Monrovia Days Starts Tomorrow Evening

Tomorrow night Monrovia will begin celebrating its 138th anniversary. Monrovia Days Parade on Myrtle on May 16 at 7 p.m. Then, on May 17-19, there will be a variety of events at Library Park, including a book sale, carnival rides, live shows, and a pie eating contest.

For a full list of events and times, visit Monrovia Day's website. To buy carnival wristbands, visit the event website. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Four-Year-Old Simba Can't Wait to Meet You

Simba is so handsome and sweet! He’s four years old, his tail wags a mile a minute and he can’t wait to meet you!

This handsome guy has become a volunteer and staff favorite at Pasadena Humane. One of his adoring fans has even sponsored his adoption fee! He’s quiet, mellow, but also ready to have fun.

Simba has been spending time in a foster home, and the foster family has given us a lot of information about him. They’ve described him as a playful, mellow and gentle giant. He has been wary of new dogs, but he has been playing happily with some who he has gotten to know.

He’s also done very well with training. He loves treats, so that’s great motivation for him to learn new things. He’s also super cuddly and is quick to hop up on the couch for some snuggling. Bonus- he's already house-trained!

Simba is ready to be your very own king of the jungle!

Pasadena Humane will have a Free Adoption Day on Saturday, May 25th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All dogs, cats and critters are eligible. Pet licensing fees may apply.

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

Monrovian Injured in Deadly Pasadena Car Crash

Bella Ramirez, 18, of Monrovia, survived the deadly car crash in Pasadena Saturday that killed three young people and injured three others. She is reportedly in stable condition. Details.

GoFundMe link to help with her medical bills.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Bicyclist Enjoying Monrovia Day in 1930s

Enjoying Monrovia Day in the 1930s. 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.

The 2024 Monrovia Days parade is coming right up, by the way, along Myrtle Ave on May 16 at 7 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Oasis of the Valley Church May Become Housing

At its next meeting (agenda here  ) Development Review Committee will consider a request to convert the Oasis of the Valley church building at the southwest corner of Alta Vista and Palm (303 S. Alta Vista) into a 1,600 square foot one-story single-family dwelling, and construct a new 506 square foot detached two-car garage.

- Brad Haugaard

Share Thoughts on How to Divide Up School District for Elections

The Green map, one proposal for dividing the district.

At the link here are four maps, labeled Green, Maroon, Tan, and Yellow, from the Monrovia School District. Each shows one possibility of how the school district could be divided up geographically so each area could elect its own School Board member.

If you have any thoughts about the four proposals, you can share them at a Zoom meeting, an in-person meeting, or submit your thoughts online.

Virtual Meeting on Zoom.

New Date: Monday, May 13
Time: 6 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting with this link

Meeting ID: 826 9545 4514
Passcode: 771050

In-person Meeting

Date: Monday, May 20
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Monrovia High Room 210

You can also share your feedback here: mapmusd.org/contact/.

- Brad Haugaard

Friends of Library Book Sale May 17-19

At the Library:

• Friday - May 17 noon - 5 p.m.
• Saturday - May 18 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sunday - May 19 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Prices

• Paperbacks - $.50 cents
• Trade Paperbacks and Hardcovers - $2
• Possibly some DVDs - $2

More than 1,000 books for sale. 5 bucks a bag sale on Sunday May 19 from 4 - to 5 p.m. Empty paper grocery bags  available for purchase before the 5 bucks a bag sale. Line up outside the Community Room at 3:45 p.m. All proceeds benefit library programs, services and collections.

- Brad Haugaard

Homeless Housing Program to Begin in Monrovia

Monrovia and LA County will partner to address homelessness in Monrovia through the Pathway Home  program, which provides short-term housing, three meals a day and such services as case management, connections to physical and mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, benefits enrollment, life skills development, and more.  In Monrovia, the facility will be at a hotel on East Huntington Drive. City Manager Dylan Feik said he and the City Council toured a similar program in Pomona and were impressed. The program is fully funded by LA County.

- Brad Haugaard

Observe Celestial Objects Tonight at Monrovia High Observatory

Observe celestial objects at the Monrovia High School Observatory tonight between 5 and 10 p.m. Free admission and food and drinks from Chanos Mexican restaurant, Panda Express, and Happy Lemon. Before sunset, observe sunspots, and after dark, close-ups of the moon and other celestial objects through multiple telescopes. The Aviation Club, Rocketry Club, and Astronomy Club will have demonstrations and activities. [Note: Image generated by AI.]

- Brad Haugaard

Farmers Market at Station Square Starts June 1

- Brad Haugaard

Updated Monrovia History, 'Renaissance Years,' Now Available

In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the election that changed Monrovia, an updated edition of the book, Renaissance Years: A History of Modern Monrovia is now available for purchase from the Monrovia Historical Society and the Monrovia Historical Museum.

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.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 2 – 8. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 468 service events, resulting in 87 investigations.  

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