There are at least two locations in Monrovia where people can donate supplies for the relief of fire victims.
Donation Locations in Monrovia
There are at least two locations in Monrovia where people can donate supplies for the relief of fire victims.
Report from local church on relief work in Altadena
Pastor Angel Baez of Calvary Chapel Monrovia and also a chaplain with the LA Sheriff's Department, reports in this Facebook video on what several churches and organizations are doing to help in Altadena.
- Brad Haugaard
Resources for Eaton Fire victims
The damage the Eaton Fire has caused our neighbors is unfathomable. Thousands have lost their homes, businesses, places of worship and personal belongings. Some have even lost loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Below are resources that will be able to assist those navigating this difficult time.
Additionally, our City Council is already brainstorming ways the City of Monrovia can respond and help our neighbors during their time of need. In addition to resources being provided now, long-term efforts to house, employ, and care for our neighbors is an incredible task, and our community is up to the task!
Resources Available
Alexan MarmontThe Alexan Marmont at 1625 S Magnolia Ave is assisting those who lost their homes or whose homes are unlivable by helping them make the application approval and move-in process easier. They also offer furniture packages from one of their vendors as an option. For more information, please get in touch with Alexan Marmont at 626-275.8560.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Disaster-related assistance may include:
- Rental Payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items
- Unemployment payments for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for state benefits
- Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance
- Crisis Counseling for those who are traumatized by the disaster
- Advisory assistance for legal veterans benefits and social security matters.
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
- Small Business Administration Disaster Loans help businesses repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies.
- Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property. (Homeowners can receive up to $500,000 to repair or replace real estate damage and up to $100,00 to replace personal property.
- For businesses and nonprofits who are interested in applying, please click here.
Nearby Shelter Locations
- Residents can call 211 for shelter information and social and health services.
- Los Angeles County residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate due to wildfires can apply for temporary housing through an Airbnb and 211 LA Partnership here.
- Pasadena Convention Center - 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101. The Humane Society is on-site to accept pets for boarding. Service animals will be allowed inside the Convention Center.
- Pomona Fairplex - 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768. They can accept pets
- Arcadia Community Center Staging Area - 375 Campus Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007. This is not a Shelter, but residents can charge their devices, connect to Wi-Fi, and make shelter arrangements.
- For more shelter and animal evacuation locations, please click here
Unemployment Assistance
People who are out of work due to the fire may be eligible for unemployment benefits and may file for unemployment online at edd.ca.gov or my phone Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. by calling one of the numbers below:
- English: 1-800-300-5616
- Spanish: 1-800-326-8937
- Chinese (Cantonese): 1-800-547-3506
- Chinese (Mandarin): 1-866-303-0706
- Vietnamese: 1-800-547-205
Please click here to view locations and resources to recoup lost documents.
Private Insurance
Please click here for information on filing a claim with private insurance companies.
Historic and Art Preservation
The Altadena, Pasadena, and the Sierra Madre areas are filled with historical artifacts and collections. If you need assistance, please get in touch with the Heritage Responders hotline at 202-661-8068. If you have questions about saving family treasures and heirlooms, don't hesitate to contact them at NHRpublichelpline@.culturalheritage.org
Donations and Volunteering
For a list of verified foundations seeking monetary donations to equip firefighters battling wildfires, please click here.
Please be wary of scam artists and identity thieves who may attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors.
City Facilities & Hours of Operation
City Hall, Public Works Yard, Fire Administration will remain closed through the weekend.
All City facilities will be open for regular hours on Monday and regular business operations will resume. The Hillside Wilderness Preserve will remain closed as long as the bad air quality continues.
Evacuation warnings lifted, Power almost fully restored, but gusty winds expected
Where the fire stopped. The right side of the canyon is Monrovia. It was barely touched.
City managers report on the fire for Jan. 11.
Good afternoon, Monrovians,
As of 3:00 p.m. today, January 11, all Evacuation Warnings have been lifted. The Evacuation Order has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning for those residing in the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Welcome home everyone.
Also great news...Edison is finalizing repairs to all power outages in Monrovia after nearly five days of outages.
However, the Eaton Fire remains active elsewhere in the community. Thus far it has burned 14,117 acres and is currently 15% contained with a portion of the increased containment along our Santa Anita Canyon. Yesterday, Fire Chief Jeremy Sanchez and I toured the Santa Anita Canyon burn area and were greeted by a strike team (5 engines) out of San Diego and many other smaller emergency vehicles who have all been keeping watch on the eastern edge of the fire. There were no visible flames or some in the area despite a light breeze, and there are none today.
While the fire did manage to cross the service road and reach Monrovia city limits, as you can see from the photos below, the Eaton Fire reached the Bobcat Fire burn area where there was already little vegetation to burn.
