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Boys and Girls Club Holding Annual Festival of Trees Fundraiser


Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will host its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena. The event features decorated Christmas trees, festive wreaths, holiday decor, and exclusive experiences available for raffle or auction. Tickets available here. Includes valet parking, cocktail reception, dinner, live music, and dancing. The club serves youth and families with academic enrichment, social-emotional programs, and skilled mentors.

- Brad Haugaard

Apple Pie - A Truly Professional Family Dog


Apple Pie is a 7-year-old lab mix who’s the epitome of a “professional family dog.” Apple Pie is a sweet, polite boy who’s thriving in a foster home. The foster family reports that he’s completely house-trained, walks beautifully on a leash, and has impeccable manners! He loves accompanying kids on their walk to school, then settling down for naps on rugs in their rooms to keep them company. 

In the backyard, Apple Pie has a blast burying toys, sunbathing, and playing with a senior chihuahua buddy. His favorite treats include hot dogs, and after putting on some much-needed weight, he’s looking extra handsome with his shiny coat after a recent bath.

Apple Pie is the perfect companion and is ready to bring love, loyalty, and laughter to a new forever family. Come meet him this handsome boy-you’ll instantly fall in love!

Apple Pie and all other pets over five years old have their adoption fees waived throughout November in celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: President of the Womans Club from 1915-1916

Mrs. C.T. Renaker, President of the Monrovia Womans Club from 1915-1916. The Woman’s Club was "not only a study club, but it early became a potent force in the advancement of civic improvements behind which they always threw their enthusiastic influence in co-operation with the men. The Club was admitted to the State Federation in 1900 and to the General Federation in 1902. So influential did this organization become that its support was always sought in all public matters. It participated in the reorganization of the Chamber of Commerce and had four of its members placed upon the directorate of that body. Its members initiated the movement, which resulted in securing the Public Library and in fact were forceful elements in the furthering of all public affairs. The Woman's Club is and always has been one of the important forums of information and advancement of thought in the city. They bring before them noted public speakers upon all living subjects and thus become the intellectual center of the city. The Club threw the full force of its influence behind the enactment of the community property law, which the California legislature passed a few years ago by the aid of the women's Organizations." From the Monrovia Woman's Club 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

A Bit of Monrovia (and Personal) History


I couldn’t resist posting this, as it is both a bit of personal and Monrovia history. In going through boxes and boxes of my mother’s articles, stories, books, journals, photos, and so forth, I came upon this letter from Almera Romney, who was honored in 2022 by the city (details) for her efforts at desegregating Monrovia schools. Romney invited my mother and other authors to an open house at Mayflower School. I would guess she was invited because of her book, Myeko’s Gift, which was a fairly popular children’s book about a young Japanese girl who immigrated to the United States and had difficulties - but finally success- in adjusting to her American school. From other letters, she also spoke at the Monrovia Library, but I think posting one letter is enough.

- - Brad Haugaard

Event for Neurodivergent Children


There will be a sensory-friendly early morning event for neurodivergent children ages 2 and older, such as children with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and/or ADHD, to enjoy the library in a less stimulating environment. Book check-outs, sensory toys, and art supplies to practice independent creative skills. Registration suggested, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Read to a Friendly Dog - for New Readers


New readers through fifth grade can read one-on-one to a friendly dog at the library tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 19. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Kids Can Make Stuff at Library Today


Children 5-12 can create, play, tinker, and learn using different materials and tools at the Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Grow Monrovia Asks for Change of Tree Plan at New In-N-Out

Grow Monrovia is asking In-N-Out Burger to reconsider plans to remove 17 mature trees at its planned new location on Huntington Drive. They argue the trees are integral to the area’s character and ecology and propose either preserving the trees or replacing them with native, shade-providing species. The organization asks people to contact In-N-Out with their concerns at @innout on Instagram.

