Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Cold Duck summer concert at Station Square Park, June 28

Cold Duck old-school band at Station Square Park, Sunday, June 28, 7-8:30 p.m. Free outdoor concert. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and maybe a picnic basket, and food trucks will be available. Early arrival is recommended as lawn space fills up. Family-friendly event. Info on the band here.

- Brad Haugaard

Scottish Soccer Fan Cones Monrovia Statues

Scott Ramsay, a Monrovia resident, who is both Scottish and a Scottish soccer fan, placed traffic cones atop local statues as part of a Scottish tradition. When Scotland plays away matches, he said, fans traditionally put traffic cones on statues in the host city. He said Scottish fans blanketed Boston statues and are now heading to Miami for a match against Brazil. Ramsay decided to join the spirit in his own neighborhood. This picture shows just one of several statues that he has cone-d.

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet Jordan is a gentle senior dog with a troubled past and a tail that never stops wagging

Jordan is an 8-year-old sweetheart at Pasadena Humane who proves that a rough start doesn't define your future. Found as a stray in poor condition, you'd never guess he's faced any hardship because of the way he greets everyone with a wagging tail, a gentle spirit, and an endless love for people.

This easygoing boy is happiest by your side, whether he's strolling through the neighborhood, relaxing in the park, or soaking up all the attention he can get. He's great with strangers, wonderful on walks, knows his tricks, is potty trained, and loves treats. Jordan has the perfect balance of playful and calm, always ready for an adventure but just as happy to curl up next to you for a nap. If you're looking for a loyal, loving companion, Jordan is your guy!

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 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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: An early view along Banana Avenue

The view from Encinitas along Banana Avenue (now Hillcrest) looking west, from the early days of Monrovia. The home in the foreground is 115 E. Hillcrest and still exists. Banana Avenue was originally named to entice settlers looking for a tropical climate. From the Ella Long 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

Storytime for children 2-5 the Library, June 24

Storytime for children ages 2-5 the Library on June 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. Program includes stories, songs, and a sensory activity or craft project. Siblings are welcome. Children must attend with an accompanying adult. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children, June 27

Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children at the Library, June 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. Children ages 2-11 with sensory processing challenges, autism, ADHD, and related needs can enjoy a quieter library environment with book checkout, sensory toys, exploratory play, and art activities. Registration is required, here. Children must attend with an accompanying adult.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayor joins art class to paint her dog

Mayor Becky Shevlin (lower left in the photo) joined a free Paint Your Pet workshop sponsored by the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. According to MAFA representative Christine Geltz, this was Shevlin's first time painting on canvas; she painted her dog, Ted. Instructor Sally Westenbroek Weiss led the workshop. Five additional public workshops are scheduled this year. Registration information here.

Ed Cunningham, Monrovia Canyon Park Trail Boss for 28 years, dies June 11

Ed Cunningham, who served as Monrovia Canyon Park's Trail Boss for 28 years, passed away on June 11. He came to Canyon Park in 1998 and helped establish and maintain the trails, designed the park's maps and outreach materials, and helped develop the interpretive tours and exhibits at the Nature Center. He also trained generations of volunteers and park staff. The trail crew community he helped build received a California Park & Recreation Society “Champion of the Community” Award of Excellence in 2021.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Dept. receives USC Arcadia Hospital award for fastest stroke response in LA County

Monrovia firefighters received a special award from USC Arcadia Hospital for their response to a 76-year-old stroke patient. From firefighter arrival on scene to life-saving surgery was 90 minutes — the fastest time in LA County.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia receives $20,000 NEA Big Read grant for 2027 One City, One Story program

Monrovia has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the 2027 One City, One Story community reading program.

- Brad Haugaard

World Cup Watch Party at Library Park, June 25

The city is hosting a free World Cup Watch Party at Library Park on June 25 at 7 p.m. Attendees can watch Team USA vs. Turkey on a big screen. Face painting, games, and crafts will be available on site. The event is free and open to all ages. For information, contact the Community Center at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Music Fest at Library Park, June 28

Creative Being, a local nonprofit, is hosting the free Monrovia Music Fest at Library Park on June 28 from noon to 7 p.m. The all-ages event features seven hours of live music spanning indie, Latin, Afrobeats, folk, funk, soul, classic rock, new wave, and ‘80s rock, along with an artisan market, food trucks, and a kids zone. A craft beer and wine garden will be available for guests 21 and older. VIP Lounge access is available for purchase. Leashed dogs are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council proclaims June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day

The City Council has proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The proclamation marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

- Brad Haugaard

Pasadena Humane Offers Fourth of July Foster Sleepover for Shelter Dogs

Pasadena Humane is offering a Fourth of July Foster Sleepover program, giving large shelter dogs a temporary home over the holiday weekend to ease stress from fireworks while freeing up space for the expected influx of lost pets. Pre-registration is open through June 30, or until spots are filled, and foster dogs can be picked up as early as July 2. All supplies and support are provided at no cost. To sign up, visit pasadenahumane.org/foster.

- Brad Haugaard