Dinner at Noodle St., in the Vons shopping center at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle. Got the chicken noodle soup for $14.80 and an iced tea for $4.80. Nice noodles.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Noodle St.
Dinner at Noodle St., in the Vons shopping center at the corner of Foothill and Myrtle. Got the chicken noodle soup for $14.80 and an iced tea for $4.80. Nice noodles.
Monrovia Police: Four catalytic converters stolen; Door-rattling trespasser finally arrested; Counterfeit buyer caught with controlled substance; Stolen vehicle driver had warrant; Etc.
MAY 14
Fire
At 3:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Norumbega regarding a structure fire. Officers evacuated neighboring residences. MFD responded and the cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were sustained.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 8:21 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Cypress an officer saw a bicyclist in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the bicyclist was contacted. An investigation revealed the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 15
Grand Theft Auto
At 3:41 p.m., a victim in a parking structure in the 800 block of S. Myrtle reported his motorcycle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 7:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to a pharmacy in the 900 block of W. Foothill regarding a theft. This investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
At 7:55 p.m., a battery was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed a juvenile male subject pushed an adult male. The juvenile was arrested.
MAY 16
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 2:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a subject camping after hours. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject, who refused homeless outreach services. The subject was arrested.
Theft
At 6:22 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Royal Oaks reported the license plate to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 11:57 a.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of E. Foothill reported numerous vehicles had their catalytic converters stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 11:29 p.m., a theft was reported at a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and made contact with the suspect. An investigation revealed he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 17
Trespass – Suspect Arrested
At 12:29 a.m., a trespassing violation was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and discovered that a male subject was walking around the hotel checking doors after being advised to not return. Officers located the subject later in the day. He was arrested.
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
At 1:13 a.m., officers responded to a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon regarding a transient in the park after hours. Officers contacted the subject on the property after the park had closed, he refused homeless outreach services. The subject was arrested for violating the posted park hours.
Runaway Juvenile
At 10:04 p.m., a mother in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported her juvenile daughter as a runaway. She was entered into the Missing Persons System.
MAY 18
Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 12:50 a.m., a battery was reported in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who had visible injuries. The suspect was located nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Missing Located
At 9:52 a.m., a missing juvenile reported missing from the 800 block of W. Duarte returned. She was removed from the Missing Person System.
Theft
At 12:12 p.m., a caller in the 1100 block of E. Huntington reported his rear window was shattered and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Missing Person
At 5:31 p.m., a caller reported her friend left for work at 4:30 a.m. and never arrived. He works in Van Nuys. Officers checked other possible locations and he was not there. He was entered as a missing person. This investigation is continuing.
Counterfeit – Suspect Arrested
At 8:58 p.m., an employee from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a subject in the store known to use counterfeit money for payment, was attempting to make a purchase. Officers arrived and located the subject outside, attempting to drive away. A traffic stop was conducted and he was contacted. He was found to be in possession of counterfeit money, drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
MAY 19
Grand Theft
At 3:26 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Lime reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 11:48 a.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of W. Lime was flagged down by a male subject who reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 12:30 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of Parker reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
At 4:04 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Shamrock and Colorado saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. He was found to have two warrants for his arrest and in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary
At 4:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cypress reported the front gate lock to the property was cut and four light poles had lights removed. This investigation is continuing.
MAY 20
Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
At 5:41 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Foothill and Fifth were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. Officers located the vehicle parked. Two subjects were seen entering the stolen vehicle and driving away. A traffic stop was conducted and the subjects were contacted. The driver was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
School district appoints four administrators; looking for two more
Director of Human Resources: Woody Koch-Wain
Woody Koch-Wain most recently served as an Associate Attorney with Musick Peeler and Garrett LLC, representing public and private clients in employment matters. Earlier, he directed Transportation Services at LAUSD, overseeing operations and 1,300 staff members, and also served in human resources leadership roles.
Administrator on Special Assignment: Michele Costarella
Michele Costarella's job will be to strengthen district systems, support principals, oversee program quality, and coordinate intervention and attendance recovery efforts at elementary schools.
Alternative Schools Principal at Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School: Calvin McKendrick
Calvin McKendrick has served the district in multiple roles, most recently at Bradoaks. He will now lead Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School. McKendrick has experience in alternative education in both Monrovia and Claremont Unified, he will replace Fil Lujan, who is retiring.
Elementary Principal at Mayflower Elementary: Caitlin MacDonald
Caitlin MacDonald has been As Interim Principal this past year, emphasizing social-emotional support and collaboration with district leadership.
The district is still looking for a principal for Bradoaks and an assistant principal for Monrovia High.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia police tips on bicycle safety
Tips:
- Go slow at intersections.
- Check for bicyclists before turning or opening doors.
- Give riders space, change lanes when possible.
- Avoid distracted or impaired driving.
And if I may also add a few for cyclists:
- Traffic rules apply to you as well.
- Wear bright clothing.
- Consider using a flashing taillight and a headlight when it's gloomy or dark.
- When it's safe to do so, move to the side to let cars go by - annoying car drivers is not smart.
