Q&A: Help for veterans at Monrovia Public Library

Librarian and Veterans Resource Center Coordinator Maira Hernandez-Andrade and Library Supervisor Kurt Gally. Photo provided by Kurt Gally.

Monrovia Public Library’s Veterans Resource Center helps veterans navigate benefits and connect with housing, mental health and employment resources. With Veterans Day coming up, we asked Library Supervisor Kurt Gally about common requests the Center gets, barriers to getting help, and plans for the coming year. 

What brings veterans to the center most often, and what gets in the way of prompt help?

Gally: The most common reasons veterans and their family members visit are assistance navigating VA benefits, including disability compensation; college fee waivers for eligible family members; and a veteran designation on their driver’s licenses.

The timeline for receiving assistance often depends on factors beyond the center’s control, including the availability of a Veterans Service Officer and response times from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

Many older veterans are unfamiliar with the VA mobile app, making it harder to check claims and receive updates. The center has a Veterans Peer Access Network representative on-site every Tuesday who can assist with this process, no appointment needed. The network also helps with housing, mental health and employment inquiries.

Which veterans are least likely to use the center, and how are you reaching them?

Gally: Based on feedback during veterans’ programs and events, younger veterans appear to be among the least likely to use the center. Work schedules, family responsibilities and the feeling that they are taking opportunities away from older veterans can be barriers.

The center offers monthly programs for veterans of all ages and their families. These informal gatherings introduce visitors to the center and its resources without the pressure of a formal service appointment.

Staff also visit local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and attend community events, including the Annual Congressional Veterans Forum hosted by Representatives Gil Cisneros and Judy Chu. Our monthly e-newsletter shares a calendar, announces programs and recaps past events. Sign up here.

What should veterans expect over the next year?

Gally: We plan to continue programs that bring veterans and their families together and connect them with community resources.

A trip to the American Military Museum in El Monte is planned for Jan. 30, 2027. Registered participants will receive free transportation from the library and a free guided tour, with an opportunity to connect with fellow veterans.

The center is also planning a spring 2027 program with the Veterans Peer Access Network to help veterans learn to navigate the VA mobile app. Hands-on guidance will focus on checking claims, accessing information and receiving updates, particularly for older veterans who need help using online services.

- Brad Haugaard

Spicer reports $10,950 in contributions; Kelly $6,452, Rojas $1,510

Monrovia City Council campaign committees reported monetary contributions this year of $10,949.92 for Larry Spicer, $6,451.84 for Tamala Kelly and $1,510 for Jesus Rojas, according to their Form 460 statements covering activity through Oct. 17 and filed by Oct. 22.

Rojas also reported a $10,000 loan from himself and Spicer reported $450 in nonmonetary contributions. Those amounts are separate from the monetary-contribution totals above.

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween line dancing at Monrovia VFW Oct. 26

A Halloween-themed line-dancing evening will be held Monday, Oct. 26, at the Monrovia VFW, at Magnolia and Chestnut, starting at 6:45 p.m. with dancing ending around 9:30 p.m. A group photo is planned for 7:15 p.m., followed by lessons from 7:20–8:20 p.m. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and October birthdays will be celebrated.

- Brad Haugaard

Starlight Cinemas proposes new signs and copper trim for Old Town theater

Proposed look for new Starlight Cinemas.

Starlight Cinemas is proposing new signs, copper-colored trim and four illuminated movie-poster cases for the former Look theater as it prepares to reopen later this fall, according to a city staff report. Details.

The plans retain the building’s arches and marquee structures while replacing Look’s identification with Starlight lettering and Art Deco fan logos. Staff recommends approval with conditions requiring indirect, halo-style sign lighting and no flashing or animated illumination.

The Historic Preservation Commission will review the plans Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 415 S. Ivy Avenue (agenda here).

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets still available for Oct. 24 Live Oak Cemetery tour

Tickets are still available for the Live Oak Cemetery tour Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3:30–5 p.m., according to Sandy Burud, president of the Monrovia Historical Society. Jim Wigton, president of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, will lead the tour. Tickets are $25, benefiting the Historical Society; the tour is limited to 25 guests. Register online or at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave. Information: 626-256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Ed Cunningham honored posthumously with Golden Acorn award

The Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation honored longtime Canyon Park trail boss Ed Cunningham posthumously with its Golden Acorn award at its fall event. His daughter, Kim, accepted on his behalf, the Foundation said.

Cunningham, who died June 11, served as Canyon Park’s trail boss for 28 years. He helped establish and maintain trails, developed Nature Center exhibits and interpretive tours, and trained volunteers and park staff, according to the City’s June tribute.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia schools gain in science and math; graduation rate reaches 96.7%

Monrovia Unified’s graduation rate rose to 96.7%, from 94.9% in 2025, while students gained ground in science and math, according to the 2026 California School Dashboard.