- Brad Haugaard

Lyft Price for Riders May Increase; Council to Consider How to Use Measure K Sales Tax Money

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

~ Changing the GoMonrovia transportation program to give Lyft riders a $3 discount on qualifying rides. So, if a ride costs $10, the city will pay $3 and the rider will pay $7. Currently if a ride costs $10 the rider pays $3 and the city pays the rest. Blame rising costs.

Also, both the Lyft program and the ride program for seniors (Monrovia Transit) would change their service hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 1 a.m. on weekends.

In 2023-24, GoMonrovia completed 162,310 trips, a 30 percent increase from 2022-2023 and Monrovia Transit increased its annual trips rising from 8,716 to 14,601. In the first quarter of this fiscal year, the city spent about $633,249 on its transportation programs: $314,536 on Lyft and $318,713 on Monrovia Transit. Details.

~ What should the city do with the Measure K sales tax money Monrovians approved? The council will consider spending it on:

  • Construction on Satoru Tsuneishi Park (behind Chick-fil-A)
  • Buying land for affordable housing
  • Senior programs
  • Design and engineering of Community Center
  • Library enhancements
  • Resurfacing Peck and Myrtle roads
  • Resurfacing and putting signals on Mountain Avenue

The city has $22 million in the Measure K sales tax kitty and these seven projects would cost about $16 million. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Meetings Set to Explain School District Plan to Deal With Financial Difficulties

Monrovia School District "is facing really difficult decisions which are absolutely going to impact our community. Schools, teachers and most importantly, our children, will all be impacted by changes that are coming our way." That quote from City Manager Dylan Feik's weekly newsletter.

Because of these financial challenges the district will hold meetings on its Fiscal Stabilization Plan, with Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart-Rodas discussing how funding gaps will affect schools. Meetings are Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the district offices at 325 E. Huntington Drive, and Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. virtually. Details on the virtual meeting to come.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Samson the Bear Christmas Ornament on Sale


A new Monrovia Christmas tree ornament, featuring Samson the Bear, is now available for $17. The ceramic piece supports local art. Available in person at City Hall or online here, while supplies last. Call 359-9261 for more info.

- Brad Haugaard

Thanksgiving and Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 20 at Library Park


Monrovia's Thanksgiving and Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Library Park. The free event will feature live performances, activities, arts and crafts, hay rides, and tree lighting at 6 p.m. For details contact the Community Center at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Applications Open for Monrovia Board and Commission

There are openings for two city offices, on the Library Board (term ends June 2025; apply by Nov. 18) and the Community Services Commission (term ends June 2027; apply by Nov. 25).  Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Food ED to Host 'Brew Hum Bug' Event Dec. 6


Monrovia's Food ED will hold a Brew Hum Bug holiday gathering on Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Lowe Brewery, 150 E. St. Joseph St., Arcadia. Free pollinator kits available. Get free tickets using code COME4FREE. Enjoy drinks and complimentary refreshments. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

New Playground Unveiling at Rotary Park Tomorrow


Rotary Park's new playground will be unveiled tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. at 401 California Ave. The playground features a rubberized surface, new signs, native landscaping, and new benches and picnic tables. Attendees will receive swag.

- Brad Haugaard

Grow Monrovia Wants Volunteers to Plant Trees Along Myrtle

Grow Monrovia and the Foothill Tree Committee will plant 42 trees on South Myrtle, enhancing aesthetics and improving air quality. Volunteers are needed for the event on Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon. Register here or contact info@growmonrovia.org for more details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Fillet Sushi


Dinner at the new Fillet Sushi restaurant on the east side of Myrtle about a half block north of Olive. Got the Rainbow Crunch Roll for $15. The restaurant’s alcohol license is coming soon. Tasty. Very good quality.

- Brad Haugaard

In-N-Out To Break Ground on New Monrovia Restaurant


City Manager Dylan Feik reports that In-N-Out is set to break ground next week on a new restaurant at 560 W. Huntington Drive, the former Black Angus site. The project team recently received a demolition permit, allowing work to begin the week of Nov. 18. The single-story, 3,879-square-foot restaurant will feature indoor seating for 84, patio seating for 40, and a drive-thru accommodating up to 26 cars.