- Brad Haugaard
Wildcat Boosters gets $20,000 from Tournament of Roses Foundation
- Brad Haugaard
Council Approves $76M Bond Financing Proceedings, Calls November Election
May 19, 2026 Monrovia City Council meeting, summarized by AI. [This is an experiment; we'll see how it goes.]
• Council authorized preliminary proceedings for possible bond financing up to $76 million for community center renovations, Recreation Park improvements, Fire Station 102 renovations, and city hall renovations. Measure K revenues would fund debt service.
• Three resolutions adopted calling for a November general municipal election. Seats on the ballot: Mayor (2-year term), two council members (4-year terms), city treasurer (4-year term), and city clerk (4-year term). Nomination period July 13–August 7. Pre-nomination information meeting July 2 at the Community Center Monroe Room.
• May proclaimed California Water Awareness Month and June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
• Police will enforce posted no-parking hours throughout the posted time window even after the street sweeper has passed. This change will be publicized before taking effect.
• Monrovia Days parade winners: Best Float — Wild Rose School of Creative Arts; Best Musical Entry — Center Stage Dance Academy; Best Spirit — Monrovia Elementary; Judges Award — Clifton Middle School Marching Band and Color Guard; Most Unique — No Driving Low Rider Club; Best Overall — Monrovia High School band and color guard. Next Monrovia Days: May 13–16, 2027.
• Summer concerts in the park begin Sunday, May 24, at Station Square, 7–8:30 p.m. (Stone Soul Motown). The 4th of July concert featuring OC Groove will be at Library Park, July 4, 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Library Division Manager Carrie Vance presented a library strategic plan update. Over the last 5 years: circulation up 126%, program participants up 303%, outreach visits nearly tripled. A patron survey launches June 1–30. Summer reading program kickoff celebration June 6, noon–3 p.m. at Library Park; sign up in June for a free book.
• Mayor Shevlin brought up Assembly Bill 1768, which would allow LA County to put a sales tax increase up to 0.5% on the ballot. Council discussed but did not reach unanimous consensus to send a formal letter opposing; individual members may contact state Senator Sasha Perez.
• Public commenters called on the council to pursue a sanctuary city ordinance and a permanent memorial for Carlos Roberto Montoyo Valdez.
• Bear cub fundraising update: over $20,000 raised; bears showing progress and moving back toward natural behaviors.
• Congressman Cisneros presented a $1,092,000 federal check for the Encanto Water Park project.
Complete meeting video here.
- Brad Haugaard
Trip to LA County Fair planned for May 28
The Community Center is planning a trip to the L.A. County Fair on Thursday, May 28. Participants will spend the day at the fair with time for food, carnival games, and exhibits. Attractions and food are not included in the fee. Bus departs at 10:30 a.m. from the Community Center. Trip runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents. For more information, contact the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Goofy Cheeto is a pool-loving Lab mix with big silly energy
Looking for a goofy pool-loving adventure buddy? Meet Cheeto! This 1-year-old Labrador and Shar-Pei mix at Pasadena Humane is full of silly energy and loves bouncing between splashing in the kiddie pool, sniffing around for treats, carrying toys, and soaking up attention from anyone nearby. He's great on walks, loves a good foster field trip, and knows how to settle himself after playtime, happily taking breaks for pets and relaxation. Cheeto is curious, sweet, and wonderfully expressive—the kind of dog who keeps you laughing just by being himself.
From now through May 24th, adult dog adoption fees are waived during the "May I Go Home With You" adoption promo at Pasadena Humane, making adopting Cheeto easier than ever.
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 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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: Almera Romney and her Huntington School class
Almera Romney and her Huntington Elementary fifth grade class in 1946. Romney was teacher and then principal at Huntington Elementary from 1946-1963. She fought for better conditions for the segregated school and advocated for integration. Standing next to Almera with a butterfly on her dress is Mimi Luvenia Martin (Mency, 1936-2011) who would be the first African American on the Monrovia school board in 1972. From the Susie Ling 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
City Council to discuss planning for 2028 Olympics
- Brad Haugaard
Boys & Girls Club rally honors Youth of the Year, May 31
The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will honor its 2026 Youth of the Year winners and community advocates at a Rally and Family Carnival at Recreation Park on Sunday, May 31
Aidan Gee, a Monrovia High sophomore, was selected as Youth of the Year; Kristy and Todd Bowden will receive the Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award; and The Berns Team will be recognized as Corporate Partner of the Year. The public event features food trucks, inflatables, games, and a classic car show. Tickets.
- Brad Haugaard
City to consider issuing $76 million bond for renovations, consolidating elections
Veterans meetup at Starbucks, May 26
Veterans meetup at the Starbucks at Huntington and Magnolia, May 26, 6 to 7 p.m. Veterans and military service members can receive free coffee, meet other veterans, and schedule appointments with a Veterans Service Officer or a representative from Veterans Peer Access Network. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Teen activity at the Library, June 1
Teen Activity Hour at the Library’s Community Room, Monday, June 1, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Teens in grades 7-12 can participate in an activity planned by the Teen Advisory Board leadership team. No registration required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
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