To raise the two Monrovia bear cubs orphaned when their mom was euthanized, staff at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center are dressing up like bears to help the cubs keep their wild nature. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Trader Joe's expands food recall
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is expanding its Feb. 20 recall of chicken fried rice. The company writes:
"Related to the Ajinomoto recall initiated on February 19, 2026, in an abundance of caution, we are recalling certain Trader Joe’s frozen products because of the potential that they may be contaminated with foreign material—specifically, glass.
"Affected products:
- Chicken Fried Rice- Best By Dates 03/04/2026 through 02/10/2027
- Vegetable Fried Rice- Best By Dates 02/28/2026 through 11/19/2026
- Japanese Style Fried Rice- Best By Dates 02/28/2026 through 11/14/2026
- Chicken Shu Mai - Best By Dates 03/13/2026 through 10/23/2026
"If you have packages of the products listed above, please do not use them. Please discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund." Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Ticks in our hills
Ticks, according to my research, are active year-round in California, but the risk from adult ticks peaks from late November through April. Nymphs - the poppy-seed-sized immature stage - are most active in spring and early summer. Pacific Coast ticks and Western black-legged ticks thrive in brushy edges, shaded oak groves, tall grass and leaf litter where deer and rodents pass, which is exactly the state of the Wilderness Preserve right now - rather overgrown due to the nice rains we had a bit ago.
While Lyme disease risk is low in Southern California compared to northern coastal areas or the East Coast, other tick-borne illnesses are possible, and bites can cause irritation or infection if not handled promptly.
Health officials and vector control experts recommend:
- Wear long sleeves and light-colored long pants, tucking pants into socks or boots. Light colors make crawling ticks easier to spot.
- Apply a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Treat clothing, socks and shoes with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact and remains effective through several washes. Do not apply permethrin to skin.
- Stay in the center of the trail and avoid brushing against tall vegetation or logs.
- Perform frequent checks and a thorough full-body inspection afterward, focusing on armpits, groin, behind the knees, ears and scalp. Shower soon after returning home and if you think your clothes may have hitchhikers you can put them in the dryer on high heat for 10-15 minutes to kill them.
If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it close to the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for rash, fever or flu-like symptoms. Consult a doctor if symptoms appear. Here is more detail.
And no, they didn't get me. I got them first.
- Brad Haugaard
https://americanhiking.org/ticks/
Orphaned bear cubs will be raised by San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center
The two Monrovia black bear cubs orphaned when their mother was euthanized have been adopted by the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. The approximately 3-month-old brothers arrived March 15 at the center and will be raised with minimal human contact to preserve wild behavior. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Easygoing Cliffy is an affectionate pit bull who gets along with dogs, cats, and pretty much everyone
Cliffy is a 7-year-old pit bull mix with a heart as big as his 60-pound frame. This handsome, easygoing guy has settled beautifully into his foster home, where he's shown just how much he enjoys being part of a family. Whether he's lounging nearby or trotting over for some affection, Cliffy is happiest when he's spending time with his people.
In his foster home, Cliffy lives alongside other dogs and even a cat, and he's proven himself to be a respectful and adaptable companion. He's housetrained and already has a solid foundation of basic training cues, making him an easy addition to a home looking for a well-mannered dog. Cliffy appreciates a calm, structured environment and will thrive with adopters who continue to support his good habits.
Cliffy's mellow, affectionate personality makes him a wonderful match for someone looking for a loyal companion without the high-energy demands of a younger dog. He enjoys his daily routines, cozy naps, and gentle companionship—he's the kind of dog who will happily be your steady sidekick through life's quieter moments.
As part of our Seniors-for-Seniors program, Cliffy's adoption fee is waived for adopters aged 60 and over, making it even easier to welcome this deserving pup into your home. If you're looking for a devoted, well-rounded companion to share your days with, Cliffy might just be your perfect match.
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
TV report about John Shaw, the 'guy with a sign'
KABC Eyewitness News posted a video report, here, about Monrovian John Shaw, who holds up encouraging signs at the corner of Myrtle and Huntington. Messages such as ...
- Be a light in the dark
- Tacos > Anything
- ❤️ your neighbor
- Stay weird
- Resist despair
- etc.
- Brad Haugaard
Bubble Art Bunnies at the Library, April 2
Bubble Art Bunnies craft program set for April 2 at the Library. April 2, 3 to 4 p.m., Community Room. Children ages 6-11 will decorate bunny cutouts using bubble paint as part of a spring arts and crafts activity. Hands-on project. Space limited. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
One City, One Story finale March 28
One City, One Story finale Mar. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Station Square Park. Information booths, student performances, interactive activities, raffles, and community recognition. Open to all ages. Free parking at the Metro lot and Santa Fe Middle School. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
CBS Morning News reports on Monrovia schools
Canyon Early Learning Center
Monrovia Robotics
Dual Immersion at Plymouth
Math
Marching Band
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia baseball player Troy Grise named SoCal 'Player of the Week'
Monrovia Wildcat Troy Grise was named Southern California Player of the Week after a dominant two-game stretch. Grise recorded five hits, three home runs, and seven RBIs. Grise credits faith, hard work, confidence, and family support for his success, especially his father’s influence. He encourages players to relax, outwork others, and stay positive.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia swim team first at Savanna Invitational
Monrovia's JV Boys Swim Team took first overall at the Savanna Invitational. The team finished first out of 25 teams, bringing home 44 individual medals.
- Brad Haugaard
City Manager on bear clawing
He adds: "But perhaps what is equally tragic, is the misplaced anger and vitriol directed at a woman who was walking her dog. The decision to euthanize the bear was not hers to make and she did absolutely nothing wrong. I have seen far too many claims about 'what happened' from people who weren't there. I have personally spoken with the first residents to respond to the scene and help this poor woman."
Further, he said, "The City Council and staff are engaging with our state legislators and officials with the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. Perhaps we can inspire change while also learning from the tragedy of this week. And we're working to learn more about the two cubs...it would be wonderful if we can sponsor and support them until a time they could be returned to our Monrovia foothills."
- Brad Haugaard
Proposed wastewater rate increase of $2.50–$2.75/month; protests due May 27
The LA County Sanitation Districts have proposed wastewater service charge rate increases for Monrovia residents. For single-family homeowners, the proposed monthly rate increase is between $2.50 and $2.75, beginning July 1. You can protest if you like. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Art on the Box contest open through March 30
Monrovia's Art in Public Places Committee is seeking artists for the Art on the Box contest. Artists are invited to transform city-owned utility cabinets into works of art on the theme "Monrovia Moments." Four utility boxes are available for painting, and selected artists receive a $750 stipend. Applications accepted through March 30. For details contact Kerri Zessau at 626-932-5564 or kzessau@monroviaca.gov.
- Brad Haugaard
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