Drop-in Makerspace for children 5–12 on Sept. 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Children can explore, tinker, and build using various materials and tools. No registration required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Makerspace for children to tinker and build
Drop-in Makerspace for children 5–12 on Sept. 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Children can explore, tinker, and build using various materials and tools. No registration required. Details.
Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk is on again
They’re off! The Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk is back again now that Canyon Park has reopened, and participants are heading up into the hills. The event goes from the fountain in Library Park to the waterfall in Canyon Park, and back again. Included among the participants, Mayor Becky Shevlin.
- Brad Haugaard
Work day scheduled to improve local school gardens and green spaces
Food ED is offering a work day to improve local school gardens and green spaces during Green Care Day on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., starting at the Community Garden (Colorado and Magnolia). Open to all ages. Bring water, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. Sign up here.
- Brad Haugaard
Classes on Monrovia leadership - registration still open
Applications are still being accepted for Monrovia Area Partnership's Fall 2025 Leadership Academies, with programs for youth and adults. Youth sessions run Wednesdays, Oct. 1 – Nov. 5, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; adult sessions Thursdays, Oct. 2 – Nov. 13, 7 to 9 p.m. Registration deadline is Sept. 25. Apply here.
- Brad Haugaard
August utility bills delayed; late fees will be waived
The City has again had a delay in delivering utility bills, this time for August. Late payment fees will be waived if payment is made after the due date. For questions contact the Utility Billing Office at 932-5517.
- Brad Haugaard
Fountain to Falls Run/Walk tomorrow; expect road closures
- Brad Haugaard
Library involvement has surged over past year
City Manager Dylan Feik reports that involvement with the Library has surged nearly 30% this year, with more than 26,000 residents attending programs and a record-breaking 3,200 joining the Summer Reading Program. Outreach to schools, seniors and community organizations brought services to 15,000 more outside the building, while the Veterans Resource Center saw a 60% increase in use. Over 5,600 items were borrowed through the Library of Things.
- Brad Haugaard
Pluses and Minuses in AI-nalysis of school district finances
- Brad Haugaard
Positives
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Balanced Operations: Revenues ($90.5M) slightly exceeded expenditures ($90.3M) for 2024–25, producing a small surplus of about $232K before transfers.
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Strong Reserves: The ending fund balance remained substantial at $30.1M, though projected to decline to $26.2M in 2025–26.
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Compliance with Federal MOE: The district met the federal Maintenance of Effort requirement, avoiding potential penalties on future funding.
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Stable LCFF Base: Local Control Funding Formula revenues increased modestly (2%), showing stability in the district’s primary funding source.
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Healthy Cash Position: Nearly $38M in cash and equivalents was reported, giving the district liquidity to manage operations and contingencies.
Negatives
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Classroom Spending Deficiency: Only 50.79% of expenditures went to classroom compensation, below the 55% minimum for unified districts. This resulted in a $3M deficiency that could affect future apportionments if not corrected.
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Shrinking Revenues: Overall revenues are projected to drop 3.5% in 2025–26, driven largely by a 29% decline in federal funds and a 21% drop in expanded learning program funding.
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Eroding Reserves: Fund balance is projected to fall by about 13% in 2025–26, which may reduce flexibility in future years.
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Rising Personnel Costs: Classified salaries are budgeted to jump 15%, and PERS retirement costs up 15.5%, pressuring long-term sustainability.
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One-time Revenue Risk: Significant 2024–25 revenues came from asset sales and other one-time sources (e.g., $635K disposal of capital assets), which will not recur in 2025–26.
Overall Impression
The district closed 2024–25 with a balanced budget and strong reserves, but faces structural challenges: declining revenues, increasing personnel costs, and failure to meet classroom spending requirements. Unless addressed, these could constrain flexibility and trigger funding penalties in the next few years.
School board to receive options on how to construct new pool at Monrovia High
At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia School Board will receive five concepts on how the district might build a new swimming pool at Monrovia High. Option 1 above. Here are the rest.
In the meantime, the district plans to contract with Citrus College for the use of its pool for boys and girls water polo. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at KBOP Korean Kitchen
Dinner at KBOP Korean Kitchen, in the shopping center at the southeast corner of Huntington and Mayflower. Got the six-piece boneless chicken with soy garlic and spicy mayo dipping sauce and a drink for $12. Very nice.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Nude woman in distress; Runaway juvenile found and lost; Firearm stolen in burglary; Etc.
During this period the Police Department handled 473 service events, resulting in 107 investigations.
Mental Evaluation
August 28 at 12:10 a.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a disturbing subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who was yelling and acting erratically. It was determined he was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 3:11 a.m., a disturbance was reported in the 700 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and located a vehicle with loud music emitting from it and made contact with the occupant. An investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Open Container – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 9:08 a.m., while patrolling the 400 block of W. Huntington an officer saw a subject with an open alcohol container. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene.
