The Drought Is Over

The drought is over, according to the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.

In its Pipeline News the district says that, “While the most recent drought is effectively over, we must remember we live in a region where most years are dry, where drought will return and where climate change makes the work of water planning and delivery challenging. The reality remains that if we’re not in a drought, we are probably either getting into one or recovering from one.”

The report adds that as of April 1, the water level has increased to 204.9 feet above mean sea level, compared to 189.7 feet in March, 179.4 feet in February and 179.2 feet in January. A level between 200 and 250 feet is considered healthy.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Saigon Avenue

Dinner at Saigon Avenue, on the south side of Lemon half a block east of Myrtle. Got the sautéed chicken sandwich for $11 and a beer for $6. Nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Service 10 a.m. at Library Park

- Brad Haugaard

Muñeco: Paparazzi Don’t Bother This Dog

Muñeco is a handsome Husky who is sure to turn heads wherever he goes. This beautiful boy loves being the center of attention, so the double-takes and stares don’t bother him at all. Paparazzi are just part of the game for this dude.

Thankfully, Muñeco is more than just a pretty face. His name translates to “Sweetie”, and it’s perfect for him. He loves everyone he meets and soaks in the pets and scratches. His easy-going demeanor and laid-back attitude also vibe well with the So Cal lifestyle that he deserves.

All large dogs’ adoption fee is reduced by 50% until April 11th. Come meet the movie star Muñeco today!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

- Brad Haugaard 



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.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

Water District Art Contest Deadline May 1

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District is accepting artwork until 5 p.m. May 1 for its annual "Water is Life" art contest on the theme, "Being Water Wise Is...". Students in grades K-12 are eligible to participate. Submissions are due by May 1st at 5 p.m. Details

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 'Neat and Attractive Cottage' of Dr. R.D. Adams

Home of Dr. R.D. Adams, circa 1896. 201 W. White Oak (Foothill) now 113 N Primrose. The women may be Dr. Adams' wife Callie and daughter. "Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897 writes: The neat and attractive cottage home of Dr. R.D. Adams is to be found at the corner of White Oak and Primrose avenues. Dr. Adams came to California from Kansas in 1888, and four years later took up his residence in Monrovia, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Stewart. His office is located on Myrtle Avenue near the post office. The doctor is a member of the School Board and is greatly interested in the education of the youth of the community." 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

Workshops on Shade Gardening; Birds, Bees, and Other Pollinators

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is offering two free online workshops in April, "Gardening in the Shade" and "Birds, Bees, and other Pollinators."

Gardening in the Shade will take place on Thursday, April 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will cover topics such as designing for dry shade gardens, creating cool retreats, adding color, landscaping on hillsides, working under/near trees, and irrigation considerations. Register here.

Birds, Bees, and other Pollinators will be held on Tuesday, April 25, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom. This workshop will cover topics such as creating a pollinator oasis, attracting pollinators with plants, the role of native plants in supporting wildlife, and factors that threaten pollinator health. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Website Recomends: ‘Consider Monrovia’

A website called california.com writes: “If you're looking for a quiet and friendly community to call home, consider Monrovia.” The article. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Battle of Bands April 14

Monrovia High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association will host the 17th annual Battle of the Bands on April 14 from 6-10 p.m. The event will feature 14 teen bands from Southern California. Attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes such as spa treatments from Park Place Medi Spa, a signed Eric Nash skateboard deck, and a Michael Anthony signed Fender bass. More here.

- Brad Haugaard 

Eastertime in Monrovia

Easter Activities in Monrovia:

~ Get your picture with the Easter Bunny (or "Spring Bunny," if you prefer) tomorrow, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Library Park. Plus arts and crafts, lawn games, and Storytime.

~ And the following Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. an Easter egg hunt at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue). Arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

~ And the next day, Easter, Calvary Chapel Monrovia will hold a service in Library Park at 10 a.m. Childcare available.

- Brad Haugaard

Support Monrovia Youth Baseball at the Carnival

Support the Monrovia Youth Baseball League by purchasing an MYBL wristband at the Santa Anita Park Spring Carnival this weekend and next. $20 gets you an unlimited ride wristband, and $5 goes to MYBL. Use code MYBL23. Get tickets online (here) or pay $30 on-site.

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to Consider: Opposing Tax- and Fee-Limitation Measure; Resolution Condemning Antisemitism

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

~ A resolution opposing an upcoming statewide ballot measure, the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act," filed by the California Business Roundtable. The initiative would expand restrictions on local governments' revenue-raising authority regarding taxes and fees. It would also introduce more restrictive standards and heightened legal challenges to fees and charges imposed by local agencies, affecting an estimated $2 billion per year of local government fee and charge revenue, according to the League of California Cities. More...

~ A resolution "Condemning and Rejecting Antisemitism and supporting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance by Affirming Monrovia's Commitment to Ensuring our Community is a Safe and Welcoming Place." Details

~ Proclaiming April DMV/Donate Life Month (here) and  Oral Cancer Awareness Month (here).

- Brad Haugaard

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Expo April 15

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent Expects Mountain Park, Canyon Oaks, and Adult School Will be Accredited

Mountain Park School, Canyon Oaks High School, and Monrovia Community Adult School have completed the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation process. The process evaluates the schools' programs, learning outcomes, and performance to ensure they meet standards. Superintendent Ryan Smith said the visiting committee was impressed and he expects that all three schools will receive a full six-year accreditation term. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Institutes STAR Awards

Monrovia School District has instituted a new tradition called the STAR (spectacular, terrific, amazing, remarkable) Awards to recognize employees who have been nominated by their peers for excellence in their work. The awards will be held on April 11 at Monrovia High School in the Taylor Performing Arts Center, and one nominee from each category will be named as the person of the year. Details

- Brad Haugaard