News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X / RSS

MHS grad and soldier, Edvin F. Franco, dies in Lithuania


Edvin F. Franco, a 2018 Monrovia High School graduate, was among the four U.S. soldiers who lost their lives last week in Lithuania while conducting a training mission, according to Monrovia Schools Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas. She added that “Edvin’s dedication to service and his sacrifice for our country will never be forgotten.” Franco’s Facebook page says he was married in March of 2024 to Georgia Franco and was living in Hinesville, Georgia.

- Brad Haugaard 

Bruce is an adventurous clown who's looking for a peaceful home


Bruce is a five-star sweetheart with a big heart and a big personality! This affectionate 3-year-old pit bull mix is looking for a quiet, loving home where he can share his endless cuddles. He’s well-mannered and gentle, and he adores car rides. Once he’s settled, he’ll happily ride along as your loyal co-pilot, always ready for the next adventure.

Bruce has been spending time with a Pasadena Humane foster family, and they have great things to say about him. Beyond his sweet nature, Bruce is a total clown! He loves rolling onto his back, kicking his legs in the air like a goofball—especially when belly rubs are involved (his absolute favorite!). His stuffed birthday cake toy and elk antler are his most prized possessions, and he proudly carries them around wherever he goes. If you’re a fan of Chappell Roan, Bruce just might be your perfect match—start singing, and he’ll come running, ready to join in the fun!

Bruce also has an adventurous side and loves hiking, trips to the park, and just being outside with his favorite people. However, at the end of the day, he thrives in a calm and peaceful environment where he can relax and soak up all the love he craves. If you’re looking for a sweet, playful, and utterly hilarious companion, Bruce is your guy—ready to bring laughter, love, and a little bit of goofiness into your life!

The 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 10:00 – 5:00. 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

Addams Family play set for April 10-12

Tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1887 investment banker's office

Office of L.H. Green & Co. - Investment Bankers, Monrovia, around 1887. Mr. Green to the right. Unknown young man at left side of desk. Mrs. Hotchkiss said he was accidently killed while hunting; the gun on the buggy seat exploded. The inner room where ladies who were thought to be more gentle could conduct business. Green & Co.'s office was on the east side of Ivy Avenue across the street from the Grand View Hotel. The building was originally opposite the Grand View Hotel and later moved to the 500 block of S Myrtle Ave 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

Current Local Job Opportunities - April

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

- Brad Haugaard


New mausoleum planned for Live Oak Memorial Park

A new concrete mausoleum is planned for Live Oak Memorial Park, on Duarte Road just east of Myrtle. Details. The proposal will come before the city's Development Review Committee (agenda here) on April 2. 

- Brad Haugaard

Huntington Oaks Reimagined - shopping center to be revamped

As it is today ...

As it is planned.

Proposed community area.

The new owner of Huntington Oaks Shopping Center (it was purchased last year) plans façade and site enhancements throughout the center, including updated building exteriors, lighting, and a plaza. The proposal - called Huntington Oaks, Reimagined - will come before the city's Development Review Committee (agenda here) on April 2. More images and details on the proposal here.

- Brad Haugaard

Information meeting on April 10 for those interested in serving on city boards and commissions

There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at City Hall for those interested in serving of city boards and commissions, specifically Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board,  Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. For questions, contact Community Services Director Tina Cherry at tcherry@monroviaca.gov. Also, more detail here. Applications (form here) must be turned in by Thursday, May 1.

- Brad Haugaard

Scammer connected to Monrovia Police


A phone scammer tried to con a Monrovia woman, so she looped in the Monrovia Police Department on the call. It became rather humorous. MPD posted the audio on Facebook, but had to bleep a few of the scammer’s comments. A video worth listening to, here

- Brad Haugaard

Trivia Night at the Library Friday, April 4


Trivia Night at the Library Friday, April 4, 5:30 to 7 p.m. A night of brain-teasing questions across pop culture, history, science and more. Snacks provided. Open to teens and adults. Details

- Brad Haugaard

LEGO building party at Library April 1


LEGO Building Party at the Library Tuesday, April 1, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Explore dynamic activities and experiments using 10,000 LEGO bricks. All materials provided. For ages 0 to 11. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Laser tag for teens at Library, April 3

Spring Break Laser Tag for Teens at the Library Thursday, April 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition in the stacks. Open to grades 6–12. Register here

Photo by Artem Bryzgalov on Unsplash.

- Brad Haugaard


Nick Board Promoted to Division Chief at Monrovia Fire & Rescue

Captain Nick Board has been promoted to Monrovia Fire & Rescue division chief for the Operations Division. Operations is responsible for fire suppression, pre-hospital emergency medical care, fire prevention, and other rescue services.

- Brad Haugaard

Recreation Coordinator Galvan Receives "Rising Professional" Award


Johan Galvan, a recreation coordinator for Monrovia, has received the "Rising Professional" Award from the California Park & Recreation Society. Galvan has been with Monrovia's Community Services Department since 2022.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Park opening waiting on Edison

Improvements to Canyon Park are mostly done but the city is waiting for an electrical connection to be installed by Southern California Edison. City Manager Dylan Feik writes: "Yes, unfortunately, even the City of Monrovia has to wait on Edison!"

- Brad Haugaard