Mellow Bleu is a calm, snack-loving gentleman with lap-dog ambitions

Meet Bleu, a 7-year-young gentleman with a heart as big as his love for snacks, especially hot dogs and cheese. This lab/pittie mix at Pasadena Humane is all about the simple joys: slow strolls, thorough sniff inspections, and soaking up every pet he can get. He also loves to happily try to sit in your lap like he's still a puppy.

Bleu is calm and easygoing, keeping his cool around the shelter and busy surroundings, and nothing seems to ruffle his relaxed vibe. He walks politely on leash, has wonderful manners, and shows all the signs of being a "treat enthusiast" who isn't picky about rewards. More than anything, Bleu is looking for a cozy spot, a kind human, and plenty of affection.

And there's no better time to adopt — starting this week, adoption fees are discounted at Pasadena Humane as a part of the Price is Right adoption promotion.

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: When Library Park had a bridge

A rustic bridge in City Park in 1912, a page from the 1912 Monrovia Board of Trade brochure - "Monrovia Illustrated." It was called City Park before it had a library on it. Now, of course, it is called Library Park. 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

Ceramics Sale May 2 at Santa Fe

The Monrovia Schools Foundation will host a ceramics sale on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Fe Middle School gymnasium. The event features works by artists from the Wheelhouse Ceramics Studio.

- Brad Haugaard

A website to track Burger Basket burglars set up; also a fundraising site to help family

A website has been set up to help track down the perpetrators of the burglary that cost the owners of the Burger Basket restaurant their life savings of $140,000, and a gofundme page has been set up to raise money to help the family. So far $42,306 of a $45,000 goal has been raised. Also, the restaurant has reopened. 

The webpage to help solve the crime is here. 

The gofundme page is here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Thank You Dinner at Library, May 6

Veterans and family members are invited for dinner, information, and connection at the Library, May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. An LA County Veterans Service Officer will discuss benefits and services. Opportunity to meet other veterans and share experiences. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Adult craft night at the Library - Stashbusting, May 5

Spring Adult Craft Night - Stashbusting - May 5, 6 to 7 p.m. in the Library Story Room. For ages 18+. Supplies provided, including planters, notebooks, clay, canvases, yarn, and paint. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Homes of former City Historian Steve Baker to become a restaurant and inn

Baker's homes before the addition of a third structure.

One of the two historic homes left when Monrovia City Historian Steve Baker died will be turned into a restaurant, called Viola's, which should open around May 25. The other two homes on the property will be an inn.

Baker's property, which held two historic Monrovia homes, was purchased by Saxony Design Build, a Monrovia company that specializes in historic restoration. The company added a third historic-style home at the south end of the property on the east side of Ivy just south of Lemon.

According to the website, WhatNow.com, the restaurant, which will be in the middle of the three homes on the property, will have a nostalgic atmosphere and serve small plates for brunch and dinner - "French bistro meets Southern influence." Plus beer, wine and cocktails.

- Brad Haugaard

National Day of Prayer at Library Park, May 7

The Interfaith Council of Monrovia and the Monrovia Ministerial Association will hold a National Day of Prayer gathering at Library Park on May 7 at noon. The event includes prayer for local and national leaders. All are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

Monroe Elementary PTA silent auction is open

The Monroe Elementary PTA annual silent auction is open for bidding here. Everything from a vacation in Bali to being City Manager for a Day. New items will be added through April 24 at 6:30 p.m., when bidding closes. Winners will be notified through the auction site.

- Brad Haugaard

VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2070 will host a BBQ and Car Show on June 13 at the post, at the corner of Chestnut and Magnolia. Ribs, chicken, hot links, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, and corn muffins. Pre-ordered meals are $20; advance sales begin May 1.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Historical Museum opens 'Engines of Change' exhibit, April 30

The Monrovia Historical Museum will hold a grand opening for its new, free exhibit, "Engines of Change: How Transportation Shaped Monrovia," on April 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibit explores how transportation shaped the city and includes a Route 66 display. Live music by The Houston Trio, Good Humor ice cream bars, and a Helms Truck serving donuts. After the opening there will be a cruise tracing two historic Route 66 alignments through Monrovia. 

- Brad Haugaard

Sandy Burud named Monrovia's Older Monrovian of the Year

Monrovia Historical Society president Sandy Burud has been named Older Monrovian of the Year by the Monrovia City Council. The award honors an involved Monrovia resident age 60 or older.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia elementary campuses open to public after school hours

The five Monrovia elementary school campuses will be open to the public during non-school hours. During the school year, campuses are open on weekdays from 6 p.m. until sunset; on non-school days, from sunrise to sunset. Dogs allowed on leash, no alcoholic beverages, no portable BBQs, and no smoking.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

New art to be unveiled for Artist Reception at Community Center, April 24

Game Night for Adults at the Library, April 24

Trip planned to Renaissance Pleasure Faire on April 25

MAP Neighborhood Conference at Second Baptist Church, Apr. 25

Neighborhood Conference: AI made simple, civic leadership, Route 66, etc., April 25

Quiet library time for neurodivergent children. April 25

Learn to draw manga characters at the Library, April 25

Monrovia Garden Club program on plant reproduction, April 27

Free class on making art with found items, April 29

New exhibit coming on 'How Transportation Shaped Monrovia,' April 30

Trivia night for adults at the Library, May 1

Children's crafts at the Library, May 2

Veterans movie night at the Library, May 2

Classic Car Show at Recreation Park, May 3

Femineer program to host showcase at high school May 4

Blood drive at Monrovia Public Library, May 5

Monrovia Reads fundraiser May 7›Monrovia Reads annual fundraiser, May 7 at 6 p.m.

Trip planned to see Sound of Music May 8

Unity Center needs volunteers for big May 9 food drive

Monrovia Fire & Rescue pancake breakfast, May 9

- Brad Haugaard

Troublesome bear cubs in north Monrovia

A couple Monrovia bear cubs caused their mama - and Pasadena Humane workers - some trouble; one got stuck up a tree for three days and the other got stuck in a storm drain. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard