Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Huntington Oaks Reimagined - shopping center to be revamped

As it is today ...

As it is planned.

Proposed community area.

The new owner of Huntington Oaks Shopping Center (it was purchased last year) plans façade and site enhancements throughout the center, including updated building exteriors, lighting, and a plaza. The proposal - called Huntington Oaks, Reimagined - will come before the city's Development Review Committee (agenda here) on April 2. More images and details on the proposal here.

- Brad Haugaard

Information meeting on April 10 for those interested in serving on city boards and commissions

There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at City Hall for those interested in serving of city boards and commissions, specifically Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. For questions, contact Community Services Director Tina Cherry at tcherry@monroviaca.gov. Also, more detail here. Applications (form here) must be turned in by Thursday, May 1.

- Brad Haugaard

Scammer connected to Monrovia Police

A phone scammer tried to con a Monrovia woman, so she looped in the Monrovia Police Department on the call. It became rather humorous. MPD posted the audio on Facebook, but had to bleep a few of the scammer’s comments. A video worth listening to, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Trivia Night at the Library Friday, April 4

Trivia Night at the Library Friday, April 4, 5:30 to 7 p.m. A night of brain-teasing questions across pop culture, history, science and more. Snacks provided. Open to teens and adults. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

LEGO building party at Library April 1

LEGO Building Party at the Library Tuesday, April 1, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Explore dynamic activities and experiments using 10,000 LEGO bricks. All materials provided. For ages 0 to 11. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Laser tag for teens at Library, April 3

Spring Break Laser Tag for Teens at the Library Thursday, April 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition in the stacks. Open to grades 6–12. Register here.

Photo by Artem Bryzgalov on Unsplash.

- Brad Haugaard

Nick Board Promoted to Division Chief at Monrovia Fire & Rescue

Captain Nick Board has been promoted to Monrovia Fire & Rescue division chief for the Operations Division. Operations is responsible for fire suppression, pre-hospital emergency medical care, fire prevention, and other rescue services.

- Brad Haugaard

Recreation Coordinator Galvan Receives "Rising Professional" Award

Johan Galvan, a recreation coordinator for Monrovia, has received the "Rising Professional" Award from the California Park & Recreation Society. Galvan has been with Monrovia's Community Services Department since 2022.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Park opening waiting on Edison

Improvements to Canyon Park are mostly done but the city is waiting for an electrical connection to be installed by Southern California Edison. City Manager Dylan Feik writes: "Yes, unfortunately, even the City of Monrovia has to wait on Edison!"

- Brad Haugaard

Updated Fire Hazard Severity Maps Released for Monrovia

Cal Fire released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps on March 24, resulting in changes for Monrovia. The new maps classify areas not only into Very High (red)fire hazard zones, but also into High (orange) or Moderate (yellow) zones. For questions contact the Fire Department at 626-256-8181 or mfd@monroviaca.gov.

- Brad Haugaard

City Re-circulating Environmental Study for Highland Place Project

The city is re-circulating an environmental study for a proposed residential subdivision and flood control basin at 347 Highland Place for additional public review. The project includes three new homes and a debris basin on a 7.8-acre hillside. Comments on the Draft IS/MND can be submitted through April 30 by 5 p.m.. Prior comments remain part of the record. Here are relevant documents:

- Brad Haugaard

Wildcat Band & Color Guard fundraiser

Monrovia Wildcat Band & Color Guard is holding a See’s Candy fundraiser. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

City to consider next Neighborhood Treasure; Donation of Anderson House; Low-income housing; Etc.

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

~ Consider approving up to $19,000 to install a Neighborhood Treasure landmark for Kiyoshi Kuromiya, who - being of Japanese descent - was interned during World War II. He was also a war protester, LGBTQ+ activist, and medical marijuana proponent. Details.

~ Consider accepting a donation from the Monrovia Historical Society of the historic George H. Anderson House, at 215 East Lime. Details.

~ Decide on whether to approve a bond (not to be repaid by the city) for low-income housing. Story here.

~ Proclaim April as DMV/Donate Life Month. Details.

~ Hold a study session prior to the regular meeting (at 6:15 p.m.) to discuss "Discuss and Provide Direction on Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance Assessment Districts". Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Oak Park Apartments may become 100% low income housing

Oak Park Apartments - looking north from Olive. Image from Google Street View.

The 156-unit Oak Park apartment complex between 125 West Olive Avenue and 150 West Colorado Boulevard may be turned into 100% low-income housing.

Foothill Oak Park Apartments, LLC, a newly formed non‐profit, needs $65 million to buy and refurbish the complex. That money would come from a bond authorized by the city, but the city would simply "serve as the conduit issuer of the bonds" for the money which would be provided by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority and which would be repaid solely through revenue earned by the apartment complex. The staff report says there would be no financial obligation on the part of the city. The city council will consider the matter at its Tuesday, April 1 meeting. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at BBQ Blues

Dinner at the new BBQ Blues, in the old 38 Degrees restaurant space on the south side of Colorado about a half block east of Myrtle. Nothing much has changed regarding the decor except the signage and the art on the walls. I got the pulled pork sandwich for $13 and a beer for $6. Very good! Tender, moist pork and a lot of it.

- Brad Haugaard