- Brad Haugaard
Homeless Housing Program to Begin in Monrovia
Observe Celestial Objects Tonight at Monrovia High Observatory
- Brad Haugaard
Updated Monrovia History, 'Renaissance Years,' Now Available
This 400-page book, which sold out in its first printing, is by local author Dick Singer and is an account of the community's decline after World War II and its rebirth under the leadership of Bob Bartlett, Pat Ostrye and Eric Faith, elected to the City Council in 1974.
Bartlett was the first African American on the council and served as mayor for twelve years. Ostrye, the city's first elected mayor, was also the first woman to serve on the council. Their election began a program of renewal that led to Monrovia winning its All America City honor in 1995.
Though focused primarily on Monrovia's renaissance, the book encapsulates the city's entire history, from its founding in 1886 to events in 2017 when the work was first published. The new edition extends this history up to the just-completed March 2024 municipal election.
Renaissance Years is the first of three local histories by Singer, the others are, 1887: A History of Early Monrovia, and People Like You and Me: A History of Monrovia in World War II. All proceeds from the three books go to support local history projects.
Renaissance Years and its companion books are available at Charlie’s House, 430 S. Myrtle, from the Monrovia Historical Museum in Recreation Park, open Thursday and Sunday afternoons, or by contacting the Monrovia Historical Society at monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com.
- Brad Haugaard
Medical Job Fair May 23
Monrovia Community Adult School will host a job fair on Thursday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at 920 S. Mountain Ave. Nurse assistants, home care aides, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, support staff. Employers attending include Atherton Baptist Homes, Santa Anita Convalescent Hospital, Walgreens, Era Life Care, Northeast Community Clinic, 1Heart Caregiver Services, Home Instead, Visiting Angels, Senior Helpers, Insight for Life, The Kensington Sierra Madre, and Glen Park Senior Living. Free tacos for registered attendees. The school's Career Center can help with resume reviews and document preparation. For questions or to schedule a resume review appointment, call 471-3035.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Drunk Landlord Hits Tenant; Possible Kidnapping Attempt; Pursuit of Bicyclist; Etc.
Petty Theft
May 2 at 7:39 a.m., an officer patrolling the 500 block of W. Foothill discovered a vehicle that looked like it had been tampered with. An investigation revealed items had been stolen from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Embezzlement
May 2 at 12:34 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that a business in the 100 block of W. Olive suddenly closed after he invested money. The employees have stopped responding to communications from the victim. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
May 2 at 2:56 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report that one of the side mounted lamps had been stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
May 2 at 3:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to a parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding vandalism. Officers arrived and determined that three vehicles had been vandalized with spray paint. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
May 2 at 6:33 p.m., an employee of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male adult subject entered the store, took merchandise and fled the store without paying. This investigation is continuing.
Burglary
May 2 at 7:02 p.m., the owner of a business in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle, reported a male adult subject entered and took cash from one of the office rooms. The subject fled the area with the cash. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 10:07 a.m., while patrolling the 200 block of W. Huntington an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. A computer search revealed that the driver had a suspended license and an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 1:36 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Mountain and Huntington saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code and a traffic stop was conducted. The officer made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Burglary
May 3 at 2:00 p.m., a business in the 400 block of E. Huntington reported property was stolen from inside over the past three days. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 5:08 p.m., a caller reported an adult male subject laying on the sidewalk in the 400 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and located a heavily intoxicated subject who was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Battery
May 3 at 5:31 p.m., a resident in the 1300 block of California reported his landlord came to his home and hit him for unknown reasons. The suspect left. The resident said the landlord appeared heavily intoxicated. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
May 3 at 7:33 p.m., the customer of a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported her wallet was stolen from inside her purse while she was shopping. This investigation is continued.
Reckless Driving / Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 8:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Chestnut when he saw a motorist driving recklessly. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer made contact with the driver. The officer discovered that the driver was in possession of a handgun. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Battery / Public Intoxication
May 3 at 11:07 p.m., several callers in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported a male subject fighting patrons. Officers arrived and were unable to locate any victims. The suspect was heavily intoxicated and had sustained injuries from a fight. He was transported to a nearby hospital for medical care. This investigation is continuing.
Contributing to Minor's Delinquency / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 11:36 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Myrtle reported a suspicious vehicle parked in front of his home and occupied by two males. Officers arrived and found the adult male in the driver's seat was heavily intoxicated and had been providing the juvenile passenger with alcohol. When officers attempted to arrest the adult male, he began fighting officers, causing minor injuries to two officers. The suspect was successfully arrested and transported to the MPD Jail to be held for a sobering period.
Suspicious Circumstances
May 4 at 12:34 p.m., a caller reported a possible kidnapping in the area of 700 W. Huntington. Two adults were seen struggling with a female juvenile and trying to put her into a car. The vehicle fled the area prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.
