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LEGO Free Play at Library This Saturday

Children can build what they want with LEGOs at the Library, this Saturday, May 25, 1-3 p.m., for children 2-12 years old and their parents. Library will provide all LEGO building materials. No registration required. For information email jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Continues

 Monrovia Days continues at Library Park today and tomorrow.




Person Killed Near Recreation Park

A person was apparently shot and killed Friday night near Shamrock and Lemon , across from Recreation Park. A knife was also found at the scene. Details

Update: A man with a restraining order against him and who was allegedly carrying a knife was shot Friday night at a home near Recreation Park. A woman, who had called police, was detained but not arrested. Details

- Brad Haugaard 

Convert Monroe School May Become Spanish Dual-Immersion; Wild Rose to English Only; Completely New High School Graduation Requirements

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider a proposal to convert Monroe Elementary to a Spanish dual immersion-only school and Wild Rose School of Creative Arts to an English-only arts school beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

~ Apparently consider replacing traditional high school graduation requirements with alternatives.

The content of this document, labeled "High School Graduation Requirements," has been revised by completely crossing out everything except for a form for veterans and Japanese American citizens to receive a diploma.

Instead, there are two new documents, here and here, that give alternatives to gaining credits for graduation, specifically: a practical demonstration of skills, taking courses offered by regional occupational centers, independent study, work experience, private instruction, college correspondence courses, and military service.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Graduates and Graduation and Promotion Ceremonies


Here are the Monrovia schools' high school graduates, and the graduating and promotion ceremonies: 

High School Graduate Lists

Graduation and Promotion Ceremonies

  • Canyon Early Learning Center - Thursday, May 30; 5:30 p.m.
  • Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy - Wednesday, June 5; 8:15 a.m.
  • Mayflower Elementary School - Wednesday, June 5; 8:30 a.m.
  • Monroe Elementary School - Wednesday, June 5; 9 a.m.
  • Plymouth Elementary School - Wednesday, June 5; 8:30 a.m.
  • Wild Rose School of Creative Arts - Wednesday, June 5; 9 a.m.
  • Clifton Middle School - Tuesday, June 4; 9 a.m.
  • Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School - Tuesday, June 4; 8:30 a.m.
  • Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park School - Tuesday, June 4; 6 p.m.
  • Monrovia High School - Wednesday, June 5; 5 p.m.
  • Monrovia Community Adult School - Wednesday, May 29; 6 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Discuss Tsuneishi Park, Honor Older Monrovian Barbara Rigby-Elson


The City Council will hold a study session Tuesday on the Satoru Tsuneishi Park Development Project  (that's the new park behind the Chick-fil-A on Huntington) and then at its regular session will proclaim this May as Older Americans Month and will honor Older Monrovian of the Year, Barbara Rigby-Elson, for her continued service to the community. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Parade Begins








- Brad Haugaard 

Neighbor Treasure Block Party for Pat Ostrye


Monrovia's ninth Neighborhood Treasure, Pat Ostrye, will be honored on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 300 N Alta Vista. Mary "Pat" Ostrye was the first woman elected to the Monrovia City Council and the city's first elected mayor. Her achievements include establishing Monrovia Meals-on-Wheels, Dial-a-Ride, a home library, and a federally funded senior lunch program. She later served as city clerk and city treasurer. The celebration will feature an art unveiling and a block party. For questions, email kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5564.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Yelling Becomes Shooting; Family Brawl; Pedestrian Hit By Car; Fire; Fight About Fire; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 476 service events, resulting in 89 investigations.

Possession of Drugs – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 2:01 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of Linwood and located a suspicious parked vehicle occupied by two subjects and made contact with the subjects. A search revealed the driver was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Commercial Burglary
May 9 at 9:49 a.m., a caller in the 3200 block of S. Peck reported a commercial burglary. The suspect posed as a contractor and picked up a purchase order intended for another company. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
May 9 at 11:20 a.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report thefts that took place a month prior. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity / Suspicious Circumstances – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 1:18 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Evergreen reported she was in a verbal altercation with her boyfriend. Officers arrived and made contact with both subjects. The boyfriend was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Vandalism
May 9 at 3:15 p.m., a vandalism was reported in the 300 block of Oakcliff. The caller reported the rear window to his vehicle was smashed. This investigation is continuing. 

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 3:18 p.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report a robbery. The caller stated that a subject took merchandise and when an employee approached the subject, the subject pushed the employee to the ground and fled. Officers located a subject matching the description, a field show up confirmed the subject was the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 7:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Palm on a report of an argument between a male and female subject. Officers arrived, located and made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed that the male subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 9:36 p.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a suspicious person was acting erratically and refusing the leave. Officers arrived and made contacted with the subject. A computer search revealed he had a no bail warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Theft
May 10 at 1:50 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported that someone stole her wallet at a business. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 10 at 4:05 p.m., an employee at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft that occurred on May 6 where merchandise was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 4:47 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Longden and Myrtle for a traffic violation. Upon contacting the driver, the officer observed a controlled substance inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
May 10 at 6:07 p.m., officers responded to the area of Chestnut and Primrose regarding an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment. 

