Arborist to Speak at Foothill Tree Committee Meeting Sept. 19

The Foothill Tree Committee will host its monthly meeting on Thursday, September 19 at 777 E. Greystone Ave. The public is welcome. The meeting will feature a presentation by arborist Gulliver Erickson on shade trees, including tips on planting, placement, and maintenance. Attendees will receive a free oak sapling. The committee focuses on preserving and expanding the local urban forest. An organizers meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for those interested in a more active role. For more information contact Jennifer MacDonald at foothilltreecommittee@gmail.com

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Street Railway on Lemon

Monrovia Street Railway on East Lemon Avenue about 1887. Monrovia Street Railway Company horse car that went between the Santa Fe Depot and the La Vista Grande Hotel and points east. "Direct to LaVista Grand Hotel, Open Year Round, Monrovia. Baggage & Express Delivered." The driver may be Leonidas Barnes (listed in the 1908 City telephone directory as such.) In the background is the former Clubhouse of the Grand View Hotel, converted to a residence for Eliza J Keefer. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

Snugly Moto-Moto Takes Recovery From Tumor Operation In Stride

Five-year-old husky Moto-Moto came to us in rough shape. He had a large tumor on his right hind leg that was causing him difficulty.

Thankfully, the shelter's veterinary staff successfully removed the tumor and felt he has a good prognosis. He was fitted with a special boot to prevent him from dragging his foot that he will probably have to wear indefinitely.

Despite this adversity, Moto has been taking everything in stride. He is an excellent patient, mainly because he sees every opportunity he has with anyone he meets as a chance to get some snuggling. He is like a big, fluffy teddy bear as he makes his way from person to person, soaking in all the attention.

Moto was recently staying with one of the Pasadena Humane foster families, and they rave about him. They say he seems to like other dogs and loves all the people he’s met, even kids. He can be a picky eater, but he has lots of favorite snacks, and he’s a big fan of squeaky toys.

This sweet boy is just waiting for his forever snuggle-buddy. If you are looking for an affectionate, mellow dude, come meet Moto!

Because of Moto’s age, he is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program. His adoption fee is waived for any adopter over 60.

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 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30 and can be scheduled online. 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

Kiwanis Club Cancels Taste of Old Town

The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia issued the following statement:

“The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia regrets to inform you that A Taste of Old Town Monrovia 2024 has been cancelled. Economic conditions have made it difficult to have a successful event as we have done in the past, and more importantly, one that our community has come to enjoy and expect. After meeting with many food and beverage vendors, we understand now how much 2024 has been a struggle for them. Between inflated costs with both food and beverage, in addition to staffing issues and wages, many of the vendors we wanted to have participate in the event were unable to do so this year.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High Students Learn Entrepreneurship Through Venture Valley Game

On September 13, Monrovia High School hosted the Wildcats Biz Battle, a dynamic Venture Valley Game tournament organized in collaboration with the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and the K12 Foothill Consortium. More than 70 students participated in this interactive business simulation, which challenges players to make strategic decisions and manage multiple businesses.

The day began with speeches from Venture Valley’s Executive Game Producer - and Monrovian - Nick Night, Principal Adrian Ayala, and Amy Foell from the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, all of whom highlighted the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Monrovia High School CTE teachers Mr. Carlson and Mr. Clauson played a crucial role in organizing and securing student participation for this event. The Venture Valley team worked closely with the Monrovia Unified School District on this event.

Participants navigated the complexities of business management, from setting item prices and employee wages, to repaying loans, all while competing for the top spots on the leaderboard. The competition was fierce, with the standings frequently shifting as players adjusted their strategies and decisions in real-time. As the tournament drew to a close, the final results showcased the students' skills. Arden emerged as the top player, followed by Klocky in second place and Sumitime in third.

The Wildcats Biz Battle combined learning with competition, providing an experience that highlighted both the students' entrepreneurial talents and the engaging nature of the Venture Valley Game. 

Source: Venture Valley press release

- Brad Haugaard

Kids Learn Music at Music Makers at Library, Sept. 23

Music Makers in Story Room. Monday, Sept. 23, 4 to 5 p.m. Interactive music program for children ages 4-8. Learn rhythm, beat, pitch, tempo through games, songs, and instruments. Music from around the world. No registration required. For information contact: 256-8269 or asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Innovation Lab at Library Wednesday, Sept. 18

Innovation Lab at the Library Story Room, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 3 to 4 p.m. STEAM activities for ages 6-11. Learn, experiment, explore. No registration required. Adults must attend and engage with children. For details contact Josh, 256-8274 or jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Makerspace for Kids Today, Sept. 16, at Library

Pop-Up Makerspace for Kids at Library Story Room today 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Children ages 5-12 create, play, tinker, and learn using various materials and tools. No registration required; drop-in anytime.Every other Monday in September, October, and November.

- Brad Haugaard

City Budget for 2024-25 - $153 Million

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Receive a budget update for fiscal year 2024-25, which projects total revenues of $152.88 million against appropriations of $148.18 million. Details. (In an earlier posted version of this story I stupidly got the income and expenditure numbers mentally reversed, saying the city was in a deficit position.)

~ Consider proclaiming September 15 - October 15, as Hispanic Heritage Month and September as National Preparedness Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Beer, Wine and Music Festival Set for Sept. 28

The Chamber of Commerce will host the 9th annual Beer, Wine, and Music Festival at Library Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. The event will feature local breweries, wineries, and live music. Tickets are $40 presale, $50 at the door, and include 10 tastings. Ages 21+ only. Click here for tickets.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Development Director Craig Jimenez Retiring, Sheri Bermejo to Succeed Him; John Mayer Becoming Planning Manager

Craig Jimenez, Community Development Director, will retire next month after 29 years of service. He joined the city as an administrative intern and held various roles, including nine years as director. Sheri Bermejo will succeed him, with John Mayer becoming Planning Division Manager. Bermejo has 19 years of municipal planning experience; Mayer has worked on key projects since 2018.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Floral Celebrates 100th Birthday

Monrovia Floral recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The shop, located at 119 E Olive Ave, has been serving the community since 1924. Owned by Monrovian Gloria Huss, it is known for flower arrangements and excellent customer service. A celebration took place Saturday, September 7.

- Brad Haugaard

Bookmark Design Contest at Library

The Friends of the Library is hosting its annual Bookmark Contest. Open to all ages, the contest invites participants to design a unique bookmark reflecting love for reading and the Library. Submissions are due by Saturday, Oct. 12, with winners notified Nov. 4. Visit the Library for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Arts Group 'Art Night' Begins Tonight

MAFA’s new Art Night series begins today. Every second Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. artists will display work at Old Town locations. Dates for Old Town Pizza (338 S Myrtle Ave) are Sept. 13, Nov. 8, and Jan. 10, 2025. Grey & Cash (425 S Myrtle Ave) will host on Oct. 11 and Dec. 13. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Job Fair at Adult School Set for Sept. 17

The Community Adult School will host a Job Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 920 S Mountain Ave, Room 33. Job seekers can connect with businesses and explore opportunities. Free In-N-Out for the first 200 participants. Register here to secure a spot.

- Brad Haugaard