Challenging to Fight
May 4 at 1:22 p.m., a resident in the area of Ivy and Colorado called to report she was on a walk and a motorist who failed to stop at a stop sign almost hit her as she was crossing the street. Words were exchanged and the motorist challenged the caller to a fight. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
May 5 at 6:36 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of Bonita called to report that his vehicle was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Intoxication
May 5 at 12:44 p.m., a caller in the area of Wildrose and California reported a subject who was part of a tour group was intoxicated and passed out on a front yard. Officers and MFD arrived and checked on the well-being of the individual. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Possession of Drugs – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 12:46 p.m., a resident in the area of California and Hurstview called to report a male and female arguing. Officers arrived and found the male subject to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 1:21 p.m., a passerby in the area of Shamrock and Evergreen reported a subject was slumped over. Officer arrived and discovered the subject was under the influence of drugs. He was arrested and transported to the MPD Jail to be held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 7:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a driver who was passed out behind the wheel. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 7:37 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject laying on the ground. Officers arrived and determined the he was 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
May 5 at 9:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to a bar in the 600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male and female who appeared to be fighting. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed the male subject battered his girlfriend. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Vandalism
May 6 at 8:41 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of S. Shamrock reported a vehicle with a smashed side window. A second vandalism was reported in the immediate area later in the day. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
May 6 at 3:45 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Ivy walked outside his residence and discovered his vehicle had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery
May 6 at 4:45 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report that her boyfriend had slapped her the day before. This investigation is continuing.
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 11:04 p.m., while patrolling the 700 block of E. Lemon the officer saw a subject in a park after hours, in violation of a municipal code. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 1:03 a.m., an officer witnessed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer attempted to detain the bicyclist, but the bicyclist refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The suspect eventually stopped and a computer search revealed the bicyclist had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
May 7 at 10:34 a.m., a caller in the 800 block E. Central reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 12:24 p.m., an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported in the area of Myrtle and Cedar. Officers arrived and an investigation revealed that the driver was under the influence and the pedestrian was suffering from injuries. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital by MFD for treatment. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Fire
May 7 at 2:55 p.m., an employee from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported a vehicle on fire in their yard. Officers and MFD responded and extinguished the fire. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
May 7 at 6:12 p.m., a caller in the 1300 block of S. Primrose reported her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 4:27 a.m., a caller in a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had locked himself inside a lobby bathroom and was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and were able to gain access into the restroom. A computer search revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
May 8 at 6:01 a.m., a victim in the 1600 block of Alamitas reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 9:08 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of N. Magnolia stated there was man possibly having a medical emergency. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who was not having a medical emergency. A computer search revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 9:34 a.m., a passerby in the 1200 block of S. Fifth reported a subject in the area with what looked like a gun. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who admitted to have a BB gun. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Residential Burglary
May 8 at 11:44 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest reported that her home had been broken into. Officers arrived and no one was located inside the home. This investigation is continuing.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 4:23 p.m., while patrolling the 1800 block of S. Mountain an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer made contact with the driver who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.
Shoplifting /Trespass – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 10:23 p.m., an employee of a store in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported a male adult subject had just taken merchandise from the store without paying. Officers arrived and located the suspect, but the employee did not desire prosecution, he only wanted the suspect advised not to return and a trespass notice issued. Several minutes later, the suspect returned to the store and stole additional items, the employee at that time desired prosecution. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Monrovia Schools Selects Paula Hart Rodas As New Superintendent
Monrovia School District selects Paula Hart Rodas as new superintendent. Here is the announcement letter from the district:
Dear Monrovia Unified families, staff, and community,
Last night, during our board meeting, the Board of Education had the pleasure of announcing the appointment of our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Hart Rodas. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hart Rodas in her new role, and we believe her extensive experience and dedication will significantly benefit our community.
Dr. Paula Hart Rodas brings 28 years of exemplary service to Southern California public schools. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering environments that prioritize open communication, continuous improvement, and holistic student growth.
In her current role as Director of Secondary Educational Services for Monrovia Unified School District, Dr. Hart Rodas has already made significant contributions to our educational community since 2022. Before this, she held various leadership positions, including Principal of Lawndale High School and Vice Principal of several esteemed institutions.
Dr. Hart Rodas's involvement with CIF has been instrumental in shaping athletic opportunities for students statewide. Beginning in July 2024, she will serve the California Interscholastic Federation—Southern Section (CIF-SS) as President of the CIF-SS Executive Committee and the California Interscholastic Federation’s State Federated Council as President-Elect of the State Executive Committee. She was recently named Woman of the Year by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Commission for Women for her work advancing athletics opportunities for girls in California.
Dr. Hart Rodas's educational journey is as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds degrees from renowned institutions such as California State University (CSU), Long Beach, CSU Dominguez Hills, and Pepperdine University, where she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Hart Rodas finds support and joy in her loving family, which includes her husband, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and the family cats!