The weather forecast does include gusty northwest winds tonight through tomorrow, with gusts up to 30 mph with the possibility of another Santa Ana wind event this upcoming Tuesday, January 14. So teams won't be demobilizing anytime soon and the City remains ready to respond to any change in the incident.
- Brad Haugaard
Foothill Unity Center distributes food to fire victims
Today Foothill Unity Center distributed food, clothing, blankets, pillows, sweets for little ones, and other essentials to support families and individuals hurt by the fire. The center’s Monrovia site (790 W Chestnut) will resume accepting in-kind donations starting Monday. To donate money visit foothillunity.org.
- Brad Haugaard
Engineering students to visit high speed rail; Advocating for special ed funding
At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ..
~ Approving an extended field trip for Monrovia High honors engineering students to visit Fresno State University Engineering Department and tour the high speed rail construction site. Details.
~ Approving a letter to elected officials advocating for full funding for special education programs. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Owner of Jake's Roadhouse restaurant loses home in fire
Tony Banuelos, owner of the Monrovia restaurant, Jake's Roadhouse, lost his Altadena home in the Eaton Fire. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Calvary Chapel Monrovia helping Altadena recovery
Calvary Chapel Monrovia posts on Facebook that it has been providing food, water, and help cleaning up in Altadena.
“Our church remains a disaster relief hub for those in need of prayer, food, water and basic necessities.
“We are accepting any donations of food, water, toiletries, clothes, kid’s toys and books. [The church is located at the corner of Myrtle and Cherry]
“We will continue to see what more we can do to help those affected by the fires.
“Please continue to pray for the families and individuals that have lost their homes.”
- Brad Haugaard
Eaton Fire held at Santa Anita Canyon; emergency communications; clean-up details
From City Manager Dylan Feik's latest update:
"The Eaton Fire continues to be held at the Santa Anita Canyon and with good weather ahead, our focus increases towards electricity restoration. Many residents had power restored yesterday and early this morning, and restoration will continue."
He adds, "There is widespread coverage about problems with emergency communication tools used by agencies including Southern California Edison, Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, and others. We apologize for the confusion this has caused. Should we need to communicate changes to the status of the emergency, we will continue to use this City Manager's Update. And if we need to evacuate Monrovians at any point, the city will use every communication tool we have AND will send every city vehicle into evacuation areas and with lights, sirens and bullhorns."
Also ...
Feik said that while the city appreciates donations of food and supplies, the city is no longer accepting them. For information on how to help contact the Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
The city is cleaning up debris now. Street sweeping will continue as usual and parking restrictions will be enforced beginning Monday, Jan. 13.
For residents cleaning their own yards:
- Fill your green bins as much as possible.
- Place larger logs, limbs or items in a neat pile in the parkway adjacent to your home.
- Place leaves in lawn bags and beginning on Monday, Jan. 13, city crews will pick them up and haul them off for you.
Monrovia Public Library and the Community Center will be open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sunday. City Hall, Public Works Yard, Fire Administration will remain closed today.
Athens Trash will be servicing those in the Evacuation Warning areas of Monrovia today (Friday, Jan. 10) and tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 11). Leave trash bins out today or at the latest, Saturday morning.
- Brad Haugaard
Foothill Unity Center Food Distribution for Eaton Canyon Fire Victims
- Brad Haugaard
Evacuation Orders Lifted - Mostly
Monrovia evacuation orders have now been lifted for all Monrovia residents, except those who reside in the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, according to City Manager Dylan Feik.
Evacuation warnings, however, remain in place for:
- North of Hillcrest and west of Myrtle, including all of Gold Hills.
- North of Hillcrest, east of Myrtle, and Norumbega Drive north of Greystone.
- Brad Haugaard
Fellowship Church opens its doors to fire victims
Monnrovia’s Fellowship Church (at Huntington and California) is opening its doors today, from 2 to 9 PM for anyone who needs Wi-Fi or a place to charge their phone, a safe place to rest, clean air, prayer, or just someone to talk to.
It also has a Fellowship Relief Fund, 100 percent of which goes to those now on need.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at La Noria
Lunch at La Noria, the taco stand at the corner of Foothill and May. Got the Thursday special, five taquitos for $9.95, and a soda for $3.25. Yummy!
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Still stalled in Santa Anita Canyon, other updates
City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the Eaton fire did not progress much at all last night due to favorable weather, wind and nighttime firefighting.
Clubs seek donations for fire victim relief
A boil-water order has been issued for the area, so the club is collecting:
• Bottled Water
• Blankets and Pillows
• Clothing of all sizes which can be gently used but must be clean for immediate redistribution.
The organizations will be distributing items from 1-4 p.m. on the Raymond side of Central Park, 275 N Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, next to the Green Hotel.