Vehicle Burglary
August 28 at 3:03 p.m., a victim approached an officer in the 500 block of W. Foothill to report that his work vehicle had been burglarized. An investigation revealed property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 28 at 8:41 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Grand regarding a vehicle burglary. Property, which included a firearm was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 2:12 a.m., a suspicious subject was reported in the 1500 block of S. Mayflower. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer search revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant Arrests – Suspects Arrested
August 29 at 3:35 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of Los Angeles reported two suspicious subjects. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. A computer search revealed they both had warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
August 29 at 12:02 p.m., a passerby in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject was walking around without clothes. Officers arrived and made contact with her. She was found to be in distress and not able to care for herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Vehicle Burglary
August 29 at 3:14 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that his parked vehicle was burglarized. Nothing appeared to have been taken. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
August 30 at 3:28 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported two suspicious subjects. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed they were in possession of drug paraphernalia and both had warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Fire
August 30 at 8:35 p.m., a vehicle fire was reported in a parking lot in the 100 block of W. Huntington. Officers and MFD responded. No injuries were reported and the fire was extinguished. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
August 30 at 9:41 p.m., officers responded to the area of Sierra Terrace and Royal Oaks Drive regarding a female subject yelling. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject. An investigation revealed she was a danger to herself. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 2:06 a.m., a fight in progress was reported in front of a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located the subjects in the area. The subjects were not cooperative. One of the subjects involved in the altercation was found to be driving nearby. A further investigation revealed the subject was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to eh MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 3:23 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Lime officers saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a controlled substance. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Burglary
August 31 at 4:57 p.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle reported her wallet stolen and multiple fraudulent charges were made with her credit cards. This investigation is continuing.
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 1:52 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle officers made contact with a female subject in violation of a municipal code. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
September 1 at 2:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of E. Olive regarding a man trying to harm himself. Officers arrived and determined he was intoxicated and trying to harm himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 6:25 p.m., a subject walked into the MPD lobby to turn himself in. A computer search confirmed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 7:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of S. Myrtle regarding a family disturbance. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject sitting in a vehicle. An investigation revealed the subject drove himself to the location while under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 9:17 p.m. a disturbance was reported in the 200 block of Valle Vista. Officers arrived and determined a male and female subject were involved in an argument when the female subject physically assaulted the male subject. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 2:06 a.m., witnesses in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a subject attempting to enter vehicles. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a USPS key. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Commercial Burglary
September 2 at 7:11 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported the front door glass to the business was shattered and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Accident
September 2 at 8:02 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Magnolia and Colorado. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. Both parties complained of pain and one was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Injury Traffic Accident
September 2 at 10:13 a.m., a caller in the area of Huntington and Highway Esplanade reported a traffic collision. Parties involved complained of injuries.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 10:47 a.m., a subject walked into the MPD lobby to turn himself in. A computer search confirmed the subject’s warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Vandalism
September 2 at 6:09 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported a window to a business smashed. This investigation is continuing.
Lost / Stolen Plate
September 2 at 6:40 p.m., a subject walked into the MPD lobby to report her license plate stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
September 2 at 3:25 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report his vehicle was broken into and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Fraud / Scam
September 2 at 4:28 p.m., resident walked into the MPD lobby to report that she was fraudulently persuaded to a pay a subject for an investment opportunity. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 4:52 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of Wildrose reported a male subject parked, with his vehicle off, and slumped over the steering wheel. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who was determined to be intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Shoplift – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 9:55 a.m., an officer patrolling in the 500 block of W. Huntington was flagged down by a several people. The officer made contact with them and learned a male subject stole merchandise from a business. The subject was located a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Lost / Stolen License Plate
September 3 at 11:47 a.m., a victim in the 1100 block of Sesmas reported his license plates stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Runaway Juvenile
September 3 at 3:08 p.m., a juvenile was reported as a runaway from the 800 block of Ocean View. Officers located the juvenile and returned him to the location. Moments later the juvenile was reported again. He was not located and entered into the missing persons system. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest
September 3 at 10:04 p.m., a disturbance was reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the parties, but the male subject fled on foot and officers gave chase, locating the subject a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Health warning for Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a health alert for a Trader Joe's frozen not-ready-to-eat uncured pepperoni pizza from Italy that did not receive an import reinspection. Trader Joe's is based in Monrovia.
The warning applies to 17.63-oz. cardboard box packages containing “TRADER JOE’S UNCURED PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT OF ITALY” with “MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26” or “MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26” printed on the bottom of the package.
The oversight was reported by Trader Joe's and while there have been no reports of illness, the FSIS recommends the product not be consumed, but rather discarded or returned to the store. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Celebration of Aztec Hotel's 100th Anniversary Planned
- Brad Haugaard
Current Local Job Opportunities - September
- Brad Haugaard
Eaton Fire overcomer looking for a new home
Billia’s journey hasn’t been easy—she came to the shelter after her family had to evacuate from the Eaton Fire. Losing her home and the people she loved left her understandably shaken, and at first, everything felt overwhelming. But with time, patience, and kindness, Billia started to come out of her shell. Her circle of trusted friends continues to grow, and with each new bond, her sweet and loving personality shines.
Once Billia knows you’re in her corner, she’s all in. She bonds deeply with her people and is fiercely loyal to those she trusts. All she asks for is a little patience and understanding as she gets to know you—slow introductions go a long way with this sensitive girl. But don’t be fooled by her cautious nature; she’s also got a goofy, playful side.
Billia will thrive in an experienced home where she can feel safe and supported. A quieter environment will help her continue to grow in confidence. Having an ample supply of treats and stuffed toys wouldn’t hurt, either.
This four-year-old pitbull mix has already overcome so much, and now she’s ready to start the next chapter of her life. Could you be the one to give Billia the stability, love, and joy she’s been waiting for? Come meet her—you’ll see just how special she really is.
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.
- Brad Haugaard
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