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Antique Vehicle Show April 1

True Pride Car Club will hold its annual fundraiser on April 1 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1333 S. Mayflower, the Webasto Charging Systems site. Live band, raffles, food vendors, antique vehicles, trophies. Webasto will donate to a local charity.

- Brad Haugaard 

School District Musicians Earn High Ratings


The Monrovia High School Chamber Strings and the Clifton Orchestra each earned ratings of Superior at the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association Festival, according to a post on the MHS Wildcats Band and Colorguard Facebook page.

- Brad Haugaard 

Mountains or Beach, Jett is Up for Adventure ... And a Snuggle


Who can say no to this smile? Charming Jett is about as fun as they come. He is always up for an adventure, whether it be a hike in the mountains, a trip to the beach or a stroll around town. Afterwards, he never turns down a snuggle!

Jett has been spending time with a foster family and they absolutely rave about him. They’ve shared that he gets along well with their dog and likes everyone he meets. Jett is described as “easy-going and affectionate.” At only 50 pounds, Jett is big enough to hang with the big dogs and small enough to curl up next to you on the loveseat!

Jett is a young six years old, which makes him eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program; his adoption fee is waived for an adopter over 60.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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. View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Groundwater Climbing Towards Safe Level

The water table from which Monrovia draws has risen to 194.61 feet above sea level as of March 17, less than six feet below the 200-to-250 feet that the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District considers a safe level. The water level has increased almost 16 feet since early January, from 178.9 feet then to 194.61 feet now. More...

- Brad Haugaard

Proposed Improvements to Recreation Park

Monrovia will hold two meetings for residents to discuss proposed improvements at Recreation Park, the cities largest park. The city is considering vagrancy behavior and homeless camping, and also improving some of the park’s facilities, specifically:
  • Fitness Area
  • Park Monument Sign
  • Olive Avenue Redesign
  • Oak Grove Educational Forest
  • Playground Renovation
  • ADA Access to the Museum
  • Enhance Trash Enclosures and Parking at the Museum
  • Constitution Circle Redesign
  • New Picnic Area
  • Study the Relocation of the Anderson House
  • Walking / Running Loop
  • Barney Glenn Field Enhancements
  • Skate Park Shade
  • Basketball Courts
  • Interpretive Garden / Monument Sign
  • Barney Glenn Field Enhancements
  • Tennis Courts
  • Restrooms
  • Barney Glenn Field Parking Lot
  • Enhancements
  • Barney Glenn Field Enhancements
  • Pickleball Courts
  • Renovate Picnic Shelter 
The meetings will be held at Recreation Park, in the Mary Wilcox Youth Center (843 E. Olive Avenue) on Wednesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m. For questions contact Community Services at 303-6609 or hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard 

Hillsides Slipping in North Monrovia

On Cloverleaf. 

In Canyon Park. 

City manager, Dylan Feick reports there has been new damage to Canyon Park, a mudslide on Cloverleaf, and the threat of mudslides in upper Monrovia. He writes:

“I am growing more concerned about the saturation of our hillsides and their propensity for flooding. Earlier today, we experienced a significant mudslide on Cloverleaf Drive just before Hidden Valley. The debris blocked the roadway and gas service had to be shut off for the debris removal. We will be covering the exposed hillside and placing k-rails in case more hillside comes down, which is quite likely. City crews are reporting more flood damage within Canyon Park and along Lower Clamshell Trail, as well as falling trees throughout the community.”

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia's Gold Hill in Film History

February 11, 1916. This is Henry Kabierskie, director of the Monrovia Feature Film Company. John H. Bartle and H. J. Cornes sold 154 acres on Gold Hill to the company for $34,000. "Henry Kabierski, an experienced director attached to the company, had pronounced the location as one of the best in Southern California for the purpose of filming pictures, the air, light, and altitude being ideal for the purpose." A set representing San Francisco was built and burned in a scene. Locals acted in the productions and their homesand other buildings in Monrovia were used as sets. "A large platform was first built on Gold Hill to be used for inside scenes and a number of the old mining camps were reconstructed, such as Hangtown, Sutter's Mill and Sutter's Fort." See John L. Wiley, History of Monrovia, p 150-155. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

Teens - Use Sun to Decorate Tote Bag

Teens create art using the sun using UV sensitive dyes to make tote bags and zipper pouches. All materials will be provided. Grades 6-12. Registration required. For questions email acarey@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8253. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Meetings to Discuss Proposed Improvements at Recreation Park

