Dinner at Tito’s

Dinner at the new Tito‘s, a sandwich and empanada restaurant on the south side of Colorado about a half block east of Myrtle. Got the Adobabo de Puerco (pork) sandwich for $7.99 and a soda from Peru for $.99. The sandwich was a bit different and very good. The restaurant is having a soft opening before they do a remodel, during which it will be closed.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: DUI Driver Repeatedly Rams Gate; Shoplifting Under Cops Noses; Stolen Car and Mail Recovered; Fireworks Damage Car

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 12-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 450 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.

Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 12:28 a.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and made contact with a heavily intoxicated female subject outside the residence. She claimed she had been pushed to the ground by her sister's fiancé during an argument. The male subject was gone prior to the officers’ arrival. She was uncooperative and insisted on returning inside to assault her sister. Due to her severe intoxication and inability to care for herself, she was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 10:05 a.m., a loss prevention officer from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a male subject had stolen merchandise and fled. Officers located the suspect nearby and recovered the stolen items. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 2:10 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject removing tags from items and placing them in his cart. The employee requested a no-trespass order. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect as he exited, triggering the theft sensors. The suspect was detained, and the stolen property was recovered. He was placed under citizen's arrest and transported to the MPD jail for booking. 

Grand Theft Auto / Mail Theft – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 9:18 p.m., officers in the 1400 block of S. Myrtle were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. The vehicle was located with two occupants. A traffic stop was conducted, and the occupants were contacted. An investigation determined the vehicle was stolen in Sacramento County. Stolen mail was also located in the vehicle. Both occupants were arrested and taken into custody. 

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 9:59 p.m., while conducting an investigation near Myrtle and Palm, officers were alerted to two heavily intoxicated subjects yelling at each other. Officers contacted both subjects, and one was determined to be so intoxicated that he could not care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 11:04 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Sixth reported her ex-boyfriend was at her residence in violation of a restraining order. Officers arrived, confirmed the violation, and arrested the suspect. He was transported to the Monrovia PD jail for booking. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 8:57 p.m., officers responded to a shoplifting incident at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. While speaking with the reporting party, officers observed a suspect walk out of the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise. The suspect entered a waiting vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted, and the subject was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 9:09 p.m., while patrolling the area of Primrose and Olive, an officer observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation and initiated a traffic stop. The officer noticed signs of intoxication in the driver. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period. 

Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 13 at 1:30 a.m., officers patrolling a parking lot in the 100 block of W. Olive were flagged down regarding an argument nearby. They located two intoxicated individuals yelling at passersby. Officers determined both subjects were too intoxicated to care for themselves. They were arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period. 

Burglary
December 13 at 7:46 a.m., a business in the 800 block of Royal Oaks reported that an unknown suspect had cut a gate open, entered the property, and stolen items overnight. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
December 13 at 12:06 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a suspicious subject inside the store. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
December 14 at 1:28 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The caller reported merchandise had been stolen. Officers arrived but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 15 at 2:26 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Fifth observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period. 

Assault
December 15 at 11:14 a.m., a caller reported her son was assaulted at a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Officers contacted the son, who stated he was physically assaulted by two individuals. He did not wish to pursue charges and signed a refusal to prosecute. 

Theft
December 15 at 1:34 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Lime reported holiday decorations were stolen from their front yard. This investigation is continuing. 

Criminal Threats
December 15 at 9:28 p.m., a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported a customer had made criminal threats against the business manager. This investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
December 15 at 9:49 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of Terrace View reported a residential burglary. Officers determined entry was gained through a window, and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 15 at 10:51 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of California regarding a driver repeatedly hitting a gated entrance to a residential complex. Officers contacted the female driver and determined she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 16 at 2:17 a.m., officers witnessed a solo vehicle collision in the area of Myrtle and Evergreen. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period. 

Mental Evaluation
December 16 at 5:32 a.m., residents in the 600 block of S. Primrose reported a subject running and yelling in the street. Officers determined the subject was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for evaluation. 

Vandalism
December 16 at 7:44 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1300 block of S. Myrtle noticed graffiti on a wall. Graffiti removal was notified. This investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision
December 16 at 1:41 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower. A dog ran into the roadway and was struck by a vehicle. The dog returned to its residence, and the owner was notified. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 16 at 2:50 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Myrtle. Officers contacted the involved parties, and no injuries were reported. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 16 at 3:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had stolen merchandise. Officers located the subject, who was found in possession of the stolen items and a knife. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Injury Traffic Collision
December 16 at 5:50 p.m., a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the area of Shamrock and Evergreen. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence / Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
December 16 at 6:15 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 100 block of E. Lime regarding a fight between a male and female in a vehicle. The male driver fled as officers arrived. He was later located hiding near a home and was arrested after attempting to flee again. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 17 at 1:15 a.m., a subject going through trash was reported in the 1000 block of S. Fifth. Officers located a female subject with an active warrant. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Indecent Exposure – Suspect Arrested
December 17 at 2:17 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject exposed himself in front of her. Officers arrested the suspect and took him into custody. 

