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Monrovia Restaurant Adds Mural of a Former Customer, Dodgers Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela

Monrovia restaurant, Max's Mexican Cuisine, has honored former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela with a mural depicting him about to pitch. Valenzuela was a frequent customer of the restaurant. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company to Begin Trading on Stock Market

Invizyne Technologies, Inc. of Monrovia will begin trading on the NASDAQ stock index on Nov. 13 using the symbol IZTC. Invizyne is “a cell-free enzyme-based biomanufacturing technology company” that is  “redefining biomanufacturing by leveraging cell-free, multi-step, enzyme-based systems to efficiently transform natural or renewable resources into highly sought after biochemicals.” Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Laid Back Chewie…But Maybe No Cats


Chewie is a sweet and gentle soul with a laid-back personality. She’s a lovely companion, always happy to relax by your side or follow you around the house with her soft, smiling eyes. Chewie enjoys her rope toys and chew toys, taking treats with the utmost gentleness, and she’s friendly and relaxed with visitors, even in busy environments. She’s also comfortable around other dogs and seems to enjoy the company of her furry friends.

Chewie is well-behaved on walks, though she’ll benefit from a bit more training. She’s done well in meeting new dogs while on leash, although she prefers calm greetings and probably does best in a home without cats. Loud noises aren’t her favorite, so a quieter home would suit her well. She takes daily medication to support her mobility, and while she can’t jump up on furniture by herself, she’s perfectly content with a cozy spot on the floor (or with some doggy stairs for a gentle boost!).  

Chewie will thrive with a family that understands her need for companionship, gentle play, and a steady routine. If you're looking for a calm and loving friend who’ll be your shadow and a relaxed presence in your home, Chewie is your girl!

Chewie and all other pets over five years old have their adoption fees waived throughout November in celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month!

The normal 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.

- Brad Haugaard 

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Will Perform Two Christmas Concerts

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will hold a Hallelujah Sing Along on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Select choruses from Handel's Messiah and from favorite holiday carols. Tickets here.

Also, SGVCC will hold its annual holiday concert, "Crystal Carols, a blend of traditional and contemporary holiday music, on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s. Tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovians on a Hayride

Monrovians enjoying a hayride in about 1900. Second from left is Anna Crews (whose father owned Crews' Drugstore). Sixth from left is Eva Harvey (daughter of the Monrovia Planet Editor), Fred Tripp (feet on rear wheel). Roger Brown (who married Kathleen Bartle) at rear. Kathleen Bartle (7th from left?). Steve Baker's family bought Crews' Drugstore in 1909, which Ben F. Crews had established earlier that year. It later became Baker's Pharmacy located at 608 S. Myrtle Ave. 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

Veterans Day in Library Park

Veterans Day in Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard 

Teen Game Hangout at Library, Nov. 15


Teen Game Hangout at the Library Community Room. Friday, Nov. 15, 3 to 5 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to hang out, enjoy snacks, and play Nintendo Switch games like Mario Kart and Smash Ultimate, along with a variety of board games. No registration needed. For information contact Teen Librarian Amanda at acarey@monroviaca.gov or 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Get a Sliver of Arcadia

Monrovia may soon obtain a very small slice of Arcadia. The owner of the Arcadia property at 923 South 10th Ave. (at the west end of El Norte) want it in the same jurisdiction as two adjacent parcels already within Monrovia. If approved this would allow for the development of up to six dwelling units across the combined properties, although no specific construction plans have been proposed. The matter will come before the Monrovia Planning Commission at its Tuesday meeting. Details.

- Brad Haugaard


Veterans Day Ceremony Today at Library Park


There will be a Veterans Day ceremony today, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. hosted by the Allied Veterans Council at Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider Improvement Plan for Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School, Sending Boys Soccer Team to Tournament


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

~ Approving a School Plan for Student Achievement for Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. The plan identifies several areas that need improvement:

  • English Learners, students with disabilities, foster, homeless, and socio-economically disadvantaged students, are performing poorly in English and Mathematics.
  • There is a lack of family involvement, with only 21 percent of families feeling welcomed to participate, and 17 percent feeling encouraged as active partners.
  • Although the attendance rate is 93 percent, there's a need to address chronic absenteeism through stronger school-family partnerships.
  • There is a need to boost academic performance across all student groups.

Details

~ Approving an extended field trip for the Monrovia High Boys Soccer Team to participate in the 2024 Soccer Tournament at Paso Robles High School from Dec. 5 - 7. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets on Sale for Community Prayer Breakfast Nov. 22

The 58th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast will be held Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased here  by November 15. Contact prayerbreakfast@monroviaca.gov for questions.

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters vs. Cops Charity Basketball Nov. 23


Battle of the Badges charity basketball game between Firefighters and Police Associations will be held Nov. 23 at Monrovia High gym starting at 5:30 p.m. with tacos, followed by 6:30 p.m. tip-off. Tickets are $5 for ages 13+, free for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased at Fire and Police Department lobbies starting Nov. 11.

- Brad Haugaard

Applications Being Accepted for Opening on Monrovia Library Board


Applications are being accepted for an unscheduled Library Board vacancy with a term ending June 30, 2025. The deadline to apply is November 18. Contact the City Clerk's office at 932-5599 for questions.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Chief Alan Sanvictores Retiring After 29 Years


Monrovia Police Chief Alan Sanvictores will retire after 29 years of service. Beginning as a Reserve Police Officer in 1995, he became Chief in 2017, implementing Community Activist Policing. The City Council will recognize him during his final meeting on November 19 at 7:30 p.m. Captain Heath Harvey will become Police Chief, and John Donchig will be promoted to Police Captain, both effective December 1. Harvey brings 27 years of law enforcement experience, while Donchig, who joined in 2006, currently leads the Foothill Special Enforcement Team.

- Brad Haugaard

Pathway Home Program Reduces Homeless Encampments


Monrovia's Pathway Home program has provided short-term housing for 52 homeless individuals, also offering meals and care. The program, in partnership with LA County and Duarte, "has been a significant step towards reducing encampments by addressing the actual housing needs of our unhoused community," according to a city report  Video here

- Brad Haugaard