Monrovia will hold two meetings for residents to discuss proposed improvements at Recreation Park. They will be held at Recreation Park, in the Mary Wilcox Youth Center (843 E. Olive Avenue) on Wednesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m. For questions contact Community Services at 303-6609 or hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 

- Brad Haugaard

13th Annual Neighborhood Conference on April 29


13th Annual Neighborhood Conference on Saturday, April 29 at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock Ave) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about Landlord Tenant Rights and Active Shooter Training, plus information booths, free health screenings, raffle prizes. Breakfast and lunch provided. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Council Will Proclaim Suicide Prevention Month and Vietnam Vets Day


At its next meeting (agenda: ) the Monrovia City Council will consider proclaiming March as "March 4 Balance: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month" and March 29  as "National Vietnam War Veteran's Day."

- Brad Haugaard

Event Set to Raise Funds to Stop Bradbury Street Widening


A fundraising event will take place on March 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1034 Wildrose Ave. to raise awareness and funds to save oaks on the border of Monrovia and Bradbury, which are threatened by a road-widening project. The event is organized by Grow Monrovia, along with neighbors from Bradbury and Monrovia and will feature environmental speakers, live music, food and drinks, and a silent auction with donated items. All proceeds will go to stop the project. The event is free and food tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information,  contact Grow Monrovia at info@growmonrovia.org or visit its GoFundMe site here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Dog Stolen From Vehicle; Drunks; Woman Bites Man; Anonymous Death Threats; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 9 – 15. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 304 service events, resulting in 68 investigations. 

Missing Person
March 9 at 12:26 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Palm reported a juvenile ran away. Officers responded and added the juvenile to the missing person system. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
March 9 at 4:31 p.m., a witness reported a traffic collision in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. Officers and Paramedics arrived and checked the well-being of the occupants. Two occupants complained of pain. The driver at fault was issued a citation. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 9 at 8:04 p.m., a witness reported a hit and run traffic collision in the 900 block of Monterey where a vehicle collided with two parked vehicles. The driver fled the scene, but was followed by a witness, who was able to obtain the vehicles license plate and relay it to MPD dispatch. The vehicle returned to a neighboring city. The neighboring jurisdiction checked the location but was unable to locate the vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 10:08 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of E. Olive a male subject using drugs in his vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and observed a large bag of drug paraphernalia on the center console. The male subject was contacted and admitted to owning and using the drugs. The subject was arrested, issued a citation in the field, and released at the scene. 

Weapons Offense
March 9 at 10:08 p.m., while officers were checking for a possible suspect vehicle from a previous call in the 100 block of E. Olive, they observed a loaded handgun in a vehicle parked in the rear parking lot. The owner of the vehicle was located and consented to a search of his vehicle. The firearm returned registered to him. The owner was issued multiple CCW's from other states but did not currently have one from California. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene. 

Burglary Vehicle
March 9 at 10:30 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported his vehicle was broken into and his dog was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 4:01 a.m., a caller reported a subject in the rear alley of the 400 block of W. Lemon. The subject was banging on windows and making noise. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence. He was placed under arrest. When officers tried to put him into the patrol vehicle, the subject resisted and would not cooperate. The jail van was called to the scene. The subject was transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 10:51 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Evergreen and Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. He conducted a traffic stop and learned the driver had outstanding arrest warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Residential Burglary
March 10 at 4:09 p.m. a resident in the 400 block of S. Sunset called to report his home was broken into sometime during the day. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 9:49 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Foothill and Alta Vista regarding a possible DUI driver. Officers located the vehicle parked with the driver still inside. They spoke with the driver and observed signs of intoxication. After a field sobriety test was conducted, the driver was arrested and transported to MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 2:16 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Colorado reported a physical altercation between a male subject and female subject. When officers arrived the parties were separated. An investigation revealed a child was currently staying at the location with the male subject. The female arrived and attempted to remove the child and assaulted the male subject. The male sustained injuries and bite marks to his arms. The female was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 3:17 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Peck and Live Oak when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. He stopped the driver and saw signs of intoxication. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
March 12 at 10:49 p.m., a caller reported that someone tried to steal her vehicle while she was at work in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Her door handle was broken and the ignition was punched. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
March 13 at 8:45 a.m., a caller reported her vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. The vehicle was last seen in the 700 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
March 13 at 8:47 a.m., an employee from a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called to report a customer rented equipment and failed to return it. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 13 at 1:26 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Olive and Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, issued a citation and released at the scene. 

