- Brad Haugaard
Bradoaks Fall Festival Oct. 23 to support student field trips
School board to consider $474,000 communications project; Bradoaks playground hazards; bullying policy; Etc.
At its next meeting the Monrovia Board of Education (agenda) will ...
~ Consider a $473,921.78 Measure MM communications project at Plymouth and Wild Rose, including emergency notifications, bells and public-address systems, with a $45,000 contingency included. Details.
~ Receive a facilities report identifying severe Bradoaks playground asphalt deterioration, including wide cracks, loose gravel, holes and gaps allowing pests beneath adjacent portable classrooms. Details.
~ Review a proposed bullying policy addressing off-campus, after-hours cyberbullying that creates a hostile educational environment. This is a first reading, not adoption. Details.
~ Receive an arts funding report listing $819,983 in Proposition 28 allocations for 2026–27, down from $883,721 in 2025–26. Details.
The public meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the district office, 325 E. Huntington Drive.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Fillet Sushi
Dinner at Fillet Sushi, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the mustard albacore roll for $21 and a beer for the happy hour price of $7. Very tasty.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Four catalytic converter thefts; Knife pointed at passing cars; Theft suspects found in Fontana; Fire prompts evacuations; and more...
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 15 - 21, 2026. 446 calls for service, 96 investigations, 6 mental evaluations, 11 traffic collisions, 12 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]
OCTOBER 15
Runaway
At 8:17 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of W. Walnut regarding a runaway juvenile report. The juvenile was entered into the missing persons system. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
At 11:25 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a bus that was vandalized by a male subject. He was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Drug activity – Suspect Arrested
At 2:28 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Huntington reported a disturbing subject in a parking lot. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and a search revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Commercial Burglary
At 4:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding an alarm activation. Officers arrived and discovered a broken window and property was taken. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 11:32 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at an apartment complex in the 800 block of W. Walnut. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim who had visible injuries. An investigation revealed she had been battered by her boyfriend. He was arrested and taken into custody.
OCTOBER 16
No significant incidents to report.
OCTOBER 17
Structure Fire / Arson
At 9:05 p.m., a fire was reported at a residence in the 300 block of S. Heliotrope. Officers arrived and assisted with evacuating nearby residences. MFD arrived and extinguished the fire. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence
At 10:45 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. Officers arrived and made contact with the involved parties, one had visible facial injuries. An investigation revealed the female subject was a danger to others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. This investigation is continuing.
OCTOBER 18
Identity Theft
At 3:24 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of Valle Vista reported an identity theft issue involving several unauthorized credit accounts and a recent vehicle purchase. This investigation is continuing.
Lost / Stolen Plate
At 5:18 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported the license plate to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
OCTOBER 19
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
At 12:02 p.m., a caller in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a male and female subject yelling. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed the male subject was keeping the female subject from leaving and the female subject began to harm herself. He was arrested for false imprisonment. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Theft
At 12:31 p.m., a theft was reported at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
At 1:10 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported an intoxicated male subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Theft
At 3:18 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject took merchandise and left without paying. This investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
At 5:27 p.m., a passerby in the area of Huntington and Fifth reported a male subject holding a knife and pointing it at passing vehicles. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject who was still in possession of the knife. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
OCTOBER 20
Vehicle Burglary
At 3:36 a.m., a neighbor called to report hearing a loud noise and seeing a suspicious subject running from a neighbor’s property in the 900 block of W. Hillcrest. Officers arrived and located a vehicle with a smashed window. An investigation revealed property was taken from the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Theft – Suspects Arrested
At 10:32 a.m., a male and a female subject walked into a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain, took merchandise and fled without paying. The suspects were located in Fontana. They were arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting
At 6:18 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.
Battery
At 6:43 p.m., a victim in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject approached him from behind and struck his head. The victim suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
At 8:15 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Encinitas reported that several days prior, someone broke into his vehicle and stole a portable speaker. This investigation is continuing.
Theft of an Innkeeper
At 8:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding subjects who fled without paying the bill. This investigation is continuing.
OCTOBER 21
Grand Theft
At 6:57 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Palm reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 7:01 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of Melrose reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 3:10 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Lime reported the catalytic converter to her vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
At 3:26 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Palm reported the catalytic converter to his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.
- Brad Haugaard
Sarah Covarrubias sworn in as Monrovia’s first woman police chief
Photo courtesy of the City of Monrovia.
Sarah Covarrubias was sworn in as Monrovia’s 11th police chief at the Oct. 20 City Council meeting. She officially takes over Nov. 1, becoming the first woman to lead the department in the city’s 139-year history, according to a city news release. Covarrubias grew up in Monrovia and joined the department as a cadet in 2000, advancing through the ranks to captain. She also served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve..
- Brad Haugaard
Candidate Statement of City Council candidate Jesus Rojas
I AM JESUS ROJAS. I AM A HOMEOWNER. I AM A DOER, NOT A TALKER.
As a homeowner, I have a personal stake in Monrovia’s future. I am running for City Council to protect our families, defend our neighborhoods, and deliver results, not excuses.
FIGHT RISING COSTS. Families are being squeezed by rising living expenses, property taxes, and utility bills. Residents should not have to choose between paying bills and meeting their families’ needs. I will fight unnecessary tax increases, push for affordable utility rates, and demand responsible city spending.
PROTECT OUR HOMES. Short-term rentals were raised during a candidate discussion in February 2020. Years later, our community still awaits action. I will make a responsible short-term rental ordinance a priority to protect homeowners and preserve neighborhood character.
SAFER STREETS. Drawing on my public safety experience, I will pursue practical, enforceable solutions to bicycle takeovers and dangerous street behavior to protect families and hold those responsible accountable.