For information call coordinators Donald Johnson or his wife Beverly at
(626) 255-2855 (Donald) or (951) 538-8672 (Beverly). They will be in the park at noon to receive donations. You can also reach out to First Sergeant Vincent Lymon (retired) of Thank a Vet, (951) 907-6900, who will also be on site to help.
If you would like to donate water but cannot make it to Pasadena, you can have cases of water (2 case minimum) delivered from 7-Eleven through such food delivery services as Grubhub via 7-Eleven with a 2-Case Maximum. You can also order water from Amazon Fresh. New blankets or clothing can be delivered from Walmart via Instacart. Please be mindful of delivery times.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia YMCA collecting for those in need after the Eaton fire
The Santa Anita Family YMCA in Monrovia (at Mountain and Lemon) is distributing several pallets of fresh produce, canned goods, and snacks for those in need. It is also collecting blankets and personal items all day today (Jan. 9) to deliver to the Pasadena Convention Center to use at the Pasadena Shelter.
Fire stalled at Santa Anita Canyon
Here is the latest report from city manager, Dylan Feik.
January 8, 2025
Good evening Monrovians,
Tonight at 6:00 p.m., we attended an Incident Briefing for the Eaton Fire. Since early this afternoon, the fire along the eastern edge was held generally around the Santa Anita Canyon. With favorable weather today, including little-to-no winds throughout the afternoon, the fire slowly backed down into the Santa Anita Canyon drainage area where crews were positioned to hold the fire's position. Additionally, a dozer line was placed between the Santa Anita drainage area and Lower Clamshell Trail along the burn scar from the Bobcat Fire. This was done as a contingency in case the fire jumped or moved across the Santa Anita drainage. Air support was also provided this afternoon and is available throughout the night as needed. Incident Command does not anticipate the fire to grow along the eastern edge tonight, and they expect to continue attacking the fire with significantly more resources early Thursday morning. At this time, there are no changes to previously issued Evacuation Orders or Evacuation Warnings.
For tonight, Monrovians will see the fire on our hillside, including that eerie glow and occasional flames jumping. The fire will also look a lot closer than it is, as the fire is holding in the Santa Anita drainage area. Monrovia Fire & Rescue staff remain in Monrovia but also are assisting in Sierra Madre and Arcadia, doing their part to combat the fire's movements in our neighboring communities as needed.
The map below is based off of the infrared map of the Eaton Fire and does not necessarily reflect the fire perimeter. The green area is the boundary of Monrovia with the red representing the Eaton Fire burn area. We anticipate receiving more maps as information becomes available to us.
Electricity and cell service continue to be spotty as power outages remain widespread throughout the city. Southern California Edison is unable to say when power will be restored so we recommend planning ahead for extended outages.
Certain City facilities remain without power, including City Hall and will remain closed to the public until further notice. Non-emergency city phone lines will also be out of service until electricity is restored. On Thursday, the Community Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and has snacks, water and areas to charge your cell phones. Be sure to stop by and say hi.
Keep your phones nearby and continue to be ready should weather conditions change. I will provide another update in the morning.
Take care and keep safe!
Dylan
Fire advancing slowly; devastation in Altadena and Pasadena horrendous
Fire ‘backing’ toward Monrovia, power outages may last a while, shelter for pets, etc.
The latest fire update from city manager, Dylan Feik.
Good morning Monrovians,
We are trying to provide as much current information and updates as we can. City crews are working closely with area authorities and will continue doing our best to communicate updates related to the Eaton Fire, areawide power outages and various challenges we are experiencing.
Currently, the Eaton Fire is now at 10,600 acres with 0% containment. The fire is driven by wind with heavy impacts to the communities of Altadena and Pasadena. The fire is pushing mostly towards cities west of Monrovia including Altadena, Pasadena, La Crescenta and Glendale, but is also backing towards Santa Anita Canyon and the Bobcat Fire burn scar on the east.
With the possibility of the fire crossing Santa Anita Canyon and impacting the west portion of Monrovia, Evacuation Orders have been issued for the portions of Monrovia north of Hillcrest and west of Myrtle (previously Primrose but now includes Myrtle), and including all of Gold Hills. Currently there is a Evacuation Warning north of Hillcrest, east of Myrtle and Norumbega Drive north of Greystone.
Local shelter arrangements have been set up at the Arcadia Community Center, Pasadena Civic Center and a few other locations in LA County found here under "Human Shelters." There is also a small animal shelter at the Pasadena Humane Society facility. Continue to read the link above for updates and additional information on evacuation centers and resources.
Along with the 700 firefighters currently combatting the Eaton Fire, all available Monrovia firefighters have been recalled and are currently staffing five engines in preparation for any impacts to our community. Additionally, police officers, public works crews, park naturalists and a huge number of City employees are working hard to help us all through this emergency. Be sure to thank them when you see them.