Mental Evaluation / Missing Person
March 13 at 5:05 p.m., a mother called from the 400 block of N. Primrose to report that her adult son was suicidal. Officers responded and the son was already gone. He was entered as a missing person. Shortly before 6:30 pm, the son returned. Officers responded again and based on his statements, he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. He was removed from the missing person system. 

Grand Theft
March 13 at 9:20 p.m., a business from the 1600 block of S. Mountain called regarding a shoplifter. The suspect stole power tools and was fleeing. Officers arrived and searched the area but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 4:18 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of California and Cherry when he contacted a subject. The subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. A computer check revealed he was a wanted person. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
March 14 at 7:18 p.m., an employee from the 500 block of W. Huntington called regarding a shoplifter. The suspect took large amounts of clothing and shoes and fled. Officers responded to the area. Shortly thereafter, a caller from the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista reported a suspicious person. He was located and identified as the theft suspect. The stolen property was recovered. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Vehicle Burglary / Vehicle Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 2:49 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle burglary in progress in the 100 block of W. Olive. The suspect vehicle sped off and the officer followed. The officer pursued the vehicle onto the 605 freeway into Baldwin Park. When the vehicle came to a stop the driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Petty Theft
March 15 at 2:32 p.m., a caller reported someone had stolen her wallet in the 500 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Criminal Threats
March 15 at 2:59 p.m., a caller from the 600 block of E. Colorado reported someone was sending her death threats on her cell phone and she was in fear of her life. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Battery
March 15 at 9:36 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Palm reported that her boyfriend assaulted her. Officers arrived but the boyfriend had already left. The boyfriend had damaged property in the home and pulled the victim's hair. This investigation is continuing.

Tours of Anderson House Begin This Sunday


Beginning this Sunday, March 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., The Monrovia Historical Society is offering free tours of the 1886 George H. Anderson House Museum. These will be held on the third Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The house has undergone extensive repairs and is now furnished with authentic period pieces that show what it was like to live in the early days of Monrovia. No RSVP is required, and all are welcome. The house is located at 215 E. Lime Avenue in Monrovia. For more information call (626) 675-8323 or email monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at The Diplomat

Had a light dinner at The Diplomat, near the northeast corner of Lemon and Myrtle. Got the Red Lentil Soup for $10 and a beer for $7. Really good soup!

- Brad Haugaard

Pet Snowdrop and You Have an Instant Best Friend

Lovely Snowdrop is such a fun dog! This sweetheart is so ready to meet you that she’ll stick her paw out of her kennel to shake your hand, and her whole body starts wagging to keep up with her tail. Once you start petting her, she nuzzles into your hands, and you’re instantly her best friend. 

Snowdrop is extremely playful and loves romping around in the play yard. She would be a great fit for an active family as she loves to explore and go on hikes. There is no trail too long for her!

Snowdrop is six years old, which qualifies her for the Seniors for Seniors program. Her adoption fee is waived for any adopter over 60.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

- Brad Haugaard 

Children Can Make Propeller-Driven Car

Make a propeller-driven car on Saturday, March 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Station Square Park. For children ages 6-11.  Registration required and the deadline is March 23, at noon. For information email gantunez@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8275. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Flamenco Guitarist at Monthly Guitar Night

Flamenco guitarist Adam Del Monte will appear next Monday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. at LOOK Cinemas along with multi-instrumentalist Scott Johnson and his classical guitar students from the California School for the Arts in Duarte. This event is presented every third Monday of the month and showcases professional and student guitarists. Details

Comment: I had no idea these performances were taking place. Thanks so much to Felix Bullock, a Monrovian who teaches guitar at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and is involved in these monthly performances, for letting me know. 

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Harding Court - Named After President Harding

Harding Court, built at 401 E Foothill in 1922 by Sherman J. McQueen, who named the court of 15 bungalows after President Harding. From the Kim Anderson 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

Services to be Held for Former Monrovia Councilman John Nobrega

Services for former Monrovia City Councilman John Nobrega will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Cabot & Sons, 27 Chestnut Street, Pasadena at 11 a.m. John Nobrega Jr. passed away peacefully on February 9 at the age of 90. He moved to Monrovia in 1965, where he became an active member of Immaculate Conception Church and served on the city's Parks and Recreation Commission from 1972 to 1982. He later ran for city council and served as a council member from 1982 to 1994, during which time he worked to establish a fire station in the southern part of the city. Nobrega also worked in food sales for companies such as Armour Star and Nestle and operated John's Discount Golf shop in Arcadia. Details

- Brad Haugaard