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Toy Drive for Children's Hospital on Saturday, Dec 7

The Monrovia Guild of Children's Hospital Los Angeles will hold its Annual Christmas Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tired Iron Works, 135 E Foothill Blvd. Entertainment, vintage automobiles, a taco truck and other goodies. Entry requires donating an unwrapped toy or making a monetary contribution. Donations can also be made here. For CHLA toy giving guidelines see here.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Police: Play Money Car Scam Foiled; Employee Embezzles $Million; Missing Man Found a Year Later; He Didn't Have a Gun, But Arrested for Delaying Officers; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 7 – 13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 144 investigations.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 2:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a male subject who stole merchandise and fled. Officers arrived and located the subject nearby still in possession of the stolen property. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 4:33 p.m., an employee at a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported two subjects that fled the store with stolen merchandise. Officers arrived and located the subjects who fled in different directions after seeing the officers. One of the subjects was located nearby. She was arrested and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 7:57 p.m., a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported that a customer was refusing to leave and arguing with security. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed the subject had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 10:34 a.m., a retail business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a shoplifter had just left the store with items. Officers responded and located him nearby. The property was returned to the store and the suspect was arrested for shoplifting.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 11:22 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Ivy and Colorado when he witnessed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver who displayed symptoms of intoxication. The investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 2:08 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Genoa reported that as he pulled up to his residence he saw three masked teenagers running away from a vehicle parked in the street and vehicle's alarm was sounding. Officers arrived and found a vehicle with its window shattered and the steering column tampered with. The suspects were not located. The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 8:22 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Madison called to report that someone had attempted to steal her vehicle overnight. The rear window was shattered and the steering column tampered with. Security camera footage is being sought. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 10:18 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia called to report there was an attempt to steal his vehicle sometime after 8:00 p.m. the prior evening. The driver's window was shattered and the steering column tampered with.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
November 9 at 10:51 a.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol at a residence in the 300 block of Terrace View after numerous calls for service there over the last few weeks. He saw a suspicious vehicle in the driveway and a computer check showed it was a stolen vehicle. An extensive investigation was conducted but no suspects were located. The vehicle was stored and the registered owner notified.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
November 9 at 12:16 a.m., a Monrovia PD desk officer reviewed a report submitted online by a resident in the 400 block of W. Colorado. The report’s circumstances were similar to the other calls reported throughout the day. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 9 1:06 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Sunset called to report that his vehicle's windows had been broken and the steering column damaged during an attempt to steal the vehicle some time overnight. This investigation is ongoing.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 2:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious person trespassing on a property in the 400 block of Genoa. When they located the subject they learned he was on PRCS release from prison just four days earlier. He was found to be in possession of brass knuckle. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto / Fraud – Suspects Arrested
November 9 at 2:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a vehicle recovery in the 3000 block of S. Peck. A Sheriff Deputy located the stolen vehicle in East Los Angeles yesterday and called the registered owner to come get it, but the deputy left before the owner arrived. By the time the owner got there, the vehicle was stolen again. Today, an officer on patrol had his vehicle mounted ALPR locate the vehicle at the junkyard. Officers were able to locate the subjects, a male and a female, who brought the vehicle to the junkyard. Their investigation showed that the female subject arranged with the victim to meet and sell the vehicle. At the meeting her accomplice, the male subject, took possession of the vehicle after handing over movie prop money to the victim. When the victim realized he'd been given fake money he reported the vehicle stolen. Both subjects were arrested. The female was later cited out. The male was placed on a parole hold and held for a fresh court order violation charge.

Burglary
November 9 at 8:08 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Sombrero reported that her residence had been broken into within the last three hours. Officers arrived and saw that the home was ransacked and the suspects were gone. The victim said that jewelry was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 3:56 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject was drinking alcohol on the property. Officers arrived and located the subject. He had several warrants for his arrest, one being a no bail warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary
November 10 at 6:25 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of Orange reported that his residence had been broken into. Officers arrived and saw that the home was ransacked and the suspects were gone. The victim said that jewelry was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Person Located
November 10 at 10:12 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Magnolia and Maple when he witnessed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver. It was discovered the driver was reported missing over a year ago. The driver's family was contacted and the driver was removed from the Missing Persons System.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 2:38 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of California and Hurstview when he witnessed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver, who displayed symptoms of intoxication. The officer conducted an investigation and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 11 at 9:24 a.m., a victim called to report someone had broken into her Kia Soul on Saturday night and took approximately $180 in cash and the pink slip to the vehicle. There was also some damage around the steering column. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 11 at 12:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the area of Olive and California. A vehicle driving west on Olive stopped at the stop sign at California, made a right turn, and failed to yield to the vehicle belonging to the City of Monrovia driving north on California causing a collision. Both vehicles were towed away, the driver of the first vehicle had a complaint of pain.

Resist / Delay Officers – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 3:09 p.m., a caller said he saw a male subject possibly holding a revolver in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista. A description was given and officers located the subject in the area. He was given commands but refused to comply. After speaking with him for several minutes, requesting an air ship, a K-9 from Pasadena, and officers from Arcadia to block traffic, he then decided to comply. No gun was located. He was arrested for resisting and delaying officers. The subject had outstanding warrants for his arrest as well.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 11 at 3:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the area of Foothill and Shamrock. A vehicle driving east on Foothill was making a left turn onto Shamrock. A truck was driving west on Foothill and making a left turn onto Shamrock limiting the visibility of the driver in the other direction. The driver turned and was struck by the vehicle driving west on Foothill. The drivers both had complaints of pain.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 5:02 p.m., a caller stated there was a fight in progress in the area of Montana and Primrose. Officers arrived and located a male and female, but there were not physically fighting. A computer check revealed the male subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Non Injury Traffic Collision
November 11 at 5:55 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 200 block of W. Walnut. A vehicle driving through the alley turned to park and didn't see the gas main, turning into it and causing a significant gas leak. The fire department was notified and was able to shut the gas off. The gas company was notified and responded to the location to fix it.

Embezzlement
November 12 at 9:23 a.m., a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a subject at the business who has worked there several years was writing checks to himself as "bonuses" often in the amounts of $20,000 and up. He believes it was going on for approximately 2 years and the loss could be upwards if not more than 1 million dollars. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 4:07 p.m., an employee from a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington called to report there were two females inside the store concealing merchandise. Officers arrived and apparently the females were leaving, they set all the merchandise down inside the store prior to exiting. They were still detained and a computer check revealed one of the females had two warrants in the system for theft. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Reckless Driving – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 1:14 a.m., while officers were on a separate call for service in the area of Chestnut and Fifth, they observed a vehicle doing donuts at a high rate of speed in the intersection of Chestnut and Fifth. A traffic stop was conducted for reckless driving and the driver exhibited objected signs and symptoms of intoxications. Field sobriety tests were conducted and he was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The passenger was released at the scene. The suspect was taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 12:43 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Central, the victim called to report her sister had brandished a knife at her. Officers arrived and located all parties Further investigation revealed she was in violation of a protective order. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Stalking
November 13 at 3:21 p.m., a female came in to the station to report that her ex-husband has been stalking her. She said he took her phone and started contacting people in her phone. She then found a tracker in her wallet and an air tag on her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 3:39 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject was taking bottles out of the trash can and throwing them on the ground. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 13 at 5:19 p.m. officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the 500 block of W. Colorado. A vehicle driving east on Colorado failed to stop at the posted stop sign at Colorado and Mayflower. The vehicle driving south on Mayflower stopped and entered the intersection but was broadsided by the other vehicle. One driver had visible injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Vehicle Burglary
September 14 at 3:58 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Madison awoke to the sound of their vehicle's alarm. She rushed outside to find the back window of her vehicle had been smashed and the door left open. She did not see anyone fleeing the scene, and nothing was missing from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.