewalk improvement work on Huntington starting Jan. 5


Street and pedestrian upgrades along Huntington Drive will begin Jan. 5, including sidewalk repairs, curb wheelchair ramp replacements, LED streetlight retrofits, solar lighting at bus shelters, and new street markings between Magnolia and Shamrock. Work will be weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with phased lane closures, and parking restrictions.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Night at Grey & Cash Dec. 12

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts hosts an evening of local art and coffee at Grey & Cash, 425 S Myrtle Ave, on Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, email christine@monroviafinearts.org or call 483‑0560.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Holiday Family Feud Night at Library, Dec. 12

Santa and cheap children's books at the Library Dec. 13

Let it Snow,' an evening of winter songs, Dec. 13

Christmas music events at Monrovia Community Church, Dec. 13, 14, 17

Free adoption for big dogs and adult cats Dec. 14-31

Game night for adults at Library Dec. 19

'The Polar Express' movie at the Library Dec. 19

Children can make mini Christmas tree at Library, Dec. 22

- Brad Haugaard

School board to consider pool repair deal with city, and will elect new officers.

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider approving a deal in which the city will chip in $210,000 to help repair the Monrovia High pool in exchange for the district opening  elementary school fields to the public outside school hours. That would be at Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, Plymouth, and Wild Rose schools.

The board will also reorganize, meaning the members will elect from among themselves a new president, VP, clerk, and secretary, and will assign tasks to various board member. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Missing woman located following accident; Couple busted for shoplifting; Drunk and lying on the sidewalk; Driver hits multiple parked cars; Lots of public intoxication; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 4 – 10. - Brad Haugaard]

During this period the Police Department handled 474 service events, resulting in 90 investigations.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 4 at 9:38 a.m., officers were patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon when they saw a male subject they knew from prior contacts. Officers made contact with the subject, and a computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
December 4 at 10:32 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Olive reported that sometime between November 6 and December 1, someone entered the residence and stole property. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
December 4 at 11:36 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 600 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported his parked vehicle was damaged. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
December 4 at 12:17 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who reported her phone and wallet were stolen while shopping. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
December 4 at 2:30 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject using a controlled substance. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
December 4 at 2:35 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Peck and Live Oak saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. An investigation revealed he was in possession a controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Vandalism
December 4 at 4:18 p.m., a victim in the 1800 block of S. Fifth reported his front passenger window was smashed. This investigation is continuing.

Theft – Suspects Arrested
December 4 at 5:39 p.m., a manager for a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a male and female subject inside the business concealing items. The subjects exited the business without paying. Officers located them a short distance away. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 4 at 6:33 p.m., a loss prevention officer for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 4 at 7:03 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft. Officers arrived and located the suspect nearby. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Located
December 4 at 10:12 p.m., while officers were at the 400 block of Huntington assisting with a traffic collision, a computer search revealed one of the involved parties was listed as a missing person. She was removed from the missing person system.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 1:03 a.m., a disturbance was reported in the 1200 block of Encino. Officers arrived and learned that a female subject causing a disturbance was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 2:45 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Foothill and Mountain. Officers arrived and determined the driver was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting
December 5 at 5:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a shoplifting incident. The suspects were gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
December 5 at 6:34 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 6:37 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of Royal Oaks. Officers made contact with a male subject. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence
December 5 at 11:43 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 800 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who reported that her ex-partner pushed her to the ground and left prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 1:28 a.m., officers patrolling the area of Foothill and Madison saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation confirmed 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
December 6 at 9:53 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Magnolia and Huntington regarding a male subject lying on a sidewalk. 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.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 9:07 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of S. Ivy regarding a report of a male subject lying in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located him. Officers determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspects Arrested
December 7 at 3:06 a.m., while patrolling the 300 block of S. Myrtle officers saw two subjects in a park after hours and in violation of a municipal code. They were arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 7 at 10:43 a.m., an officer patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington saw a male subject slumped over a grass area near a sidewalk. The officer made contact with the subject and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 7 at 12:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a male subject who was being hostile to customers, employees and had damaged a security detector. Officers arrived, but the subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 6:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Genoa regarding a subject wanted for a prior incident at the same location. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision
December 7 at 9:50 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of Violet. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver. An investigation revealed the driver collided into several parked cars. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 8 at 11:10 a.m., a business owner in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported a subject made an online purchase and after the subject picked up the order, the business owner was made aware that the purchase was made with a fraudulent credit card. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person
December 8 at 12:25 p.m., a female subject walked into the MPD lobby to report her friend missing. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
December 8 at 2:33 p.m., an owner of a business in the 1000 block of S. Shamrock reported a subject stopped their vehicle in front of the owner’s business and damaged a window with a BB or pellet. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
December 8 at 4:15 p.m., a battery between two subjects was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. Both parties suffered minor injuries. Both parties desired prosecution. One subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. The other subject was arrested and taken into custody, because they refused to sign the citation.

