In 1939, the Uyeda family - Yoshiko, mother Naka, Mary and father Yutaro - sold flats of strawberries and other fruit at 331 W. Huntington Drive (just a bit west of Magnolia), along a stretch of Route 66 busy with traffic between Los Angeles and Riverside/Palm Springs. When the family was forced into internment during World War II, their friend Orman Good looked after their property. From the Susie Ling collection. See full details here.
Monrovia-based Jewish Federation condemns antisemitic vandalism at Jewish Temple
Executive Director Jason Moss called the act "appalling." The mural’s message is: “We are all responsible for each other.”
Moss said, “For the last several years, we have witnessed an unprecedented rise of hate that has targeted the Jewish world,” and that vandalism, he added, illustrates the hate Jews across the world continue to face. "I just don’t think people recognize or fully comprehend what this ongoing hate and targeting is doing to our local Jewish community.”
The Federation pledged to continue working with community partners to confront hate and support those affected.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation Fundraiser
Bid on spending a day as City Manager, or on two cakes baked by Monrovia Mayor Becky Shevlin, or bicycle-churned ice cream by City Councilman Edward Belden, or ... lots of other stuff - here. The auction will benefit the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation, which provides enhancements to the city's parks, and recreational programs.
- Brad Haugaard
Movies in the Park switching to GOAT for July 25, Julian Fisher Park
The Monrovia Movies in the Park event on Saturday, July 25, at Julian Fisher Park (915 S. California Ave.) will show GOAT instead of the originally scheduled film. Admission is free. The remaining summer lineup: Aug. 1 — Lilo & Stitch (2025) at Library Park; Aug. 8 — Wicked: For Good at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Ave.).
- Brad Haugaard
Coming Up in Monrovia
Summer Concerts in the Park, Sundays May 31–Aug. 9
SPOT teen program at Library Park, June 5–Aug. 7
Monrovia High School pool open to public June 8–July 31
Centre Stage presents '13 The Musical,' July 16–19, and 'Honk! Jr.,' July 30–Aug. 1
Laser tag for teens at the Library, July 24
Monrovia Vons to Hold Grand Re-Opening July 24
Music Trivia and Karaoke July 25 at Library
The Ace Band - rock music - at Library Park, Sunday, July 26
Paint, Sip, and Relax, at Chamber of Commerce, July 27
Pasadena Humane Hosts Free Pet Adoption Event July 27
Foothill Unity Center Back-to-School event July 29
Free How to Draw Wolves workshop, July 29
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Aug. 1 at Santa Anita Race Track
Hope After the Hurt of abortion or sexual abuse event, Aug. 1
Teen activity: Creating with air-dry clay, Aug. 3
Free Backpack Giveaway for Monrovia elementary students Aug. 7
Back to School giveaway Aug. 8
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Chick-fil-A

Monrovia Police: Man caught on roof with stolen copper; Son chases mom with axe; Niece sprays elder with household cleaner; Girlfriend stabs boyfriend; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 16 – 22, 2026. 467 calls for service, 92 investigations, 2 mental evaluations, 7 traffic collisions, 27 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]
JULY 16
Drug Offense / Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 12:07 a.m., officers patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle saw a male subject in the park after hours. The officers made contact with the subject and discovered he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Vandalism
At 7:25 a.m., while patrolling the 100 block of W. Colorado an officer discovered a structure with graffiti. A request to remove the graffiti was entered. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 11:13 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Palm reported two subjects fighting. Officers arrived and made contact with one of the subjects involved. It was determined to be a mutual fight and the parties became uncooperative. An investigation revealed 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.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
At 1:59 p.m., multiple callers in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a subject on the roof of a building. Officers arrived and set up a containment around the building. A subject was located on the roof with stolen copper wire. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 7:05 p.m., an officer patrolling the 400 block of W. Duarte made contact with a subject. An investigation revealed 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.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 7:26 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Magnolia an officer made contact with a subject. During the contact, the subject was found to be in possession of multiple controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
At 7:34 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Foothill requested a welfare check on a subject who was talking to himself. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. During the contact, the subject threw a water bottle at an officer, striking the officer. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Stolen License Plate
At 8:08 p.m., an officer responded to the 1400 block of S. Primrose regarding a stolen license plate. The vehicle owner reported she parked the vehicle on July 15 and discovered the rear license plate had been stolen when she returned the following day. The stolen license plate was entered into the state database. This investigation is continuing.
Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 10:12 p.m., while patrolling the 400 block of E. Huntington an officer made contact with a pedestrian. An investigation revealed he was in possession of multiple controlled substances, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
JULY 17
Felony Evading
At 1:27 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Camino Real and Graydon saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and fled. A pursuit ensued, but was quickly terminated. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 3:27 p.m., multiple callers in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a fight. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. One of the subjects involved was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 5:52 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 900 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and made contact with the involved parties. An investigation revealed a male subject and his girlfriend were involved in an argument, when he struck her and strangled her. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 7:31 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Alta Vista regarding an intoxicated subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. It was 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.
JULY 18
Grand Theft
At 8:51 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Encinitas reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
At 11:52 a.m., an employee for a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a subject took his phone and threw it, causing damage. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting
At 6:22 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
At 7:50 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a vandalism incident. Officers arrived and discovered that an unknown suspect shattered the victim's passenger side window of their parked vehicle and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 8:24 p.m., while patrolling the 800 block of E. Huntington, an officer made contact with a pedestrian. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 10:11 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported at a residence in the 300 block of W. Olive. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the couple was involved in an argument when the girlfriend stabbed the boyfriend causing a minor puncture wound. She was arrested and taken into custody.
JULY 19
Vehicle Burglary
At 7:16 a.m., a victim in the 300 block of S. Primrose reported that an unknown subject smashed his vehicle's window and stole property. This investigation is continuing.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
At 1:39 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of Melrose reported an attempt theft of her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
At 4:48 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect inside an adjacent store. The stolen property was recovered from the suspect. She was arrested and released with a citation.
JULY 20
Domestic Violence
At 5:07 a.m., hospital staff at a local hospital called to report that a patient was getting treatment for injuries inflicted to her by her boyfriend. Officers responded and made contact with the victim. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence / Court Order Violation
At 6:50 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported two suspicious subjects in a park. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was in possession of a controlled substance and was in violation of a court order restraining him from being with the female companion. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
At 9:54 a.m., a victim in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista reported that his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
At 4:44 p.m., an employee from a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and discovered two female subjects entered the store, took merchandise and fled prior to officers' arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
At 5:29 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. An investigation revealed a female subject took merchandise and fled without paying. She was gone prior to officers' arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 7:16 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 700 block of California. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a mother and adult son were involved in a verbal argument when the son picked up an axe and chased the mother around the home. He was arrested and taken into custody.
JULY 21
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 3:01 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Canyon and Lemon saw a subject passed out on a sidewalk with open containers of alcohol around him. The officer made contact with the subject and 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.
Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
At 3:06 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Fifth an officer saw a suspicious male subject. The officer made contact with the subject and discovered the subject was in possession of a controlled substance and had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
At 3:23 p.m., a vandalism in progress was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located the suspect who admitted to the vandalism. He was arrested and taken into custody.
JULY 22
Battery / Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
At 5:26 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive reported that his adult niece sprayed his elderly mother with a household cleaner. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Theft
At 9:59 p.m., a loss prevention officer in a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the subject outside the store, in possession of the stolen merchandise. He was arrested and taken into custody.
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.
Catalytic Converter Thefts Alert
Protect your vehicle by following the prevention tips in the attached flyer and reporting suspicious activity to the Monrovia Police Department.
Hope After the Hurt of abortion or sexual abuse event, Aug. 1
Hope After the Hurt Luncheon at Monrovia Community Church (former First Presbyterian Church) will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event offers information and encouragement for women seeking healing after abortion or sexual abuse, with trained facilitators discussing one-on-one and small-group support. Gifts and giveaways included. RSVP to (626) 358-2122. Resources are also available for men seeking healing after abortion. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
The Ace Band - rock music - at Library Park, Sunday, July 26
The Ace Band, rock music, at Library Park, Sunday, July 26, 7-8:30 p.m. Free outdoor concert. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and maybe a picnic basket. Food trucks will be available. Family-friendly event. For more information call 256-8246. Info on the band here.