Last night, crews responded to multiple calls for residential structure fires, downed power lines, fallen trees and blockages to public rights of way. We are working alongside Southern California Edison to restore power to the city however, there is no estimate for power restoration at this time. It would be best to plan ahead for extended outages and as a reminder, please do not call 9-1-1 to ask for updates to power outages. We need these lines clear for reporting of actual downed power lines, current emergencies, etc.
Finally, thank you to all the many community members, businesses and folks who have stopped by to offer support, feed our first responders and show your support. On behalf of all City employees, we love our community very much and will be there thru the entire incident.
Take care and keep safe!
Dylan
Most businesses closed throughout Monrovia, except Vons
At 8:50 a.m. power seems to be out pretty much throughout the city definitely on Foothill, Huntington and Myrtle. Virtually all businesses I saw except the Vons supermarket at Tthe corner of Myrtle and Foothill were closed.
- Brad Haugaard
Fire above Arcadia
Fire above Monrovia Wednesday morning
A Moment in Monrovia History: Myrtle Avenue during 1914 Monrovia Day
Myrtle Ave with a Welcome banner, trolley, and bedecked with flags during the 1914 Monrovia Day. Looking north on Myrtle Avenue from Lime. J.J. Renaker Furniture at far left, then J.J. Renaker Co, a bicycle shop, and a garage. Grocery store at far right. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.
Adorable Parker - He doesn't even shed, and respects furniture
Parker is a sweet and sensitive 2-year-old German Shepherd mix looking for his forever home. This adorable guy has been spending time with a foster family, and they have given a great report!
When Parker first met his foster family at Pasadena Humane, he was too nervous to even leave his kennel. But with their patience, kindness, and love, Parker has blossomed. What started as a weekend foster has turned into a longer stay where Parker has truly come out of his shell.
Parker is a quick learner and eager to please. He already knows commands like “sit” and “leave it” and is respectful during mealtime. He’s fantastic on a leash and enjoys a mix of walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park. His favorite activities include cuddles, belly rubs, playing with toys, and showing off his goofy zoomies.
He’s crate-trained, settles quickly when left alone, and even loves car rides. Remarkably, Parker doesn’t shed and is respectful of furniture—truly a dream companion!
If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion who’s full of potential, Parker is your guy. Help Parker make the leap from foster to forever—he’s ready to share his paw-sitive energy with you!
Parker and all other dogs and cats at Pasadena Humane have their adoption fees discounted until January 12 during the Welcome Home adoption promo!
The normal 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 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30 and can be scheduled online. 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
High winds may affect power in parts of North Monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
Opinion: Two Great Places for Public Art
Opinion: Hey, Art in Public Places Committee! This red brick wall, seen from Library Park, sure looks like it would be a great canvas for a mural that would make Old Town even more attractive.
Weather Service warns of life-threatening storm to hit Monrovia area
The National Weather Service is warning of a “life-threatening and destructive wind storm!!!” beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, through Wednesday morning, for Monrovia and other foothill cities. "Damaging wind gusts 50-80 mph, isolated 80-100 mph for mountains/foothills." Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Storytime with Park Naturalists Jan. 11
Storytime in the Library Youth Services Area. Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Hosted by City Park Naturalists, featuring stories, music, and movement for children to age age five, with accompanying adults. Drop-offs not permitted. Contact 256-8274 for more information.
Winter Adult Craft Night Jan. 7
Adult Craft Night in the Library Story Room. Tuesday, January 7, 6 to 7 p.m. A program for adults to relax and get creative. January’s activity focuses on “stashbusting” using a variety of craft supplies such as jars, planters, canvases, and paint. For ages 16 and up. Register here.
Monrovia Police Search for Information on Groping Incident
A store employee reported that a male suspect groped her as he walked past her in the store. The suspect was described as a white male between 30 and 40 years old, wearing a gray beanie, a brown hooded sweater, light brown pants, and black running shoes.
Officers reviewed security footage and collected evidence. Shortly thereafter, officers received a report of a theft at another nearby business. Upon arrival, they located an individual matching the description of the suspect from the earlier incident.
The suspect was positively identified for the sexual battery, arrested and booked into the Monrovia Police Department jail. He is currently in custody at the Los Angeles County - Inmate Reception Center, awaiting his court appearance scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2025.
If you have information about this incident, please contact the Monrovia Police Department at (626) 256-8000.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Cops arrest man who thought he’d just get a citation
Monrovia Police made a video of them arresting a guy who was not aware that Proposition 36 had changed the law. No longer can thieves get away with just getting a ticket. Facebook video here.
Dinner at T Burger
Dinner at T Burger, on the south side of Foothill just east of Magnolia. Got the quarter pound cheeseburger for $5.99 and a regular drink for $2.99. Good burger at a good price.
Current Local Job Opportunities - January
There is also a group called Monrovia Works. Search for it on Facebook and ask to join it.
- Brad Haugaard