PROTECT OUR FOOTHILLS. I will advocate for underground power lines where feasible and stronger wildfire prevention to protect lives, homes, and property.
PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE. I will advocate for qualified arborists to protect Monrovia’s trees, preserve our urban forest, and safeguard our historic character for future generations.
RESPONSIBLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING. I will work with our Board of Supervisors and regional partners to advance affordable housing in already designated areas while respecting established neighborhoods.
COMPASSION WITH COMMON SENSE. Regarding Blondie and her cubs, I would have advocated for alternatives to euthanasia and worked with local authorities and wildlife experts to explore safe relocation to a suitable, protected habitat.
I am not running to react after problems arise. I am running to anticipate challenges, demand accountability, and take action.
MONROVIA DESERVES MORE THAN PROMISES. IT DESERVES LEADERSHIP THAT DELIVERS.
I AM READY TO LEAD. READY TO ACT. READY TO DELIVER FOR MONROVIA.
Candidate Statement of City Council candidate Larry Spicer
Larry J. Spicer Candidate Statement for Monrovia City Council
My name is Larry J. Spicer, a lifelong Monrovian, U.S. Army veteran, husband, father, and dedicated public servant who has spent more than 15 years building relationships, strengthening neighborhoods, and serving the community I proudly call home.
Since first being appointed to Monrovia City Council in 2011 and later elected in 2013, I have worked alongside residents, businesses, schools, community organizations, regional partners, and my fellow councilmembers to address the issues that matter most to our city. Together, we, the City Council, have invested in streets, parks, public infrastructure, public safety, and community services while maintaining a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.
My service to Monrovia extends beyond the City Council. I currently represent our community on regional boards, including the Foothill Workforce Development Board, the Gold Line Construction Authority, and Council of Governments Transportation Member, where collaboration and partnership help bring resources and opportunities back to Monrovia. I also currently serve as a volunteer for the Community Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), American Red Cross, Sheriff’s Department and the Tournament of Roses. In the past, I have also served as a Planning Commissioner, Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Leader, and Parent on Patrol volunteer with the Monrovia Unified School District.
Throughout my years of service, I have remained committed to listening, building consensus, and ensuring that every resident has a voice. I believe the best solutions come from working together with transparency, respect, and a shared commitment to the future of our city.
Monrovia has been the foundation for my family. My wife Delphine and I, along with our three children, all attended Monrovia's public schools and are proud graduates of Monrovia High School, Go Wildcats! Their success reflects the strength of the community that has given us so much.
I respectfully ask for your vote so I may continue working with our community to preserve Monrovia's character, support its progress, and build an even stronger future for generations to come.
Vote Larry J. Spicer for Monrovia City Council
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Rain expected in Monrovia Wednesday into Thursday
Rain is expected in Monrovia Wednesday, Oct. 21, into Thursday as a storm moves through Southern California, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest Los Angeles County rainfall is forecast from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday.
NWS expects generally 0.5–1.5 inches of rain, with 1.5–3 inches on south-facing mountains and foothills. These are regional estimates, not a Monrovia-specific total. There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms. Minor flooding and debris flows are possible, especially near recent burn scars. NWS forecast.
- Brad Haugaard
Barks and books at the Library, Nov. 3
Children ages 6-11 can read to a dog during a 10-minute Barks and Books session at the Library on Tuesday, Nov. 3, between 4 and 5 p.m., with Love on a Leash and Therapy Dogs International. An adult must accompany each child; registration is required and remains open. Register.
- Brad Haugaard
Pop-up makerspace for teens at the Library, Oct. 28
Students in grades 7-12 can make zines, friendship bracelets, pins and buttons, try a 3D art pen or explore coding with Sphero Mini Bots at the Library on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Drop in anytime; no registration required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Where to vote in Monrovia
If you are nervous about voting by mail, you can vote at any Vote Center or return a vote-by-mail ballot at any official drop box for the Nov. 3 General Election.
Monrovia in-person voting: The Monrovia Public Library will be open Oct. 24-Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monrovia High School, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Room 210, will be open Oct. 31-Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The city will also host an LA County Mobile Vote Center Friday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the 800 block of South Myrtle Avenue during the Friday Night Street Fair and Market.
24-hour ballot drop boxes: Monrovia Public Library, 321 S. Myrtle Ave. is available 24 hours a day.
See also the county’s official Vote Center list and ballot drop-box list.
- Brad Haugaard
Novel T's book club at the Library, Oct. 27
Novel T's book club will discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi at the Library on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with discussion beginning at 6:45. A Zoom option is available; newcomers should email jandrewsheldon@gmail.com to connect with the group. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Officers’ Association sells collectible pink patch for $10
The Monrovia Police Officers’ Association is selling a collectible pink Monrovia Police patch for $10 at the Police Department (140 E. Lime) during regular business hours, while supplies last. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
MHS Musical Arts opens Christmas tree and wreath sale
Monrovia High School Musical Arts Program Boosters is selling Christmas trees and wreaths to support the school’s color guard, drumline, marching band and orchestra. Douglas fir trees cost $70 to $110, Noble and Nordmann firs $90 to $185, and wreaths $45 to $60, depending on type and size. Sales tax is additional.
Orders are due Sunday, Nov. 15, with pickup Saturday, Dec. 5, at the MHS Colorado Parking Lot. Supporters may also buy a $115 tree-and-wreath bundle or donate a tree or wreath to an active-duty military family. Order here.
- Brad Haugaard
Intrepid comedy show at Underdog Bookstore Oct. 23
Intrepid will host an all-ages comedy show featuring seven Southern California comedians on Friday, Oct. 23, at Underdog Bookstore, 312 S. Myrtle Ave. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5. Details and tickets.
- Brad Haugaard
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