As we embark on this new chapter together, Flint Fertig will continue to serve as the interim superintendent until Dr. Hart Rodas assumes the full responsibilities of her role on July 1st.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Hart Rodas, the new superintendent of Monrovia Schools!
Block Party to Celebrate Monrovia Area Partnership's 18th Anniversary
Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) will celebrate it's 18th anniversary with a block party at Julian Fisher Park on Saturday, Jun 22, starting at 5 p.m. Music, food, and games. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Tree Crushes House, Van
Although there is no wind or rain today, a large tree fell down and crushed a house and a van on the west side of mountain just south of foothill.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Copper Still Grill
Dinner at Copper Still Grill, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Colorado. Got Grandma‘s Meatloaf for $15, substituting the mashed potatoes with sautéed vegetables, and a beer for $4.95. Lots of food. Had to take half of it home.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High and Clifton Awarded Grants for Music Programs
Monrovia High School and Clifton Middle School have been awarded grants by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, facilitated by the schools' Band Boosters. MHS received $10,000 to enhance coaching and educational opportunities for its music ensembles, while Clifton got $5,000 for new uniforms. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Rayne - An Affectionate Bundle of Energy and Love
Rayne is a delightful two-year-old Pit Bull mix with a heart as big as her affectionate nature. Rayne is a bundle of energy and love, ready to shower her forever family with endless kisses and tail wags.
Rayne is more than just a pretty face; she's a smart cookie too! Her eagerness to learn and please makes her a joy to train, whether it's mastering basic commands or picking up new tricks.
With a bit of patience and positive reinforcement, Rayne will quickly become your four-legged star pupil, eager to show off her skills at every opportunity.
Rayne is a soft-hearted sweetheart who thrives on love and attention. She adores snuggling up on the couch for movie nights or joining you on outdoor adventures, soaking up every moment spent with her beloved humans. Rayne may want to be the only dog in the household, but her big personality will make it seem like she’s ten dogs!
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 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
School Board Member Wants State to Allow District Voters Option to Choose At-Large Elections
Monrovia School Board Member Maritza Travanti just posted on X (formerly Twitter) that: “I’m asking our CA legislators to take another look at CVRA [California Voting Rights Act] & consider an amendment to allow for communities to vote whether they want at-large or district voting. The bill should not be one size fits all.”
To comply with California state law, the Monrovia School District is planning to have district elections for school board members, with each district selecting one member for the Board of Education. This would begin with the next election in November.
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Construction of Dam Above Monrovia
The dam above Monrovia's Canyon Park under construction around 1928. From the Kim Anderson collection. See full details here.
Tabletop Game Night for Adults, Friday at Library
Tabletop Game Night for adults at Monrovia Public Library this Friday, May 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Play new and social games, meet new people, and have fun. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Create a Nature Journal at Library Park
Create a nature journal in Library Park, tomorrow, May 7, 6-7 p.m. Supplies provided while the last, but bring your own materials for a personal touch. This is an outdoor event, so bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for comfortable seating on the grass. Register here. For more information email jmushisky@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8264.
- Brad Haugaard
School Board to Consider How to Divide District for School Board Elections
At a Monday, May 6, meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia School Board will hold a public hearing about how to geographically divide up the school district into sections, each of which will vote for one board member. Details. It will also will adopt a resolution indicating its criteria for dividing up the district. More details.
Then, at its Wednesday, May 8, meeting (agenda here), it will declare May 7 as National Day of the Teacher, and May 6-10, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. Details. Also, May 8, as National School Nurse Day, and May 19 - 25, as Classified School Employee Week.
- Brad Haugaard
Council to Consider Norumbega House, Homelessness, Etc.
At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will ...
~ Consider approving a plan to add a 3,758 square foot, two-story, single-family residence with an attached 1,348 square foot four-car garage on a a 1.295-acre lot 545 Norumbega Drive. Details.
~ Hold a study session to discuss the county's Pathway Home “Interim Housing” Project, which is designed to help transition from homelessness to permanent housing, and discuss program goals for historic preservation. Details.
~ Proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Brad Haugaard
Firefighters Pancake Breakfast May 11
Monrovia Fire and Rescue will host its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 13, from 7 to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Avenue). The event features pancakes, a Jr. Firefighter challenge, raffles, displays, and live demonstrations. Tickets are $5 at the event, with proceeds benefiting local charities. For questions, call (626) 256-8181.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Offers Mental Health Assistance
Monrovians can now access Care Solace for free assistance in finding local mental health and substance treatment services, without using 911. This 24/7 service, funded by the city, offers a concierge to help navigate care options, handle insurance, and book appointments. Support for more than 200 languages.
Here's how it works:
- Call (888) 515-7881 or visit the Care Solace website
- Complete a brief screening
- Get matched and book an appointment
- Brad Haugaard
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