Paris Baguette Bakery Opens

The new Paris Baguette (pastries and coffee) opened this morning on the east side of Myrtle, directly across from the library, with a line of customers out the door and winding through the store. The shop has a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, and coffees. Fresh and tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

Easygoing Tahoe Knows His Commands But Is Still Playful

Tahoe is a calm and friendly 8-year-old white Lab mix who has an easygoing, affectionate personality. Despite his age, Tahoe has plenty of playful energy and loves his walks, plush toys, and training sessions. He’s an excellent leash walker with a loose, easy gait, and he enjoys sniffing around, occasionally showing curiosity but remaining calm even when passing by other dogs or people.

Tahoe is quick to settle into a routine. He’s house-trained and knows basic commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “watch me.” He’s also very treat-motivated - especially for hot dogs - and responds well to training sessions. He enjoys a game of fetch and engages playfully with toys, though he can get a little possessive over plushies - who can blame him - they're adorable!

Tahoe thrives on attention and loves to stay close to his human companions. He’s known to lean in for pets, make soft eye contact, and offer gentle tail wags. After playing or training, he’ll calmly settle next to you, perhaps hopping up for a few extra pets or licking your hand in appreciation.

Tahoe is a calm, well-mannered dog who enjoys life’s simple pleasures—walks, treats, and good company. If you’re looking for a sweet and steady companion who enjoys attention and will stay by your side, Tahoe could be the perfect fit!

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

A Moment in Monrovia History: The First Monrovia Days Parade

1892, the first Monrovia Day Parade on the city's sixth anniversary. Looking north on Myrtle from Colorado. The flag is ceremonial (the number of stars do not represent the number of states in the Union.) The building second from left was moved from S. Ivy across from the current location of City Hall to Myrtle c. 1890. On left is the Cornes & Slosson Livery Stable, the Banning Block and in the far distance the Granite Bank Building. On the right is the Harper Block, the Monrovia Hotel and the Keefer (Barnes & Baxter) building. 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

Pumpkin Carving for Teens at Library Oct. 30

Pumpkin carving at the Library for grades 6-12 on Oct. 30, 3:30-5 p.m. Carve pumpkins, watch a spooky movie, and enjoy snacks. Register here; walk-ins welcome while supplies last.

- Brad Haugaard

Storytime for Young Children Oct. 23

Storytime on Oct. 23, 10-11 a.m. at Library. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy stories, songs, and a sensory activity or craft. Siblings welcome. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Home Garden Workshop Oct. 22

Fall Vegetables for Home Gardens workshop on Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m. at Library. Adults can learn to grow vegetables and create a mini veggie pot. Register here. Led by Karen from Armstrong Garden Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Blocks of Cars at Monrovia Car Show

Lots and lots of street rods for the car show along Myrtle today.

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board to Appoint Two Members Since None Elected; Limits on Camera Surveillance; Language Learning Software, Class of '84 Fixes Hillside Big M

School board election districts. 

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

~ Appointing members to the school board for trustee areas 1 and 2 (see map). The district had earlier (here) advertised for interested people from those areas to apply to be on the board due to due to "failure to elect."

~ Approving a memo of understanding with the employee's union (CSEA) limiting how the district can used information obtained from secuirty cameras (for example, it cannot monitor for employee attendance or performance). Details.

~  A $11,695 contract with Rosetta Stone LLC for a one-year subscription to Rosetta Stone language learning software students at the beginning levels of English proficiency. Details.

~ Recognizing the Monrovia High class of 1984 for its donation to help refurbish and maintain the Monrovia Hillside Big M.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn About Soil Nov. 7

Learn all about soil at the Monrovia Community Garden, 303 W. Colorado, on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 8 p.m. Free event.

- Brad Haugaard

Winter Veggies Workshop Nov. 2

A Winter Veggies Workshop and plant giveaway will be held at the Community Garden South, 1650 S. Magnolia, on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 to 10 a.m. Free event.

- Brad Haugaard

Cisneros at Community Center Oct. 23

Democratic congressional candidate Gil Cisneros will be at the Community Center October 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will be hosted by Monrovia Councilmembers Larry Spicer and Sergio Jimenez. To RSVP, email info@gilonthehill.com

- Brad Haugaard

Bradoaks Elementary School Auction

Bradoaks Elementary is holding an online auction here. Everything from sourdough bread for a week to restaurant gift cards to chess and music lessons. Auction closes in two days.

- Brad Haugaard

MAFA Artist Reception and Workshop Sunday, Oct. 20

Learn to draw a spooky Halloween picture, this Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center. Learn two different pen and ink drawing techniques, taught by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) instructor Eric Watkins. Free and no registration for students; $10 for adults, who must register here.

Also, and at the same time and place, there will be an artist reception and new display of their works, plus student art, live music, and food. For more information, email christine@monroviafinearts.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Walkthrough Video of Proposed Community Center Redesign

Click here for a walk-through video of a proposed redesign for the Community Center. The design includes a roof line mimicking the mountains, more community space, an outdoor plaza, conference room, full-service kitchen, and public nursing room. Estimated cost: $20-30 million, completion by 2026.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Kings Wok

Dinner tonight at Kings Wok, in the shopping center at the southwest corner of Huntington and Magnolia. I got the shrimp chow mein for $8.89. It was tasty and there was plenty for a second meal. 

- Brad Haugaard