Monrovia High School has released a video introducing its newest teachers. See it here.
- Brad Haugaard
Video introduces new teachers at Monrovia High
Monrovia High School has released a video introducing its newest teachers. See it here.
Storytime at the Library, Aug. 12
Children ages 2–5 can enjoy stories, songs and a sensory activity or craft at the Library on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Details
- Brad Haugaard
Sensory-Friendly Morning for Neurodivergent Children at the Library, Aug. 22
Children ages 2–11 and accompanying adults can enjoy a lower-stimulation morning with sensory toys and art supplies at the Library on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.Register.
- Brad Haugaard
Request for bids on Library renovation are out, West Nile virus detected; Etc.
August 4 Monrovia City Council special meeting, summarized by AI.
• Library renovation bid documents are out, with more than 20 contractors attending the pre-bid meeting; council approval expected in September. The community center RFP is expected within weeks, with council approval likely in October. 222 E. Cypress is also out to bid.
• LA County’s point-in-time homeless count showed Monrovia’s unsheltered population rose from 9 to 15, but sheltered persons jumped from 0 to 27, largely due to the Pathway Home project. Improvised encampments fell from 21 to 13. Officials cited a positive long-term declining trend.
• The Pathway Home shelter program, closed in February, served 52 people; most moved to permanent supportive housing in Baldwin Park. Mayor Shevlin asked for a follow-up report on those residents’ long-term housing status.
• West Nile virus was detected in a dead bird in Monrovia — the city’s first positive. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has launched a sterile mosquito pilot program. Residents who find dead birds and suspect West Nile should contact the district, here.
• Mayor Shevlin was named vice chair of the L.A. County City Selection Committee, which coordinates countywide board appointments. She and Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez were designated Monrovia’s voting delegate and alternate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Assembly.
• Vons supermarket marked its 40th anniversary. The Burr House had its grand opening, with Café Viola expected to open soon for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. The restaurant was described as unlike anything else in Monrovia or the San Gabriel Valley.
• Upcoming events: final SPOT teen session Friday at Library Park (5 p.m., grades 6–12); Wicked for Good movie night Aug. 8 at Recreation Park; Bumptown band Aug. 9 at Library Park; Kids Crafts in the Canyon Aug. 22 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.); family hike and campout Aug. 29–30; Fountain to Falls run/walk Sept. 19 (registration opens Aug. 17).
• The summer intern program concluded with well-received presentations; intern coordinator Haley received particular praise. The city’s eight-week summer high school pool partnership also wrapped up.
• Council expressed condolences on the passing of the aunt of Assistant City Manager Lauren Vasquez.
Complete meeting video here.
- Brad Haugaard
Advertising now available on MonroviaNow
Number of views on MonroviaNow - July 7 - Aug. 2.
MonroviaNow started as an experiment 16 years ago. I had been a newspaper reporter - including some time next door at the little Arcadia Tribune - but when the Internet came along it was clear that newspapers were in deep trouble and I was concerned about how people in smaller cities would learn what was going on in their communities. So I started MonroviaNow.Part One of the experiment was to provide news. I've been doing that ever since and I think it has worked out fairly well.
But the other part of the experiment is financing. I enjoy doing it, even for free, but it is unclear if it can sustain itself as a business instead of just being a one-man charity. For that reason I'm introducing simple text-only ads as Part Two of the experiment.
These ads are intended to be family friendly (think "Leave it to Beaver" family friendly) and will be displayed in the left column of the desktop version of MonroviaNow; not on the mobile version or on social media. These are simple text ads, each in its own box, not the super annoying ads that appear between every paragraph of an article.
This last month, July, MonroviaNow had 909,537 page views, though that includes views from mobile devices. And, sorry, I don't have the percentage of desktop vs. mobile.
If you are interested in advertising (It's still experimental, so be patient), click HERE.
Thanks,
- Brad Haugaard
When 'The Doors' played at Monrovia High School Auditorium
In 1967 The Doors rock band played at an Arcadia/Monrovia High concert at the Monrovia High Auditorium. The Doors weren't the first choice, but they were cheaper. A few weeks later they would definitely not be cheaper be as their hit, "Light My Fire," hit the top of the charts. Full story at the Monrovia Historical Museum website, here.
- Brad Haugaard
Pool-loving pittie Rocco is a gentle, happy summer sidekick
If summer had a mascot, Rocco would be it! This 5-year-old pittie is pure love and has his summer priorities perfectly sorted: splash in the pool, eat some snacks, get plenty of scratches, and lounge around with his favorite people.
Rocco is a gentle, happy guy who knows how to sit and shake, loves a good treat, and will happily nudge you with his nose when you stop petting him before he's ready. Now all he needs is a summer sidekick of his own. Come meet Rocco at Pasadena Humane and make this hot dog part of your summer plans!
And there's no better time to adopt — now through August 9, adoption fees for dogs and cat 6 months and older, like Rocco, are waived at Pasadena Humane as part of the Hot Dog & Cool Cat Summer 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: A Used Pontiac Car Dealership on Huntington Drive
This photo, from around 1960, shows a new and used Pontiac car dealership on Huntington Drive. From the Dick Singer 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
Grow Monrovia Hosts Tree Petition Party Thursday at the Library
- Brad Haugaard
Current local job opportunities - August
Also, drop by America's Job Center of California at the Monrovia Community Adult School at 920 S. Mountain Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday or Wednesday, or from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
And some more links for nearby:
LA County
And even more general:
CalJOBS (state employment)
- Brad Haugaard
Free home energy evaluations available through eSGV program
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments' Efficient San Gabriel Valley program is offering free home energy evaluations for Monrovia-area residents. Appointments include a 30–45-minute discussion with SGVCOG staff and a free, personalized energy-savings report. Free in-person and online evaluations are available. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police hosting National Night Out, Aug. 4
The Monrovia Police Department is hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Library Park. Meet your first responders. The event will include food, local vendors, and raffles.
- Brad Haugaard
Jazz and R&B Festival at Station Square Park, Aug. 15
The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will present its 2026 Jazz and R&B Festival at Station Square Park, 1629 S. Myrtle Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. The event is for those 21 and over.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Library, Community Center open as cooling centers
The Monrovia Public Library and Community Center are available as cooling centers during summer heat. The Library is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The Community Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Historic walking tour of Old Town Monrovia, Aug. 1
The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will lead a walking tour of historic downtown Monrovia on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. The tour starts at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues, lasts about two hours, and costs $5 per person.
- Brad Haugaard
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