Court Order Violation
December 8 at 4:29 p.m., a victim in the 200 Block of E. Maple reported her ex-husband was in violation of a court order. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 8 at 7:17 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 900 block of California. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who displayed symptoms of intoxication. An investigation confirmed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
December 9 at 9:30 a.m., a victim in the 600 block of Parker reported graffiti on the back of his residence. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 9 at 1:58 pm, a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of Park Rose. Officers arrived and determined a male subject approached an unoccupied vehicle, broke a window, stole a package, and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
December 9 at 2:14 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of El Nido reported that his mother believed she had been emailing with a friend and shared her banking information. The individual claimed they would deposit checks into her account and then collect the funds. Money was subsequently withdrawn from her account, and the checks were later found to be fraudulent. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
December 9 at 2:51 p.m., a vandalism was reported in the 200 block of W. Pomona where a group of juveniles spray painted a sky deck. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 9 at 3:48 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Shamrock. Officers arrived and discovered one of the passengers suffered visible injuries.

Warrant Arrest / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
December 10 at 12:17 a.m., while patrolling the area of Primrose and Cherry officers saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. A search revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Trespassing / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
December 10 at 3:55 a.m., a disturbing subject was reported inside a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who they recognized from prior contacts. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
December 10 at 8:06 a.m., a victim in the area of Magnolia and Monroe Place noticed graffiti on a wall. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
December 10 at 8:07 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Mountain reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
December 10 at 8:41 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of Linwood reported graffiti on a wall of his residence. This investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 10 at 8:54 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Greystone and Oakcliff. Officers arrived and discovered two vehicle collided. No injuries were reported.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 10 at 11:34 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Primrose reported a male subject laying on his front lawn, sleeping. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrests
December 10 at 12:00 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Walnut reported a suspicious male subject. Officers arrived and located the subject with a female subject. A computer search revealed they both had warrants or their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest
December 10 at 9:38 p.m., an officer patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose saw a suspicious subject and a computer check revealed the vehicle’s owner had a warrant for their arrest. The officer made contact with the driver and confirmed the warrant was his. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Monrovia School District okay financially but enrollment continues to fall


The first 2025-26 Interim Financial Report for the Monrovia School District indicates that, short term,  the district can meet its financial obligations, but the report notes that California's school age population is declining and Monrovia is losing about 92 students per year. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Baja Mar Fish Taco


Dinner at Baja Mar Fish Taco, in the little shopping center at Foothill and May. Got the fish taco combo for $11.99 and a soda for $3.49. Very bueno. (Sorry about the picture. I was hungry, forgot to take a picture, and ate one of the two tacos before I remembered.)

- Brad Haugaard 

Student art contest to focus on water conservation

By 2024-25 winner, 11th Grader Brianna Lopez.