Fraud – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 7:21 p.m., fraud was reported in a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and determined that a female subject fraudulently used a credit card not belonging to her to pay for a room. The female subject was located a short distance away in a vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and determined that she was in violation of credit card fraud. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Fire
May 10 at 8:22 p.m., a residential fire was reported in the 600 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived to assist MFD with evacuating the residence and crowd control. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery
May 10 at 11:30 p.m., a fight was reported in the 100 block of Mauna Loa. Officers arrived and determined two roommates were upset about a fire that occurred earlier in the day and were involved in a physical altercation. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 11 at 10:14 a.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report that his vehicle was burglarized on April 14. His credit cards were stolen in used outside the city. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 11 at 11:02 a.m., officers responded to the area of Magnolia and Cherry regarding a hit and run traffic collision. This investigation is continuing. 

Arrest Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 2:43 p.m. officers responded to the 800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a female subject loitering to the rear of an apartment complex. The officer arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Theft
May 11 at 3:08 p.m., a caller reported that her wallet was stolen while shopping inside a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. While the officer was conducting his investigation, the victim was alerted that her credit card was just used in Duarte. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 9:20 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista. A records check on the driver showed he had warrants. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
May 11 at 11:07 p.m., a battery was reported in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and determined that a family event led to an argument where several family members battered each other. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
May 12 at 9:33 a.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported that a subject broke a window to his vehicle. The subject fled the scene but was located nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
May 12 at 2:25 p.m., a victim in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported her necklace was stolen while at a business. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest / Violation of Court. Order – Suspect Arrested
May 12 at 2:47 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Bonita reported a female subject restrained from the location had arrived. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
May 12 at 10:09 p.m., an officer patrolling a parking lot in the 900 block of S. Fifth located an unoccupied stolen vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 12 at 10:52 p.m., while patrolling the area of Encino and Alta an officer saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the bicyclist. An investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
May 13 at 1:44 p.m., a solo traffic collision was reported in the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain. The driver suffered a medical emergency and went up and over the sidewalk, into a brick wall and came to a stop in the front yard of a residence. Nobody was injured as a result and the driver was taken to the hospital for treatment. 

Trespass / Assault on Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 2:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Evergreen regarding multiple subjects trespassing. Officers arrived and were aggressively approached by a male subject who was refusing to comply with the officers’ requests. Officers attempted different methods of de-escalation and the subject refused to comply. He was eventually arrested and taken into custody. 

Trespassing
May 13 at 10:32 p.m., an alarm activation was reported in the 100 block of W. Lime. Officers arrived and found an unlocked door. A search revealed several people were inside the building trespassing. The property management refused to prosecute and only wanted the subjects to leave. 

Urinate in Public – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 10:13 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male urinating in public. Officers arrived and contacted a subject matching the description. The caller positively identified the subject and desired prosecution. The subject refused to give officers his name. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Weapon Offense Myrtle – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 12:11 p.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and California an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. When contacting the driver the officer saw a baton next to the driver. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
May 14 at 9:36 p.m., an employee of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a female suspect ran out of the store with power tools without paying. Officers responded and located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. A field show-up confirmed she was the suspect. The stolen property was returned to the store. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 15 at 7:54 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of Norumbega called to report his vehicle was broken into sometime during the evening. This investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
May 15 at 11:16 a.m., a resident walked into the MPD lobby to report that his bank account showed fraudulent activity. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
May 15 at 4:11 p.m., a victim in the 1600 block of S. Mountain walked out of a store and realized that her vehicle had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 15 at 4:47 p.m., a resident in the in the 500 block of S. Mayflower reported that his vehicle was hit while parked on the street and the driver did not stop. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest
May 15 at 5:03 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Foothill reported that a female subject restrained from the location was there. Officers arrived and could not find any evidence of a restraining order. A computer search revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Drug Paraphernalia / Pursuit
May 15 at 9:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Cherry regarding people yelling outside. The caller reported two vehicles in the middle of the street with several occupants in the vehicles yelling at each other. One of the vehicles shot at the occupants of the other vehicle. Officers located the suspect vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Two suspects fled and one of the occupants stayed in the vehicle. She was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 15 at 9:33 p.m., a guest of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported someone had entered her unlocked vehicle sometime during the day and took items. This investigation is continuing. 

Health Fair at Foothill Unity Center May 18


Monrovia’s Foothill Unity Center will hold its annual Health & Resource Fair on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 790 W Chestnut Avenue. Health education, health screenings, blood pressure checks, and other health services and resources. For more information or to register, email healthservices@foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Something Healthy Cafe


Dinner at Something Healthy Cafe, on the east side of Shamrock just north of Huntington. Got the half sandwich/half soup deal with the rosemary sandwich and tomato basil soup for $10.75, and an iced tea for $2.75. Very good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

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