The district’s science score increased 3.7 points to 56.8, reaching the state’s Green performance level. Math improved 7.2 points but remained 22.4 points below proficient. English Language Arts remained Green, at 11.6 points above proficient.

The share of graduates classified as prepared for college and careers reached 59.9%, compared with 56.1% in 2025. Chronic absenteeism declined to 12.5%, from 14.8%.

These are districtwide results for the Dashboard’s “All Students” group. The district highlighted the figures in a Facebook announcement. Prior-year results are here.

- Brad Haugaard

Free fall and winter planting workshop, Nov. 7

Earth Commons Community Garden will hold a free fall and winter planting workshop Nov. 7 at noon at the corner of Greystone and Mountain. Karen from Armstrong Garden Centers will discuss planting in cooler months. Snacks and plant starts will be available. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

FEMA: Prepare for possible El Niño flooding

The city is sharing FEMA's flood-preparation advice as El Niño develops:

• Review insurance now, because most homeowners and renters policies exclude flood damage, and National Flood Insurance Program coverage generally has a 30-day waiting period.
• Clear gutters and drains.
• Save digital copies of important documents, photograph belongings.
• Sign up for alerts and prepare emergency supplies, including for pets.
• Residents downhill or downstream from burn areas should prepare for flash floods and debris flows and follow evacuation orders.
• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Black alumni association scholarship gala, Nov. 14

The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will hold its scholarship gala Nov. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia, 924 W. Huntington Drive. A reception starts at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. The theme, "Legacy of Faith in the Community," honors alumni serving as pastors and ministers. Dinner and entertainment are included. Tickets are $75 online. For other payment options, contact mdbaainfo@gmail.com or 626-664-6537. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Library Story Room construction starts Oct. 26; children's area to close

Construction to expand Monrovia Public Library's Story Room from about 700 to 2,000 square feet starts Oct. 26, with completion expected in December. The library will remain open, but the children's area, including the Children's Desk, Story Room, nearby juvenile collection and Big Cozy spaces, will close during construction. Storytime and other programs will move to the Community Room or Community Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Bradoaks Fall Festival Oct. 23 to support student field trips

Intrepid comedy show at Underdog Bookstore Oct. 23

‘Coco’ movie night and potluck at Earth Commons Oct. 23

Painted Promises art fundraiser, Oct. 23–25

Free bulky-item drop-off Oct. 24 at Station Square

Live Oak Cemetery tour returns, Oct. 24

Sensory-friendly morning at the Library, Oct. 24

Volunteers sought for Make a Difference Day, Oct. 24

Free health screenings at USC Arcadia Hospital Oct. 25

Taste of Old Town Returns Oct. 25

Jewish Book Festival: Oct. 25 through Dec. 6

Chick-fil-A Monrovia to host Fall Fest Oct. 26

Garden club talk on adding native plants, Oct. 26

Novel T's book club at the Library, Oct. 27

Pop-up makerspace for teens at the Library, Oct. 28

Veterans meetup includes breakfast at Merengue Bakery, Oct. 28

Watercolor workshop set for Oct. 28

Big band dance social coming to Old Town Oct. 30

Mobile Vote Center at Street Fair on Oct. 30

Calvary Chapel Harvest event set for Oct. 31

Halloween Spooktacular and Trick-or-Treat Bash, Oct. 31

Barks and books at the Library, Nov. 3

November Adult Craft at the Library, Nov. 3

Storytime at the Library, Nov. 4

Free fire-resilient gardening workshops, Nov. 5

Native plant sale and 200-tree giveaway, Nov. 14

Community Prayer Breakfast set for Nov. 20

- Brad Haugaard

Bradoaks Fall Festival Oct. 23 to support student field trips

Bradoaks Elementary PTA will hold its Fall Festival Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 930 E. Lemon Ave. Games, music, food, face painting, balloon art and a haunted house will help raise money for student field trips.

- Brad Haugaard

School board to consider $474,000 communications project; Bradoaks playground hazards; bullying policy; Etc.

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board of Education (agenda) will ...

~ Consider a $473,921.78 Measure MM communications project at Plymouth and Wild Rose, including emergency notifications, bells and public-address systems, with a $45,000 contingency included. Details.

~ Receive a facilities report identifying severe Bradoaks playground asphalt deterioration, including wide cracks, loose gravel, holes and gaps allowing pests beneath adjacent portable classrooms. Details.

~ Review a proposed bullying policy addressing off-campus, after-hours cyberbullying that creates a hostile educational environment. This is a first reading, not adoption. Details.

~ Receive an arts funding report listing $819,983 in Proposition 28 allocations for 2026–27, down from $883,721 in 2025–26. Details.

The public meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the district office, 325 E. Huntington Drive.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Fillet Sushi

Dinner at Fillet Sushi, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the mustard albacore roll for $21 and a beer for the happy hour price of $7. Very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard