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Breakfast at JB Burgers


Breakfast at JB Burgers, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got the bacon and eggs special for $9.75 and a large decaf coffee for $3.40. Very good, and you won’t go away hungry.

- Brad Haugaard

Calm and loving Nila looking for quiet and cozy home


Nila is a gentle, wise, and oh-so-sweet senior German Shepherd looking for a loving home to spend her golden years. This 8-year-old sweetheart may have a little grayer on her muzzle, but her heart is as full of love as ever! 

Nila is all about the simple joys in life—soft beds, belly rubs, and leisurely strolls where she can sniff to her heart’s content. She’s got a calm and loving nature, always happy to be by your side, whether it’s for a lazy afternoon nap or just keeping you company while you read or watch TV.

This lovely gal is the definition of a loyal companion. She’ll listen to all your stories, greet you with a happy tail wag, and remind you daily how special senior dogs truly are. She’s looking for a quiet, cozy home where she can be spoiled with love, gentle scratches, and maybe even a few extra treats.  

If you’re searching for a sweet, soulful best friend who will bring warmth and love into your life, Nila is ready to fill that spot. Could you be her perfect match? 

Nila’s age makes her eligible for Pasadena Humane’s Seniors for Seniors Program. Her adoption fee is waived for any adopter over the age of 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 10:00 – 5:00. 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: Inside the old Library, in 2009

Patrons use the outdated and crowded 1950s-era library in Library Park prior to its replacement with a new, larger and modern facility in 2009. [I liked that old Library - Brad] 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

Long Unmarked Graves of Two Extraordinary African American Women to be Marked

Two notable African American Monrovia sisters, whose resting places lie unmarked at Monrovia's Live Oak Memorial Park, will finally be recognized and markers added to their graves.

A program highlighting the lives and legacies of Anna H. Jones and Dr. Sophia B. Jones, will be held on Saturday, May 3 beginning with a program and luncheon at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock Ave., followed by the dedication of their grave markers at 3 p.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park. The event and luncheon are free and open to the public. Please RSVP by April 25 to (626) 664-6537 or spicerbatice@gmail.com.

These sisters, born in the 1850s, were pioneers in education and medicine, overcoming racial and gender barriers. Yet their stories are barely known here.

Anna was a visionary educator, suffragist, and civil rights leader who made lasting contributions to higher learning in the US. She broke new ground as a teacher at Ohio's Wilberforce University, where she also served as Dean of Women. Later, she became the first African American teacher in Kansas City and then the first African American principal of Douglass School, a public school for African Americans. She founded the Kansas City Colored Women’s League, was a founding member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, and in 1900 delivered a paper at the first Pan-African Congress in London. Eventually, she settled with her siblings at 1301 S. Shamrock Ave. in Monrovia, had a small orange ranch and continued her fight for social justice by founding the “Anna H. Jones Club,” still going strong, to help local graduates pursue a college education.

Sophia was equally determined but focused on the medical field. Denied admission because of her race to the medical school at the University of Toronto, where she earned an undergraduate degree, she pursued her dream in the U.S., in 1885 becoming the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School. She became the first Black female faculty member at Spelman College in Atlanta, establishing its nursing program. She went on to teach at Wilberforce University, serve at Frederick Douglass Hospital, and publish influential work on public health. She, too, spent her final years at the family home on South Shamrock. Both operated in the highest circles of elite Black activists. Their close friend W.E.B. Du Bois, co-founder of the NAACP, marked each of their passings in his national magazine, The Crisis.

Their stories underscore perseverance, scholarship, and activism. This gathering will celebrate their achievements and reveal little-known aspects of their roles in shaping higher education and medicine. All are invited to learn more about these extraordinary women and witness the dedication of newly placed grave markers honoring them at Live Oak Memorial Park.

Sponsors: Second Baptist Church, Monrovia ChangeMakers, Monrovia Historical Society, Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association, Anna H. Jones Club, Live Oak Cemetery, Randy Montgomery & Valley Monument.

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager to speak on low-income housing at open Kiwanis meeting

City Manager Dylan Feik will discuss the planned low-cost housing development between Colorado and Olive on the first block west of Myrtle at an open-to-the-public Monrovia Kiwanis Club luncheon Thursday, April 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Jake’s Roadhouse, 622 S. Myrtle Ave. Lunch available for purchase.

- Brad Haugaard

Plymouth School first in Monrovia Elementary Olympics


Plymouth Elementary took first place in this year’s Monrovia Elementary Olympics, held March 27 at Monrovia High. Lots of photos here.

- Brad Haugaard

Here's the schedule for Monrovia Days - May 16-18

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Unity Center distributing free N95 masks for those helping fire cleanup

Free N95 masks are available to help residents affected by January’s wildfires protect against harmful airborne particles during the clean-up period. Foothill Unity Center, in partnership with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, Walgreens, and Cedars-Sinai, is distributing masks donated by the latter two. Pickup at 790 W. Chestnut Avenue, Monrovia, Monday and Friday, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

“Prolonged exposure to smoke and particulate matter can have long-term health implications, including an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis,” said Mary McGowan, CEO of FSR. “We are incredibly grateful to Walgreens and Cedars-Sinai for their support and generous contributions.”

- Brad Haugaard

Former Juvo+ office to become medical center

Image from Google Maps.

A medical outpatient facility offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy is planned for the former Juvo+ office at the northwest corner of Foothill and Acacia. The company, Casa Colina Healthcare, operates multiple facilities, mostly in Pomona but also in Azusa and the High Desert. The proposed facility (details here) will be considered by the Planning Commission at its next meeting.  Agenda here

- Brad Haugaard

Bubble art for children, April 16 at Library


Spring Bubble Art craft at the Library, Wednesday, April 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. Children 5–12 will paint hydrangeas using bubble art techniques. Held in the Story Room.

- Brad Haugaard 

Free movie for vets - The Amateur


Free movie for veterans at LOOK Cinemas, Saturday, April 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. The film is “The Amateur”. Veterans and service members receive two complimentary tickets with registration.  Register here.

- Brad Haugaard 

STEAM activities for children at Library April 9


Innovation Lab at the Library Story Room on Wednesday, April 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. Hands-on STEAM-related activity for children ages 6–11. No registration required.

- Brad Haugaard 

Concerts being joined by festival; Artists joining street fair


The Summer Concerts at Station Square will be joined by a family festival, including food and family activities for attendees of the weekly concerts, on Sundays, from May 25 through June 29, 4 to 9 p.m.

Also, to give greater exposure to local artists, the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is re-timing its Summer Art Walks to be on the last Friday of June, July, and August, and right on Myrtle with the street fair.

- Brad Haugaard

Photos with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunt


Photos with the Easter Bunny Photos at Library Park on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, Library Storytime, arts and crafts, lawn games, and other photo opportunities. For details, contact Community Services at 256-8246.

Also, Easter Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Recreation Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m.  Call 256-8246 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Free compost and mulch for residents, April 12


Free compost and mulch available to residents April 12. The City and Athens Services will provide free compost and mulch for residents on April 12. Self-service only, bring a shovel, dolly, and sturdy container. No plastic bags. Gloves and eye protection recommended. Proof of residency required, either ID or Athens bill with a local address.

- Brad Haugaard