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Dinner at Old Town Pizza

Dinner at Old Town Pizza, on the east side of Myrtle across from the library. Got a personal size Mexican pizza for $9 and a beer for $4.99. Loved it!

- Brad Haugaard 

Happy Spirited Lady Blue Just Loves People


Lady Blue is five years old and absolutely loves people! She’s very active and enthusiastic, especially when making friends with Pasadena Humane staff and volunteers, and would do best in a home where she can get lots of attention and playtime. Lady Blue has such a happy spirit and is ready to bring lots of joy to her forever home.

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard




Spring Veggie Workshop March 12

Monroiva Community Garden will hold a Spring Veggie Workshop March 12 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Monrovia Community Garden at 303 W. Colorado. Topics:

  • Which vegetables do well in warmer seasons
  • Pest management
  • Healthy soil

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Today Now Online

The Spring edition of Monrovia Today is now online. News, organizations and activities for Monrovians. https://tny.im/WDXQi

- Brad Haugaard

Parks Foundation Collecting Funds To Restore Canyon Park

Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation is collecting money to help bring back Monrovia Canyon Park. You can donate here: https://tny.im/7UxWj

- Brad Haugaard

Police Investigating Possible Suicide Near Library

Monrovia Police are investigating an apparent suicide in the parking lot just south of the library, on Lime. The body was discovered early this morning. https://tny.im/7cGAK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Won't Require Masks Starting March 12

In keeping with state and county regulations, Monrovia Schools will not require masks as of Saturday, March 12, according to Superintendent Ryan Smith. While not required the state Department of Public Health strongly recommends their use. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A Patient at Pottenger's Sanatorium

A patient at Pottenger's Sanatorium?  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.

- Brad Haugaard

City to Seek Company to Make Improvements at Lucinda Garcia Park


At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/tApmZ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Getting bids from companies to make improvements at Lucinda Garcia Park (https://tny.im/tStS3). These improvements are:

  • Expanding the park to the open space area located at the west end of the facility
  • Replacing and upgrading the play equipment
  • Adding fall safety surfacing for the entire playground area
  • Installing exercise circuit equipment along the pathway at the park
  • Replacing the pathway and enhancing the park lighting
  • Upgrading the landscaping at the park
  • Installing interpretive signage on the history of Lucinda Garcia and the park
  • Installing a demonstration garden with drought tolerate and native species

~ Proclaim March as March 4 Balance: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month (https://tny.im/uuas), and American Red Cross Month (https://tny.im/SyRWR).

- Brad Haugaard

Online Gardening Classes Through Water District


The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, based in Monrovia, is offering these online classes. Click through for more information or to sign up:

Drought Resilient Lawn Care, March 10, 2022, 6-7 p.m.

Drought Resilient Lawn Care, March 22, 2022, 12-1 p.m.

Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil, April 7, 2022, 6-7 p.m.

Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil, April 26, 2022, 12-1 p.m.

Firescaping: Reducing the Vulnerability, May 12, 2022, 12-1 p.m.

Compost: Building the Soil Sponge, June 9, 2022, 12-1 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Adrian Ayala Appointed New Principal at Monrovia High


The Monrovia Unified School District has announced that the Board of Education has appointed Adrian Ayala to be the new principal at Monrovia High School.  Ayala joins Monrovia from Hueneme High School in Oxnard, where he has been the principal since 2017.

Ayala grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and has more than 30 years of experience in education, having served in a variety of leadership roles at both the site and district level. He has an extensive background in curriculum, instruction, and student support, and has developed a reputation for improving outcomes for all students through his collaborative leadership style.  Ayala also has significant experience with leading and supporting athletic programs and extracurricular activities, things that are an essential part of the student experience at Monrovia High School. He is bilingual in both English and Spanish.

Upon accepting the position, Adrian Ayala said, “I am honored and excited to serve the Monrovia Unified School District community. I am grateful to the Board of Education for their confidence, and I look forward to building upon the successes and rich traditions of Monrovia High School.”

Dr. Ryan Smith, Superintendent, commented, “We are extremely proud to announce Adrian Ayala as the new Principal of Monrovia High School. With his background, experience, and track record of success, I have no doubt that achievement will rise to new heights under his leadership. I would like to thank Interim-Principal Flint Fertig for stepping in to lead the school as we conducted our search.”

Ayala is expected to officially start his new role on April 11, however, his transition to Monrovia High School will begin before then. Opportunities for students, families, teachers, and staff to meet him will be announced at a later date.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

First Presbyterian Church To Install New Senior Pastor

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia has announced that it will install and ordain Pastor Joel Larson on Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m. as its senior pastor and head of staff.

Larson has been serving in church ministry for 25 years in Northwest Ohio, the Los Angeles area, and most recently served as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for 8-1/2 years.

He has a communications degree from Bowling Green State University and an MDiv from Fuller Seminary. He is  working on a Doctor of Ministry in Leading Congregational and Organizational Change at Fuller Seminary. 

Joel is married to Elisha, and they have three children, Claire, Will, and Finn. Joel enjoys surfing, cycling, mountain biking, and hiking. https://tny.im/VA0tr

- Brad Haugaard

Students Recognize Black History Month With Art Work

In partnership with the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association, students recognized Black and African American icons throughout history by covering every wall in the Monrovia Community Center room with art pieces for the 9th Annual Black History Month Arts Festival.

- Brad Haugaard

New Water Bill To Show: Water Consumption, Penalties, Targets; Recycling Guide; Monrovia Buildings Painted On Rocks


In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports: 

~ Your next utility bill will have a different look. (Numbers correspond to image above.)

  1. Consumption Details. Additional information about about consumption, and your water target.
  2. Excess Usage Penalty Amount. What you owe if you fail to meet your water target.
  3. Water Conservation Targets. The maximum amount of water you are allowed each month.

~ If you are interested in how to recycle specific trash items (plastic bags and films, for instance), here's a guide from Athens: https://tny.im/5hAf6

~ EK (Connie) Noll is a Monrovia freelance artist who has created a painted rock collection being displayed at the Library through May 16. See rocks painted with the Library (including fountain), City Hall, Merengue, Copper Still Grill, the Fire Station, Jake's Roadhouse, LOOK Cinemas, and others.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports a Financially Successful 2021

Monrovia's Xencor, which develops drugs for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported a 2021 net income of  $82.6 million, or $1.37 per share, compared to a net loss of $69.3 million, or $(1.21) per share for the previous year. The company attributes the higher income primarily "to increased royalties and revenue recognized from collaborations."

- Brad Haugaard