Vandalism
December 17 at 8:38 p.m., a motorist in the 800 block of S. Mayflower reported his vehicle was damaged by juveniles throwing fireworks. Officers checked the area but did not locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
December 18 at 1:39 p.m., a bank customer in the 200 block of S. Myrtle reported money missing from her account. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
December 18 at 2:30 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of McKinley reported her son was making concerning statements. Officers determined he was a danger to himself and transported him to a medical facility for evaluation. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 2:48 p.m., a juvenile stole merchandise from a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers located the juvenile, arrested him, and released him to his mother. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 3:04 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of E. Cypress regarding a male subject without clothes on. The subject was found to have an outstanding no-bail warrant and was arrested. 

Missing Person
December 18 at 4:34 p.m., a facility in the 100 block of N. Mountain reported a resident missing. The resident was later located in Los Angeles and returned to the facility. 

Injury Traffic Collision
December 18 at 7:21 p.m., a driver reported being rear-ended while exiting a freeway in the area of Huntington and Evergreen. Parties complained of pain, and MFD provided treatment. The driver at fault was cited. 

Winter Solstice Potluck Dec. 21

One Earth Community Garden, at 777 E Greystone, will hold a potluck brunch  (bring your own plate and cup) on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

VFW open to all Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve - free food

Monrovia’s VFW Post 2070, at the corner of Magnolia and Chestnut, is offering free food and entertainment on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Veterans and non-veterans welcome. On Christmas Eve, the post will open at 6 p.m., offering pool, jukebox, soup, and appetizers. On Christmas Day, a free pot roast dinner will be served starting at 3 p.m. The post will also be open on New Year’s Eve for celebrations. For more information, call 359-9998.

- Brad Haugaard

Mural painting has begun on pedestrian bridge

Mural painting has begun on the pedestrian bridge across Huntington Drive between California and Shamrock.

- Brad Haugaard 

Registration open for February trip to Nixon Library

Registration is open for an excursion to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum on Feb. 20. The trip departs from the Community Center at 9 a.m. and includes lunch at Polly’s Pies. Fee: $45 for residents, $55 for non-residents. Registration required by Feb. 13. Details and registration here. (Image generated by AI)

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet, shy Delilah looking for a quiet home

Beautiful Delilah is a 3-year-old Malinois mix who is looking for a calm, loving home where she can feel safe and cherished. This sweet girl is a little on the shy side at first, but once she gets to know you, she’s a bundle of love and affection.  

Delilah enjoys her walks, especially when she gets the chance to sniff around and explore. She recently went on a field trip with a volunteer and loved splashing around in a creek while on a hike. 

Delilah is a very well-behaved girl and knows all her training cues. She’s a big fan of pets and treats, especially hot dogs, and she’ll happily return to you for some love after a good game of ball. While she’s a bit nervous around new environments or busy places, she’s always gentle and polite, sitting patiently at crosswalks and enjoying a leisurely stroll when the coast is clear.

This wallflower will thrive in a quieter, low-traffic home, ideally as the only pet. She’s looking for a family who can give her the space and calm she needs to blossom into her confident, loving self. If you’re looking for a sweet and devoted companion to share your quiet moments with, Delilah is waiting to meet you!

Delilah and all other dogs over 40 pounds old have their adoption fees waived from December 19 – 31 during the Roses & Wet Noses adoption promotion at Pasadena Humane.

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.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: A 1910 view of Library Park

Panorama of Library Park from 1910, Looking north on Myrtle from Lime. From left are the Carnegie Library and Library Park, homes on Palm, Granite and the Woman's Club on the east side of Myrtle. 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

Mystery object spotted over Monrovia

Unidentified drones, or some other type of flying objects, have been spotted mostly over New Jersey but also other places around the country, and have created a flurry of postings on social media and have even generating comments by members of Congress and the military. Now there is a video of such an object flying over or near Monrovia. Comments on this Facebook post by Shane Nichols suggest that the light could be anything from the planet Venus, to an airplane, a helicopter, hobby drones, military drones to - of course - aliens.