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District ("Upper Water," for short) is sponsoring a student art contest encouraging students to creatively express the concept, "Being Water Wise Is…" Students are invited to depict how to use water wisely at home, school, and in the community. Art submission deadline is April 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Saint is pretty much a saint; gentle, intelligent, with a heart of gold


Meet Saint, a two-year-old brown German Shepherd at Pasadena Humane with the perfect blend of brains and charm. He loves to start his day in the training yard where he likes to show off his “sit,” “watch me,” and “down” commands. He takes treats gently, leans in for affection, and trotting around with a toy in his mouth. He’s easy to leash, easy to walk, and often cruises along with his signature shepherd swagger.

In his foster home, Saint proved just how wonderful he truly is: he’s potty-trained, calm indoors, has shown himself to be gentle with children, and made friends with another dog. He’s polite with new people once given a moment to warm up, and rides quietly in the car like a seasoned travel companion. Saint is ready to be someone’s loyal, loving shadow. If you’re looking for a gentle, intelligent pup with a heart of gold, come meet Saint. He’s so ready for his forever family!

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 10:00 – 5:00. 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 1910 view of Pottenger Sanatorium

A 1910 view of Monrovia's famous Pottenger Sanatorium, located off of North Canyon and founded by Dr. Francis Pottenger. People were treated there for tuberculosis. This is the front of a postcard from Homer to his sister Myrtle Baika, in Huntington Beach, mailed at the extravagant price of one penny. From the Kim Anderson 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

Christmas musical events scheduled at Monrovia Community Church

 

Monrovia Community Church (formerly First Presbyterian Church, at Foothill and Myrtle) will hold three concerts and a candlelight evening service during the Christmas season:

Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Project Musica Clara

Dec. 14, 7 p.m. FAVA (Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts)

Dec. 17, 6 p.m. Night of Carols

Christmas Eve - Candlelight service at 5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Review: The memoir of Monrovia founder William Monroe


I just finished reading William Newton Monroe‘s Life: In His Own Words. It’s an interesting look at the man who did so much in founding Monrovia.

In reading it, it is clear that Monroe was an organizer and a builder. A builder of railroads, a builder of our town, a builder of businesses.

But… he wasn’t really a writer. While the book is filled with interesting information about his life and Monrovia, it is expressed as an unedited memoir written when he was 91 years old, so there are portions that are occasionally unclear. Nevertheless, the material is fascinating.

For example, he was a redhead. I had no clue.

Also, I always thought Monrovia was named directly after him, but that’s only indirectly true. He and his wife started a fruit ranch here that they called “Monroevia,” then when the town was being planned a cofounder suggested dropping the “e” from the ranch name, creating “Monrovia.” 

And why does Monrovia have so many streets named after fruits and flowers (Magnolia, Lemon, Lime, etc.)? Well, that was his wife, Mary Jane’s, idea.

And lots more. 

There are stories about his Civil War battles, railroad building in the Continental United States, Alaska, and Mexico, and of course, the founding of Monrovia.

So if you’re looking for a gift for someone with an interest in Monrovia history, or for yourself, I think this is a winner. You can get it at Charlie’s House, 430 S. Myrtle, for $30.

- Brad Haugaard

Children can make mini Christmas tree at Library, Dec. 22


Children 6 to 11 can create holiday-themed crafts using pine cones at a Mini Christmas Trees event. Held in the Library Community Room from 12 to 2 p.m. on Dec. 22, participants will paint pine cones green and decorate them as festive trees. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Game night for adults at Library Dec. 19


Adults can enjoy an evening of board games, puzzles, and Nintendo Switch games during Game Night on Friday, Dec. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Library’s Community Room. Attendees may bring games to share. Ages 18 and up. Details

- Brad Haugaard

'The Polar Express' movie at the Library Dec. 19


The Library will host a Christmas movie event featuring The Polar Express on Friday, Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Story Room. Hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies will be served. Open to all ages. Food may contain allergens. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Free adoption for big dogs and adult cats Dec. 14-31


Pasadena Humane will waive adoption fees for large dogs and adult cats Dec. 14–31 as part of its “Home for the Holidays” promotion. Sponsored by Pet Care Foundation and Chewy, the event includes free care packages, wellness exams, and more. Standard adoption process applies. Details, hours, and available pets at pasadenahumane.org.

- Brad Haugaard
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