- Brad Haugaard
Council Summary: $2 million purchase of Highland hillside property approved; Etc.
July 21 Monrovia City Council meeting, summarized by AI.
• Council voted 3-0 (Councilmember Kelly excused, Mayor Shevlin recused) to approve a letter of intent to purchase 7.8 acres at 347 North Highland Place for $2 million, adding it to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. The property, adjacent to the Big M, was proposed for three large homes since 2019. Funding comes from open space impact fees and the hillside acquisition fund. The property will be rezoned Hillside Wilderness Preserve, requiring a public vote to change.
• The California Highway Patrol again requested a 30-day extension on the city's records request for the investigation into the death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez. Mayor Shevlin directed staff to send letters to the governor, attorney general, assembly members, state senator, and CHP chief. A status report is expected at the September meeting.
• Multiple speakers addressed ICE-related deaths. Sherry Lochner reported 75 deaths linked to ICE actions and requested an independent investigation into the Montoya Valdez death, sanctuary city status for Monrovia, and a permanent memorial. A vigil is set for August 15 at noon at the Monrovia Home Depot.
• Pasadena Humane's Pet of the Month is Ella, a 5-year-old German Shepherd available for adoption (fee waived for adopters over 60). LAFC soccer players visit the shelter July 28 for meet-and-greets and sponsored adoptions. Free adult dog and cat adoptions run July 30 – August 9.
• City Manager Dylan Feik reported: The Request For Proposals (RFP) for the 222 East Cypress project has been released, with council review expected in September. A community development project completed plan check; its RFP is forthcoming. A 2026 bond issuance is in preparation. The city and school district are planning a joint meeting.
• The next council meeting is August 4 at 5 p.m., starting early to allow council and public to attend National Night Out at Library Park afterward.
• Chamber update: 10 new members this month. Upcoming events include a Thursday mixer at Lead the Way Fitness, Paint & Sip July 27, Lunch Mob July 29 at Milan Bar and Noodle, and a ribbon cutting July 30 at the Arthur Blair Historical Inn.
• Officer Munoz was sworn in by Chief Harvey on July 8. Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez noted the "family" atmosphere of the ceremony and the Monrovia Police Department.
• The meeting opened in honor of Elliot Emerson Leos, born June 25 to Community Services Commissioner Giangelo and Amanda Leos.
Complete meeting video here.
- Brad Haugaard
Teen activity: Creating with air-dry clay, Aug. 3
Teen Activity Hour will be held Monday, Aug. 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Teens in grades 7–12 are invited to stay after the Teen Advisory Board meeting for a social activity planned by the board - creating with air-dry clay. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Novel T's Book Club to discuss 'The Correspondent: A Novel' in August
In August, the Novel T's Book Club will discuss "The Correspondent: A Novel," by Virginia Evans. Meetings are fourth Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Social time at 6:30 p.m., with book discussion at 6:45 p.m. New participants should email jandrewsheldon@gmail.com to join the group. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Laser tag for teens at the Library, July 24
Laser tag for teens (grades 7–12) at the Library Friday, July 24, 5:30 to 7 p.m.. Registration and details, here. Participants must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver, which will be available at check-in.
- Brad Haugaard
Pasadena Humane Hosts Free Pet Adoption Event July 27
Pasadena Humane will host "Score Your Best Buddy," a free after-hours pet adoption event on Monday, July 27, from 4–7 p.m., with all adoption fees waived thanks to sponsors LAFC and ZippyPaws. LAFC players will be on-site for meet-and-greets from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Every adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, and a microchip. Preview available pets at pasadenahumane.org.
- Brad Haugaard
Europeans impressed by America - The Monrovia edition
Perhaps you've seen the dozens of videos circulating on the Internet of Europeans and others being surprised by America. Well, Monrovia is included. This Englishman is very impressed with Old Town. (The caption, of course, is incorrect, but he says it correctly, that Monrovia is one of the oldest cities in Los Angeles County.) Click here for video.
- Brad Haugaard






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