- Brad Haugaard

Stay and Play at Library Tomorrow, Dec. 17

Stay and Play at the Library Tuesday, Dec. 17. Program offers a drop-in play session with educational toys for children 0-5 and their caregivers. Session runs from 10 to 11 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Children Read to a Furry Friend at Library Dec. 17

Barks and Books at the Library allows children aged 6-11 to read to therapy dogs, boosting reading confidence. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Sessions are 10 minutes long, from 4 to 5 p.m. Register here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School District will close one middle school and cut staff

Monrovia School District plans to close one of its two middle schools in the 2026-27 fiscal year and cut staff (27 teachers and two administrators by July 1, and more later) to bring its expenses in line with its income. Here is the district's statement:

The district is right-sizing its certificated teaching staff and administration to match the decline of students. As of July 1, 2025, twenty-seven (27) teaching FTE, primarily at the secondary level (15), will be attrited or terminated, along with two administrators. In 2026-27, the district will consolidate middle school to one campus, with a potential savings of $750K. Other reductions to personnel will be due to the continued decline in student enrollment. The loss of FTE from 2025-26 to 2026-27, will be approximately 4 additional teaching staff, 2 additional administrators, and 5 classified. The ongoing effect of the 2025-26 action is a reduction of approximately $4M, and the 2026-27 action is approximately $1.2M, totalling a reduction of $6.2M of ongoing reductions over the two years.

Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Toy and canned food drive to benefit Foothill Unity Center

The city of Monrovia's 5th Annual Toy and Canned Food Drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1311 S Shamrock Ave. Toys donated will be given to Foothill Unity Center for distribution. Drive is sponsored by Detail Union & Monrovia Police Officers Association.

If you would like to donate directly to the Center, here's an Amazon list of what's needed. You can drop off donations at the Center's office at 790 W. Chestnut Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Also, donations to Foothill Unity Center will be matched until the center's $25,000 goal is reached. Details. 

And cats and dogs get hungry, too, so the Center will also accept monetary donations to buy pet food. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Santa on the move in Monrovia

Santa, with full police entourage, is busy touring Monrovia. See here for his schedule.

- Brad Haugaard 

Don't Trash Your Broken Christmas Tree Lights - Mail Them

Have some dead Christmas tree lights you need to get rid of? Well you’re not supposed to put them in the garbage, and, no, you’re not supposed to put them in the recycle bin (Athens doesn’t like them because they can damage recycling equipment). And, by the way, don’t take them to the recycle center at the City Yard either. So what do you do with them? Well, the city suggests you pack them up and mail them to a recycle center. Here are two: Holiday LEDs and Green Citizen. For details, contact Public Works at 932-5575.

Opinion: Frankly, it seems expensive, wasteful of packaging material, and inconvenient to use the US Postal Service to haul trash. How about placing a disposal bin at the City Yard after Christmas. Then people could take broken Christmas lights there and Athens could ship them in one big batch to a recycle center.

- Brad Haugaard

Free COVID Kits and Masks

Free COVID test kits and N95 masks are available at the Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. One test kit and a pack of five masks per household. While supplies last. Proof of residency required. Call 256-8234 for availability.

- Brad Haugaard 

Council to Consider Hiring Company to Fix Flood Channel; Change Date of Elections

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Hiring Pokrajac Corporation to fix a broken flood control channel near 346 Genoa Street (see above) for up to $65,801 (and a contingency fee of $6,580. Details.

~ Changing the date of municipal elections to the date of the statewide general election in November of even numbered years, starting in 2026. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Lyft Rides May Go Up to $6

To make sure it continues to be affordable, at its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider raising the fare for Lyft rides from $3 to $6 per trip and limit the hours of subsidized rides to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

How Monrovia Plans to Spend Measure K Sales Tax Money

Monrovia has $22.8 million in the Measure K sales tax kitty, and now has plans to spend $16 million of it. The biggest projects are the Library Enhancement project ($6 million), resurfacing Peck and Myrtle south of Duarte Road ($2.78 million), and adding signals and road resurfacing on Mountain Avenue between Huntington and Foothill ($2.5 million).

Smaller projects are Community Center Design and Engineering ($1.4 million), Satoru Tsuneishi Park construction ($1.6 million),  buying land for affordable housing ($1.53 million), and Senior Program enhancements ($200,000). Details.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Discuss Inclusionary Housing

The Monrovia City Council will discuss potential inclusionary housing programs at a study session this coming Tuesday (agenda here). The proposed ordinance would require new residential developments to set aside a percentage of units for low- and moderate-income families. Results from a 2022 survey show that 73% of respondents support the adoption of an inclusionary housing program, with most in favor of setting aside 20-25% of units for affordable housing.

The ordinance also recommends that the policy apply to residential projects with five or more units, though some petitioners have requested a threshold of 10 units. Developers could comply by including affordable units in their projects, or perhaps by building off-site units, or paying an in-lieu fee. The fee would vary based on unit or square footage, with specific amounts proposed for ownership and rental developments​.

Exemptions are also under consideration for certain types of housing, including accessory dwelling units, emergency shelters, and assisted living facilities. 

- Brad Haugaard (with help from AI)